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| Asteroids PCB Repair | 
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| for your Asteroids video game | ||
| Computer
Aided Testing System
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Other PCB's repaired |
| Test Examples | |
| Test Table | |
| System Description | |
| Asteroids Deluxe | |
| Troubleshooting Notes | |
| Index of Links | |
| Have a Question? Live chat here, enter any user name, (Leave password field blank, no need to register) |
| When the
testing device / software application loads the test table for
Asteroids, the hardware interface unit switches to the 6502 type microprocessor, and the various sections of circuitry which make up
the Asteroids game PCB can be examined and verified.
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| The program chips are analyzed... |
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The tests begin with determining that the correct program is installed,
by running a pre-determined set of routines to insure each one of the
four ROMs match with the master data reference files. There are 3
program chips, and 1 Vector ROM chip. Any chip which fails during these tests
is replaced. The four sockets which contain
these IC's are also tested, as the chips are examined and verified
as they exist on the circuit board.
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| If there is a problem in the program section, tests can be run to find out why |
| If a program chip read error is found, and further in-depth analysis is required, then this interface can be used. The address bus and / or the Prom select signals can be adjusted to any possible condition. A similar schematic / interface can be selected for Vector Rom problems. |  |
| Ram tests are run |
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step in the testing procedure is to verify the integrity of the 6
RAM chips. Random data is written into these rams, read back, and
compared.
Error analysis determines the failing ram chip, if an error in detected. Further testing can reveal failing support chips in the circuit, eliminating unnecessary IC replacement. |
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| All inputs are proven to function correctly. |
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purpose of this interface is to display all dip switch positions, coin,
and control panel inputs in real time. In this example, the Hyperspace,
Self-test, and Rotate right inputs are activated.
This test can also be run in the "stay on" mode, meaning once a switch has been activated, it will remain highlighted. The purpose of this mode is to catch any intermittent errors which may occur while the screen is not being watched. For example, say there is an intermittent coin in condition - this interface will show coin in as being activated, when it shouldn't have been. The "stay on" mode is also useful for finding intermittent Dip Switch operation. The blackened positions on the dipswitch will show as red if any dip switches have been detected as changing position. |
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| The output ports are individually tested. |
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The output ports will be tested using this interface screen. In this
example, the watchdog reset in being applied, (so as to not reset all of
the ports), the first player start LED is on, the signals for the
explosion sound, a "medium" thump frequency is applied, the
smaller saucer sound is on, and the players ship fire sound is
enabled.
Any failures can be zeroed in on, and additional screens can be selected to troubleshoot the corresponding circuitry. This interface is very useful, for example it is not necessary to play the game to have the ship fire sound. |
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| The option for two different board types is selectable because the reference designators for the IC's are not the same between the two different board releases. |
| Test screens are loaded into the Ram, to exercise the drawing circuitry. |
| These tests load data directly into the Vector Ram, to test the the ability of the circuitry to draw vectors. |  |
| Next, the Asteroids board will undergo continuous / burn-in tests. |
| Sometimes failure does not occur until this process is performed. During this testing phase, slight shock and vibration is introduced to the Asteroids PCB, and re-testing is performed. If this test fails, the activity is recorded. Intermittent connections are captured, explored, and then analyzed. Faults are highlighted while viewing the "Error Analysis" screen, and the possible causes are listed by probability. Error Analysis utilizing the GLS1 Electronics Computer Aided Testing System |
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| Boards are burned in for a minimum of 72 hours and are shipped back to customer within 2 business days of passing inspection / testing / burn-in. Boards submitted for repair must be complete, (all custom IC's) and in repairable condition, (not physically damaged). The price for this testing & repair service is US $115.00. If your Asteroids PCB is missing parts, it can still be repaired, send in PCB for estimate, or contact GLS1 Electronics beforehand. This information on this page was last updated on
March 18th, 2008.
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| Item
Name: Asteroids PCB Repair Service Item Number: AST-1 Price: $115.00
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| Shipping Address | |
| GLS1 Electronics | |
| 238 North 10th St #4 | |
| Cottage Grove OR 97424 | |
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Payment by check
is acceptable, please enclose check inside box with Asteroids game PCB
when shipping. When paying by check, please include return
shipping of $12.00. Also please include your email address, this makes
it easier for me to contact you when your board arrives. Paypal is also
accepted, please contact me for information. Contact me at: gls1@gls1electronics.com for more information regarding Asteroids PCB repair. |
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