Tech:Can't enter into test mode, Bally Fireball Classic

[immark]

Continuing problems from an earlier post. Fireball Classic, and I
can't enter into test mode from the switch in the coin door. It just
seems to do nothing. I have verified the switch itself is working. I
am also now getting 4 balls, then gameover, this is up from 2 balls. I
hope that if I can get into test mode, I can change to a 5 ball game.
Also credits stay at 10 always, maybe game is set on freeplay?
Thanks Mark

[MrSanRamon]

Post by immark
Continuing problems from an earlier post. Fireball Classic, and I
can't enter into test mode from the switch in the coin door. It just
seems to do nothing. I have verified the switch itself is working. I
am also now getting 4 balls, then gameover, this is up from 2 balls. I
hope that if I can get into test mode, I can change to a 5 ball game.
Also credits stay at 10 always, maybe game is set on freeplay?
Thanks Mark

Sounds like a broken wire between the switch and the CPU. That's where
I would start with my schematic.

Robert

[s***@excite.com]

Post by immark
Continuing problems from an earlier post. Fireball Classic, and I
can't enter into test mode from the switch in the coin door. It just
seems to do nothing. I have verified the switch itself is working. I
am also now getting 4 balls, then gameover, this is up from 2 balls. I
hope that if I can get into test mode, I can change to a 5 ball game.
Also credits stay at 10 always, maybe game is set on freeplay?

No freeplay setting on that era of machine. Most likely the battery is
dead and you are getting random stuff in the ram, or it was never
cleared when the battery was replaced at some point in the past. The
lower right connector on the MPU board is the cabinet switches
including the coin door, and the coin door itself has a connector near
the front of the machine. Reseat both of these to start and see if
your self test will work. I could be wrong on this but I think the #
of balls for bally's are set by the dip switches, not the internal
settings. You might have a bad PIA for the dips, but the memory issue
can cause this type of behaviour also.

Once you do get into the self test, zero each audit/adjustment by
activating the 3rd coin switch (could be the one nearest the hinge or
the one furthest away) to zero, then use the credit button to set the
options you want (for free game score value, high score, etc.)

[immark]

Robert and Seymore
Thanks for your input,
For the record, Seymore you hit the nail on the head. I reseated the
lower right connector on the MPU and that did it. You are right about
the dip switches controlling the # of balls, but it was acting up,
until I got into test....that straightened it up. Thanks again for all
of the input.
Mark

Post by s***@excite.com

Post by immark
Continuing problems from an earlier post. Fireball Classic, and I
can't enter into test mode from the switch in the coin door. It just
seems to do nothing. I have verified the switch itself is working. I
am also now getting 4 balls, then gameover, this is up from 2 balls. I
hope that if I can get into test mode, I can change to a 5 ball game.
Also credits stay at 10 always, maybe game is set on freeplay?

No freeplay setting on that era of machine. Most likely the battery is
dead and you are getting random stuff in the ram, or it was never
cleared when the battery was replaced at some point in the past. The
lower right connector on the MPU board is the cabinet switches
including the coin door, and the coin door itself has a connector near
the front of the machine. Reseat both of these to start and see if
your self test will work. I could be wrong on this but I think the #
of balls for bally's are set by the dip switches, not the internal
settings. You might have a bad PIA for the dips, but the memory issue
can cause this type of behaviour also.
Once you do get into the self test, zero each audit/adjustment by
activating the 3rd coin switch (could be the one nearest the hinge or
the one furthest away) to zero, then use the credit button to set the
options you want (for free game score value, high score, etc.)