Star Tech Journal
Issue: 1982-October - Vol 4 Issue 8 - Page 3
3
STAR*TECH JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1982
MIDWAY
"TRON" NOTES:
• UPRIGHT COCKTAIL PCBs
• VIDEO CABLE
Subject: Interchanging Logic Boards Between
Upright and Cocktail Table Games
I. Logic boards with program # I (first 1200
games) cannot be used in cocktail tables
(upright and mini games only).
2. Logic boards with program #2 can be used
in upright, mini and cocktail tables ( check
dip switch setting for cocktail table).
NOTE: The # I program factory difficulty
level is l and program #2 is level 5.
Subject: Monitor Video Cable
1. The 9-pin monitor video cable interfaces
the monitor with the logic board.
2. The monitor video cable must be inserted to
the 9-pin jack of the CPU board J2.
(A084-90009-A968)
3. The 1/0 sound board 9-pin jack is for the
audio cable. (A084-90009-A968)
ATARI
"DIG DUG"
FREEZE-GAME ACTION
By Michael G. Matkowski
Active Amusement, Philadelphia, PA
It has come to my attention that many service
personnel are unfamiliar with Atari's "Dig
Dug" freeze-game action - a special option
made so that video and game play can be
stopped at any particular time. This is mainly
used as an aid in troubleshooting problems that
occur in certain stages of game play.
Here is a basic laym1t of the two different
types of board manufactured for "Dig Dug",
and how the freeze-game action works on
them:
1. First type: First printed manual must be
matched with logic board having Z80A
microprocessors in positions 5 H/J, 6 A/B,
and 6 J/K. Freeze-game action is made
possible by toggling "Dip 3" to "on" posi-
tion, referring to the eight -position dip
switch at location 2C on logic board.
2. Second type: Fourth printed manual must
be matched with logic board having Z80
microprocessors in positions l B/C, lJ, and
l N/P. Freeze-game action is made possible
by toggling "Dip 5" to "on" position,
referring to the eight-position dip switch at
location 9P on logic board.
When game is powered up with "freeze-
game action" activated, it will show a normal
cross-hatch pattern, then stop with "One-up,
High Score, terrain, nine "Dig Dug" characters,
and round one" appearing on video screen. No
switches or controls will operate and game will
appear dead (your board is not bad!). Simply
toggle appropriate dip switch to "Normal-
Game play" and game will proceed normally.
Incidentally, if coin switch is activated
during "Freeze-Game Action", credits will
appear once game is in normal operation.
By using this option, game play can be
interrupted or continued at any particular time
without ending the game. This will happen with
either style logic board.
MIDWAY
"TRON" RACK ADVANCE
A method for advancing through the various
racks in "Tron" is possible without starting
from the beginning and successfully completing
each one. This can be especially helpful in
troubleshooting boards which fail ( reset or
freeze) at a specific point at an advanced rack
level. There are 12 racks in all, and the name of
each one is spelled out at the bottom center of
the monitor screen (step 7). The names of these
racks from easiest to hardest are: l )RPG, 2)
COBOL, 3) BASIC, 4) FORTRAN, 5)
SNOBOL,6)PL 1, 7)PASCAL,8)ALGOL,
9) ASSEMBLY, 10) OS, 11) JCL and, 12)
USER. Each rack includes all four games:
"TANKS", "LIGHT CYCLES", "M.C.P.
BLOCKS", and "GRID BUGS".
Procedure:
1. Switch to Test Mode (switch located right
side of coin door frame.
2. Advance to Machine Setup. (Optional)
3. Step to Difficulty Level, setto 5. (Optional)
4. Return Test Switch to Play Mode.
5. Put Several Credits on Game.
6. Push I-player button and set test-switch to
Htest".
7. Push 2-player button to advance skill level
from "Basic" through "User" racks. (Bottom
center of screen).
When you reach the desired rack, slide the
Self-Test switch to the "off' position. (If you
leave the Self-Test switch in the "on" position,
the game will go into the Self-Test mode when
you are finished playing the rack you advanced
to.)
ATARI
POWER SUPPLY SUGGESTION
By Dave Summitt
Williams Enterprises, Inc., Enfield, IL
Subject:
Atari Power Supply
Symptom:
Loss of the unregulated 10.3vdc to the Regu-
lator/ Audio PCB and reset circuit.
Solution:
In several of the Atari games (particularly
"Dig Dug") the wire from the 20A SB fuse to
the bridge rectifier (MDA 3 50 l) located on the
power supply transformer assembly has been
melting and making a bad connection with the
bridge. It's definite that it is overheating. Why
is just uncertain, but it is always on the fused
AC side of the bridge.
The MDA 3501 is rated at 35 Amps with
lOOPIV. I have found that using a 35-Amp
400PIV bridge will correct the overheating
problem.
SEGN
GREMLIN
"FROGGER" AUDIO VOLUME MOD
Symptom:
Although" F rogger" has a very attractive music
program, it's often not heard in a location
above the other background noise.
Solution:
The following modification will result in a
substantial sound increase without risking the
speaker:
1. Remove the existing !@ohm potentiometer
from the volume control block, and replace
it with a lOK ohm pot (PIN 475-0007).
2. Remove the l K ohm resistor from R-42 to
ground, and replace it with a 4.7K ohm
resistor in parallel with R-42 (PIN 475-
0472).
3. Correct your Owner's Manual page 100,
Drawing No. 834-0085, Zone B-1 to reflect
the change.
Courtesy of Sega/Gremlin's technical newsletter ''Data Bus"
~ft!-
~ ~ --
~
f
1~
PACE'S
CIR-KIT~ PROVIDES
EVERYTHING NEEDED TO
REPAIR DAMAGED OR MISSING
TRACKS ON PRINTED CIRCUIT
BOARDS
Pace's CIR-KIT~ provides an efficient, low-
cost way to repair and/ or replace lifted,
damaged or missing pads or tracks on printed
circuit boards.
CIR-KIT reduces downtime and eliminates
the costly practice of discarding PC boards that
can be easily and quickly repaired.
CIR-KITs are easy to use. Everything
needed for repair on assembled PC boards is
included: a selection of pre-tinned/scored
eyelets, TRAK-P ADS ( specially prepared pre-
tinned sheets of various pad diameters and
track widths), abrasive stick, setting tool for
cold setting eyelets, and detailed, simple-to-
follow instructions.
Pace CIR-KIT Selector Packs are available
from Pace representatives worldwide. For more
information, contact: Marc Siegel, Pace,
Incorporated, 9893 Brewers Court, Laurel,
MD 20707. (301) 490-9860.
Star*Tech Journal, Volume 4, Number 8, October 1982. Copyright 1982 by Star*Tech Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. Star*Tech Journal is published 12 times a year.
Address inquiries to: P.O. Box 1065, Merchantville, New Jersey 08109. Phone: 609/662·3432. Star*Tech Journal verifies the contents of the articles herein as much as
possible. However, any reader using this information does so at his/her own risk. Star*Tech Journal accepts no responsibilities for its advertisers' activities. Subscription
rates: U.S.A. - $40.00. Canada - $45.00. Other Countries - $70.00. Please remit payment in U.S. funds. Advertising rates available upon request. Staff: Publisher/Editor:
James Galore. Administrative Assistant: LT. Di Renzo. Art/Advertising Coordinator: Paul Eh linger. Circulation Promotion: Linda Geseking. Contributing Technical Writers:
Todd Erickson, Joe Connor.
STAR*TECH JOURNAL/OCTOBER 1982
MIDWAY
"TRON" NOTES:
• UPRIGHT COCKTAIL PCBs
• VIDEO CABLE
Subject: Interchanging Logic Boards Between
Upright and Cocktail Table Games
I. Logic boards with program # I (first 1200
games) cannot be used in cocktail tables
(upright and mini games only).
2. Logic boards with program #2 can be used
in upright, mini and cocktail tables ( check
dip switch setting for cocktail table).
NOTE: The # I program factory difficulty
level is l and program #2 is level 5.
Subject: Monitor Video Cable
1. The 9-pin monitor video cable interfaces
the monitor with the logic board.
2. The monitor video cable must be inserted to
the 9-pin jack of the CPU board J2.
(A084-90009-A968)
3. The 1/0 sound board 9-pin jack is for the
audio cable. (A084-90009-A968)
ATARI
"DIG DUG"
FREEZE-GAME ACTION
By Michael G. Matkowski
Active Amusement, Philadelphia, PA
It has come to my attention that many service
personnel are unfamiliar with Atari's "Dig
Dug" freeze-game action - a special option
made so that video and game play can be
stopped at any particular time. This is mainly
used as an aid in troubleshooting problems that
occur in certain stages of game play.
Here is a basic laym1t of the two different
types of board manufactured for "Dig Dug",
and how the freeze-game action works on
them:
1. First type: First printed manual must be
matched with logic board having Z80A
microprocessors in positions 5 H/J, 6 A/B,
and 6 J/K. Freeze-game action is made
possible by toggling "Dip 3" to "on" posi-
tion, referring to the eight -position dip
switch at location 2C on logic board.
2. Second type: Fourth printed manual must
be matched with logic board having Z80
microprocessors in positions l B/C, lJ, and
l N/P. Freeze-game action is made possible
by toggling "Dip 5" to "on" position,
referring to the eight-position dip switch at
location 9P on logic board.
When game is powered up with "freeze-
game action" activated, it will show a normal
cross-hatch pattern, then stop with "One-up,
High Score, terrain, nine "Dig Dug" characters,
and round one" appearing on video screen. No
switches or controls will operate and game will
appear dead (your board is not bad!). Simply
toggle appropriate dip switch to "Normal-
Game play" and game will proceed normally.
Incidentally, if coin switch is activated
during "Freeze-Game Action", credits will
appear once game is in normal operation.
By using this option, game play can be
interrupted or continued at any particular time
without ending the game. This will happen with
either style logic board.
MIDWAY
"TRON" RACK ADVANCE
A method for advancing through the various
racks in "Tron" is possible without starting
from the beginning and successfully completing
each one. This can be especially helpful in
troubleshooting boards which fail ( reset or
freeze) at a specific point at an advanced rack
level. There are 12 racks in all, and the name of
each one is spelled out at the bottom center of
the monitor screen (step 7). The names of these
racks from easiest to hardest are: l )RPG, 2)
COBOL, 3) BASIC, 4) FORTRAN, 5)
SNOBOL,6)PL 1, 7)PASCAL,8)ALGOL,
9) ASSEMBLY, 10) OS, 11) JCL and, 12)
USER. Each rack includes all four games:
"TANKS", "LIGHT CYCLES", "M.C.P.
BLOCKS", and "GRID BUGS".
Procedure:
1. Switch to Test Mode (switch located right
side of coin door frame.
2. Advance to Machine Setup. (Optional)
3. Step to Difficulty Level, setto 5. (Optional)
4. Return Test Switch to Play Mode.
5. Put Several Credits on Game.
6. Push I-player button and set test-switch to
Htest".
7. Push 2-player button to advance skill level
from "Basic" through "User" racks. (Bottom
center of screen).
When you reach the desired rack, slide the
Self-Test switch to the "off' position. (If you
leave the Self-Test switch in the "on" position,
the game will go into the Self-Test mode when
you are finished playing the rack you advanced
to.)
ATARI
POWER SUPPLY SUGGESTION
By Dave Summitt
Williams Enterprises, Inc., Enfield, IL
Subject:
Atari Power Supply
Symptom:
Loss of the unregulated 10.3vdc to the Regu-
lator/ Audio PCB and reset circuit.
Solution:
In several of the Atari games (particularly
"Dig Dug") the wire from the 20A SB fuse to
the bridge rectifier (MDA 3 50 l) located on the
power supply transformer assembly has been
melting and making a bad connection with the
bridge. It's definite that it is overheating. Why
is just uncertain, but it is always on the fused
AC side of the bridge.
The MDA 3501 is rated at 35 Amps with
lOOPIV. I have found that using a 35-Amp
400PIV bridge will correct the overheating
problem.
SEGN
GREMLIN
"FROGGER" AUDIO VOLUME MOD
Symptom:
Although" F rogger" has a very attractive music
program, it's often not heard in a location
above the other background noise.
Solution:
The following modification will result in a
substantial sound increase without risking the
speaker:
1. Remove the existing !@ohm potentiometer
from the volume control block, and replace
it with a lOK ohm pot (PIN 475-0007).
2. Remove the l K ohm resistor from R-42 to
ground, and replace it with a 4.7K ohm
resistor in parallel with R-42 (PIN 475-
0472).
3. Correct your Owner's Manual page 100,
Drawing No. 834-0085, Zone B-1 to reflect
the change.
Courtesy of Sega/Gremlin's technical newsletter ''Data Bus"
~ft!-
~ ~ --
~
f
1~
PACE'S
CIR-KIT~ PROVIDES
EVERYTHING NEEDED TO
REPAIR DAMAGED OR MISSING
TRACKS ON PRINTED CIRCUIT
BOARDS
Pace's CIR-KIT~ provides an efficient, low-
cost way to repair and/ or replace lifted,
damaged or missing pads or tracks on printed
circuit boards.
CIR-KIT reduces downtime and eliminates
the costly practice of discarding PC boards that
can be easily and quickly repaired.
CIR-KITs are easy to use. Everything
needed for repair on assembled PC boards is
included: a selection of pre-tinned/scored
eyelets, TRAK-P ADS ( specially prepared pre-
tinned sheets of various pad diameters and
track widths), abrasive stick, setting tool for
cold setting eyelets, and detailed, simple-to-
follow instructions.
Pace CIR-KIT Selector Packs are available
from Pace representatives worldwide. For more
information, contact: Marc Siegel, Pace,
Incorporated, 9893 Brewers Court, Laurel,
MD 20707. (301) 490-9860.
Star*Tech Journal, Volume 4, Number 8, October 1982. Copyright 1982 by Star*Tech Journal, Inc. All rights reserved. Star*Tech Journal is published 12 times a year.
Address inquiries to: P.O. Box 1065, Merchantville, New Jersey 08109. Phone: 609/662·3432. Star*Tech Journal verifies the contents of the articles herein as much as
possible. However, any reader using this information does so at his/her own risk. Star*Tech Journal accepts no responsibilities for its advertisers' activities. Subscription
rates: U.S.A. - $40.00. Canada - $45.00. Other Countries - $70.00. Please remit payment in U.S. funds. Advertising rates available upon request. Staff: Publisher/Editor:
James Galore. Administrative Assistant: LT. Di Renzo. Art/Advertising Coordinator: Paul Eh linger. Circulation Promotion: Linda Geseking. Contributing Technical Writers:
Todd Erickson, Joe Connor.
Future scanning projects are planned by the International Arcade Museum Library (IAML).