Ok, this isn't an easy one and if it is, thank you.
Here is a video that shows exactly what is wrong.
Was playing my fishtales with zero issues and the DMD starting acting funky (not lighting up correctly etc). Problem gradually go worse until DMD only had a few lights ligthing up. Reseated ribbon cables and problem fixed. Bought a whole new set to install. While the cables were on their way, game eventually wouldn't power up.
Got the new ribbon cables plugged them all in (correctly, nothing off a pin or column) and nothing. Realize that when I do not plug in the last leg of the ribbon cable into the DMD controller board game started up, played fine, sounds flipper etc great, minus no display.
Was playing the game without the last ribbon cable installed and then the the flippers ended up not firing and now the start button intermittanly registers.
Took the DMD controller board and tested it in a working slugfest and no issues at all. Display perfect, doesn't not affect game turning on etc.
Bought a new Rotten Dog Power Driver board thinking it was something with the overall power.... NOPE!
So now there is a brand new set of ribbon cables. Brand new power drive board (the big huge board).
What I've tested:
-Tried various combinations of ribbon cables plugged in.
-Tested every single fuse for continuity
-Reseated ribbon cables
-Pushed down on every chip during game on to see if that helped
DMD is disconnected from controller board at this point. All ribbon cables are in except the last one that runs into the DMD controller board from the Audio board. I can't get the start button registering no matter what combination I put.
What is happening that the data from the ribbon cable to the dmd controller board is forcing the game to not power up (lights, sounds, fishing reel spinning)?