Congo
Williams, 1995The DMD on my newly acquired Congo has a small problem. The top row of each line of text is very faint. It does not matter if there is one line of text or three, the top row of dots is faint. I took photos but it does not look as bad in them, but still noticeable.
I tried reseating the ribbon cables, no change. Any ideas on what else to look for?
To me, that looks like the DMD is starting to outgas. Though it can be voltage related as well. Check and report the voltages you measure at the DMD power connector. Check out sections 6.23.5 and 6.23.8
http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_WPC#Outgassing_Displays
It is best to test the DMD in another game to prove it. If it is the DMD, you could look into a ColorDMD for Congo. I hear it looks awesome in color. http://shop.colordmd.com/led-replacement-display-for-congo-pinball-machine/
Normally, a ribbon cable can cause missing lines, stuck on lines, no display or major data corrupted screen.
My DMD problem is getting worse, At times it is barely readable. I am afraid that it is indeed outgassing but want to check all things before I buy a new display. I swapped out the ribbon cables with new ones from GPE, with no result. when checking voltages the high voltage points run high at 106v and 118v. the pinwiki info states that it should be 100v and 112v. I am prepared to pull the board and replace the two capacitors, what other components should I check or change?
Quoted from Platypus:My DMD problem is getting worse, At times it is barely readable. I am afraid that it is indeed outgassing but want to check all things before I buy a new display. I swapped out the ribbon cables with new ones from GPE, with no result. when checking voltages the high voltage points run high at 106v and 118v. the pinwiki info states that it should be 100v and 112v. I am prepared to pull the board and replace the two capacitors, what other components should I check or change?
Those values aren't excessively high. The potential between them is still acceptable, which is the main thing. I wouldn't bother with changing the capacitors.
What other symptoms is it displaying?
The voltages are ok. Any chance you can try the DMD in another game, even a friend's game? That would 100% prove it. You can use any WPC game, as the DMD is the same in them all.
A great alternative would be to install a ColorDMD. They look fantastic.
LCD if you like a smoother look to the dots.
http://shop.colordmd.com/colordmd-replacement-display-for-congo-pinball-machine/
LED if you only care about keeping a natural dot look to the game.
http://shop.colordmd.com/led-replacement-display-for-congo-pinball-machine/
Either way, you can't go wrong.
Quoted from PinballManiac40:A great alternative would be to install a ColorDMD. They look fantastic.
LCD if you like a smoother look to the dots.
http://shop.colordmd.com/colordmd-replacement-display-for-congo-pinball-machine/
LED if you only care about keeping a natural dot look to the game.
http://shop.colordmd.com/led-replacement-display-for-congo-pinball-machine/
Either way, you can't go wrong.
Maybe my buddy Ed will let me bring it out to his gameroom for testing, good idea.
I really want to get the color DMD for this game but am putting it off for as long as I can. This poor Congo was reimported from Europe and has so many mismatched parts, hardly any of the targets are of the original make or style. All three flipper bats are of different manufacture. The plastics are all badly scratched so I am already dropping lots of coin on repairing those things.
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