Star Wars
| Manufacturer | Year | Model | Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data East | 1992 | 24 | 10,400 |
Star Wars Playing Tips and Rule Sheet
1 Game-Specific Issues
1.1 Upgrading to newer, larger ROMs
During the manufacturing run of Star Wars two different display controller boards were used. Early versions of the board had the display software installed on two 2M ROMs. Later boards had one 4M ROM installed. To use a 4M ROM with the older display board, remove the jumper at R11. This can simply be cut off the board. Be sure to insert the new ROM with the notched side having the correct orientation; the socket is notched also. This is discussed in a service bulletin.
1.2 Repairing/Installing the Death Star 'Bar' Target
The yellow bar target is a problematic part on Star Wars and is not readily available. This leaf switch is attached to a unidirectional motor that raises and lowers the target. Replacement motors are readily available from many pinball suppliers.
The switch and assembly can be easily removed from underneath the playfield by removing the four screws that attach the motor bracket to the playfield. The black plastic panel that the switch is attached to can be tilted and pulled away from the playfield. The target is attched to the panel by two lock nuts. The bar target switch is just a simple leaf switch so many of the techniques to rebuild that type of switch can be applied here. Make sure the two contacts of the leaf switch make good contact when the switch is pressed. You can take a business card to clean the contacts. Put a business card between the contacts, close the switch, and remove the card. You may choose to reflow the solder of the switch to insure a good connection. This is also an excellent opportunity to clean the target as well as replace the small piece of foam weatherstripping that is mounted behind the target.
When reassembling your switch make sure the 'prong' from the motor is inserted into the recess of the black plastic piece the bar target mounts to. Also make sure that the two switches that determine when the bar motor is either up or down are not shorted. These are some tight connections and the diode can easily be shorted to the wire. Doing so will register the switch as always open and the target will not lower or close, depending on which switch is shorted. The bar motor test in diagnostics will show this. When entering this test, holding the start button will raise and lower the target continuously. The switches should be off until the target reaches its extreme and then briefly switch to on.