star wars vector monitor help

[redfivexw]

I put this post in last week with no response, is there anyone in Massachusetts who can repair a color vector monitor?  I have a star wars arcade that needs monitor help.  It does not have a picture, and it is giving off a burning smell.  all the sounds, etc work fine.  If anyone has any advice how to get this repaired i would greatly appreciate it.

[ChadTower]

Where in MA are you?  Are you sure the smell is coming from the monitor?  That can also be coming from the main cabinet transformer if it's dead.

[ChadTower]

Any hint on where you are located?  I am in MA and may be able to help.

[redfivexw]

I am located in Warren, MA, which is between springfield and worcester.  I am not sure where the burning smell is coming from, it could be from a board. 

[ChadTower]

Well, you want to ID where the burning smell is coming from before you just blame it on the monitor... though, I will say, the monitor is the most likely culprit.  What is the model of monitor?

Warren is 60-65 miles from me, which is a bit far for a random assist housecall.  I can definitely try to help you here, from AIM, or email, etc.  Of course, I've been trying to get my hands on a Star Wars myself... 

[redfivexw]

it is an amplifone monitor, i understand wanting a star wars, i have wanted one for years.  I just got it in, but i cannot get anywhere with the monitor.  the guy i bought it from said that the picture got darker and darker until it just went away.  Also the sides of the picture were getting stretched out.  the burning smell is hard to pinpoint, i put my nose up to the end of the monitor and it smelled like it was coming from there, but the HV transformer is mounted to the cabinet to the left and the other board for the monitor is on the right and they are pretty close to the monitor.  I really dont know.  If you or anyone has parts for this or can fix it i am willing to pay, just let me know.  I was considering picking up a cap kit for it, i see they are available for 20.00. 

[redfivexw]

I just really got in there and the smell is coming from the HV transformer.  When i power up the machine, the monitor starts making a clicking/chattering noise which i have read it is supposed to do, the HV board smells like it is burning, however there is no visual indicator of this. 

[ChadTower]

Sounds like your HV transformer is dead.  Transformers burn up, literally, when they fail.  That is probably the smoke smell.

A cap kit is definitely a good idea if the monitor has not had one, but clearly your first priority is making sure that HV transformer is the real issue.  Without HV, you get zero monitor operation. 

A very simplistic view of this:

The X/Y/Z wires send their voltages (comprised of moving electrons) to the tube where the electrons are accepted by the electron guns.  The electron guns then shoot the electrons towards the inside of the picture tube where it hits a phosporescent screen and bounces back towards the back of the tube.  Coating the inside of the back of the tube is a conductive coating that attracts the electrons and guides them to the anode cap, where they escape via the HV transformer circuit.  Basically, once that HV transformer dies, the escape route is gone, your circuit is no longer complete, and your monitor cannot operate.

Someone please correct that if I'm incorrect or poorly articulated on anything.

If this is the real cause, you will need a new HV transformer and may as well slap a cap kit in there while you're doing it.  Cap kits are always a good idea if the monitor has not had one or if you don't know if the monitor has had one.

Oh, and one other thing:

IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHERE THE ANODE CAP IS, DON'T STICK A PART OF YOUR BODY IN THERE AGAIN.  AT LEAST LEARN WHERE THE DANGER IS BEFORE PROCEEDING.

[redfivexw]

thanks for the advice, i am aware of the dangers of monitors, been juiced before.  So, i should order a HV from wintron then?  I already ordered the cap kit today. 

[ChadTower]

It's difficult to really advise you without knowing what test procedures you have completed on the monitor.  How long have you had the cab?  If you haven't had it long, and you imply that you got it recently, I would give the whole cab the standard once over with a DMM starting with the power supply and ARII board.

Basically, start from the beginning and make sure you're getting good power everywhere you need it.  If you aren't sure of the age of the filter cap in the power supply, replace that too.  That is ALWAYS worth the $12 in an older Atari game.

[cyberjockey]

FYI Wintron Technologies now carries a minimal stock on the HV Transformer and now has online ordering.

http://www.wintrontech.com

[ChadTower]

$190... ouch!

[cyberjockey]

Yeah, I know it seems to be the only source available any more and by the looks of their website they are finally discontinuing the deflection products.  What ever stock they have may be the last.

[tbombaci]

It is the only souce available. Worth every penny of the $200.

I am waiting to pick up an HV probe so I can adjust my high voltage properly. I currently have blooming after the DS explodes. (with the Wintron, CAP kit and new BU406D)

When the HVT goes, it almost always takes out the BU406D transistor as well.  Check out the FAQ here: http://www.ionpool.net/arcade/tech/ampfaq_12.pdf

-Tom

[cyberjockey]

FYI Wintron Technologies now carries a minimal stock on the HV Transformer and now has online ordering.

http://www.wintrontech.com

Some inside information:  I heard Wintron is discontinuing this product because it is not economical to build in small quantities.

[cyberjockey]

Last chance to purchase this part @ $250 ea

Atari part number: A201005-01
WinTron part number: 926862802

http://www.wintrontech.com/Atari/index.html

order deadline January 9, 2006 for June 2006 delivery[/b]