I made a video, as it's easier to show what's going on than to explain.
The boards all look good, no hacks or battery damage. And this is what I've done so far:
All this is per the sys80 repair guide. I checked power supply voltage, right around +5.1vdc, also checked the +5v on the mpu at the capacitor near J1, and still show +5.1vdc. Unplugged all the mpu connectors except the one on the left that feeds +5v (J1?), and the display connector. It still blinks the gibberish on the displays. I've tried this with the reset board unplugged as well, and get the same result.
The relays clicking are the T and Q relays which had me thinking it was a slam switch issue, but they all look fine. Besides, if I read the article correct, I should show all zeros on the displays with only them and J1 connected.
I am thinking I may have bad ROMs, as all the labels had fallen off. I am not sure if it is healthy to have the windows exposed. I did inspect that piggyback card, and reflowed the pins...at least what I could reach.
Am I on the right track?