Buy an Alltek, use it for troubleshooting. If you are working on SS games, it is VERY handy to have a board that you can stick into any early game. Once you know where your problem is, that is 90% of the way towards a repair. Once you know, repair, and keep the board around. I don't follow my own advice, because I have an Alltek in my Eight Ball (the board was toast and not worth fixing). When I need it, I just pop that board into another game and find my issues.

Also a good board repair place will let you know if the board is worth fixing or not.

Bob -
If you have to replace the header pins on the board, don't forget to replace the pins in the connector. They are going to be just as bad. GPE is a good source for pins and tools, although there are others. Mostly a matter of personal choice.

I also recommend Alltek boards. Replace all three of the original boards and enjoy playing the game for the next 40 years instead of having to fix it multiple times. Also improves resale value of the game......your ad can say, "yes has all Alltek boards" and the game plays beautifully.
Have fun.

I'm of the other camp. I just learned to repair. I can diagnose and repair most ss issues in an hour or two. Learning electronics beats the shit out of tv. I've yet to meet a board beyond repair, although I'm sure they're out there.

I'd rather have the original boards personally. At least include them with the game if you sale it. Allteks aren't bad, but I've had my issues with them.

Alkaline corrosion is the biggest killer of that vintage Bally board. If they are corroded much at all, I’d replace.

After that is the plating in the headers and the OEM chip sockets.

AMI parts are next.

If you have a non-corroded MPU, I’d vote fix. Otherwise, Alltek or Weebly.
The driver boards are always repairable and worth it.
—
Chris Hibler - CARGPB #31
Http://chrishiblerpinball.com/contact
http://www.PinWiki.com/ - The new place for pinball repair info

I've always done my own board work and its paid off. If you have to send
off boards to be fixed, probably makes more sense to buy new replacements.
As time permits, save the old board(s) and work on them to improve
your skills.

Drain 1 -Bob -

After you're done with the connectors, verify you have 240VDC on TP4 on the SDB, and whether you have around 190 VDC on TP2 of any of the displays.

Also, when power up, after you turn on the machine, hold the flipper buttons in until the reset cycle is complete. (You should hear chimes). If the flippers both work, you've verified the flipper wiring.

Weebly to me is the best choice for board replacement.