(Topic ID: 244740)

WPC not powering up unless Ribbon cable unplugged

By Allentrack86

4 years ago


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Topic Stats

  • 30 posts
  • 12 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 1 year ago by ROBWHENT
  • Topic is favorited by 4 Pinsiders

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#1 4 years ago

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)?

#8 4 years ago

How do I delete this thread? I thought putting int in the trash did so. There is another thread with the correct video.

#9 4 years ago
Quoted from LTG:

Your ribbon cables. Red stripe pin one each end. None off by a row ?
LTG : )

Nope, double checked all ribbon cables.

#10 4 years ago
Quoted from skquinn:

That's the wrong video, BTW.

Just posted correct video. Sorry for error.

#11 4 years ago
Quoted from Turtle:

Agree with LTG here. Very easy to be off a column or a row with IDC connectors.
Watching the correct video. It looks like there is a problem with your DMD video board. If you have a similar vintage WPC pin you can swap boards.

I tested the DMD controller board in a slugfest. Worked 100% with no issue and no power up or display issues.

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#12 4 years ago
Quoted from PinballManiac40:

Please post a picture of your boards with the new ribbon cable(s) plugged in. Also, where did you purchase the new ribbon cable(s)?

New cables yield same response on as old cables. Marco Specialties.

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#13 4 years ago
Quoted from ChrisHibler:

On the power/driver board, lower left, you'll find J116, J117, and J118.
Each connector has the ability to provide 5/12/Ground.
Make sure that all three are plugged in.
Make sure that a wire hasn't broken free from the craptastic OEM IDC connectors.
Report back.
--
Chris Hibler - CARGPB #31
http://ChrisHiblerPinball.com/contact
http://www.PinWiki.com - The Place to go for Pinball Repair InfoWill check in on this in the AM and report back. Hoping it's this lead.

#14 4 years ago
Quoted from LTG:

Your ribbon cables. Red stripe pin one each end. None off by a row ?
LTG : )

I double and triple checked but I might be a huge moron and still did it wrong. Bought all new boards hoping to freaking to get the bottom of it tomorrow morning.

#17 4 years ago
Quoted from PinballManiac40:

I didn't ask for pictures of just the boards. Just like LTG said, you may have a ribbon cable one row off and seeing pictures would help get another set of eyes on it seeing pictures of all the ribbon cables connected.

I promise you no ribbon cable is off one row or one column or anything. Old cables yield same result as new cables.

Just installed new FlipTronics board. Same exact issue remains.

Rules out
ribbon cables
Dmd driver board
FlipTronics board
Power driver board

Please tell some some connector and wire is botched somewhere

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#18 4 years ago
Quoted from ChrisHibler:

On the power/driver board, lower left, you'll find J116, J117, and J118.
Each connector has the ability to provide 5/12/Ground.
Make sure that all three are plugged in.
Make sure that a wire hasn't broken free from the craptastic OEM IDC connectors.
Report back.
--
Chris Hibler - CARGPB #31
http://ChrisHiblerPinball.com/contact
http://www.PinWiki.com - The Place to go for Pinball Repair Info

Pics below.

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#22 4 years ago
Quoted from PinballManiac40:

Definitely the next step to try.
Edit: With the CPU, Fliptronix and DMD controller connected, bypassing the sound board ribbon cable connection.

Thank for the tip. I tried a variety of different patterns with the ribbon cable including the suggested one. It doesn't matter what I leave plugged in or not, the only thing that makes a difference is the last leg of the ribbon cable plugs into the top slot of the DMD controller board.

The new fliptronic board didn't do it. I'm testing the mpu board tomorrow.

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