Atari Repair

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1 Introduction

Atari, widely known for their extensive video game library, also produced pinball machines for a short time during the late 1970's. In many ways, Atari went against the norm in both their design and style of their machines. All of the produced Atari machines, other than the massive Hercules, were widebody designs. Early machines featured score displays mounted in the apron area, with circuit boards in the lower cabinet.

After Hercules, in 1979, Atari ended their involvement in pinball, instead opting to focus on the video game and home console markets. A couple of prototypes were made after 1979 but nothing was released.

2 Games

Title	Date of Release	Model #	Generation	Notes
The Atarians	11-1976		Gen 1	Widebody
Time 2000	06-1977		Gen 1	Widebody
Airborne Avenger	09-1977		Gen 1	Widebody
Middle Earth	02-1978		Gen 1	Widebody
Space Riders	09-1978		Gen 1	Widebody
Superman	03-1979		Gen 2	Widebody
Hercules	05-1979		Gen 2	Supersize

2.1 Prototypes

• Monza (cocktail, 1 prototype lost)
• 4x4 (midbody, 2 prototypes, Gen3)
• Neutron Star (1 whitewood prototype, Gen2)
• Queen of Hearts (1 prototype lost, Gen2)
• Pipeline (playfield, backglass, wiring created. Prototype Gen2 hardware)
• Alien Space (widebody, 1 whitewood prototype, Gen2)
• Road Runner (widebody, 2 prototypes, Gen2 and Phase3)
• Triangle (never produced)
• Wonder Woman (concept artwork), (source)

• 

  Generic prototype backglass used on Generation 2 games during development before an actual game-specific backglass was designed/produced
• 

  Atari Pipeline backglass

3 Documentation

3.1 Generation 1

When reading a game manual, it is highly recommended to first read through the manual of Space Riders for a general understanding of the Atari Generation 1 system. That manual is the most complete, polished, and easiest to understand of all the game manuals. Then, refer back to your game-specific manual for game-specific items, settings, lamp/solenoid assignments, and schematics.

Official Atari Pinball Troubleshooting Guide

3.1.1 Service Bulletins

3.1.1.1 Individual Service Bulletins

May 10, 1977 (unnumbered bulletin)
Games: Atarians
Source: PDF
Summary: Replacement board sets were issued for games with serial numbers under 200.

June 28, 1977 (unnumbered bulletin)
Games: Atarians
We are supplying two modifications to improve reliability of your Atarian pinball game.
The solenoid flipper spring modification replaces the short spring with a longer version to reduce failure. Follow the instructions on the enclosed print.
The solenoid fuse PCB protects the PCB from burn out in the event a solenoid or driver shorts out. Follow the instructions on the enclosed sheet.
Notes: Remove the 2 existing 8-32 x 3/8 LG screws and replace with bracket (item 1) using 2 8-32 x 1/2 LG screws (item 2) and 2 No 8 internal tooth lockwashers (item B) on both right hand and left hand dual flipper assy.

B-A004, (undated)
Games: Atarians
Source: PDF
Summary: Instructions to add posts to the playfield to increase play time.

B-A006, June 9, 1977
Games: Atarians
Care must be exercised in the removal and insertion of the score display so that the connector fingers are not damaged.
Removal: Remove the four edge clips which hold the display in frame. Slide out the display directly away from the edge connector.
Insertion: Place the score display in the frame but not in contact with the connecting fingers. Now, with the score display slightly tilted towards the edge connector, slide the display directly towards the connector. As the contacts are made, make sure all the fingers are aligned and on the top side of all the display connections. Finally, securely slide in display and replace the edge clips. Double check the alignment of the connector fingers and display edge connector before turning game on.

B-A007, September 7, 1977
Games: ?
(No notes available)

B-A008, September 15, 1977
Games: Time 2000
To insure proper scoring on the left lane, please perform the following:
1. Pull wire form as close to the rollover as possible
2. Insert two 3d (1 1/4") finishing nails as indicated on the illustration
3. there should be 3/4" of the nail exposed on the top of the playfield when installed correctly
(Includes diagram)

B-A009, March 30, 1978
Games: ?
Summary: Bulletin about flipper buttons.

B-A010, September 25, 1978
Games: Middle Earth
Source: PDF
Problem: Game is locked up when power is applied. Reset is constantly low.
Cause: The production model of Middle Earth will not accept a universal PCB without a special modification used only in this game.
Solution:
1) Cut and lift Pin 11 of A1 (7400)
2) Jumper Pins 2 & 3 of A8 (7493) to ground
3) On the circuit side of PCB, bottom, cut trace to Pin of C1 (6800)
4) On the circuit side of PCB, bottom, jumper Pin 4 of C1 to Pin 5 of C1 (6800)

Unnumbered, 1978
Games: Middle Earth
Summary: Corrections for pages 8-11 in the Space Riders manual. Updated/corrected self-test & option switch information.

Unnumbered, 1978 (or later)
Games: Space Riders

Service Bulletin about the additional fuses in Space Riders for the Auxiliary Board

3.1.2 Parts Catalogs

Illustrated Parts Catalog (March 10, 1978), PDF

3.2 Generation 2

Atari Superman Add-A-Ball Modification (PROM replacement bug fix) (Startech Journal Sept 1979, vol:1, num:7)

4 Design Variations and Atari quirks

Atari pinball system can be effectively divided into two distinct generations, which will be referred to as Gen1 and Gen2. The vast majority of machines produced were manufactured utilizing the Gen1 board set. Only Superman and Hercules utilized the Gen2 system.

The two styles are easily distinguished both in their layout and locations. Gen1 boards incorporate all of their components into a single large sized circuit board, which is mounted in the lower cabinet below the playfield. Gen2 boards were split into two separate boards located in the headbox, a CPU board and an I/O board, which are connected via a 40 pin cable.

Note that while using the same basic board, Gen1 boards are not drop-in interchangeable. Boards were assembled according to the machines they were going to be installed into, and not all components were installed on the board. You will need to inspect a donor board to see which solenoid circuits are actually installed, and you may need to install additional circuits in order to activate all solenoids.

The prototype Pipeline was designed as the prototype for the Gen2 hardware. A complete Pipeline pinball game was never produced by Atari, however a Pipeline, assembled from original parts was made in 2024 and appeared at CAX 2024. Original Pipeline artwork was found and reproduced for the cabinet, playfield, and plastics.

The prototypes Neutron Star, Alien Space, and one Roadrunner all used Gen2.

The other Roadrunner prototype used the Phase3 electronics mounted directly behind the backglass. The score displays plugged directly into the backside of the Phase 3 board. Which is why it has a functional backglass with scores.

4x4 utilized the Phase 4/Gen3 design that was never put into production.

Atari took a very different approach to their circuit designs than other manufacturers of the same era. Rather than use an 8x8 matrix design for switches and lamps, Atari machines have discrete connectors and wiring for each lamp and switch. This results in a large number of wiring connectors and wires, as each switch and each lamp generally has its own dedicated wire and connection. Though in some cases, multiple switches may be daisy chained together, if they perform the same actions, such as Switch 20 on Superman machines.

Another interesting feature is that the insert lamps do not turn on and off like other manufacturers. Instead of being normally turned "off", lamps are kept turned on, but in a very dim state. When a lamp would be turned "on", it's switched from dim to bright. This was done intentionally, in order to extend bulb life, by reducing the stresses incurred in the filament when switching on and off. However this also means that Atari machines are not compatible with LED lighting for the inserts, as they would always be turned on.

With Airborne Avenger and prior games, Atari introduced rotary solenoids, which were primarily used for flippers and hole kickers. Eventually, Atari switched over to standard plunger-style solenoid assemblies. Atari even offered kits to operators to convert rotary-style flippers to plunger-style flippers because failure rates were reported to be high.

Each new Atari pinball game cabinet had different 3 color artwork. What is interesting is that early production games would use the colors from the previous released game.

4.1 Game-Specific Variations

4.1.1 Airborne Avenger

Airborne Avenger had a few different playfield artwork and design variations throughout its short production run. [1]

• One playfield style had backlit plastic rollovers in the flipper inlanes and outlanes.
• A second style had standard wireform switch armatures in the flipper inlanes and outlanes.
• A third style had the magnetic switches like those found on Atarians.
• Some playfields had "50" by the points switches, some did not.
• Various color variations between playfields.

4.1.2 Superman

It has been reported that there has been a case of an early production machine using pegs on the lockdown bar, rather than tabs. [2][3]

5 Technical Info

Some information regarding Atari pinball machines can be found at NUAtari.com.

5.1 Board Set

5.1.1 Generation 1

All the boards for Generation 1 games are in the cabinet body. The backbox only contains a string of bulbs.

Generation 1 boardset from a Space Riders

Generation 1 backbox from a Space Riders

5.1.1.1 Auxiliary Board

Atari Generation 1 Auxiliary Board from a Space Riders mounted on the cabinet side with additional fuses. Note that the sheet metal heat sinks on the 4 large TO-3 transistors were custom additions, since they were prone to overheating; they were not factory installed.

Atari Generation 1 Auxiliary Board from an Atarians mounted on the bottom of the cabinet.

This board performs several functions. It acts as a power supply, it converts the digital audio signal from the MPU to analog to play on the speaker, it controls four lamp strobes, it controls the lockout coil on the coin door, and accepts input from the coin door switches and start button.

There are multiple versions of the auxiliary board with factory jumpers, trace modifications, and alternate/additional components. Each version has a letter notating the version on the back of the PCB.

Version 2
A very early version with a version number 2, instead of the later letter versions.

• 

  Version 2 - Front (Note: two transistors are missing)

• 

  Version 2 - Front

• 

  Version 2 - Front

• 

  Version 2 - Front

• 

  Version 2 - Back

• 

  Version 2 - Back

• 

  Version 2 - Back

Version A

• 

  Version A - Front

• 

  Version A - Front

• 

  Version A - Front

• 

  Version A - Front

• 

  Version A - Back

• 

  Version A - Back

• 

  Version A - Back

Version B

• 

  Version B - Front (Note: transistor and large heatsink are missing)

• 

  Version B - Front

• 

  Version B - Front

• 

  Version B - Front

• 

  Version B - Back

Version C

• 

  Version C - Front

• 

  Version C - Back

Version D

• 

  Version D - Front

• 

  Version D - Front

• 

  Version D - Front

• 

  Version D - Front

• 

  Version D - Back

5.1.1.2 MPU

Atari Generation 1 MPU from a Space Riders.

Atari Generation 1 MPU fuse board from a Space Riders.

5.1.1.3 Transformer

Atari Generation 1 transformer from a Space Riders.

5.1.1.4 Displays

Atari Generation 1 displays under the apron of a Time 2000.

5.1.2 Generation 2

Generation 2 boardset in a Superman backbox

Generation 2 boardset in a Hercules backbox, with the displays

Generation 2 boardset in a Hercules backbox, with the displays removed

5.1.2.1 Power Module

The Atari Superman power module.

Both Superman and Hercules use the power module board, however, the relay socket is unpopulated on one version of the board. The two versions appear to be interchangeable.

• 

  Two power module board variations. One uses a relay for powering the flipper coils, while the other variation uses a transistor.

• 

  Board variations.

• 

  Board variations (reverse side). The board with the relay is marked with a "C". The board with the transistor is marked with a "D"

5.1.2.2 MPU

The "Generation 2" MPU board

5.1.2.3 I/O Driver Board

There are two minor design variations of the I/O board. One has all the transistors standing straight up off the board. The other revision has them all laying flat and secured with nylon PCB supports.

The "Generation 2" I/O driver board.

A close-up of the pre-drive and driver transistors on the Atari I/O driver board.

5.1.2.4 Displays

Generation 2 games use a compliment of five low-voltage LED displays in each game. One display is used as the credit/ball display, and the others are used as player displays.

The displays are comprised of three individual PCBs. The large PCB contains all the electronic components with the exception of the LED display digits. The display digits are separated onto two smaller PCBs (containing three digits each) and are mounted on the larger PCB.

VFD (vacuum fluorescent displays) made by Futaba are also listed in the Superman schematics, however, it is unknown if these were ever used.

Generation 2 display

5.1.2.5 Ground Backplane

Grounds tied together on the Atari "Generation 2" system.

Unlike most other manufacturers, Atari did not use a metal backbox panel to connect ground to all of it's boards. In the picture at left, Atari's method of tying the board grounds together with ground straps can be seen.

5.1.2.6 AC Solenoid Board (Hercules only)

Only on Hercules, an AC solenoid adapter board was installed to drive the pop bumpers, slingshot, and flipper solenoids. A total of 6 solenoids were driven by this board. The board receives solenoid input signals from the I/O driver board. This board was added because of the power requirements needed to drive the over-sized AC mains voltage (120 VAC Domestic, 220 VAC European) solenoids that were used in this game. Six Triacs, Q9 - Q14, are used as AC solenoid drivers. Opto-couplers are used to isolate the AC line voltage from the +5 VDC logic supply. An AC zero-cross detection circuit is used to clock a 74LS174 flip-flop latch that drives a pair of opto-couplers for each solenoid output. Each solenoid has an individual fuse on this board for over-current protection. Note: use caution when servicing this board, associated solenoids, and wiring. The AC mains voltage used on this board and solenoids is not isolated!

• 

  Upper Front
• 

  Lower Front
• 

  Upper Back
• 

  Lower Back

5.1.2.6.1 Hercules Triac Locations

• Q9: Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q10: Left Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q11: Right Slingshot
• Q12: Left Slingshot
• Q13: Left Flipper
• Q14: Right Flipper

5.1.3 Generation 3

Generation 3 never went into production, and can only be found in the two Road Runner prototype games.

5.2 Coils

Superman coils (all are 50 volts DC):

Atari # A007030-01 is used for the pop bumpers, slingshots, outhole, eject hole, and drop target reset. Approximate resistance is 6 ohms, and it has a 1N4001 diode soldered across the terminals. The coil has 1/4" quick connect terminals (no soldering needed). The coil sleeve is Atari # 006791-01. If an original A007030-01 coil cannot be located, a Bally AN-26-1200 coil can be substituted provided you observe the polarity of the diode on the coil.

Pop bumper assembly

Eject hole assembly

Pop bumper assembly and eject hole assembly on a Superman pinball machine.

5.2.1 Flipper Coils

Atari # A020470-01 (25/790) is the flipper coil. Has two diodes installed. The high current pull-in winding is 4.5 ohms dc resistance. The total resistance of the pull-in and hold windings is approximately 150 ohms. The coil has 1/4" quick connect terminals, so no soldering is needed. Uses Atari coil sleeve # 006791-01.

Marco Specialties stocks the Atari coils.

Flipper coil diodes

Flipper assembly on Superman

Atari's own flipper assembly on a Superman pinball machine.

An original Atari flipper coil (middle) compared to other flipper coils

One thing to keep in mind is that Atari flipper coil lugs are opposite of most any other manufacturer (sans some, if not all Zaccaria flipper coils). The heavier gauge power winding is tied to lug 3 (right lug), while the lighter gauge hold winding is tied to lug 1. This does not pose as a problem, except the diodes are also placed on the coil lugs opposite of most others. Even some aftermarket coils specifically for Atari are opposite of what they should be. To make other flipper coils work with Atari, the resolution is to simply remove or clip the diodes, and place them opposite of their current direction.

On the plus side, installing a coil which has the diodes installed the opposite direction causes no ill effect to the coil or the game. The coil will not melt down, nor will the solenoid fuse blow - the coil will just not work at all.

5.3 MPU

The Atari MPU is based on the 6800 microprocessor.

5.3.1 Generation 1

There was a total of 17 different variations of the Generation 1 MPU, largely dependent upon which game it was intended for. Later revision boards were longer than earlier revision boards to accommodate changes with ROM/PROM chips. Additionally, some "universal" boards exist (one short board revision and one long board revision), which are fully populated (unlike the game-specific boards) and can be placed in any game as long as the appropriate ROMs/PROMs are installed on the board.

MPU Revision	Game	Board Type	PCB Version	Game ROMs/PROMs	Notes	Photos
A006020-01	The Atarians	Short		Standard Proms (E1-E8)
A006020-02	n/a	Short		?	Universal MPU
A006020-03	Time 2000	Short		Standard PROMs (E1-E8)
A006020-04	Airborne Avenger	Short		Standard PROMs (E1-E8)
A006020-05	The Atarians	Short		Standard PROMs (E1-E8)
A006020-06	Time 2000	Long		?
A006020-07	Time 2000	Long	E	Linear ROMs (E0-E00)		Generation 1 A006020-07 board (Front, missing ROM) Generation 1 A006020-07 board (Back)
A006020-08	Airborne Avenger	Long	E	Linear PROMs (E1-E8)		Generation 1 A006020-08 board (Front) Generation 1 A006020-08 board (Back)
A006020-09	Airborne Avenger	Long	F	Linear ROMs (E0-E00)		Generation 1 A006020-09 board (Front) Generation 1 A006020-09 board (Back)
A006020-10	Time 2000	Long		?
A006020-11	Middle Earth	Long		Standard PROMs (E1-E8)
A006020-12	n/a	Long		Linear Proms (E1-E8)	Universal MPU
A006020-13	n/a				This revision does not exist
A006020-14	Middle Earth	Long		German PROMs (E1-E8)
A006020-15	Middle Earth	Long	H	Linear ROMs (E0-E00)		Generation 1 A006020-15 board (Front, ROM socket removed) Generation 1 A006020-15 board (Back)
A006020-16	Middle Earth	Long		Linear PROMs (E1-E8)
A006020-17	Space Rider	Long	L	Linear ROMs (E0-E00)		Generation 1 A006020-17 board (Front)
A006020-18	Space Rider	Long		Standard PROMs (E1-E8)

Generation 1 Linear ROMs at E0-E00 on a long board type

Generation 1 A006020-17 board

Generation 1 MPU board layout

5.3.1.1 Game ROMs

Some information on replacing 9316 ROMs with 2716 EPROMs.

Supposedly, the 9313 game ROMs can be replaced with 2532 EPROMs without requiring PCB or chip modifications. The ROM will need to be doubled up when burning the EPROM.

5.3.1.2 Solenoid Transistors

Generation 1 MPU solenoid transistors; pictured is a Middle Earth MPU

The transistors that operate the solenoid are located on the MPU in sequential order going from Q1 to Q20. However, through-holes for what would be Q14 and Q18 are missing and do not exist on the MPU.

Notice that not all the transistors have been populated on the MPU. This is because not all games use the full bank of transistors/solenoids. For example, on Middle Earth, there are only 8 solenoids in the game, plus the play counter/meter (at Q20). So, only a total of 9 transistors are needed for the entire game. Other games have different numbers of transistors to operate the required solenoids in those respective games.

5.3.1.2.1 The Atarians

Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5	Q6	Q7	Q8	Q9	Q10
-	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y
Q11	Q12	Q13		Q15	Q16	Q17		Q19	Q20
-	Y	-	-	Y	-	Y	-	Y	Y

• Q2: Left Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q3: Center Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q4: Right Hole Kicker
• Q5: Outhole Kicker
• Q6: Total Plays Counter Meter
• Q7: Atari
• Q8: Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q9: Left Gate
• Q10: Right Flipper
• Q12: Left Hole Kicker
• Q15: Left Slingshot
• Q17: Right Slingshot
• Q19: Right Gate
• Q20: Left Flipper

5.3.1.2.2 Time 2000

Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5	Q6	Q7	Q8	Q9	Q10
Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	-	-
Q11	Q12	Q13		Q15	Q16	Q17		Q19	Q20
Y	Y	Y	-	Y	Y	Y	-	-	-

• Q1: Upper Drop Target
• Q2: Left Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q3: Lower Drop Target
• Q4: Center Hole Kicker
• Q5: Outhole Kicker
• Q6: Right Center Flipper
• Q7: Right Hole Kicker
• Q8: Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q11: Right Flipper Outside
• Q12: Gate
• Q13: Left Center Flipper
• Q15: Left Slingshot
• Q16: Left Flipper Outside
• Q17: Right Slingshot

5.3.1.2.3 Airborne Avenger

Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5	Q6	Q7	Q8	Q9	Q10
Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	Y	-	-
Q11	Q12	Q13		Q15	Q16	Q17		Q19	Q20
Y	Y	Y	-	Y	Y	Y	-	-	Y

• Q1: Lower Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q2: Upper Left Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q3: Extra Ball Meter
• Q4: Left Ball Eject
• Q5: Outhole Kicker
• Q6: Right Eject Pocket
• Q7: Right Ball Eject
• Q8: Upper Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q11: Right Flipper
• Q12: Gate
• Q13: Left Eject Pocket
• Q15: Left Slingshot
• Q16: Left Flipper
• Q17: Right Slingshot
• Q20: Total Plays Meter

5.3.1.2.4 Middle Earth

Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5	Q6	Q7	Q8	Q9	Q10
Y	Y	-	-	Y	-	-	-	-	-
Q11	Q12	Q13		Q15	Q16	Q17		Q19	Q20
Y	Y	-	-	Y	Y	Y	-	-	Y

• Q1: Outhole Kicker
• Q2: Left Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q5: Upper Drop Target
• Q11: Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q12: Flipper Control
• Q15: Right Slingshot
• Q16: Lower Drop Target
• Q17: Left Slingshot
• Q20: Total Plays Meter

5.3.1.2.5 Space Riders

Q1	Q2	Q3	Q4	Q5	Q6	Q7	Q8	Q9	Q10
Y	Y	Y	-	Y	Y	-	Y	Y	Y
Q11	Q12	Q13		Q15	Q16	Q17		Q19	Q20
Y	Y	Y	-	Y	Y	Y	-	Y	Y

• Q1: Outhole Kicker
• Q2: Left Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q3: Extra Ball Meter
• Q5: Left Drop Target
• Q6: Center Drop Target
• Q8: Left Outhole Kicker
• Q9: Time Counter Meter (optional)
• Q10: Replay Meter (optional)
• Q11: Right Thumper Bumper (Pop Bumper)
• Q12: Flipper Control
• Q13: Right Outhole Kicker
• Q15: Right Slingshot
• Q16: Right Drop Target
• Q17: Left Slingshot
• Q19: Special Counter Meter (optional)
• Q20: Total Plays Meter

5.3.1.3 Fuse Board

• 

  Front

• 

  Back

5.3.2 Generation 2

Unlike the Generation 1 MPU boards, the Generation 2 MPU boards had batteries to retain scores and bookkeeping data.

Redrawn & Combined Generation 2 MPU Board Schematic

5.4 I/O Driver Board

5.4.1 Generation 2

Redrawn & Combined Generation 2 IO Board Schematic

5.5 Power Supply

5.5.2 Generation 2

Redrawn & Combined Generation 2 Power Supply & Transformer Wiring Diagram

5.6 Fuses

5.6.1 Generation 1

Generation 1 games have three banks of fuses; the primary fuse on the right-hand side of the cabinet, the power supply fuses near the transformer at the back of the cabinet, and a fuse board attached to the MPU for each individual solenoid. Some Space Riders games have an additional bank of fuses to protect the lamp driver transistors on the auxiliary board.

• 

  Generation 1 primary fuses with black cover removed, on the right side of the cabinet
• 

  Generation 1 power supply fuses near the transformer at the back of the cabinet
• 

  Generation 1 fuse board attached to the MPU from a Middle Earth

5.6.1.1 Primary Fuses

There are three fuses used here: one for line power, one for the backbox lights, and one for the service outlet.

The Atarians only (unverified, based on manual)

Position on strip	Designation	Circuit Protected	Domestic Fuse Rating
Uppermost fuse	F7		10 Amp fast-blow
Middle fuse	F8		2 Amp fast-blow
Bottom fuse	F9		2 Amp fast-blow

All other games

Position on strip	Designation	Circuit Protected	Domestic Fuse Rating
Uppermost fuse	F7	Backbox	2 Amp fast-blow
Middle fuse	F8	Line Power	7 Amp fast-blow
Bottom fuse	F9	Service outlet	2 Amp fast-blow

5.6.1.2 Power Supply Fuses

The Atarians schematics have a different fuse numbering scheme than the schematics for all the other Generation 1 games that followed it. The Atarians schematics list the solenoid fuse as F1, however, in all other Generation 1 games, it is listed as F6. Double check your game wiring and schematics when working with the fuses. [4] It is unclear if the labeling difference was an error in the schematics, or if Atarians was actually labeled differently than all the other games.

For the solenoid fuse (F1 in Atarians, F6 in all others), there is a recommendation to replace the 15 amp fast-blow fuse with a 5 amp slow-blow fuse. [5]

The Atarians only (unverified, based on manual)

Position on strip	Designation	Circuit Protected	Fuse Rating	Notes
Uppermost fuse	F6	Solenoids	15 Amp fast-blow	5 Amp slow-blow substitution recommended.
	F5	Logic	7 Amp slow-blow
	F4	Lamps	15 Amp fast-blow
	F3	Displays	0.5 Amp slow-blow
	F2	Displays	0.5 Amp slow-blow
Bottom fuse	F1	Audio	2 Amp fast-blow

All other games

Position on strip	Designation	Circuit Protected	Fuse Rating	Notes
Uppermost fuse	F6	Audio	2 Amp fast-blow
	F5	Displays	0.5 Amp slow-blow
	F4	Displays	0.5 Amp slow-blow
	F3	Lamps	15 Amp fast-blow
	F2	Logic	7 Amp slow-blow
Bottom fuse	F1	Solenoids	15 Amp fast-blow	5 Amp slow-blow substitution recommended.

5.6.1.3 Solenoid Fuses

Generation 1 fuse board from a Middle Earth. Notice that the fuse numbers are out of sequence

All the solenoid fuses are 2 Amp slow-blow fuses.

Not all games use all the fuse holder slots, since each game has a different number of solenoids and transistors on the MPU at different positions. The MPU transistor positions Q1-Q20 correspond to the fuse holder positions F1-F20. The transistors are in sequential order on the MPU (sans Q14 and Q18), but the fuses numbered on the fuse board are not.

5.6.1.4 Auxiliary Board Fuses

Service Bulletin about the additional fuses in Space Riders for the Auxiliary Board

5.6.2 Generation 2

On Superman:

• F1 Machine main power fuse, 5 amp slow blow, located on metal box on bottom of cabinet.
• F2 Service Outlet fuse, 2 amp slow blow, located on metal box on bottom of cabinet.
• F3 To BR1 & C1 (50 volts dc to coils), 15 amp slow blow, located in backbox.
• F4 To BR2 (+7 volts circuit), 15 amp slow blow, located in backbox.
• F5 To BR3 & C2 (+12 volts circuit), 7 amp slow blow, located in backbox.
• F6 For 6 volts AC general illumination circuit, 10 amp slow blow fuse.
• F7 Center tap of 6 volt circuit, 1 amp slow blow, located in backbox.

5.7 Switches

5.7.2 Generation 2

Chart for switch locations on Superman

6 Recommended Modifications

6.1 Generation 1 & 2

6.1.1 LEDs

Unfortunately, LEDs cannot be used in feature lamps in Generation 1 games. The original system use a warming circuit to always keep a current flowing through the lamps. This was done with the idea that keeping the filaments warm would help to extend the life of incandescent bulbs, since most of the stress placed on the bulb would be while it was powered on from a cold state. So, Atari designed the lamp circuits so that the bulbs were always lit--either bright at full voltage, or very dim at a very low voltage. Because of this, if LEDs are used, they will always remain lit since there is always current running through the lamp circuits. A circuit modification could fix this when someone wants to take the time.

Thus far, there have been no LED bulbs or LED adapter boards brought to market that have addressed this problem for 1st Generation games.

However Generation 2 games (Superman & Hercules) can use LEDs for both GI (6.3VAC) and feature lamps (7VDC - polarized), as long as the "Keep Alive" dip switch is set to "off".

6.2 Generation 1

6.2.1 Auxiliary Board

It is a good idea to add fuses to the lamp circuits on the auxiliary board, as indicated by a service bulletin on Atari's last Generation 1 game, Space Riders.

6.3 Generation 2

6.3.1 Power Supply

On Gen2 games, to prevent the solenoids from locking on and burning up, it is recommended to install in-line 2.5 Amp slow-blow fuses on pin 1 and pin 4 of connector J41. [6]

Power supply fuses

6.3.2 Plastics

On Superman, one plastic that always has damaged corners is the one with buildings on it behind the drop targets in the middle of the playfield. It would be wise to install a plastic protector or PETG washers on the posts.

7 Problems and Fixes

Before proceeding, refer to the Documentation section.

7.1 Generation 1

7.1.1 Displays

Generation 1 games had the high voltage displays mounted in the apron. When working on these games, either turn the machine off or use extreme caution, as it may be easy to receive a shock from these displays because of their mounting location.

7.1.2 Lamps

If a whole section of lamps do not light, the screws on one or more of the driver transistors on the power supply might be loose. When these screws are loose, the transistors do not make good contact with the traces on the board.

7.1.3 MPU

Leon Borre Atari First Generation Repair

7.2 Generation 2

7.2.1 Power Driver Issues

Pertains to Atari Superman and Hercules pinball (Atari Gen2 Circuit Boards)

If all playfield coils except for the flippers do not work, the likely suspect would be the chip enable circuit that is based around the CDN4013 chip located at B4/5, and also utilizes the MPS-A06 transistors at Q65, Q66, Q81, Q106 and the SJU783 transitor at Q103.

Other than the chip-enable circuitry, the solenoid driver section on the Gen2 Atari driver board is a very simple circuit layout. A single MC14514B line decoder controls each of the individual solenoid circuits. Each solenoid circuit consists of only an MPS-A06 pre-driver transistor, which drives the SJE783 driver transistor.

There is some confusion regarding driver transistors, as the schematic lists the driver transistor to be an SJE783, while the board layout lists a 2N6041, but most boards used an RCA8203B. The SJE783 is essentially impossible to find any information about, and the RCA8203B has been unavailable for quite some time. While the 2N6041 is available, a cheaper and more robust alternative would be the TIP107. Note that this applies only to Superman and Hercules boards, earlier machines used different components.

The MPS-A06 is still a commonly available part through most large electronics houses.

7.2.2 MPU Issues

Leon Borre Atari Second Generation Repair

Pertains to Atari "Superman" pinball.

Clocking: Atari utilized a unique clocking system that utilized two independent clock channels - a main clock and an audio clock. To further complicate the issue, the main clock switches back and forth between two different speeds, depending on which portions of the boardset the CPU chip is accessing. When reading from the ROM chips, the main clock speed is generally seen as 1mhz. However, for most RAM and I/O circuits the main clock will slow to .67mhz due to the slower components being accessed. The audio clock runs at a fixed speed of 2mhz. (To be updated with clock testing procedures.)

Switch problems: many switches not recognized or operating one switch triggers several other switches. Replace chips H7 (74LS244), E6 (7407), and D6 (7407).

Battery holder corrosion: There is a 3 AA battery holder made of aluminum that will corrode over time causing loss of battery backed data like replay scores and bookkeeping. Drill out the four rivets and unsolder the two terminals to remove the old battery holder. A new, separate, 3 AA battery holder with wire leads can be mounted near the board. The wire leads will solder directly to the + and - terminals on the MPU board. You do not need to install an additional blocking diode, as there is already one in place on the circuit board.

Memory capacitor installed on a Gen 2 MPU board

Likewise, a memory capacitor can be installed on the MPU versus a remote battery holder. The blocking diode must be removed, and replaced with a jumper or 100 ohm resistor (or similar value) installed.

EPROM /PROMs:

Gen2: For Generation 2 circuit boards, there are two independent sets of ROM sockets designed into the circuit board. Locations K/L7, M7 and J7 are designed to use 2716 EPROM chips, while E5 thru K5 are intended for 1k PROM chips. The original thinking was that three of the (at the time) more expensive 2k EPROMS would be used during development and early production of a title. When the software was finalized, it would be written to six of the 1k PROM chips, as they were cheaper to produce if done in large numbers.

As the PROM chips are difficult to both acquire and write to, most users will simply use the EPROM sockets. Many boards do not even have sockets installed for the PROMs, making it a moot point.

7.2.3 Power Supply Issues

Pertains to Atari "Superman" pinball:

All three bridge rectifiers are type MDA3501.

7.2.4 I/O Driver Board

Leon Borre Atari Driver Board Repair

8 Parts Substitutions & Replacements

8.1 Flipper Assemblies

8.1.1 Rotary Solenoid

Rotary solenoids were used for flipper assemblies on early Atari games including Atarians and Airborne Avengers. For games after Airborne Avengers, Atari started using standard plunger-based assemblies. Atari also provided standard flipper assembly kits to operators to replace the older rotary solenoid flipper assemblies.

Rotary solenoids are made by Ledex

8.1.2 Flipper Coils

Be aware that aftermarket coils--even specially designed Atari replacement coils--maybe have the diodes in the wrong directions. Be sure to double check this before installing them in a game.

8.1.2.1 Superman

Superman with WPC flipper mechs installed

Superman flipper coils operate at 50v.

If parts/coils are unavailable, a Williams WPC flipper assembly can be substituted with a FL-11630 coil. The coil is a little on the strong side. The FL-11630 has a resistance of 5 Ohm, while the original Atari coil has a resistance of 5.5 Ohm.

The coil stop will affect the flipper's travel distance--a shorter coil stop will increase the travel distance, while a longer coil stop will decrease the travel distance. A-12111 (7mm) is recommended.

Coil stop options:

• A-10821 - 6mm coil stop
• A-12111 - 7mm coil stop
• A-12390 - 8mm coil stop

8.2 Boards

8.2.1 Power Module (Superman)

For Superman games with a power module with relay socket, a replacement relay is a TE Connectivity Potter & Brumfield R10-E1X4-V2.5K 4PDT relay, which is available from Allied Electronics, Mouser, Digikey, and a few other sources.

The relay socket is a TE Connectivity Potter & Brumfield 27E129 socket, which is available from Allied Electronics, Mouser, Digikey, and a few other sources.

8.2.2 Aftermarket Boards

8.2.2.1 AC Solenoid board (Hercules only)

A pinside member claimed to be working on an AC solenoid replacement board [7][8] in 2014 for Hercules.

8.2.2.2 MPU

Hans at siegecraft.us previously discussed the possibility of a reproduction board [9], but could not justify producing it because of low demand and high cost since the board has a very large footprint [10].

8.7 Drop Target Assemblies

8.7.1 Drop Targets

Drop targets don't appear to break very often. However, the paint on the faces does wear off from repeated ball strikes.

Decals are available for the three styles--Superman, Space Riders, and the other Generation 1 games. PinballRescue

8.10 Coin Door

Owl-eye coin doors are found both on Atari pinball machines and early runs of Atari video arcade games, such as Luner Lander and early Asteroids games. On one hand, there is a supply of these coin doors outside of just the pinball machines that were produced, but on the other hand, these coin doors are also coveted by both pinball and video arcade collectors. On video arcade games, Atari started switching over to more traditional coin doors during production of Asteroids because these owl-eye coin doors were supposedly easy to defeat using the coin-on-a-string trick.

Restored Atari Owl-Eye coin door in a video arcade game

8.10.1 Lock

Most arcade game locks come with a standard 1-1/4" flat cam. However, a longer cam is necessary for the Atari owl-eye coin door in order to reach the hook in the coin door frame. (Todo: add measurement)

Replacement cam

8.11 Backbox

8.11.1 Lamp holders

The string of backbox lamp holders were often removed and replaced with a fluorescent bulb (accompanied by a transformer and starter).

The Leviton 3352-4 lamp holders are still available from a number of sources.

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8.11.2 Bulbs

In the backbox, 7.5W 110v S11 incandescent light bulbs were used. A number of manufacturers still produce them in white, clear, and other colors. Here is a comparison between white and clear bulbs on Pinside.

White/Frosted:

• Bulbrite 702007 - 7.5S11W - White 7.5 Watt S11 Light Bulb
• GE Lighting 41267 7.5-Watt Nightlight, Soft White, S11 1CD Light Bulb
• Philips 415455 Night Light 7.5-Watt S11 Light Bulb

Clear:

• 7.5-Watt S11 Sign Indicator 7.5S11 Medium (E26) Base Clear Incandescent Light Bulb
• Bulbrite 702107 - 7.5S11C - 7.5 Watt S11 Light Bulb, 130 Volt
• Philips 415448 Clear Night Light 7.5-Watt S11 Light Bulb

10 Repair Logs

10.1 Rotary Solenoid Repair

Rewinding a rotary solenoid

10.2 Feature lamps stay on during solenoid test

On a Space Riders, it was noted that some feature lamps remained on during a solenoid test. There appeared to be a PCB trace shorting two lamps together under one of the lamp matrix ICs.

10.3 Cabinet switches unresponsive

If the coin door and start button switches are unresponsive, but the game appears to go into attract mode, the auxiliary board may be the culprit since the cabinet switches pass through this board. Barring other common problems (such as switches and connectors), take a look at the IC at D7 (a SN7403N). It may have cracked solder joints or it may have shorted/failed.

Discussion thread on Pinside

10.4 Display fuse blows on power up

Upon powering up the game, the display fuse blows. In most cases, the issue appears to be localized to the auxiliary board. (Note: currently an unsolved issue, since most forum discussions on this issue do not include a solution)

11 Testers

11.1 Generation 1 System Testers

• Generation 1 PBS-1 Pinball Tester
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  Catalog photo with game-specific input/output overlay sheets

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  Front; with wiring
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  Rear
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  Control Panel

11.2 Generation 2 System Testers

• Generation 2 Pinball Tester
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  Front
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  Right Side
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  Inside
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  On a bench connected to boards
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  Right Side
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  Left Side
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  Lit LEDs

• Generation Pinball 2 Tester - Dealer Prototype
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  Front
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  Left Side
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  Right Side
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  Inside
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  Inside Door