Re: TECH EM-Problems with Sterns Meteor Machine

On Mar 15, 10:10 am, Feklarr <c...@xxxxx> wrote:
Hello Tech EM,

I am having some issues with an original used Stern's Meteor Pinball
machine I recently purchased. I had a previous post here (RGP) a few
days ago and had a reply from AL  CARGPB 33(1/3)www.Team-EM.com and have further information now, so I am re posting
the issues in the proper format with current detailed information.

The machine did seem to work fine when I purchased it. Once to the new
location it did boot correctly a couple times. Now, when it boots it
beeps 8 times, the MPU LED flashes 8 times and then it displays
numbers on all 4 player scores that flash between two sequences. The
credits are random from 0 to 99 and the credit switch does not
function at all. Once in a rare occasion it boots correctly, 7 beeps,
seven LED flashes, all zeros "0", credit switch works, retains high
score and thumps, everything works. Most commonly it gives a 1_82(1
<BLANK SPACE> 82) and then flashes to a longer number, usually 2XX_XX,
however these numbers do change. Sometimes it will not boot but the
playfield lights come on, if I let it sit in that condition long
enough, it will suddenly reset and start in the error condition
described above.

Some interesting things I have noted. When it boots incorrectly you
can start a game by hitting the start button(credit button not
functioning)regardless of credits showing. If I start a 1 or 2 player
game, it plays. If you start a 3-4 player game, it plays however
player 3's score will reset or change randomly between balls. In all
games, the sound does not sound crisp and when you hit the spinner it
will crackle or cut all sounds out all together until the spinner
stops spinning. Also when collecting rocket bonus, if it is a very
high bonus the sound will become a light clicking noise once it hits
the highest tones. The high score never sets off the thumper, nor does
it retain the high score, however if you turn it off in the middle of
a game, it remembers the game you were playing upon incorrect boot up.

What I have done:

I have reseated all connectors in the box to all boards several times.
I reseated all connectors to the rectifier board and confirmed the
output voltages were with within specified tolerance's at TP's 1-5. I
reseated all proms on the MPU including the gold chip. As per AL
CARGPB's suggestion, I disconnected all connectors except J4 on the
MPU and booted the system and got the exact same result, 8 flashes, 8
beeps and numbers on the display. I also disconnected the sound board
only from the MPU and again, same results.

Because of the bizarre nature of the problem and the fact the error
does not change with all connectors except J4 disconnected, I am
suspecting MPU or a voltage problem. Any advice/suggestions to confirm/
fix the problem would be greatly appreciated. Thank you all in advance
for you input!

Check the voltages coming off the Solenoid driver/voltage regulator
board per clays guides and check voltages at the mpu per the guide as
well. This could very well be a voltage issue that is on the regulator
board and not the rectifier.

Tom
.