Upright 1978 Midway Space Invaders - Game not working

[sr71_sr71]

Hi Folks.

I just picked up an Upright 1978 Midway Space Invaders for conversion to MAME.

Just out of interest the unit is complete and has all boards in it, but when i switch it on nothing powers up other than the florescent light behind the moon graphic. As I am going to restore and MAME it, I am not worried that it does not work as I am going to gut it, but was wondering if anyone might know why it might not be working? (Although I am guessing its not going to be a simple fix etc)

Regards.

[Well Fed Games]

Really, it could be as simple as a fuse or wire or as complicated as a board issue. Search around here and at the KLOV forums... they could definitely help you with it (but don't tell them you are going to MAME it).

Where did you get it? Was it sold as working or untested?

[sr71_sr71]

Really, it could be as simple as a fuse or wire or as complicated as a board issue. Search around here and at the KLOV forums... they could definitely help you with it (but don't tell them you are going to MAME it).

Where did you get it? Was it sold as working or untested?

Thanks for your reply, I have checked all the fuses I can see. Thats about as far as my electrical knowledge goes really. I also checked to ensure all chips were seated correctly, and all of the main contact points clean and also seated properly. I will check the wiring though, good idea.

I have been looking for a machine for its cabinet for a while, and did a complete random email to a local arcade games company asking if they had one or if they knew anyone etc. The owner of that company replied saying he had this one just sitting doing nothing and was not sure it worked, and I purchased it as such based on only wanting the cabinet. The cabinet does need work to its base, so its not perfect from that side, but its fine for my needs. Was a bargain I feel, for a original pucker cabinet like this.

I had another thought. I could easily remove all the electronics from this machine and ensure they are removed VERY carefully, so could sell them based on never having seen them working. I am sure someone might have better knowledge than me, so might be able to get it working.

[sr71_sr71]

I think its worth mentioning that there is a lot of rust around the machine, so it looks like it sat in a damp place at some point, although the cabinet itself is dry. So it might even be that the electrics are only good for the bin, however my IT knowledge suggests the board and chips look in good shape, with only some bare connections showing signs of light corrosion.

When powered up the fluorescent bulb comes to life, and i can hear electric buzz/hum coming from somewhere - possibly the board directly under the screen. After ensuring power fully off and unplugged, I can feel heat coming from components on the board under the screen, but i get no picture or sound etc.

Problem for me is i have little time to decide on a way forward as I need the space in the garage, so ideally need to make a decide, remove the parts or try some possible fixes.

BTW: sorry if MAME is a bad word, I totally understand ;-)

[Well Fed Games]

BTW: sorry if MAME is a bad word, I totally understand ;-)

No, MAME is our lifeblood here. I was just warning you in case you poked around at the KLOV forum as well- it would be a good source of info for you, but unless you are restoring a game to original condition, they will give you a hard time. Never hurts to browse or search their forums, though.

I definitely would see if you can determine the issue- if nothing else, those electronic parts are old and thus rare, so might be valuable to someone doing a restoration (and might help you offset the cost of the cabinet- often the parts are more valuable than the whole when it comes to nonworking, old games- if nothing else, post it up for sale as "untested"). But I don't have much specific info for you so I will let people smarter than me chime in!

Nontheless, congrats on scoring a cabinet and good luck with your project!  Welcome to the forum!

[paigeoliver]

I have a Space Invaders that someone took all the innards out of. It is rather low on my project list, but I would certainly at least cover shipping on what is in yours.

[sr71_sr71]

I have a Space Invaders that someone took all the innards out of. It is rather low on my project list, but I would certainly at least cover shipping on what is in yours.

FYI: Since starting this thread, I have carefully taken out all the electronic parts (including the screen), and its now up on eBay.