Alpha 2 V22/22 Boot Problem

[dailey]

My old familiar problem is back. Several times I was sure this issue was solved but the problem still persists. It doesn't seem to be too serious though, just a minor annoyance.

Often when I boot up my machine, I will have to boot it two or three times. When it first boots up everything seems normal and the game plays but the LCU board (light control board) doesn't work. The cabinet and topper lights will be blue and they don't respond to the game. There are no error codes. The led indicator on the light control board shows normal communication with the MPU. A simple reboot (sometimes 2 or 3) clears it up and everything will be normal. Occasionally following the first boot, the lights will be normal but the machine will have no sound. A reboot clears this up too so the problem doesn't seem to be with the LCU or sound board, but a booting issue. Once booted correctly, the machine operates flawlessly all day and I never have any kind of malfunction.

I concluded that the problem was probably the power supply. Perhaps a bad capacitor that needs a warm up. At first startup there could be a voltage lag. I have since replaced the main power supply, then later the MPU power supply. Each time the problem seemed to go away but later resumed. The main power supply was easy to bench test with an oscilloscope. Though it had no issues, I swapped it out anyway. I'm not sure how to bench test the MPU power supply. I don't have a schematic for the pin out and there must be an internal relay to switch it on. I purchased one from SuzoHapp and installed it. I assume it to be good.

The one thing I want to add is that the only other issue I am having with this machine is a bad video cable for the iDeck. In order to get correct colors on the iDeck I have to wiggle or flex the cable just right near the MPU port. The problem seems to be with the cable and not the connector connection itself. I just thought I'd mention this, though I don't see how these problems could be related. I will soon replace this cable.

I'm just wondering if anyone out there has experienced something similar or has any suggestions. It sure is annoying, but not serious enough yet to swap MPU's. As long as I can correct this with a reboot I can live with it. Just looking for some insight.

[sixcardmark]

Have you tried a different LCU board or try reseating all cables to LCU board?

[sixcardmark]

If you have LED speakers try unplugging the LED cable to them and see if that clears things up.

[rickhunter]

Have you replaced all the USB cables?

[dailey]

Thanks for the input. I'll try replacing the USB cables. I have another A08 board so I can swap. I'll try disconnecting the led speakers.