The LOTR machine I operate started doing something weird: The main symptom is that all sound dies and then magically returns. I can go into the sound test and everything's fine when the sound is working, which is for a few minutes at startup. The weirdest thing is that occasionally the machine -- in attract mode -- emits a screeching 2-3 seconds of max-volume whistle, like it's the end of the day at an olde tymey factory. It's so bad I disconnected the speakers in order to continue operating it, as it was terrifying players throughout the joint. Here's what I know:

*Reseating the J16 to CN2 didn't solve the problem. Although it brings the sound back temporarily by rebooting the CPU.
*Reseating U7 didn't solve the problem. Running snd ROM u7.101.
*I didn't have time to take voltages yet, that's next.

Any ideas? Seems like a board issue, but I guess I could try replacing the sound ROM.

Bonus: CPU/Sound Board 520-5300-00 Rev A (mine has a blue dot) is unavailable everywhere, so that's concerning. Anyone know where I can get a spare Whitestar CPU to toss in here if I need to send this out for repair?

IMG_4608 (resized).JPG

The DAC as in a digital to analog converter chip? Interesting... I can check that out. Is it surface mounted or through hole?

How did you get your new board?

Done. Thanks!