centipede monitor fruiting out

[hypernova]

My parents bought a centipede cab a few years back.  for quite awhile now, the screen has been fruiting out.  it's mainly in the bottom half.  graphics will flicker in and out, (mainly the 'shrooms) and sometimes the centipede will turn as if it's hit a 'shroom, in addition to the player's shots being impeded by an invisible mushroom.

does this sound like a monitor issue, or is it something more with the pcb(s)?  i can't remember, as i'd have to test it out again, but i think the "invisible mushroom(s)" is/are permanently there.  i.e. firing at the same spot never destroys it, which indicates something other than the monitor.  as i said before, i'd have to test it out.

incidentally, which should i hope for?  are replacement pcb(s) cheaper than monitors nowadays?

has anyone else had similar problems?  what's usually the culprit?

[Ken Layton]

Sounds like it could be loose socketed chips on the gameboard that need to be reseated. It could also be tarnished edge connector foil traces on the gameboard (clean with an eraser followed by wiping off with a clean rag moistened with 99% rubbing alcohol).

There's an outside chance of a problem with the Audio/Regulator (a.k.a. power supply) board.