Star Wars vector video problem....

[AC.]

I have had an upright Star Wars cabinet since about 1992.  It has worked well until about 2003. Now it is tempermental and works inconsistently.  problem: the video goes out.  At 1st, sometimes for over an hour it would be fine, then the video would go out, sound still works, the program still running.  Now, when I turn it on, I can see the video flickering (and working correctly for a few seconds), and then it goes blank.   Occasionally, it will work fine for an hour or so, but it is inconsistent, and getting less reliable.  I do not think it is a vector monitor problem, I think it is a flyback transformer problem.  Any suggestions or direction appreciated.

[AC.]

(bump - oops, I should have posted this in the Monitor/Video forum)

Maybe just a site with info about vector monitors? Or common probs. 

How 'bout if someone posted an entire electronics course? Start with basic wiring, like, "what is a wire".   

I guess I'll just plug it in, stand in a puddle, and start jamming a screwdriver in there.   

[CheffoJeffo]

Here is some stuff I came across where my Asterodis went flaky.

http://www.vectorlist.org/

http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_VAtari.html

http://www.gamearchive.com/Video_Games/Manufacturers/Atari/monitors/amplifone/amplifone_faq_1_2.pdf

Get yourself a copy of Atari's The Book as it is a good source of information.

For me, first step would be to pull the deflection board and reflow the solder joints.

Cheers.

[ChadTower]

I have had an upright Star Wars cabinet since about 1992.

[RayB]

The flyback transformer IS a monitor issue.

So now you're going to criticise people for getting too specific?

[AC.]

Thanks for the input.  Can't someone just tell me where to hit it with a hammer?

This sounds like a winter project.

[ChadTower]

The flyback transformer IS a monitor issue.

So now you're going to criticise people for getting too specific?

How is that criticism?  It's hard to guess at his skill level, and thus to advise him appropriately, when he says it's not a monitor issue but he suspects the flyback.

Since the monitor flicks back on after flicking off, it is probably a connector problem.  Broken solder joint, maybe, but likely something related to either signal to the monitor or power to the monitor.

How long does the monitor usually take to get to a good visual from a complete cold start?  When the picture flickers back, does it take a second or two?

[CheffoJeffo]

Thanks for the input.  Can't someone just tell me where to hit it with a hammer?

This sounds like a winter project.

Maybe or maybe not ... it certainly does sound like a connectivity issue and I, for one, would be curious if the monitor is powered but not drawing.

Cheers

[AC.]

It's malfunctions seem too inconsistant to be able to accurately diagnose a prob.  My level of expertiece with this stuff is low.  Based on those sites from Jeffo, and the conversation here -- it seems all probs point to connections, deflections board, or a flyback transformer slipping away.

Are you sure I can't just kick it somewhere? Flick some wires?  Clean the outside of the cabinet?

Thanks.

[RayB]

Are you sure I can't just kick it somewhere? Flick some wires?

[AC.]

Are you sure I can't just kick it somewhere? Flick some wires?  Clean the outside of the cabinet?

Unless your name is Arthur Fonzirelli, no.

lol.   I guess my name is not that since I have already tried THE FONZ method.

[tbombaci]

Amplifone? (HV board on the left, Deflection board mounted on the right) or Wells Gardner (In a metal cage)

Amplifone:
If you havent the skills, find someone to:

1. Install a complete CAP kit on the Deflection board.
2. Replace the red flyback transformer with a Wintron. This will cost you ~$200
3. Replace the BU406D transistor on the HV board
4. Properly adjust the HV using an HV probe.

Your Amplifone will work basically forever if you do a CAP kit on it every 8-10 years or so. The Wintron transformer is over-engineered to last for a very long time.

WG:
Can't help you yet. My only 6100 hasn't failed yet. (knock on wood)

-Tom

[ChadTower]

flyback transformer slipping away.

Transformers don't slip away intermittently.  They are not mechanical.  They either provide voltage or they do not... they could slowly decrease voltage over time, as they burn out and resistance increases, but they do not flick on and off.  The only way that would be the case would be if you had a cracked solder joint on the flyback that was connecting intermittently.  That, though, would probably just fry something sooner than later rather than stay that way.

Those Atari cabs are well known for having crappy harness connectors.  This sounds very much like you have a harness with a bad pin that is only making intermittent contact.  This WILL fry something eventually if not taken care of at some point... in the short term, you could try reseating and cleaning all of the edge connectors and harness pins to see if the problem goes away for now.

If that makes the problem go away, keep  in mind, that is only temporary and the symptom will return unless the cause is corrected.

One question:

Did anything happen that could have caused this?  Did you, for example, move the cab from one place to another?

[tbombaci]

If it is indeed an Amplifone, the Flyback transformer will fail. It will take the BU406D transistor with it as well.

-Tom

[AC.]

flyback transformer slipping away.

Did anything happen that could have caused this?  Did you, for example, move the cab from one place to another?

The cab had one major move about 5 years ago. But the prob did not immediately occur after the move.  However, about 4 weeks ago it was moved down some stairs, and that may have added to the possible connection probs. 
Thanks for all the continuing help and suggestions, my 1st step will be to drain the charge from the monitor, and start cleaning contacts and reseating reseatable chips.

[tbombaci]

Is it an Amplifone monitor or a Wells Gardner?   

[ChadTower]

However, about 4 weeks ago it was moved down some stairs, and that may have added to the possible connection probs.