S2000 Ghost in the machine! Pulsing/clicking power? Help!

[Jasonmichael]

Hi all!  I just picked up this s2k and it has already got me running to NLG for some professional guidance.  This machine is clean - but, on fire-up, the power supply just goes click-click-click (and so on) - no fluorescent lights fire up - no nothing - just clicking.  I changed out the power supply, same issue.  I disconnected all ballasts, same problem.  I disconnected the printer, DBV, coin comparitor, et cetera - even pulled out the MPU and, still, the same clicking.  When everything is plugged in I get the MPU lights all flashing (in sync with the clicking) and the coin comparitor light doing the same.  I have a short video I can e-mail or text.  Anyone been up against something like this before? 


Thank you!

Jasonmichael

[qbert]

Did you disconnect the ballast from the input side.
Is it a 500 series or enhanced mpu?

[Jasonmichael]

Disconnected the ballasts at both sides and I believe it is a 500 board.

[qbert]

If you plug in the ballast and remove the MPU do the florescent lights work when you power it up?

[Jasonmichael]

No.  Does the same thing both ways. 

[cowboygames]

Is the machine equiped with coin handling? You may have got a coin(s) behind the motherboard. Or a loose screw, nut, whatever, during transport

[qbert]

As above check all of your connectors on the machine make sure the power supply is fully seated with no burnt spots

[rickhunter]

Remove I/O cards, I've had that happen once to me.

[Jasonmichael]

Hadn't thought to pull the motherboard to check for loose coins.  It's coined quarter.  Thanks!

[Jasonmichael]

Remove I/O cards, I've had that happen once to me.

What/where are the I/O cards?

[Jasonmichael]

As above check all of your connectors on the machine make sure the power supply is fully seated with no burnt spots

Power supply looks solid and is firmly seated.

[rickhunter]

What/where are the I/O cards?

Depending on your machine type there are up to 3.  One is next to the MPU tray as shown in photo.  The other One (Two depending on configuration) are on the door.  To remove them, grab the "handle" and just pull out.  Remove all enough so they don't make contact anymore and power up to see if you still have the issue.  If you don't, insert one at a time to see which one is causing the short.

[Jasonmichael]

What/where are the I/O cards?

Depending on your machine type there are up to 3.  One is next to the MPU tray as shown in photo.  The other One (Two depending on configuration) are on the door.  To remove them, grab the "handle" and just pull out.  Remove all enough so they don't make contact anymore and power up to see if you still have the issue.  If you don't, insert one at a time to see which one is causing the short.

Thank you.  I have two, removed both, same clicking.   

[Jasonmichael]

Is the machine equiped with coin handling? You may have got a coin(s) behind the motherboard. Or a loose screw, nut, whatever, during transport

Pulled the mother board completely out--never wanted to hear a coin drop so badly in my life - but. Alas,it's clear. 

[rickhunter]

There is a short somewhere.  At this point, I would start by systematically pulling all molex plugs off the mother board except for power.  Then power on see if you still get the clicking, if not, then start plugging in one connector at a time (with power off every time you insert one) until you get the clicking.  Then you can trace the cable to the offending part.

[Jasonmichael]

There is a short somewhere.  At this point, I would start by systematically pulling all molex plugs off the mother board except for power.  Then power on see if you still get the clicking, if not, then start plugging in one connector at a time (with power off every time you insert one) until you get the clicking.  Then you can trace the cable to the offending part.

Ho-ly-sh*t!!!! 

Unplugged everything and plugged things in one at a time--all fires up now, RAM ERROR, but just the pictured plug is disconnected.  Any insight on where we go from here?  Looks like the disconnected set might lead to the DBV.  THANK YOU!!!

[Jasonmichael]

Ok so excited to be making progress.  Now I removed the stepper base chip and installed the clear 97 chip.  Two amber lights as expected.  Change out the clear chip for the stepper base chip and fire it up.  RAM ERROR.  But it does not clear with a turn of the reset key.  Tried again...perhaps the reset key was eat was disconnected?  I thought it was the DBV but it's firing up. 

[Jasonmichael]

Correction.  It wasn't the previously pictured molex that was causing the short.  It was the one pictured below which connects the button deck!  Was able to get through key 17 change out and now have 7 Key Chip Config--just have to figure out now which button is shorting it out.  So exciting!  More to come and thanks again all!

[therockinelvis]

You may have a bad reset key switch. Try a couple alligator clip jumpers and touch them to simulate key turn (remove a reel for easy access). Also trace the wires from the switch down, they may be disconnected near MB

[Jasonmichael]

You may have a bad reset key switch. Try a couple alligator clip jumpers and touch them to simulate key turn (remove a reel for easy access). Also trace the wires from the switch down, they may be disconnected near MB

My mistake.  The first photo was the reset key connection.  I added it back in and it worked fine then I realized I'd forgotten a molex and that was the button deck molex.  Taking that apart (again) now to investigate.  More to come!