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DMD delay on startup (European Import)

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Martin Hirsch

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Nov 22, 2003, 4:09:21 AM11/22/03
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Hi

This is the second time I posted this since no one replied the first time.
I'm surprised no one has posted a fix for this since this delay circuit has
been discussed in the past on European imports.

The game is a Road*show imported from Europe. When the game is turned on
there is a 30-40 second delay before the DMD comes up. I can hear a relay
the second the display fires up. I have inspected the game thoroughly and
can't locate anything out of the ordinary in the cab, backbox or under the
PF. I have not inspected the actual DMD board yet and would be surprised if
the DMD has been modified.

If you have encountered/reversed/repaired this situation please let me know
what you did.

Thanks, Martin


Victor Ireland

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Nov 22, 2003, 4:26:33 AM11/22/03
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Didn't someone with a similar problem say changing the batteries
magically and inexplicably fixed this problem on an import of theirs?

Andy

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Nov 22, 2003, 8:28:55 AM11/22/03
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Hmmmm.... This happens with my HS2 and it is a re-import too. It doesn't
take that long (30-40 secs), but I can never see the rom revision and bootup
progress indicator. I'll try changing my batteries, but that seems like an
unlikely fix.

Andy


"Victor Ireland" <virel...@SPAMFORMEworkingdesigns.com> wrote in message
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TopLoser

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Nov 22, 2003, 9:36:27 AM11/22/03
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They sometimes hide the power on timer relay module in the mains inlet
box towards the front of the machine. It usually breaks the 5v or 12v
to the display for those 20-30 seconds.

I rip it all out and reconnect the display wires in the head.

PINDAN

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Nov 22, 2003, 9:38:52 AM11/22/03
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if it does it only when the machine is cold booted, then your high voltage
drive is weak,check zeners or the display is getting weak......

Ray Johnson - Action Pinball

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Nov 22, 2003, 12:14:57 PM11/22/03
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Check www.google.com for similar subject. I seem to recall someone
mentioning something about PIC chips and/or game serial numbers and a
work-around that euro operators were doing to make the DMD delay in coming
up so that this information could not be viewed when someone turned on the
machine. Had something to do with certain serial # games being run in
certain areas in Europe and associated restrictions. Most likely this is
what you're running into.

--
Ray Johnson
Action Pinball & Amusement, LLC
Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Web: www.actionpinball.com

We're serious about pinball. Anything else is just for fun!


Martin Hirsch

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Nov 22, 2003, 12:15:20 PM11/22/03
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It does it every time the game is turned on even when it's been on 24 hours.
"PINDAN" <pin...@aol.com> wrote in message
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Randy P.

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Nov 22, 2003, 12:22:20 PM11/22/03
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"Ray Johnson - Action Pinball" <st...@actionpinball.com> wrote in message
news:roudnZSpsbs...@aros.net...

> Check www.google.com for similar subject. I seem to recall someone
> mentioning something about PIC chips and/or game serial numbers and a
> work-around that euro operators were doing to make the DMD delay in coming
> up so that this information could not be viewed when someone turned on the
> machine. Had something to do with certain serial # games being run in
> certain areas in Europe and associated restrictions. Most likely this is
> what you're running into.

I think you nailed it, Ray! Here's the thread:

http://groups.google.com/groups?q=display+delay+chip+number+group:rec.games.pinball&hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&group=rec.games.pinball&safe=active&selm=3A757917.D80AEF85%40eisner.decus.org&rnum=1

Nice work Mr. Memory ;-)

Randy


Martin Hirsch

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Nov 22, 2003, 12:22:46 PM11/22/03
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I've googled it to death but can't seem to find anyone how actually
describes the board, its location, or how to reverse/remove it. Otherwise
many people seem knowledgeable about it existence. The worst part I can't
find the damn thing in the machine but can hear it.

I have not removed the metal box at the front of the game or the box where
the power comes in in the back. But if it was in there then there would have
to be an additional wire in the game but nothing seems out of the ordinary.


"Ray Johnson - Action Pinball" <st...@actionpinball.com> wrote in message
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metallik

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Nov 22, 2003, 3:31:00 PM11/22/03
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Some Euros installed relays to delay the DMD startup so the startup
information wasn't displayed.. something about distributors selling
outside their regions or something.. But, it's a deliberate hack..
you'll have to follow the wiring til you find the patched-in relay.

BlueNinja

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Nov 22, 2003, 5:24:58 PM11/22/03
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Check 2 things:
Your high power section to the display or the display itself. Mine was the
display was starting to get a little weak, so it would take around 25
seconds or more to come on. First I tried one of those new High voltage
boards from Marco to quickly test that section. The problem still occurred
until I swapped in a new display and now the problem is gone.


"Martin Hirsch" <martinhirsc...@cox.net> wrote in message
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