Re: Tech: Phoenix monitor problem...or what?

Sounds like two different issues.

First, the graphic glitches could be caused by the PCB itself, a
loose or corroded PROM, etc. Check the PCB for anything obvious,
reseat all socked chips, cables, etc. Verify the voltages from
the power supply, all the normal stuff you would also do on a
pinball machine.

Second, the discoloring of the monitor is caused by a magnetic
issues. Sometimes, the game can be turned different directions,
turned on/off and it will clear (do this several times). Other
times, you can do what you did, but it might not stay once the
magnet is removed. The better solution is to get a degaussing
coil and do it again. Google for the proper way to use it. If
the color go bad again, then check to see if there is something
else causing the problem, like a speaker is loose or mounted
differently inside the cabinet, the game isn't on a wall with a
lot of electrical running through it (I've seen this before!),
the degaussing ring on the back of the monitor has moved, etc.

Third issue... make 100% sure that plug is fixed with a solid
ground all the way through (your multi-meter will be a big help
there, just make sure the game is unplugged from AC when you
test it). It's a danger, plus can do goofy things to the game
(I've seen weirder!).

Scott C.

jsgtrman@xxxxxxx wrote:
Hi guys,

new posting to this forum so go easy on me (I usually post to the
pinball forum). Anyway, basically know nothing about fixing arcade
games, just play them!

I picked up a Phoenix game, the first minor issue is that every once
in a while I get a green flash on the screen and it changes the
colors on the screen for a while, usually until it either flashes
again or I clear a level. Sometimes it's like a whole new level I've
never seen before since it changes the colors of the birds... But I'd
like to eventually fix it anyway! :)

The bigger issue lately...I moved the game, had to tilt it sideways to
move it, and THEN when I went to plug it in the ground wire on the
crappy plug was actually loose, so when it touched the metal on the
plug receptacle I got some sparks. So, ONE of these 2 things probably
caused the following...I fixed the ground wire, turned on the game,
and now I'm getting some faded colors on only PART of the screen
(mostly on the left side of the screen, the far right side is OK with
normal color...(when I tilted the game I tilted it to the right about
60 degrees.) So, i.e. on the first level some birds are faded yellow,
others to the right side are nice normal yellow...same with purple.

I don't know if the green flashing indicates a monitor issue or not,
if it needs to be replaced or "recapped", but that is beyond my repair
duties right now...am hoping for an easy fix of course.

Here's the interesting part... I mentioned this to the guy I bought it
from, and he said I can try waving a magnet across the screen to try
to "pull" the colors around to fix it. I did this, and it DID work
wonderfully...until I pull the magnet away from the screen, then the
faded color comes back. I found a sweet spot, and just used a clamp
to mount the magnet over that spot by the screen for now so at least
it looks great with rich colors while I play...but obviously would
like to get THAT fixed so it doesn't look so hokey. Hey, at least I
didn't break out the duck tape! :)

So, any thoughts? Especially on the magnet idea, seems like I'm close
to a fix there but don't know how to get the color to stay without the
magnet mounted there.

All help is appreciated!

Thanks,

Jeff Scott
.

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