New Life Games Tech Forums

Model: Turbo Out Run
Symptom: Dead

Lights were on for the video board but not for the CPU board. Replaced burned power connector and adjusted power supply voltage to 5.05v.

Model: Turbo Out Run
Symptom: Missing obstacles and background objects

This was a strange one. The sky and road obstacles were missing. The buildings were there but the road and the car never moved left or right. This was a problem with the subprocessor. Built-in tests showed one of the ROMs bad. ROM read good in an EPROM programmer and a replacement ROM gave the same symptoms. Checked all the pins on the socket for continuity. The ROM pairs (High & Low) had a common CE line. This was driven by a 74LS138. The chip had badly rusted legs. Replaced the chip and the game worked normally. The rust had travelled up the body of the chip.

Model: Turbo Out Run
Symptom: No audio

Resoldered the interconnects and the audio output IC on the amplifier board.

Model: Sega NAOMI
Symptom: Fails self test

Self test showed IC29 as bad. Replaced IC29 and re-ran the test.

IC29 was a standard 62256 surface mount type SRAM IC.

Model: Sega NAOMI
Symptom: Dead

System gave raster but no picture. Inspection of the board turned up a leaking .1f 5.5v memory capacitor. The electrolyte spread on the board and started corroding things.

Desoldered the BIOS ROM and the serial EEPROM holding the code for the Altera FPGA chip. Cleaned the electrolyte from the board and inspected the board for damage. The corrosion damaged a plate thru under the serial EEPROM socket, causing the FPGA chip to not load its code from the EEPROM upon boot. Repaired the trace, replaced the bad memory cap, and tested the board.

The EEPROM chip connects to the Altera chip as follows:

Pin 1 - Pin 12
Pin 2 - Pin 1
Pin 3 - Pin 37
Pin 4 - Pin 4
Pin 5 - Ground
Pin 6 - No Connection
Pin 7 - +5v
Pin 8 - +5v

Model: NAOMI
Symptom: Broken USB jack and noisy fan

Replaced the noisy fan and USB jack.

USB jack was tough to find. Desoldered the jack and took it to an area "computer junk store." Found a Pentium II board in their scrap bin that had the same jack. Desoldered and installed it on the NAOMI system. Played a game of Marvel vs. Capcom 2 to test the system.

Model: Spiderman (System 32)
Symptom: Missing graphics

Repaired a gouged trace between IC44 through 47 (Dual Port Video RAM) and IC67, a custom Sega IC.

Model: NAOMI 1
Symptom: Has audio but no video.

Traced the video output back to the RAMDAC chip. The RAMDAC was finger blistering hot. Replaced the RAMDAC (Sega # 315-6145) with one pulled from a parts NAOMI board.

Model: NAOMI 1
Symptom: Intermittent controls

Replaced a broken USB jack on the I/O board. Checked and replaced a leaking memory backup capacitor.

Model: NAOMI Capcom I/O
Symptom: Audio cuts in & out

Recapped the audio section and tested.

Model: ST-V w/Shienryu cart
Symptom: RAM failure

Could not duplicate RAM failure message. Game would not boot but system would pass all user tests. Reset NVRAM and system would then recognize cartridge. Set the game cabinet for 2 player mode and took it out of multi mode. System would now see and test cartridge but still fail to play it.

Booted the game into factory diagnostics and ran the factory set of diagnostics on the game board. The board would "pass" the slave CPU but would lock up as that test finished. Pushed down on the slave CPU (Hitachi SH-2 with LOTS of small pins) while booting the board and it immediately fired up the game cart properly. Resoldered the slave CPU and played a couple of games to test the system.

Model: Columns
Symptom: Game would lock up. Colors were flashing incorrect on the screen and inputs would not work.

Replaced a bad 315-5296 custom IC to fix the inputs. Resoldered pin 30 on hybrid IC 315-5242 to fix the color issue. Resoldered custom IC 315-5313 to fix the lockups.

Reset the DIP switches and tested the game.

Model: Naomi 1 cart: Marvel vs. Capcom 2
Symptom: Locks up, random errors on ROM tests

Replaced 6 surface mount 74LCX16245 16bit buffer ICs and tested.

Model: ST-V
Symptom: Cartridge error

Resoldered the two surface mount SH-2 CPUs, cleaned the slot, and ran the board through diagnostics.

Model: ST-V
Symptom: Random failures - lockups, cart errors, etc.

Resoldered the two surface mount SH-2 CPUs, cleaned the slot, and ran the board through diagnostics.

Model: NAOMI Capcom I/O
Symptom: Dead, no power

Metal case was bent and touching the bottom of the board, shorting it out. Replaced one broken ferrite filter and straightened the metal case. Reassembled and tested.

Model: NAOMI
Tip: Error Messages

Error 01: This game is not acceptable by main board.
[CAUSE] MEDIA BOARD is not inserted (completely) into the MAIN BOARD.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Power off the unit, then reinsert the MEDIA BOARD.
Should the problem persist, the BOARD may be damaged.

Error 02: Main board malfunctioning.
[CAUSE] MAIN BOARD is inoperative.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Verify that the MAIN BOARD is connected properly.

Error 03: Bad serial number on main board.
[CAUSE] Unable to read MAIN BOARD serial ID.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Disconnect the MEDIA BOARD from the MAIN BOARD and send the MAIN BOARD for repair.

Error 04: Bad serial number on media board.
[CAUSE] Unable to read MEDIA BOARD serial ID.
[COUNTERMEASURES] With the MEDIA BOARD still attached to the MAIN BOARD, send the unit in for repair.

Error 05: This game is not acceptable by main board.
[CAUSE] The game is a foreign edition.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Use the domestic version of the game.

Error 11: JVS I/O board is not connected to main board.
[CAUSE] (1) I/O BOARD is not connected. (2) Unreliable connection between MAIN BOARD and I/O BOARD.
[COUNTERMEASURES] (1) Connect the I/O BOARD to the MAIN BOARD. Verify that the power cable is connected to I/O BOARD. (2) Reconnect or replace the USB CABLE that connects the I/O BOARD to the MAIN BOARD.

Error 12: JVS I/O board does not fulfill the game spec.
[CAUSE] Correct I/O BOARD is not connected.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Use an I/O BOARD that provides the proper input/output for the game.

Error 21: This game is not acceptable by main board.
[CAUSE] Game data loaded from the GD-ROM to the DIMM BOARD is corrupted.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Verify the GD-ROM DRIVE and interface connection. Check the GD-ROM disc for scratches, dust or dirt.

Error 22: Communication error occurred between main board and media board.
[CAUSE] No response from DIMM BOARD to MAIN BOARD.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Ensure that the DIMM BOARD and the GD INTERFACE BOARD are properly connected. Should the problem persist, the DIMM BOARD or GD INTERFACE BOARD may be damaged.

Error 23: GD-ROM drive cover is open.
[CAUSE] The GD-ROM DRIVE cover is open.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Ensure the GD-ROM DRIVE cover is firmly closed.

Error 24: GD-ROM is not found.
[CAUSE] GD-ROM disc is not found.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Insert the GD-ROM disc correctly. Check the GD-ROM disc for scratches, dust or dirt.

Error 25: Cannot access GD-ROM drive.
[CAUSE] (1) Unable to access GD-ROM DRIVE. (2) The GD-ROM DRIVE cover is open.
[COUNTERMEASURES] (1) Verify that the GD CABLE and the power cable are properly connected to the GD-ROM DRIVE. (2) Close the GD-ROM cover securely. Should the problem persist, the GD-ROM DRIVE may be damaged.

Error 26: Media board malfunctioning.
[CAUSE] KEY CHIP is not found.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Attach the proper KEY CHIP for the game. Insert the KEY CHIP securely.

Error 27: DIMM memory is not enough.
[CAUSE] (1) Insufficient DIMM MEMORY on DIMM BOARD. (2) DIMM MEMORY is not connected securely.
[COUNTERMEASURES] (1) Provide a suitable amount of DIMM MEMORY for the software. (2) Verify that the DIMM MEMORY is connected securely to the DIMM BOARD.

Error 31: This game is not acceptable by main board.
[CAUSE] The game has not been downloaded into the DIMM BOARD from the HOST MACHINE.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Check network connections. Verify that the PC is connected to the network. Reset the main power. Wait until the game is displayed on the main screen, then turn the satellite power on and reboot. In Test Mode, select NETWORK SETTING from the SYSTEM MENU and check that the NETWORK TYPE is set to ETHER. In Test Mode, select NETWORK SETTING from the SYSTEM MENU, go to SET IP ADDRESS and verify that the REMOTE
setting is appropriate for the game in use. Check the internal DIMM BOARD battery is functioning

Error 32: DIMM memory is not enough.
[CAUSE] (1) Insufficient DIMM MEMORY on DIMM BOARD. (2) DIMM MEMORY is not connected securely.
[COUNTERMEASURES] (1) Ensure there is sufficient DIMM MEMORY for the software. (2) Verify that the DIMM MEMORY is connected securely to the DIMM BOARD.

Error 33: Gateway is not found.
[CAUSE] HOST MACHINE is not found.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Attach the KEY CHIP designed to support the game. Make certain that the KEY CHIP is inserted completely.

Error 51: Wrong video output setting of horizontal scanning frequency.
[CAUSE] The game does not support horizontal sync frequency setting.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Change the No. 6 DIPSW on the CONNECTOR BOARD. ON is 31 kHz, OFF is 15 kHz. The monitor must support these frequencies.

Error 52: Wrong video output setting of horizontal/vertical screen.
[CAUSE] The game does not support the vertical/horizontal screen settings.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Change the No. 4 DIPSW on the CONNECTOR BOARD. ON is for vertically placed monitor screens, OFF is for horizontally placed monitor screens. Change the monitor placement from vertical to horizontal or vice versa if necessary.

CAUTION 54: GAME ASSIGNMENTS ARE INCORRECT. SET CORRECTLY IN SYSTEM ASSIGNMENTS OF TEST MODE.
[CAUSE] The setting of MONITOR TYPE differs from the correct setting of the game.
[COUNTERMEASURES] Enter the TEST mode, and change the MONITOR TYPE setting of MONITOR TYPE in SYSTEM ASSIGNMENTS to the correct setting
suitable for the game. For the correct setting, refer to the Instruction Manual attached to the game. If necessary, perform Horizontal/Vertical transposition of the monitor, as applicable.
(In other words, set it to the appropriate monitor type (vertical/horizontal play) and rotate the monitor as necessary.)

Model: NAOMI
Symptom: Error 01: This game is not acceptable by main board.

Connector CN1 had 4 bent pins. Replaced bad connector with one from a parts board and tested.

Model: ST-V
Symptom: Won't play carts

Ran system through self tests. System locked up doing the cart test. Ran factory tests and board passed all except would lock up on testing the slave CPU. Resoldered both SH-2 CPUs and tested.

Model: Naomi JVS JAMMA adapter
Symptom: No sync to monitor

I/O board would not output sync to monitor. Replaced bad surface mount 74ACT86 and tested.

Model: Naomi
Symptom: Will not communicate with JAMMA adapter

Replaced broken USB port on the Naomi's I/O board. Tested.

Model: Naomi
Symptom: RAM Error. Will not boot cartridges

Self test showed error on IC29, the 62256 SRAM used for backup. Pin 20 on the RAM was stuck high. Removed leaking backup memory capacitor and the 8 pin EEPROM next to it. Cleaned up the leakage, resoldered 3 pins on the surface mount 74157, installed a new .1F supercap, new 8 pin socket, reinstalled the EEPROM, and patched a damage trace on the EEPROM. Tested.

This EEPROM is used to load configuration data into the Altera FPGA chip. Without it working correctly the board will not operate properly.

Model: Naomi
Symptom: RAM Error. Will not boot cartridges

Self test showed error on IC29, the 62256 SRAM used for backup. Pin 21 on the RAM was missing its signals. Removed leaking backup memory capacitor and the 8 pin EEPROM next to it. Cleaned up the leakage, installed a new .1F supercap, new 8 pin socket, reinstalled the EEPROM, and patched a damage trace between the BIOS ROM and IC29. Tested.

Model: Naomi
Symptom: Dead

CPU fan was frozen. Replaced CPU fan and bad case fan. Replaced leaking supercap and tested.

Model: Naomi GD-ROM, 610-0617
Symptom: Dead

JAMMA I/O power cable and GD-ROM power cable were mixed up and the GD-ROM was killed with +12v on the 5v line.

Replaced the control board with the control board from a Sega Dreamcast and tested.

This model of GD-ROM uses the same board and laser assembly as the Sega Dreamcast.

Model: Naomi
Symptom: Missing audio on right channel

Replaced burnt 510 ohm surface mount resistor at R333S and tested.

Model: Pengo
Symptom: Dead

Board was in a bulk buy and had been scavenged for parts.

Replaced missing 74LS04 and 74LS138 ICs. Board had no clock. Replaced 74LS368 at IC6. No change. Examined clock circuitry closely and saw a hairline crack in R17. Replaced R17 and board tried to boot. Cleaned EPROM legs and board booted, but had graphics problems.

Moving graphics were jerky in nature and backgrounds and text were flipped from the direction the player sprites were playing, similar to a flipped screen in cocktail mode, until after the first round of attract mode finished then were correctly oriented. Repaired 2 gouged traces, one going to an input to a 7489 Bipolar RAM, to fix the jerking graphics. The FLIP signal coming from the 74LS259 at IC 27 was improper on power up and corrected after the first round of attract mode. Replaced the IC and tested.

Model: Chihiro (House of the Dead III)
Symptom: Error 2: Mainboard Error

This system is a Microsoft XBox system with a Sega adapter board attached and a standard Naomi Network DIMM board and GD-ROM plugged in. The Sega adapter board had the same type of leaking .1F supercap that the Naomi 1 systems have. (Unsure on Naomi 2 as I haven't had one on the bench yet.)

Also, the Xbox system it's based off of has a 2.5v 1F supercap over on the front edge of the board. It leaks too and will corrode traces.

You MUST remove the caps, clean up the electrolyte leakage, and replace the caps. Check ANY and ALL traces around the .1F cap on the Naomi adapter board. Patch any damaged traces. Be careful as there is one trace that goes under a tiny 8 pin chip to a pin on the opposite corner and not straight up the side of that chip like it looks.

Patched 1 trace, replaced the supercaps, and tested.

Model: Naomi GD-ROM
Symptom: Will not read discs

Controller board had a smoked IC chip. Replaced the Toshiba TC9450AF IC with one from a donor board. Tested.

Model: Naomi GD-ROM
Symptom: Very noisy when seeking

Replaced laser head motor/gear and tested. Gear had cracked and spread far enough apart that it was causing the gears to click.

Model: Naomi GD-ROM
Symptom: Will not read discs

Replaced laser assembly with one from a physically damaged donor drive. Tested.

Model: Sega Naomi
Symptom: RAM Error

RAM Error: U29 bad

Removed leaking supercap, the 8 pin EEPROM, and the 42 pin BIOS and socket. Cleaned electrolyte from the board and jumpered 2 traces damaged by the leaking supercap. Replaced the 8 pin socket for the EEPROM and reinstalled the IC. Reinstalled the 42 pin socket and the BIOS chip. Reset the Backup RAM and tested.

Model: NAOMI
Symptom: Dead

Both the GPU and case fan were seized. Replaced both fans and tested. Replaced leaking memory supercap and re-tested.

NOTE: The NAOMI will NOT boot if the GPU fan is turning slow or not at all.

Model: Laser Ghost (System 18)
Symptom: No sync, Crackled sound

Cleaned board, cleaned edge connector with a fiberglass pencil, and replaced 2 physically damaged caps. Tested.

Model: ST-V
Symptom: Dead

Built a replacement shorting plug to go into connector CN5. Game then booted with a cartridge error. Ran Factory Tests on Slave CPU and it passed. Disassembled the Die Hard cartridge, cleaned the edge connector, reassembled, and tested.

Model: ST-V
Symptom: Dead

Resoldered the 2 SH-2 CPUs. Tested.

Model: ST-V
Tip: Building a shorting connector for CN5

The board will not boot without this shorting connector or a daughterboard plugged into CN5. Take a female jack that fits the connector (Same kind as on a Playchoice-10 motherboard) and built is as follows:

Cut and remove all soldertail pins from row C
Cut and remove pins A1 through A5
Cut and remove pins B1 through B5
Cut and remove pins A27 and B27
Bend pin A6 to touch B6, A7 to touch B7, A8 to touch A8, and so on for all the remaining pins on rows A and B.
Solder pin A6 to B6, A7 to B7, A8 to B8, and so on for all the remaining pins on rows A and B.