Arcade Collecting > Miscellaneous Arcade Talk
Astro Blaster Z-80 Arcade Machine Help
bluemanop:
I understand. This Astro Blaster machine sounds like a case that might be CPU related based on your notes. I found some information from the owner of the machine that may have led to the CPU dying. This is what happened:
The machine had a crackling speaker in the cab and the owner decided he was going to replace the speaker. He removed the marquee and snipped the speaker wires while the game unit was on. The screen went to a solid blue screen and that is where the machine has sat for 5 years.
I attached the speaker back up knowing that this would not fix the problem but I did want to see if the machine made any game sounds on boot. It does not make any sound but a low hum. As for the video, there is no pattern, no blips, no nothing, just a blue screen. I have tried to hit the reset and that doesn't seem to even show signs of life. I suspect the CPU is the cause but much like you said, not having a logic probe or scope to even test for a signal is like looking for a needle in a hay stack.
I would be willing to try to find a Z80 processor, although I am just unsure as to what Z80 to buy. Could you tell me if this is the same CPU as the part I have listed?
My part:
CPU
Zilog Z-80A
8400W2N A
8030 PS
Jameco Part:
Jameco.Com Link
The picture on the Jameco site seem to show a skinny version of my CPU, although I am thinking it is generic. You stated you have purchased stuff from them, is this generally a generic picture?
bluemanop:
I found this link that has a good picture of my CPU on the top of the page "Zilog Z80 8400W2N A" and also lists some others including that one sold by Jameco "Zilog Z80 Z0840004PSC"
http://www.cpu-collection.de/?tn=0&l0=cl&l1=Z80&l2=Zilog#8400W2NA
Do you think these two parts are interchangeable? Pins-outs, size, etc...?
D_Zoot:
A Z80a is a Z80a, the one from Jameco would be the right one.
--- Quote ---but I have not hooked a multi-meter to the power supply as of yet
--- End quote ---
You probably want to do this before you order any parts. Make sure the +5v is at 5v and no lower. Sometimes you'll need to run it up to 5.1 or 5.2-ish.
Good luck!
D
bluemanop:
I plan on heading over to my buddies house this weekend and run the multi meter across the power supply. I also plan on re-seating the Z80 and the memory chips as well.
Thanks again for checking back on my progress. I'll let you know what I find.
bluemanop:
Didn't get a chance to get out there this weekend. The person that owns the game was away but I schedule some time with the machine this Wed-Thur., I also purchased a Z80 chip from Jameco and a variable power supply from another source.
I have also been eye-balling a cheap O-scope on eBay but it has been a great number of years since I have used one. Nothing worse than chasing down a signal that I don't know if it should be there or not. ???
With a little luck I will have what I need to get this machine to post.
Here is a good question, do you know how many amps these boards greatly pull from the 5volt power supplies that power them?
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