Pole position to switching power supply

[cornishHen]

Anyone have info on converting an old pole position machine to a switching power supply?

[Angry_Radish]

Here is a thread over at KLOV about it.
Link

[whammoed]

HEY!!!
I just completed this conversion on my PP.  If the previous link does not answer your questions, I can.
Also, see my thread here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=71610
Personally, I like keeping things original, and if you have all the parts in your PP, and your power supply is still functional, then thats an option.  Mine had already been semi converted and hacked so I finished the job.

[cornishHen]

Thanks all for the info.. I think that's exactly what I needed.  One more question.   Know of a place that might sell a new steering wheel decal (located in center of wheel.. blue and chrome)?  Mamemarquees.com didn't seem to have this one.

[whammoed]

The image is here:
http://www.localarcade.com/arcade_art/r566.search.htm
You could ask him to print it for you.
Of course I doubt it will be silver.  He would need to print on foil...
Are you planning on buying the control panel overlay from him?  If you are I would hold off for a bit.  The one I got does not fit properly.  I have an email to him to get it resolved.(haven't heard back yet)  I spent all day yesterday working up a new vector overlay and I have no problem with him using it for other customers.

[cornishHen]

whammoed thanks for all the help..   I'll give alittle background as to why i've been thinking about ditching the atari power supply..I bought the pole position machine non working.  It had burnt resistors on the arii boards and a sense mod performed on it.  The first thing i noticed was that the r29 r30 resistors were replaced with the wrong resistors.. fixed that, replaced the power block fuse holder that was melted, new fuses, and took some readings at the edge connector without being connected to the game board.  I was getting power to board connector but 13 volts.  I figured this was because there was no load, and I connected it to the board with power.  That immediately blew the 20 amp fuse ( i know it's recommended to up this to a 25a, but i only had a 20 available).  Frustrated, I was thinking i would just take the power block and ariis out of the picture and replace with a switching power supply/cheapo car audio amp.  Just looking at the whole power scheme of the machine it seems messy.  A power supply, an extra big blue cap, and 2 ariis. 

I really would like to keep the orginal parts if possible.  Was I wrong in assuming the 13volts at the board connector was because there was no load? 
 

Thanks again..

[whammoed]

Was I wrong in assuming the 13volts at the board connector was because there was no load? 
 Thanks again..

I don't think so.  I measured my power supply and it was actually still working at the proper voltage.  I can definitely see why you are leaning towards using a switcher.  I think it will make the game more reliable in the long run.  The only reason not to go that route is to be able to look inside and see the machine running just as it was in 1982.  But lets face it, its more important to keep it running properly and to not ruin the game boards.

[whammoed]

Also, I think I am going to invest in some silver leaf "paper" to print the center decal.  If you would like me to make you one as well let me know.  (if it turns out good that is)

[cw]

I could use one for my PP2 and another for my PP2 mame. Please let me know about the cost of the paper.

[whammoed]

I will let you know if it turns out nice.  The color/size/placement of the one in the arcade art library was just slightly off, so I went ahead and made my own version.  I'll post some pictures when its done.

[cornishHen]

definitely interested..  thanks!

[Ken Layton]

Star Tech Journal has a back issue from around 1990 that describes how to convert a Pole Position to a switching power supply. Their mod allows you to continue using the existing amplifiers of the A/R boards.

That's the mod I do to all Pole Positions I work on.

[cornishHen]

Anything wrong with using an ATX PC power supply for the conversion?  I have so many laying around in the attic.  Or is it atleast ok to test with?

[whammoed]

definitely interested..  thanks!

The center badges are available for a limited time on my website:
www.nicemite.com

[cornishHen]

thanks... whammoed.