044 Sound Problems

[sftechgeek]

Tilt:

I saw this post from a few months back. I am having issues with sound on my GK044. I suspect the sound card is going out and would like to replace for testing since it's a lot easier to replace this PCB than an 044 board. You know who I can ask to see if they have one for sale? I saw a schematic/wiring diagram for the P19 connector from a post by DanTheMan, but my connector is a 4 pin connector, not an eight pin connector. I've enclosed some pictures.

The issue I'm having is:

If I turn the machine on, and I get sound, it’s good as long as I keep the machine on. But there is no sound off the left speaker. Right speaker and center speaker are good. I already tested the left speaker, it works when crossed with the right connector. So I’m assuming, it’s not getting a signal from the board.

If I don’t get sound when turned on, I have to turn off the machine and turn it back on. Sometimes it takes 2x, 3x, or 4x before the sound comes back on. No pattern.

Thanks
John

[Tilt]

I split this off since it's not really related to the topic it was originally posted under.

I guess first of all, what game do you have installed in your machine?  Some games (primarily poker) do only use one channel for game sounds.  Easiest way to tell if everything is working is to use the MPU sound diagnostics menu to test stereo sounds.  If you have sound in both channels in test mode you know everything is good and it's just the way the game software works.
Unfortunately the no sound issue isn't an uncommon problem with 044 flash boards.  Try leaving it on for 10 -15 minutes and then reboot it, it will probably work every time that way. It seems letting things warm up will get it working again until it fails completely.

I haven't ever had or heard of a in-line sound amplifier board failing in GK/I-games or S2000's (they use the same board).  They are pretty reliable and I doubt that's your issue, but if you want to swap it just post a WTB ad and I'm sure someone can provide you with one.

[sftechgeek]

Forgot to mention, this issue was resolved.

Main board was discovered faulty and replaced. I did not troubleshoot down to the component level nor did I ask.

[Tilt]

You probably set a record for an update after 4 years  .  Thanks for it though, good to hear you got it fixed.