Star Tech Journal

4
STAR*TECH JOURNAL/JUNE 1982
NINTENDO
"DONKEY KONG" STATIC PROBLEMS
Nintendo has been receiving reports of problems with
static discharge to the coin door. The result is that the
screen flips upside down and remains that way or that
"garbage" appears on the screen, or both. There are
presently two suggestions to solve this problem, and
Nintendo suggests that both actions be taken at the
same time.
1. Run a wire from a mounting bolt of each coin
selector to the ground wire that is attached to the
coin door frame. The reason for this is that the coin
selectors are mounted to a painted door which does
not always allow a good electrical connection to
ground.
2. Add a capacitor to the CPU board. This capacitor
needs to be a .1 ufd ceramic with a voltage rating of
above 5 volts. On the TKG2 & TKG3 type boards
the IC location is 3M and the capacitor ties between
pin 15 and pin 8. On the TKG4 type boards the IC
location is 5H and again the capacitor ties
between pin 15 and pin 8. This capacitor reduces
the amount of noise introduced on the reset line by a
static discharge. This noise causes a register to clear
on the CPU board and gives an improper reset to
the microprocessor which results in an upside down
picture and "garbage" on the screen.
If you have any questions or problems with the
installations of these items, you can call Nintendo at
1-800-426-4612 or 1-206-575-8191.
GREMLIN/SEGA
"ZAXXON" JOYSTICK HANDLE PRECAUTION
Due to the attractive design of the "Zaxxon" joystick
handle, Gremlin/Sega has received several reports of
them being removed. As a precautionary measure,
Gremlin/Sega suggests that you take the following
actions immediately:
1. Remove the three alien screws from the joystick and
clean the threaded areas with Locquic Primer "T"
or equivalent. A suggested method is to saturate a
Q-Tip with the primer "T" and swab both threaded
areas completely. Blow off the excess and allow to
dry 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Coat the entire thread with Loctite 721
Adhesive/Sealant or equivalent. Reinstall back in
the handle and torque to a value of 50 inch pounds.
3. Apply some type of black sealing compound. We
suggest Duro Muffler Tailpipe Sealer. This will hide
the alien screws from view but is easily removed
with an appropriate tool for servicing.
These materials are available at a nominal cost at most
hardware or auto parts stores.
This is an interim fix. Gremlin/Sega will be providing
tamper-proof screws on this joystick on future shipments.