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| Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe or Lunar Lander PCB Repair Service |
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I have been repairing Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe boards for over 27 years, and about 6 years ago I designed this circuit to help me diagnose and test these boards. It works with the Z-80, 6502, and 6809 type microprocessors. Currently I have test tables written for Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, Lunar Lander, Galaga, Xevious, Pacman, Ms Pacman, Pacman Plus, and the Williams Defender-type board sets.
This Auction is for the repair of one Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, or Lunar Lander circuit board.
All Asteroids game boards submitted for repair will go through these tests. Asteroids Deluxe or Lunar Lander has a somewhat different test procedure, this web page describes some of the testing and diagnosis your Asteroids PCB will undergo when you send it in for repair. For more details, you can Google 'Computer Aided Testing' and go to my web site.
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| The program chips are analyzed... |
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The tests begin with determining that the correct program is installed, by running a pre-determined set of routines to insure each one of the four ROMs match with the master data reference files. There are 3 program chips, and 1 Vector ROM chip. Any chip which fails during these tests is replaced. The four sockets which contain these IC's are also tested, as the chips are examined and verified as they exist on the circuit board. |
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| The next step in the testing procedure is to verify the integrity of the 6 RAM chips. Random data is written into these rams, read back, and compared.
Error Analysis determines the failing ram chip, if an error in detected. Further testing can reveal failing support chips in the circuit, eliminating unnecessary IC replacement. |
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| All inputs are proven to function correctly. |
| The purpose of this interface is to display all dip switch positions, coin, and control panel inputs in real time. In this example, the Hyperspace, Self-test, and Rotate right inputs are activated.
This test can also be run in the "stay on" mode, meaning once a switch has been activated, it will remain highlighted. The purpose of this mode is to catch any intermittent errors which may occur while the screen is not being watched.
For example, say there is an intermittent coin in condition - this interface will show coin in as being activated, when it shouldn't have been.
The "stay on" mode is also useful for finding intermittent Dip Switch operation. The blackened positions on the dipswitch will show as red if any dip switches have been detected as changing position. |
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| The output ports are individually tested. |
| The output ports will be tested using this interface screen. In this example, the watchdog reset in being applied, (so as to not reset all of the ports), the first player start LED is on, the signals for the explosion sound, a "medium" thump frequency is applied, the smaller saucer sound is on, and the players ship fire sound is enabled.
Any failures can be zeroed in on, and additional screens can be selected to troubleshoot the corresponding circuitry. This interface is very useful, for example it is not necessary to play the game to have the ship fire sound. |
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| The option for two different board types is selectable because the reference designators for the IC's are not the same between the two different board releases. |
| Test screens are loaded into the Ram, to exercise the drawing circuitry. |
| These tests load data directly into the Vector Ram, to test the the ability of the circuitry to draw vectors. The game board is "forced" to draw vectors, even if there is a problem in the board, say during normal operation this could not be done, (because the board keeps resetting). |
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| Next, the game board will undergo continuous / burn-in tests. |
Sometimes failure does not occur until this process is performed. During this testing phase, slight shock and vibration is introduced to the game board, and re-testing is performed. If this test fails, the activity is recorded. Intermittent connections are captured, explored, and then analyzed.
Faults are highlighted while viewing the "Error Analysis" screen, and the possible causes are listed by probability.
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| Boards are burned in for a minimum of 72 hours and are shipped back to customer within 2 business days of passing inspection, testing, and burn-in. The game will be played many times during this burn-in period. |
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Asteroids game boards submitted for repair must be complete, and in repairable condition, (not physically damaged). As long as your board meets these requirements, there are no other charges for the repair of the board.
If your board is not complete, it can still be repaired, please contact me beforehand.
Domestic return shipping method used is USPS Priority mail, or USPS Parcel Post, your choice.
The handling charge (65 cents), is what the Post Office charges for the delivery confirmation ticket, so you'll have a number to track your return shipment. | |
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| Any problems within 90 days - no charge for repair. |
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