New Life Games Tech Forums

I recently picked up this machine and the only part of the machine that seems to power on are the bulbs.  I've gone through and checked the basic items like fuses and connections.  I've also pulled the power supply and removed the noise filter.  Any help getting started troubleshooting this machine would be appreciated.

Here's one additional picture. 

Sounds like power supply problem, but could be the board too.
Check out this link: http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=177.0

Check power supply first.
You need to check for the 5vdc output from your power supply. The pink wires are 5vdc and black is ground. Unplug the 12pin connector on the front of the power supply and check for 5vdc. If you get the 5vdc then check the others listed in the link.

If you need more help or instructions, just ask.

Jim

Thanks Uniman.  I checked the output from all out the power supply connections and they look good.  Additionally here's a pic of the main board (8116-A2)

Ok, now it gets interesting. The 5vdc from the power supply needs to be a steady smooth 5vdc. So we can't just rule out the power supply just yet, but the odds now are on the mpu being the problem.
If the mpu senses bad voltage it will shutdown.
One thing I would do is unplug the three connectors to the SDS sub board or unplug the big connector just outside the mpu case that goes to the SDS board. You need the dip switches on that sub board but those connectors are for casino tracking and I see a communications board mounted behind the hopper. Just maybe that communication board causing a problem. Lets rule it out.
The other two connectors coming out of your mpu case, a three pin and six pin connector, are for the bet/spin/cashout buttons on the door. (note: not all pins used on these connectors)

Also, check your machines power cord where it goes out the bottom of the machine. I've seen crushed/damaged cords that still function but cause unsteady voltages.

When you power the machine up, hold the little black reset button in for about three seconds. I see someone modified it by glueing a little cube on it. Makes it easier to find.
Also noticed the Z80 processor for the game has a label on it. Usually does not. And the 8116 sub board is missing. This sub board is for progressive outputs and is not needed, but usually there. It mounts on that screw at position 10C.
Other than that, all looks normal on the mpu. But looks can be deceiving.

Other things to look for. The positive side of battery area looks like maybe a little acid damage. Not sure looking at the pic. Note that the machine will power up and work without the battery but will lose it's memory after a shutdown.
Another thing if all else has failed is to remove the mpu and case from the machine and then remove the case holder/bracket from the wall of the machine. Look behind the two big connectors to see if any screws or coins are stuck back there. Usually a short back there would blow fuses and is rare, but does happen as Universal put a little square hole above it to the reel area so stuff could drop down.   :25-

Here's the read outs from the PS.

#1 5.06 VDC
#2 37.6 VDC
#3 115.4 VAC
#4 14.05 VDC
#5 37.8 VDC
#6 33.8 VAC
#7 GROUND
#8 12.2 VAC
#9 115.4 VAC
#10 GROUND
#11 37.8 VDC
#12 33.0 VAC

I also removed all 3 cables coming off the main board and powered on the machine.  Still no power to the main board.  I power cycled the machine again, holding the reset button on the board and the main board still did not power on.  The last item I did was remove the blue slots that the main board plugs in.  All looked clean on the back side.  Put everything back together and still no power.  Thanks for all the help so far.

Sounds like a dead board.
One last check;
Remove and replace the two eproms at 2A (game prom) and 4A(system prom). Make sure no pins are folded over. The game eprom at location 2A is a 24 pin eprom in a 28 pin socket. Make sure you put it back just like it sits in the pic and make sure notches on eproms face towards the edge of the board like they are now.
Best to remove entire board from case and the sub board before removing eproms.

 Last thing to do would be check the eproms for proper programming. I do not suppose you have access to an eprom reader? That would verify if the programming is still there.

I removed and reseated the eproms.  I got the same result, no power to the main board.