New Life Games LLC
**Reel Slots** Gaming Machines => Universal Reel/Video Games => Topic started by: Pitts256 on January 15, 2022, 02:21:18 PM
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Universal Ultra Magnificent 7's "Program Runaway"
Universal Ultra Magnificent 7's 2 Coin
A Florida barn find
Originated from Soaring Eagle Casino Mount Pleasant Michigan
94014 CPU
YEC Power Supply
DBV-145-HH Bill Validator
CC-62-D Coin Comparitor
Holey Hopper
When first powered up the fluorescents came up, nothing else.
Found the power supplies C21 (47mf - 50v) cap leaking. Tested bad, changed it. Also found R22 (15K 2w) and R10 (33k 2w) resistors open, replaced both.
When I powered up the CPU boots up, the bill validator initializes, a little popping from the speakers, the four CPU red LED's flash all at the same time and the coin diverter solenoid pulses. The win meter LED display shows codes 11, 13 and 50. I then cycled the power while holding down the CPU SW2 & SW3 reset buttons. The win meter LED display now shows codes 11, 13, 19 and 50. I powered down and checked the power supply again and found C31 (4.7mf - 50v) cap had changed value, replaced it. I powered up holding down the CPU SW2 & SW3 reset buttons. Now I'm getting codes 19 & 50. When I close the door cherry switch (pull out) and close the door key switch the "Insert Coin" light flashes. I dropped a coin through the comparitor and it registered one credit, a second coin would not register. I pushed the lit Spin button and all the reels started spinning, all stopped with the tape seams at the "Payline" and a code 12-0 (Program Runaway) popped up. I've tried powering up several different ways but this is a far as I can get. Only with one reboot-reset was I able to play several coins and play the game for what would be considered a normal play condition.
Note: I've cleaned and re-seated several connectors, gone through all the Self Test and found only one item that failed the sound test. The bill validator will not accept a note, all the dip switches on the CPU and BV are in the correct position. When I power up with a CPU reset and then use the Service Switch I can issue one or two credits, push the spin button and play the machine. A winning combination will build credits which could be played out. Other than no sound or BV the machine appeared to be in a normal play mode.
Please advise on the next steps to resolve the Program Runaway.
Thanks
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SUPER MAG 7's
The biggest issue with the Ultras is where the mpu connects to the backplane. The mpu pins are too small for the backplane. Result is any dirt at all causes problems and the ground pins corrode just enough to cause issues.
Pull the board and take a soft brass brush along with contact cleaner to the mpu pins. Make sure no brass bristles left behind.
Then you can put an old towel behind the hopper and spray the hell out of the pin holes on the backplane. Wipe up excess below.
After everything dries, reseat the board and try it again.
When pressing all three reset buttons keep your thumb under the board so as not to flex it.
If you move the machine for any reason, expect it not to startup clean. It is that finicky!! Probably need to reseat the board again.
Since you had no dbv errors maybe it's disabled?? If it does work it only takes the oldest bills, one's will work. No software upgrade available for that dbv.
Good luck!!
Oh, the failure of sound is common on the Ultra, not sure where that trouble is on the board.
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The mpu leds should flash left to right when in normal operation.
One other thing, depending on how dirty this barn find was, maybe clean the reel optics with a q-tip.
Sounds like machine is not seeing the optics that count the revolutions. Should be small black optic in each reel.
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Thanks for the info, here's an update...
Surprisingly enough even though this machine was a barn find the inside was very clean, minimal dust and no oxidation. The mpu board and pins had no signs of oxidation-corrosion.
Cleaned the board mpu pins with a brass wire brush then sprayed the pins and sockets with electronics spray cleaner.
The reel optics looked clean but I went ahead and wiped them anyway with a q-tip.
When I reinserted the mpu board and powered up while holding all three memory clear buttons down, the mpu leds began flashing left to right then right to left like a normal operation.
I closed the main door and the "insert coin" lamp started flashing. As before the machine will only accept one coin. After pushing the spin or max bet button the reels will spin and all stop in the same position with the reel tape seams at the Payline (as illustrated in a previous photo). Immediately following the reel spins is an error code of 12-0 "Program Runaway".
Are there any known issues that directly relate to a "program runaway"? :Scratch-Head:
My next step is taking out the backplane, plug in the MPU to the backplane and verify continuity of each pin of the connectors.
Thanks for your help! :hail:
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Usually program runaway is a software problem.
I do not own machines anymore and now going from memory. Also on the road and the few files I have are at home.
Since you were able to play it once I still suspect that connection. Although, the fact it takes one coin only has me scratching my head. And the reels stopping on the seams says it is seeing reel location. It knows where to stop them.
How about posting a picture of the mpu board showing the chips. Curious what is there.
On startup the program runs a cyclic redundancy check to verify the two chips, System and Game, programs are not damaged/changed. The Game chip has the number of coins to be played, in this case two. The program should allow two coins. ???
You know this could be a voltage drop (5vdc) on the board when reels are spinning. Not reading the game chip sounds like what is happening.
How's the NiCd battery?
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Thanks for the info, here's another update...
I checked the voltages on the MPU board at the four test points. I played one coin and hit the spin button. The reels spun, stopped on the tape seams and the 12-0 error code popped up. The voltages below were recorded while the reels were spinning, none varied more than .01 volts. I reset the machine and repeated several times.
CH2 - 5.0V
CH3 - 29.6V
CH5 - 5.1V
CH7 - 11.9V
The NiCd is new, I used what I had on hand. The board had some corrosion at the battery connections, I made a temp repair for testing purposes.
A photo of the MPU is attached.
Thanks for your help!
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I'm a bit stumped. Chips are original with sticker missing from support chip. Stickers fall off all the time, no biggie.
The fact you were able to play the game once after a reboot keeps pointing to that backplane connection. I cannot tell you how touchy some Ultras are.
You said 2nd coin did not register, does that mean the 2nd coin rejected to tray or did it go to hopper?
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The second coin rejects to the tray.
This weekend the backplane gets pulled for a thorough inspection. I'll post the results.
:thank_you:
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Might try this;
The backplane is slightly adjustable up and down I believe. If I remember right 4 or 6 screws. You could plug in board, loosen the backplane screws and then try pushing the backplane slightly up or down as far as it will go with board attached. Lock it down and try it. I've done that with limited success in the past.
Getting it out a real pain.
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I think the board might be going south as soon as the first coin is dropped. You could power it up with another ram clear and don't close the door. Pull out the cherry switch and block the door lock optic, electrical tape works good, this will simulate a closed and locked door, the insert coin light should be flashing. (Never saw you say it but I assume the error 50 changes to 51 with door shut and locked, it should)
You can then drop a coin in and watch the board leds behavior.
With rejection of the second coin the board is basically shutting off the CC-62 comparitor.
Anyways the backplane connection is still #1 on my list for this machine.
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Rereading your first post I see you did operate it with door open.
Usually the backplane problem causes errors on startup like "hopper overpay" or reel errors, or it boots fine and then all coins rejected. Program runaway and taking one coin and not two strange! The board should recognize a voltage issue and give error 11 and this one no longer doing that. Voltages check out fine. And at startup every bit on those chips are checked by the program, it's passing the chip code verification test, so now what??
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Update:
Finally managed to pull the backplane out and test to the CPU board. I found a several of the pins had erratic connectivity. Cleaning again didn't help so I replaced all four connectors, reinstalled in the machine and powered up with a reset. I now have the ability to play two coins for some time, about 500-600 credits, before the 12-0 error pops up. I can reboot-reset and play another 100-150 credits before another 12-0 error. Reset again and play 40-50 credits then error. I'll shutdown for the night, boot up the next day and the process repeats itself. During play I've tried several different ways to play the credits, 1 credit, 2 credits, pulling the handle etc. Only one button made the 12-0 error pop up consistently on the next spin, after pushing the CHANGE button. So the question is what relationship does the CHANGE button have with program runaway, a failing CR3 or U20?
Thought I was making some headway but this morning I booted up and now have a 14-1 Game ROM error, it will not clear. I pulled the Eprom (95017), checked the program to the backup, checked the socket pins, so far no issues found. An ideas?
Thanks for your help.
-Randy
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I can think of no relationship between change button and program run away. Maybe try unplugging top light, could be short somewhere?
Believe that game rom error maybe eprom going bad. At every startup the system chip has a Cyclic Redundency Check program that verifies every bit in the system and game eproms. If even one bit not right it gives alarm.
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I burned another Eprom, plugged it in, booted up and the 14-1 error still pops up. My backup may be corrupt too.
Would you have a 95017 program to try?
Thanks,
-Randy
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I am snowbirding right now and away from home and my files.
Will be home next month.
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Have that file now. PM me with an email to send it to.
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Received the game file, burned an eprom, installed on the CPU board, powered up with a reset and we're back up and running!
Thanks for your help Jim!
Now back to troubleshooting the 12-0 error code after several minutes of coin-credit play.
-Randy
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Universal Ultra Update:
After playing the machine for a several minutes at a time before the error code 12-0 pops up I've concluded that the "change" (call attendant) button was having a direct effect on the problem. I'd push the change button, the candle would start flashing (normal) and then press the max bet button. The CPU would error 12-0 on the next 1 or 2 spins. I unplugged the candle wiring at the power distribution box behind the power supply and the problem continues. The four wires from the candle molex plug on power distribution box went into one of three plugs on the power supply and from there to a 12 pin NPN Darlingtons array (SMA-4030). I noticed that in the general area there was heavy oxidation on components near C31 capacitor. Evidently when C31 previously failed it fogged the area with acid was creating a path to ground for one of the components, enough to cause a disruption in the 24v supply, more so when the call attendant light was flashing. This "short" was pulling down the process and creating the program runaway error.
I've scraped clean and washed the entire C31 area in the power supply. Since the cleaning (for about 10 days now) I've been able to play over 4000 credits-coins, tested just about all the optional functions, won a half a dozen of the 1000 credit jackpots...without having a single error code pop up.
So one major hurdle out of the way. That still leaves two issues I need help with, restoring the sound and bill validator. No error codes coming up on either problem. Nothing after running the software tests. The CPU left-right sound amplifiers are both functioning and the bill validator fully initializes when booting...the bill inlet LED's are on. If anyone has information that would help in resolving either issue please respond. Thanks!
-Randy
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For the bill validatior did you see this thread; http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=604.0 (http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=604.0)
Assume both dip switches are on? Will only take dollar bills or very old 5's. And don't forget a RAM clear is needed after dip changes.
For the sound. I am not savy with board electronics. What I do know losing sound on the Ultra's a common problem.
Looking from the front of the board. To the left of the sound eprom are two caps. In front of each cap are two small ic chips. I have seen boards with these chips replaced. Also there are two bigger chips behind the caps. Have been told years ago these are the problem areas for sound loss.
Hope that helps
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Universal Ultra Update:
Received two Yamaha YM2413 FM sound generator chips from China today. Replaced them both on the CPU board.
We now have stereo and it sounds fantastic!
Spot on UNIMAN! Thanks for your help!
Next... Restoring the bill validator and some tweaking on the coin hopper cam follower arm (the bearings are shot).
-Randy
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FANTASTIC!!!
Now that the machine is working and you have sound maybe play with few hidden features!
Pretty sure that game has the Third Reel Reach feature and ........maybe Super Reach, maybe. And random nudge possible but I doubt it.
It is a memory feature accessed by pressing the test button 14 times. If you do a RAM clear the settings are gone and would need to be reloaded.
Third reel reach is when two 7's land on reels 1 & 2. The third reel spins longer with extra sound.
Super Reach is an even more third reel reach where the reel slows its rpm and different music.
Both are randomly selected and don't always happen. The program uses the R register in the Z80 processor to get the randomness.
Check out this post for instructions; https://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=511.0 (https://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=511.0)
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I have a copy of your game chip disassembled and I see it does have the SUPER REACH feature. Only a few games have it. Believe it runs about 1/4 of the time two 7's are hit.
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Your right.....tried all the bonus features and they work very well. Great sound from the Yamaha chips and the amplifiers. It's like a whole different machine with the volume cranked up.
-Randy
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Universal Ultra Update:
Worked on the JCM DBV-145-HH bill validator today, found two circuit board traces open on the main CPU board...under chip U11. Was due to battery acid damage, hidden under the chip. Ran a couple of new jumper wires and the bill validator now works!
What I need now is the latest version of the validator eprom. It currently only accepts one dollar bills. The label on the eprom says 145HH....no help there. Checked the dip switches on the validator and they're set correctly. So a shout out to any anyone that has a copy of the software newer than what I currently have. I see the last update for the 145HH was version 3.40.
Thanks,
-Randy
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BAD NEWS, you have the latest version.
When Universal pulled out of the U.S. JCM stopped updating this software.
What I used to do was set denomination to pennies so each dollar was 100 credits. Very old small portrait 5's will work too. Still see them time to time.
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Good Idea, Ill do that.
I'll may also explore the bonus features of a TITO system.
Thanks!
-Randy