Star Tech Journal

12
STAR*TECH JOURNAL/APRIL 1983
A Regular Monthly Feature Technically Outlining a Newly Released Game
NINIENDO'S ''POPEYE''
By Julius Robbins III, Progressive Game Distributors, El Cajon, CA
An exciting new release from Nintendo
features the ever popular cartoon character,
"Popeye". So named, the game looks like a
hit in more than one way. Included in this
attractive package are oustanding graphics
and sound, completely new logic system and
power supply. Popeye, the spinach-eating
hero, must catch hearts thrown by his sweet-
heart, Olive Oyl, while evading Brutus and
bottles thrown by the Sea Hag. After catching
all of Olive's kisses, Popeye advances to the
next screen. There are three screens in all,
each filled with a different cast of famous
friends. With the name recognition of Popeye
and great eye-catching graphics of this new
game, "Popeye" appears to be another
Nintendo winner.
The electronics package has been rede-
signed by the Nintendo engineers in Japan.
They have made many improvements over
their previous system. Only the cabinet and
monitor have remained the same. Even new
coin mechs have been used to eliminate
cheating by string or straw.
Transfonner: The isolation transformer has
two secondary windings; one runs the monitor
at 1 OOvac ( 1.2 amps) and the other ( 1 OOvac)
winding supplies the switching power supply.
The transformer is protected by a 4-amp fuse
which is screwed in next to the line cord.
Voltage Destination and Function:
+ 5vdc ~ Video and CPU boards
+24vdc unregulated~ CPU board, outputs
to coin counter
- 5vdc----+ none
+ 12vdc ---t none
Switching Power Supply: Nintendo has com-
pletely redesigned its switching power supply.
I was very pleased with the straightforward
simple design. Having only one board, this
unit is much easier to service than the old
supply used in "Donkey Kong". The new
PP-900A puts out the customary 5v at 5
amps plus a 24-volt unregulated supply to
run the coin counter circuit. The usual -5-
volt and 12-volt supplies are nowhere to be
found on this unit The new logic system does
not need them. The supply has one 3A fuse
mounted inside its cage. The fuse is relatively
easy to replace.
System Power & Distribution
(Figure 1)
Power Supply: The system power is provided
by a simple isolation transformer and a new
switching power supply. Both are mounted
on the bottom of the cabinet
FIIIUIE I: IYffll l'OWEI I DIITIIBUTIOI
Power
Supply
(Switching)
~
1OOvac
Video
Board
+5vdc-----
-5vdc-----
+12vdI. .----,
+24vdc·
CPU
Board
Isolation
Trans.
1OOvac
On/Off
Switch L - - - - - '
A.C.
Outlets
FUIEI
(2)
Clrc■H
11111
Llcltlll
Line-in
(12Ovac)
4A
Screwed in next to
line cord bracket on
bottom right side of game
Power Supply
Input (1 OOvac)
3A
Inside power supply cage
Monitor
Input (1 OOvac)
4A
Monitor
Monitor
B+ voltage
.3A
Monitor
1OOvac - - - - -
1OOvac - - - - - - - ,
1
Monitor
1
Fluorescent
Tube
1,111:
1. On/Off switch located below back door, right side.
2. There are NO interlock switches.
3. A terminal block for varied line voltage is mounted next to
transformer.
4. AC outlets may appear as utility outlets, but are provided for
fluorescent tube and monitor.
*Isolation transformer provides 1 OOvac output for 12Ovac input