Star Tech Journal

S*1J NOVEMBER 1981 3
ATARI
''CENTIPEDE''
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There appears to be a misunderstanding as to the mini-track
ball problem and its solution. First of all, the problem is a
marginal optical coupler component on the mini-track ball PCB.
The Atari solutions have been:
1. On the Logic PCB, the value of the input track ball
resistors R83 to R86 and R130 to R133 were reduced from
lOK ohms to 3.3k ohms. 1
2. The generation of an A-035220-02 version of the mini-
track ball PCB. This is a selected PCB 2 to be used with
the "Centipede" games using Rev A through Rev F
Logic PCB's.
3. The manufacturing of a Rev G logic PCB which can be
used with either -01 or -02 versions of the mini-track
ball PCB's.
NOTE: In order for the -02 versions to function properly, make
certain the input track ball resistors on the logic PCB's are 3.3k
ohms. Some older games may still have the 10k ohm resistors.
Some individuals in the field are changing the input track ball
resistor values to match the mini-track ball PCB. This may be a
temporary fix for the specific track ball PCB being used.
However, if a -02 version is later used, the input track ball
resistors on the logic board should be changed to 3. 3 k ohms.
'Some operators have reported optimum results using 6.8k resistors.
'Selected using a 3.3k load. Dark current equals less than .9v Light current equals greater than 4.0v