Sinistar questions
FirstFOOLToFinish
After months of trying to get my hands on a Sinistar, I finally
have one sitting in my basement. And for only $132!!! (If you don't
count the $125 it cost me to rent a U-Haul to move it...).
This is my first (and probably only) time for owning an arcade
game, so I've got a bunch of questions. I'll be checking back here
for replys, but my newsreader "misses" a lot of posts (I see responses
to articles I never saw, etc), so e-mail responses would be more
likely to get to me. Now the questions:
The screen's got a pretty bad case of burn-in. The words "Press Fire
Button To See High Scores, Insert Coin To Play" are visible at all
times, and the "radar screen" (that shows what's going on off the sides
of the screen) is visible on the high score screen, etc. Is there any
easy way to fix this, apart from getting a new monitor?
The screen also seems to be darker at the bottom than at the top. For
example, on the high score screen, it's blue at the top but fades to
black at the bottom. It also seems like things are harder to see at the
bottom of the screen during game play. Is this normal?
The place I bought it from didn't have the key to the coin box. Is
there anywhere I could get one? Also, the door with the coin slots
on it (the one I swing open to rack up credits on the machine) doesn't
have a lock at all, just an empty hole. How difficult would it be
to install a lock?
The guy I bought it from mentioned something about replacing batteries
inside the machine. I think I can see the ones he's talking about, they
look like three AAs. What do they do, and can I just use regular double
A batteries?
Does it make any difference if I turn the game on and off with the switch
on the back or should I unplug it when I'm not using it? Considering the
age of the game, might it be a fire hazard to leave it plugged in? Will
it lose the high scores if I unplug it?
The game's been sitting in a warehouse for quite a while, so it's pretty
dusty and dirty both inside and out. What's the best way to clean it?
I currently have it sitting with it's back against a wall and a bookshelf
on either side of it. Will ventilation be a problem? Should I move it
away from the wall or bookshelves?
I was playing with the three buttons on the inside of the coin slot door
last night. I figured out how to change some of the settings (like the
message displayed during attract mode) with the button on the right, and
the left button is labeled "Reset High Scores", so I guess I know what
that one is for. What does the one in the middle do?
Is there any kind of documentation for a Sinistar, such as an owner's
manual, etc? Where could I get something like that?
I've heard that there's something "hidden" in the game that requires
a certain combination of button presses/joystick moves to uncover. Can
anyone give me more info? Also, any other tips/tricks/secrets or just
general advice on the care and feeding of my new toy would be apprieciated.
I guess that's more than enough questions for now. I'll probably be
back with more after I've gotten to play the game more, or if the thing
breaks down. If my questions have already been answered in a FAQ somewhere,
please point me toward it. Thanks in advance for any help anyone can give
me, and thanks to everyone who helped put me on the path that led to my
Sinistar.
-- Bob Eichler (robert_...@fmso.navy.mil)
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If this reply/post seems outdated, it's because my newsreader is always
a few days behind. "The Newsgroups: 1% fact, 99% opinion"
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Bruce Nesbit
In article <4p1db1$j...@news.fmso.navy.mil>
robert_...@fmso.navy.mil "FirstFOOLToFinish" writes:
> The screen's got a pretty bad case of burn-in. The words "Press Fire
> Button To See High Scores, Insert Coin To Play" are visible at all
> times, and the "radar screen" (that shows what's going on off the sides
> of the screen) is visible on the high score screen, etc. Is there any
> easy way to fix this, apart from getting a new monitor?
Same as mine-A new monitor is the only real solution
> The screen also seems to be darker at the bottom than at the top. For
> example, on the high score screen, it's blue at the top but fades to
> black at the bottom. It also seems like things are harder to see at the
> bottom of the screen during game play. Is this normal?
New monitor again ! Now youve got 2 reasons to replace it.
> The place I bought it from didn't have the key to the coin box. Is
> there anywhere I could get one? Also, the door with the coin slots
> on it (the one I swing open to rack up credits on the machine) doesn't
> have a lock at all, just an empty hole. How difficult would it be
> to install a lock?
Drill out the lock you have no key for, and replace the lock, and replace
the one with the hole. Should be fairly easy to get.
> The guy I bought it from mentioned something about replacing batteries
> inside the machine. I think I can see the ones he's talking about, they
> look like three AAs. What do they do, and can I just use regular double
> A batteries?
The batteries are for high scores and game settings-You can use regular ones
but obviuosly Alkaline ones will last longer. Keep an eye on these, as
its often the case that old batteries lead acid and damage the main board.
> Does it make any difference if I turn the game on and off with the switch
> on the back or should I unplug it when I'm not using it? Considering the
> age of the game, might it be a fire hazard to leave it plugged in? Will
> it lose the high scores if I unplug it?
I always switch mine off at the plug-doesnt seem to harm it any.
> I was playing with the three buttons on the inside of the coin slot door
> last night. I figured out how to change some of the settings (like the
> message displayed during attract mode) with the button on the right, and
> the left button is labeled "Reset High Scores", so I guess I know what
> that one is for. What does the one in the middle do?
Get the manual.
> Is there any kind of documentation for a Sinistar, such as an owner's
> manual, etc? Where could I get something like that?
As some kind soul on here-I have a manual with mine, and wouldnt know where
to get one of i didnt.
--
Homer ....
Warren Llama Ernst
robert_...@fmso.navy.mil (FirstFOOLToFinish) wrote:
>
> After months of trying to get my hands on a Sinistar, I finally
>have one sitting in my basement. And for only $132!!! (If you don't
>count the $125 it cost me to rent a U-Haul to move it...).
Congratulations. Great Price!
>The screen's got a pretty bad case of burn-in. The words "Press Fire
>Button To See High Scores, Insert Coin To Play" are visible at all
---snip----
>The screen also seems to be darker at the bottom than at the top.
>
Other than a new monitor, there is no great solution.
>The place I bought it from didn't have the key to the coin box. Is
>there anywhere I could get one? Also, the door with the coin slots
>on it (the one I swing open to rack up credits on the machine) doesn't
>have a lock at all, just an empty hole. How difficult would it be
>to install a lock?
Locks are all pretty much unique. If you're willing to take some time
and you've always wanted to learn how to pick locks, check out
alt.locksmiths (I did, and it is a great party trick too). Otherwise
drill it out. If you aren't sure how to do this, any locksmith will
drill it out for you. New locks are easy to install, cost less than
$4, and are available at any hardware store.
>
>The guy I bought it from mentioned something about replacing batteries
>inside the machine. I think I can see the ones he's talking about, they
>look like three AAs. What do they do, and can I just use regular double
>A batteries?
They store hi scores and settings, and are regular AA. Alkalines are
best, as they leak less and last longer
>
>Does it make any difference if I turn the game on and off with the switch
>on the back or should I unplug it when I'm not using it? Considering the
>age of the game, might it be a fire hazard to leave it plugged in? Will
>it lose the high scores if I unplug it?
I have my games plugged into a powerstrip plugged into an outlet
controlled via a lightswitch. Very safe, but i think the game's power
switch will suffice.
>
>The game's been sitting in a warehouse for quite a while, so it's pretty
>dusty and dirty both inside and out. What's the best way to clean it?
>
Canister vaccuum inside. Wet rags/409 with toothbrush outside. Some
people WASH their boards with water and let them dry for days, but I
think a Hoover is enough.
>I currently have it sitting with it's back against a wall and a bookshelf
>on either side of it. Will ventilation be a problem? Should I move it
>away from the wall or bookshelves?
Wall is fine. That's what they do in arcades, right?
>the left button is labeled "Reset High Scores", so I guess I know what
>that one is for. What does the one in the middle do?
>
>Is there any kind of documentation for a Sinistar, such as an owner's
>manual, etc? Where could I get something like that?
I'm sure some kind soul on the group will offer you one for sale.
Copies are available too. (I have origs that I could copy for you in a
pinch)
Good luck.
-Warr
------------------------------+---------------------------------------
Author, "Using Netscape" | Warren Ernst - wer...@cris.com
"Using Netscape in Windows95" | http://www.deltanet.com/users/wernst/
"Netscape Unleashed"(contrib) | Computer Consultant, Technical Writer
Que and SamsNet Publishing | Graphic Artist, Nerd
------------------------------+---------------------------------------
DDH
Bruce Nesbit wrote:
>
> In article <4p1db1$j...@news.fmso.navy.mil>
> robert_...@fmso.navy.mil "FirstFOOLToFinish" writes:
> > The screen also seems to be darker at the bottom than at the top. For
> > example, on the high score screen, it's blue at the top but fades to
> > black at the bottom. It also seems like things are harder to see at the
> > bottom of the screen during game play. Is this normal?
> New monitor again ! Now youve got 2 reasons to replace it.
Before you spend $$$$$ to replace your monitor, replace C501--100V 10 uF (if your monitor is a Wells-Gardner)
that has fixed every monitor I have that has the symptom you describe. Cost of this replacement:
$.23. A better idea is to buy a capcitor testor for $49.95. The you can simply pull and test
any electrolytics you are suspicious of. In the long run, this will save you money because you
won't have to guess "maybe that $2.00 cap is bad". It takes about 30 seconds to pull, discharge,
and test a capacitor.
The only other thing you need to know is that typical caps have a 5-20% tolerance (usually 10-20% for
electrolytics). So when you test a cap, don't expect the meter to read exactly what's printed on the cap.
Also, electrolytics are usually polarized, so you need to note which wire is + and which is - so you install
the replacement correctly. A sharpie or a jar or nail polish works well.
Just my $50.18 worth (49.95 + .23). S & H and appropriate taxes not included.
Void where prohibited.
FirstFOOLToFinish
rcu...@info.niacc.cc.ia.us (richard curtis) wrote:
>
>From the definitive video games cheat sheet at wiretap.spies.com:
>
>Get down to 0 extra men, fire a killing shot at the Sinistar and die just
>before he does. Gives you 255 extra men.
>
>I have not tested this trick.
>
>Dick
Hmmmm, I tried this last night and it didn't work. I got down to my
last ship, got the Sinistar down to 1 piece, fired my remaining sinibombs,
then let a warrior ship kill me. Just after I exploded, the Sinistar also
exploded, but the game just ended. This was in the first "zone" (before
the Worker zone). Am I missing something? Has anyone actually gotten
this to work?
Squeedlor The Mood Bear
>> In article <4p1db1$j...@news.fmso.navy.mil>
>> robert_...@fmso.navy.mil "FirstFOOLToFinish" writes:
[something about wanting to find a manual]
i have what appear to be complete and original manuals for my Sinistar.
if you have either Galaga3 or PinBot manuals, i would trade photocopies
with you. otherwise, i will just charge photocopy costs and mailing.
i have schematics, operating instructions, and complete detailed instructions.
(as well as the original warranty card among other things).
let me know if you are interested, by email if you like.
shannon (swe...@unm.edu)
______________________________________________________________________
white goddess in me
a cool rain of woman on
shadowy forest --- me
Chris R. Martin
In article <4pjm2u$k...@news.fmso.navy.mil>, robert_...@fmso.navy.mil (FirstFOOLToFinish) says:
>
>rcu...@info.niacc.cc.ia.us (richard curtis) wrote:
>>
>>Get down to 0 extra men, fire a killing shot at the Sinistar and die just
>>before he does. Gives you 255 extra men.
>
>
> Hmmmm, I tried this last night and it didn't work. I got down to my
>
hmmm.... I always thought that it worked this way:
Get down to your last man.
Allow yourself to be shot by a warrior AS you are being "sucked in"
by the Sinistar. You die from the shot, leaving 0 men, and the sinistar
eats you too, leaving -1 or 255 men.
I've never been able to do it... but it seems plausable.
:-)
Chris.
Bruce Nesbit
In article <4pkidu$6...@news.tamu.edu> crma...@tamu.edu "Chris R. Martin" writes:
> >>Get down to 0 extra men, fire a killing shot at the Sinistar and die just
> >>before he does. Gives you 255 extra men.
> >>Dick
If anyone bothers to listen to the LED video sequence on sinistar that comes
with WAC he explains it on there. I havent tried it either, but I can remeber
hearing about when the game first comes out, and it sounds perfectly feasible,
but I dont see the point. If I want 255 men ill change the game settings !
--
Homer ....
Mark Jenison
In article <4pjm2u$k...@news.fmso.navy.mil>, robert_...@fmso.navy.mil (FirstFOOLToFinish) writes:
> rcu...@info.niacc.cc.ia.us (richard curtis) wrote:
> >
> >From the definitive video games cheat sheet at wiretap.spies.com:
> >
> >before he does. Gives you 255 extra men.
> >
> >
>
>
> Hmmmm, I tried this last night and it didn't work. I got down to my
> then let a warrior ship kill me. Just after I exploded, the Sinistar also
> exploded, but the game just ended. This was in the first "zone" (before
> the Worker zone). Am I missing something? Has anyone actually gotten
> this to work?
I have got it to work before; the Sinistar was a good distance away when I
fired the last Sinibomb (not sure what level; I don't think it was the first).
I played up to a million or so and then I shut it off, which causes the score
not to be saved.
--
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Mark Jenison E-mail address: jen...@cig.mot.com
FS [Chicago]: upright Star Trek, Asteroids, KickMan, caberet Omega Race
WTB/TF: Forgotten Worlds PCB, Warlords PCB/cocktail
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