Starwars episode 1

[infinite1977]

Hey guys I have slowly been working on SWEP1 and have come across a couple of issues. can anyone shed some light.

1.) I finally got the light Sabre working today. As I was moving it and making some adjustments to tube just turned off. Would this indicate a faulty transformer (please note the transformer was donated to me ) or something with the tube.  how can I check it?

2.) the light in the back box is not working.  I have replaced the tube and starter.

3.) I currently have the pc powered externally from a 240 mains lead. When I run the pc through the can with the monitor , the pc doesn't seem to get enough power to fire up the mother board properly.i.e the fans spin but the monitor tells me no signal. ( I am running a pinbox set up)  as soon as I run the pc from external power and the monitor from the cab, it all works fine. Suggestions ??

[ddstoys]

From memory te power for the pc and monitor are 110v in the cabinet.  Most pc power supplies will let you change from 240-110 with a red switch

[pinball god]

From memory te power for the pc and monitor are 110v in the cabinet.  Most pc power supplies will let you change from 240-110 with a red switch

+1 I'm guessing you haven't switched to 110v, its a sliding switch on the pc power supply. But remember once you do this, you need to change it back whenever you plug it externally on a bench etc as you have mentioned as you will be pumping 240v into a 110v setup and that will cause problems.

Neon could be a few problems from the tube, transformer or chip on the power driver pcb. Check out a few threads on here that addresses neon isssues

[infinite1977]

Ahh ok I will check the switch on the power supply of the pc.

[infinite1977]

Yep I swapped over transformer that had a 110 switch. that sorted it. thanks guys.

now to sort out problem 1 and 2.
I forgot to mention the neon was on as soon as I turned the cab on before the game booted. is this normal? is there a fuse I cam check also

[pinball god]

Yep I swapped over transformer that had a 110 switch. that sorted it. thanks guys.

now to sort out problem 1 and 2.
I forgot to mention the neon was on as soon as I turned the cab on before the game booted. is this normal? is there a fuse I cam check also

not normal and yes there is a fuse, you need to refer to the manual. My neon comes on after the game boots up, not the minute you power on

[infinite1977]

I checked the fuses on the board and all looked ok. should I be looking somewhere else.
how can I test the transformer for the neon. (please note I am hopeless with electronics) so it will need precise instructions of a multi meter is required :)

[Retropin]

You don't need to test the transformer.. if the neon comes on its fine.
If the neon comes on when it shouldn't then its the signal TO the transformer that is your issue

[infinite1977]

Thanks Gav the neon did come on and now it doesn't come on at all. It did come on when it wasn't meant to according to pinball god

[pinball god]

Probably cooked the chip on the power driver pcb

[infinite1977]

Hmm that does not sound good

[Retropin]

The transformer that powers the neon tube is a 12VDC input... you can put 12V across it and the tube should light.
The chip that signals it is an easy fix and addressed on here not long back.. its certainly not an obsolete product

[infinite1977]

I will try and look through to find the thread. if anyone finds it please post the link

[Retropin]

Easily available on Ebay...

Bit pricey for what it is, but in SA

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/4pcs-Toshiba-ULN2803-Australian-stock-fast-postage-/221221811686?pt=AU_B_I_Electrical_Test_Equipment&hash=item3381d8f5e6

[infinite1977]

Oh wow that's fine.