The Meteor game has a drop target that spells M-E-T-E-O-R. Each letter has an insert light. As the target drops the light goes out – when all targets are down they all reset. Everything works fine unless the last target is the “R”. Then the insert light don’t go off and the unit won’t reset. If the “R” goes down in any other sequence (first, second, third, etc.) it works fine but not if it’s last.

I’ve had the unit out three times to clean and adjust the switches. I’m sure that isn’t the problem.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Bob

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My first thought was the switch not registering. I took it out 3 times to check the switches - I even checked them with a multimeter to be sure they were closing while on the bench. It worked fine on the bench. I even checked all the diodes and they're good. It's a regular MPU-200.

I also thought the problem could be with the multi-pin connector on the unit but then it wouldn't work in any sequence.

I don't have another game here but I know someone with another Meteor - but he's a few miles from me. Do you think the MPU could be the problem?

Thanks

Bob

amkoepfer, when the "R" is the last target the light stays on and it don't score. Even going over the roll-over to get the next target down don't score - the solenoid will click, the target will drop but the light stays on and it don't score or reset. Yes the grounds are daisy chained and I checked all the connections. - see photo.

Coyote, it's a standard MPU 200.

zacaj, if it was a matrix issue wouldn't I have problems with other switches on that row or column? Every thing else works fine.

LTG, I have completely disassembled and cleaned that unit except for the leaf switches. If I can't find any other problems I may just try that.

Thanks

Bob

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Just so you know I'm not crazy I made a video showing what it's doing.

Thanks AMBoggs, I never thought to try the switch test. I'll try it tomorrow.

Bob

When in switch test only the lowest switch number will show.

M = 32
E = 31
T = 30
E = 29
O = 28
R = 27

If I drop each target (and raise it back up ) the proper number will show.

If I drop the targets in sequence (M-E-T-E-O-R) (and leave them down) the display will show 32-31-30=29-28 but the 27 will not show.

If I drop the targets in sequence (R-O-E-T-E-M) the 27 will show until I drop the number 31 “E”, then the number 28 will show. If I raise up the 31 “E” the number goes back to 27. It’s like the 31 is canceling the 27.

Please help.

Bob

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Coyote, the common wire is the white/yellow and I have checked it several times. I've also checked the attachments and everything is secure. Mechanically it's sound.

AMBoggs, the switch test shows 0 when I start.

The diodes tested OK but they are original. With nothing else to check, I think I'll replace all 6 diodes.

I'll let you know how it turns out.

Thanks for all your help.

Bob

I changed all 6 diodes and still have the same problem.

I don't have any extra new PIA's - and GPE is out of stock. I have some old ones but I'm not sure they're good (un-tested) I guess I could change them out and see if anything changes.

Would just swapping U10 and U11 make a difference?

By the way, U10 and U11 are NOT a matched set. Did I read somewhere that they must match?

Thanks

Bob

U8 and U13 are a matched set from GPE. ( I knew something had to be a matched set).

I have a few old PIA's - I'll try changing them and see what happens.

I'm not good at changing IC's in the game so I'll pull the board out and change them on the bench. It'll take a while. I'll let you know what I fine.

Thanks everyone - you've all been very helpful.

Bob

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Just to let everyone know - I pulled out the MPU and replaced the PIA's with two that I had laying around. I didn't think that was the problem so when put the board in I didn't re-connect the J5 (sound card).

Guess what - IT WORKS. When I drop the targets in any sequence it resets when they're all down.

Now I'll go back and connect to sound.

Thank you all for your help - I think we got it.

Bob

I want to thank you all again. I would have never thought to replace the PIA's.

I reconnected the sound card and played a few games (even set high score). The game works great.

Thanks everyone.

Bob

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