Ray Twp., MI
Quoted from ZEN:That overlay looks nice, that pf is so far gone, unless you are that good with an airbrush....... I'd sand it down put the overlay down and put a pf protector on top..
exactly what he said.
(Topic ID: 176823)
Linked Games
Robo-War
Gottlieb, 1988
Topic Gallery
Limassol
Quoted from DuffysArcade:I have stripped my playfield down in preparation for the next step...which ever step that may be.
Repaint? The mylar is lifting up at the top right corner. I think that if I try to remove the mylar with freeze-spray that I will lose all of the artwork thar remains in the center. I don't think repainting this playfield is an option.
I have also printed a replacement vinyl overlay. It aligns very well with the inserts from what I can see...but once I break out the orbital sander and sand off the artwork, there's no going back. Thoughts?[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
Trying to restore this one will take a great deal of time and skill and the end result will most probably not be better than using the overlay.
I would definitely go with the overlay for this one .
Quoted from poibug:Disconnect antireset board, ironically they can cause resets
Thank you! I stopped having lock-ups and other errors when I disconnected this.
Flint
Quoted from Chosen_S:I did this with an earth shaker. Sand the playfield flat... spray automotive clearcoat on lightly, and let dry. Sand that layer. Lay on another coat of automotive clearcoat, sand that layer, lay on another coat of automotive clearcoat, sand that layer, Cut and buff to a decent shine. Then take 1200 grit sandpaper and lightly sand every area where there is no insert.
Apply the overlay.
Very lightly scuff the overlay with 1200 grit sandpaper, just enough to dull it a tiny bit.
Spray on automotive clearcoat. Let dry completely. Sand
, Spray another coat, sand, cut and buff to a mirror S spray another coat, sand, cut and buff to a shine.... better than new
Vid1900 has a great clearcoat tutorial thread restoring playfields somewhere around here
Thanks! I'll be following these instructions carefully and praying for no bubbles or lifting. The RW was picked up today by the movers along with my TZ to join the rest of my collection back in the States. I'll get cracking on it again in a few months.
Chosen_S
Until then, I'll daydream about a future expansion of my arcade room to mimic something even close to your epic Level Up Arcade! Your RW really looks great in the line-up.
Video #3 below shows the current state of troubleshooting / restoration. I did solve the problem from video #2 with the rear flash lamps and alien ship lamps not illuminating. The problem was dirty contacts on the relay that controls the "animator" board. All 10 of the rear lamps (in reflectors) and the 20 ships are now good.
Quoted from DuffysArcade:Thanks! I'll be following these instructions carefully and praying for no bubbles or lifting. The RW was picked up today by the movers along with my TZ to join the rest of my collection back in the States. I'll get cracking on it again in a few months.
Chosen_S
Until then, I'll daydream about a future expansion of my arcade room to mimic something even close to your epic Level Up Arcade! Your RW really looks great in the line-up.
Video #3 below shows the current state of troubleshooting / restoration. I did solve the problem from video #2 with the rear flash lamps and alien ship lamps not illuminating. The problem was dirty contacts on the relay that controls the "animator" board. All 10 of the rear lamps (in reflectors) and the 20 ships are now good.
Thank you very much!
I love Robowar sounds so much that I’ve mixed them in my Tron LE
Can someone share, or direct me to the 2 sound board roms? I'm getting the music, but not the sounds when switches are activated.
Ground mods done. I get a blinking LED on the sound board. I socketed and swapped ram on the sound board. Jumping pins (S1-S4) on the sound board to ground, only gets me the music, no sounds. Voltage is 5.43 at the sound board. I figured I'd try to rewrite the sound roms. Any other guidance would be very welcome! TIA.
Quoted from mack505:Can someone share, or direct me to the 2 sound board roms? I'm getting the music, but not the sounds when switches are activated.
Ground mods done. I get a blinking LED on the sound board. I socketed and swapped ram on the sound board. Jumping pins (S1-S4) on the sound board to ground, only gets me the music, no sounds. Voltage is 5.43 at the sound board. I figured I'd try to rewrite the sound roms. Any other guidance would be very welcome! TIA.
Maybe download the mame roms and burn those to rom chips if all else fails?
Quoted from mack505:Can someone share, or direct me to the 2 sound board roms? I'm getting the music, but not the sounds when switches are activated.
Ground mods done. I get a blinking LED on the sound board. I socketed and swapped ram on the sound board. Jumping pins (S1-S4) on the sound board to ground, only gets me the music, no sounds. Voltage is 5.43 at the sound board. I figured I'd try to rewrite the sound roms. Any other guidance would be very welcome! TIA.
PM me to send you the rom files
Quoted from phototamer:PM me to send you the rom files
Thanks! sent you a PM.
Started the tear down for my RoboWar restoration and noticed this switch on the QTS relay. Looks like it is permanently closed. Is it supposed to be this way? I’ve never noticed any problems during game play. Thanks.
8C4E992C-5804-494E-A089-13F69BC965E9 (resized).jpegEBB81323-C04E-4CF2-91D3-FFE14BEC7F37 (resized).jpeg
Zeist
T switches the playfield illumination and should be closed by default. When the relay is activated, the contact should open. The switch stack is mounted to the relay in the wrong way and should be turned so the lever opens the contact when the relay is activated.
Quoted from wylcot:And 'til then, I'll have that overlay made.
By the way, if someone has used the playfield scan I emailed to those who requested it, I'd love to have some feedback. Does it fit, etc...
I have printed the overlay on regular paper and it appears to fit properly. I got 2 copies on vinyl printed and I'll be installing it in the next few months. I'll let you know.
Quoted from poibug:my mate printed an overlay decal for me but it was slightly too big
I appreciated being sent it tho, must view differently in different editing packages?
poibug When I stripped my worn-out RW playfield down the original artwork's alignment marks were all still visible and I measured the following dimensions:
1. Left-right distance between the two bottom alignment marks as 385mm (C)
2. Left-right distance between the two top alignment marks as 438mm (B)
3. Up-down distance between the two left alignment marks as 927mm (A)
4. Up-down distance between the two right alignment marks as 931mm (D)
I used GIMP to slightly adjust the original graphic dimensions to match the measurements I took of my machine and then exported to .PDF format and printed it out on regular paper. In the GIMP program you can measure between 2 points on the artwork easily so this is a bit of trial and error, but worked fine. The paper printed version's alignment marks matched very closely to my trashed playfield's alighment marks (within 1mm), so then I printed onto vinyl.
I won't know for another 6 weeks or so if it really fits as my machine is being moved to the USA.
20190527_081915 (1) (resized).jpg
Out of all the games I own, this is the only I think makes sense to get a Pinstadium product. It has such great mojo but is just so dark. Thinking about biting the bullet on it for this game.
Quoted from seshpilot:Out of all the games I own, this is the only I think makes sense to get a Pinstadium product. It has such great mojo but is just so dark. Thinking about biting the bullet on it for this game.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/poor-mans-stadium-lighting/page/10#post-5028534
1 week later
1 month later
Robo on ebay. Low opening bid.
Says it is in good condition and works.
Only one pic offered however, mmm...
2 weeks later
Now at the stage of fitting the playfield graphic overlay before final application. The playfield has been stripped, sanded, clearcoated, then lightly sanded again. Applying black around some of the inserts to hide some minor mis-match (about 1-2 mm).
More details on my YouTube channel. Search RoboWar Restoration and you'll find it.
20190816_135636 (resized).jpg20190814_180051 (resized).jpg20190814_184419 (resized).jpg20190814_174356 (resized).jpg 2 weeks later
The Robo-War is complete and now in the line-up! After rescuing it from Italy, I spent a few hundred hours troubleshooting problems, applying a playfield overlay, clearcoating the playfield (Auto 2K), repainting the cabinet, and now it is finally complete!
There are still a few small issues to sort out: 1. Pop bumpers do not flash in succession when the ball hits one of them, and the extra-ball light does not shift position as it should. I believe this is on the MPU...perhaps a corrupted ROM.
Does anyone have the PROM files? I'd like to reflash some 2764's and see if it helps.
2. Sound effects are scratchy. Music is fine, but the other sounds are scratchy. Maybe a bad DROM? Gonna first try changing the RAM on the "D" side of the MA866 sound board and see if it helps.
Really happy anyway! Thanks to wylcot &
poibug for the artwork graphic (and whoever else worked on it)!
20190909_212943 (resized).jpg20190909_213027 (resized).jpg20190908_194442 (resized).jpg20190908_230409 (resized).jpg20190908_200857 (resized).jpg20190908_230358 (resized).jpg
Looks great!
Kinda like the yellow trim on the backbox.
Clean playfield.
Be proud you rescued a fairly rare machine.
Congrats and well done!
Quoted from DuffysArcade:The Robo-War is complete and now in the line-up! After rescuing it from Italy, I spent a few hundred hours troubleshooting problems, applying a playfield overlay, clearcoating the playfield (Auto 2K), repainting the cabinet, and now it is finally complete!
There are still a few small issues to sort out: 1. Pop bumpers do not flash in succession when the ball hits one of them, and the extra-ball light does not shift position as it should. I believe this is on the MPU...perhaps a corrupted ROM.
Does anyone have the PROM files? I'd like to reflash some 2764's and see if it helps.
2. Sound effects are scratchy. Music is fine, but the other sounds are scratchy. Maybe a bad DROM? Gonna first try changing the RAM on the "D" side of the MA866 sound board and see if it helps.
Really happy anyway! Thanks wylcot for the artwork help!
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
PM to send you the files.
Quoted from DuffysArcade:The Robo-War is complete and now in the line-up! After rescuing it from Italy, I spent a few hundred hours troubleshooting problems, applying a playfield overlay, clearcoating the playfield (Auto 2K), repainting the cabinet, and now it is finally complete!
There are still a few small issues to sort out: 1. Pop bumpers do not flash in succession when the ball hits one of them, and the extra-ball light does not shift position as it should. I believe this is on the MPU...perhaps a corrupted ROM.
Does anyone have the PROM files? I'd like to reflash some 2764's and see if it helps.
2. Sound effects are scratchy. Music is fine, but the other sounds are scratchy. Maybe a bad DROM? Gonna first try changing the RAM on the "D" side of the MA866 sound board and see if it helps.
Really happy anyway! Thanks to wylcot & poibug for the artwork graphic (and whoever else worked on it)!
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]
Way to go!!! Totally awesome man!
For anyone who has a blown-out playfield on their RW...I have one extra copy of the vinyl graphic that I used to overlay the playfield on my game. If you are interested I am willing to sell it for $100 plus shipping (which is what I have into it). Please be aware that it is around 1-2mm long (you can see the minor mis-match in my restoration video series on YouTube. I also added a small "easter egg" to the graphic above the pops to make it my own. (see if you can spot it). The insert areas are white, so this has to be cut out with a razor knife and waterslide decals applied. Again, watch my YT series on the whole thing if you're interested. I don't want to mislead anyone about the overlay.
I can also provide the playfield graphic pdf file to anyone who wants to try and get their own printed out.
Lastly, I made a pdf of the inserts that I printed onto waterslide decal material that I can share as well. Send me a PM.
Thanks to those who helped me along the way to get my Robo-war back to (near) 100%!
0d511d96b663d44b953311331115d363a9c832aa (resized).jpgIMG-20190905-WA0007 (resized).jpeg 1 month later
Rebuilding my Robowar and I need to know the location and type of the switch that turns the game on , which is on the bottom of the cabinet. The previous owner drilled an irregular hole and placed a rectangular one. Any images of that and of the mains cable that enters the back of the cabinet will be appreciated 
1 month later
Ottawa, ON
Quoted from phototamer:Rebuilding my Robowar and I need to know the location and type of the switch that turns the game on , which is on the bottom of the cabinet. The previous owner drilled an irregular hole and placed a rectangular one. Any images of that and of the mains cable that enters the back of the cabinet will be appreciated
Did anyone get back to you? If not, PM me and I'll take some pics for you.
I'm having a tournament this weekend and adjusting my tilts >
Are there any adjustments possible in the settings? Seems to tilt with one warning. Wondering if I can set it so player gets a warning or two before it tilts? I don't see anything in the manual maybe I'm missing something.
Quoted from getadam:I'm super excited. I have joined the club. Check out the pics of this beauty here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dHRqmZcjQnp699Gd6
Beautiful find . Looks impeccable ! Where was this little gem been hiding ?
Just got my Robo-War set up. After years of fawning over the copy that comes to Allentown and/or the York show every so often, I’m so glad to have found my own.
What a fantastic game! Great art, rules, and sounds. Planning on a light restore with this one. Cab is good, and ordered a new translight and plastic set.
08FE83DD-46F4-44E3-84D6-4256259CCC36 (resized).jpegHey Folks - for those of you looking for plastics. I heard from Retro Refurbs. They said they'd do another run if they get enough people on the waitlist. So please go here and enter your email:
https://www.retrorefurbs.com/shop/robo-war-pinball-plastic-set/
Thanks!
Hedared
Hi!
I have problems with a robowar. When I turn the game on the ramp stays on.
Haven’t start a game.
I have check and changed all components on both MPU and power board. MPU z32,33,34,35,u6. Power Q15,Z4.
Switch ok and Q3 ok. Cable checked
Anyone with experience
Quoted from JHPSWE:Hi!
I have problems with a robowar. When I turn the game on the ramp stays on.
Haven’t start a game.
I have check and changed all components on both MPU and power board. MPU z32,33,34,35,u6. Power Q15,Z4.
Switch ok and Q3 ok. Cable checked
Anyone with experience
Are there 2 balls in the machine? If the game doesn't sense that 2 balls are in the trough then the ramp will raise up and the game won't start. Hopefully it's that simple 
Make sure that the trough switches are working properly.
Quoted from DuffysArcade:Are there 2 balls in the machine? If the game doesn't sense that 2 balls are in the trough then the ramp will raise up and the game won't start. Hopefully it's that simple
Make sure that the trough switches are working properly.
The machine starts if I have the connector disable to Q3 board.
Switch works but will will check again just to be 100.
2 weeks later
Well after being shipped across the US I finally have my Robo-War set up and it's just so awesome. Love the music, the shots, the lights and the rules. GREAT GAME.
I do have one issue. I can't seem to disable the attract mode sound. I have SWITCH 7 set to OFF per the manual but still it always plays in attract mode. I've made sure it's in the right position (even tried both positions just to be sure) and restart and yet I always hear it. Any ideas?
Quoted from getadam:I do have one issue. I can't seem to disable the attract mode sound. I have SWITCH 7 set to OFF per the manual but still it always plays in attract mode. I've made sure it's in the right position (even tried both positions just to be sure) and restart and yet I always hear it. Any ideas?
Oh, and I've confirmed in test that the dipswitch does indeed work.
Getadam, I just looked at my game. Switch 7 was on, played attract sound, switched it off (you have to turn the game off and back on again) and the sound no longer plays in attract. Not sure if there were any future ROM revisions, but I’m running revision 1.
Did you power cycle the game after making the dip switch adjustment? I don’t think slam tilting the game is enough. Also, double check you’re changing the right switch. Switch 7 is sandwiched between the coinage options, so it’s easy to adjust the wrong dip and not see a change.
Quoted from mbaumle:Did you power cycle the game after making the dip switch adjustment? I don’t think slam tilting the game is enough. Also, double check you’re changing the right switch. Switch 7 is sandwiched between the coinage options, so it’s easy to adjust the wrong dip and not see a change.
Thanks for your response. Yup, def power-cycle after making the change. And I'm sure it's switch 7. It's the second to last one in the first package of eight switches. I even confirmed the right Hex value is displayed in dip switch settings.
Any other ideas? This is really bumming me out because I keep my games in my office and can't have meetings/calls with the game on since the attract mode sound interrupts.
Quoted from getadam:Any other ideas? This is really bumming me out because I keep my games in my office and can't have meetings/calls with the game on since the attract mode sound interrupts.
I would ask in either the general forum, or in the System1-System 80B club thread. Could be a problem that effects more than just Robo War.
(Side note: Super awesome you keep games in your office!)
Quoted from getadam:I was able to fix it my issue with attract sound. While the manual says it's controlled with dip switch 7, on a whim I tried dip swtich 8 and sure enough that fixed it.
That’s probably my issue! Thanks!
Quoted from getadam:on a whim I tried dip swtich 8 and sure enough that fixed it.
Quoted from Chosen_S:That’s probably my issue!
Weird if The same solution corrects the same issue in both of your games... what’s the checksum of the ROMs you guys are running? I’m wondering if Gottlieb released revisions that correct software bugs.
4 weeks later
Quoted from Code:Does anyone of you know where to buy a Robo War translite? I can't seem to find one. Thanks!
Also check eBay
Quoted from Code:Does anyone of you know where to buy a Robo War translite? I can't seem to find one. Thanks!
Marco Specialties carries them.
They are currently out of stock however.
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