New Life Games Tech Forums

Hello everyone,
I recently came into a Ms. Pac-Man Cocktail machine that is only somewhat still alive. I am wondering if someone can point me in the right direction toward troubleshooting to find out what i need to do to get this classic up and running again. When I initially powered it up, the speaker make a loud, low hum. The coin meter would count up periodically, and the display would show rows of white lines bunched together. I checked the pics on arcadegameover.com, but didn't see any that resembled the display.
You guys were great with helping me get my PE + working about a year ago, so I am hoping that someone out there can provide me with some tips on deciding if this machine is worth salvaging, or better off converted or parted out.
Thanks in advance!

Rich

usually the board is the issue.

I have an extra original for sale with the speed up chip installed.   

Just PM me if you need or want one.

i would buy a power supply and a 60/1 board and  edge conector and convert it for about 150 you,ll have a much better game , than won,t nickle and dime you to death

I did an original MS-Pacman to a 60/1convert using the original cabinet and it was not worth the time when done.   The reason is there is so much to change and other then the cabinet you really are starting from scrtach.   It's better to fix it and leave it original or get another cabinet and start there.   I can explain more if anyone wants to know?

easy   job   6 wires for tv   2 for coin  2 for speaker  4 for each joy stick 4 or 5 power supply  3 for start  buttons  1 hour wire job , if you can,t handle that you shouldn,t own a solder iron

Ms Pac troubleshooting:

Step 1: Replace the fuse holders and test.

Step 2: Check the edge connector for burnt contacts on the power connections

Step 3: If any of the 4 program ROMs on the board are the PROM type and not EPROM (plastic, not ceramic) then clean the legs and reseat them. Be prepared for any PROM chips to have corroded or broken legs. They should be replaced with 2532 (NOT 2732) EPROMs programmed with the right code... (MAME dumps are VERY helpful for this...

Step 4: Pull the daughter card off the board by removing the ribbon cable from the main board. Take the Z80 off of the daughter card and place it on the main board where the ribbon cable was plugged in. If it works then you have a bad ribbon cable (common as they get brittle with age) or a bad 40 pin socket on the daughter card.

Step 5: Punt and report back here.

Remove the daughter card and install the Z80 on the main board.

sounds like a lot of work to me, if I was you I would just sell it to me for 200.00 and be done with it. :208-

i would not convert to 60 in 1 unless it is an absolute terd. if it is even somewhat original let it be. there is a guy on ebay offering pcb repair for 65 i think, the challenge isn't there but it's done