Star Wars Upright, Up Keep???

ezdoesit-tn

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Apr 17, 2012, 10:44:07 AM4/17/12

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Just wondering how hard it is to keep up an ATARI Star Wars videogame. What are their problem areas (I know it is a color vector and what could by issues with them, this one has the WG 6100 not an Ampliphone). What preventive matainence should be done to keep this game playing for a while? Thanks for any advice!

Taxman

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Apr 18, 2012, 12:08:56 PM4/18/12

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What I always like to do when I get a good old Atari Vector game from
the 80s is to replace the big blue cap on the power block.

Dave "Taxman" http://www.pinbald.com

Frank Lettera

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Apr 18, 2012, 8:24:45 PM4/18/12

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On Tuesday, April 17, 2012 10:44:07 AM UTC-4, ezdoesit-tn wrote:
> Just wondering how hard it is to keep up an ATARI Star Wars videogame. What are their problem areas (I know it is a color vector and what could by issues with them, this one has the WG 6100 not an Ampliphone). What preventive matainence should be done to keep this game playing for a while? Thanks for any advice!

The games are great, and as long is it'a working it should stay that way, but it's becoming hard to find monitor parts (and that's usually what goes).

Jeff

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Apr 19, 2012, 5:36:02 AM4/19/12

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Hi;
The most important item for any game is a clean source of power, this
will give the game the best chance for survival. Rebuild the
powerbrick and A/R II first and foremost.
Next is to rebuild the monitor as those electrolytic caps are almost
30 years old and most likely out of specs. While you are at it,
inspect the chassis for other components that look beat and replace
them as well.
If you don't have the necessary components, contact Bob Roberts and
purchase the kits from him, he has a very nice selection of kits, well
priced and will also include the power transistors which should be
replaced as well.
You will need a couple of items that are not included in the kit, mica
insulators, thermal compound but. He has those as well.
Once you have the P/S rebuilt, adjust the voltages (+5vdc) taking the
reading from the game PCB not the P/S outputs.
Then adjust the display according to the 6100 service manual and you
will then have one, nice game that should outlast you..... no offense
meant.
One other procedure which should be performed as well are the diode
mods that are outlined in the WG6100 FAQ's, especially when the 6100
is used in the Star Wars game, that Death Star explosion really puts a
toll on the monitor chassis!
Good luck
Jeff

Retrogameconnection

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May 18, 2012, 3:16:38 AM5/18/12

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I would just add that in addition to recapping the monitor, you should
first and foremost upgrade the low voltage circuit on the chassis.
This section of the board is where most problems are in this monitor.
There a couple different sources for pre-made low voltage circuit
boards upgrades. The Lv2000 is the one I use from Jeff Hendrix. Here
is a link:

http://www.vector-repair.com/

$35 to $40 for bullet proof reliability is well worth it.

Jeff

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May 18, 2012, 5:46:26 AM5/18/12

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Ooops, forgot the LV section........

Jeff has a superior warranty on his product as well!

AFM_TZ

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May 18, 2012, 9:02:04 AM5/18/12

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All of the above. You can also seek out a X wing controller rebuild
kit - some place called RAM controls sold full kits with the parts to
rebuild it. Makes the controller work like new.

Be warned - RAM controls has a horrible rep in the community (its
since under new ownership, and suspect trust) so try and get the kit
from another source if you can.

Great, great game, really holds up after all these years better than
any other arcade imo.