Alltek overvoltage light

[ralph67]

I have a problem with a Alltek cpu. Cpu is version 9 with surface mounted components .This board stopped working(not booting)in a friends Evel Knievel pinball .. It would light The 5volt and mpu self test Green Leds then after about 5 seconds both would go out And the Red Overvoltage Led Did Not come on.... So i bought it home and tried in 2 working machines this time in both machines both Green Leds lit and the red overvoltage glowed faintly then Green Leds go out and the red overvoltage glows brightly ..  Both of the working games i tested it in have correct voltages and one uses a Alltek cpu but a earlier version with the larger components. both work 100%.  @@^Anyone had the same issues i am quite sure the board is the problem but im not sure where to start looking

[Strangeways]

Sounds to me like the Evel Knievel may not have the Solenoid driver  C23 capacitor replaced ? I often see Alteks in games with the original C23 on the SD board. This will cause the issue you are describing.

I'd contact the distributor to see if warranty is still covered ?

[Homepin]

with surface mounted components

there is your problem right there - SM is simply NOT made to be repaired - that is the nature of the beast, like it or not.

[SwingLid]

Thanks

[ralph67]

Sounds to me like the Evel Knievel may not have the Solenoid driver  C23 capacitor replaced ? I often see Alteks in games with the original C23 on the SD board. This will cause the issue you are describing.

I'd contact the distributor to see if warranty is still covered ?

EK game does have a rottendog driver board installed. I will try a new Alltek Cpu in the Ek during the week and let you know . I reckon problem is in the cpu board i will contact them and see what they suggest

[ralph67]

with surface mounted components

there is your problem right there - SM is simply NOT made to be repaired - that is the nature of the beast, like it or not.

Could it be one of the sockected chips? or is there no hope for the cpu

[Strangeways]

If it is surface mount, you would think it is still under warranty ?

[Homepin]

My honest advice is for anyone considering an aftermarket replacement board of any type is to search for one that uses through hole parts. Surface mount repairs are not for the faint hearted and generally are not a 'hobbyist' repair , if repairable at all.

Buy a board with SM parts actually puts you in a poorer position than when you started, better to look for a used original IMO.

New Sterns are going to cause some massive (read - expensive) problems when the SM boards start playing up, SM technology construction simply is not and was never intended to be repairable. I'm not saying that it can't be done just that it is usually beyond the means available to hobbyists and the parts themselves are difficult to find.

Buy surface mount - you will be buying another if it stops. Yes, you heard it first here...........

[ralph67]

What i was told the game was taking a long time to boot Which i knew was wrong. It should boot when game switches on, then it died! Will be contacting Alltek i didnt know they had lifetime warranty! Thanks for the help