For Sale
1988/89 Data East Time machine - Project
This was my first Pinball Machine and I have had this for near a year now but it's never been without some issues. Now I no longer have the time and the patience to be honest to spend time looking into the current issues. This will also be my first Pin for sale on here so let’s see how it goes.
History
I had decided I wanted a DE TM for a while and when I saw one on eBay, I decided to go for it. Even though I knew I was heavily overpaying, I felt confident in the machine and seller, I purchased this machine back in November last year. The machines purchase history can all be read below.
In my ownership
Over the past year I have repaired a pop bumper and coil, cleaned up things a little (not a full strip and clean) placed colour LEDs in, and generally just tried to keep the machine running, transistor changeout, fuses etc. Although the machine was working there was forever an issue with it booting from a month after having it. On powering up it did not always boot up, (no blanking signal on MPU, 5v and solid PIA LED only) on first power up. Sometimes it would take around half a dozen power cycles or so before it would boot. Also, when playing it ,sometimes the machine would just hang up , reset or loose blanking signal. I could never source this problem fully although there are many things that would still need to be looked at.
Since I have had the machine there has also been the issues above , but I have always managed to get things running, well until yesterday. It was playing fine 3 days ago, albeit I had to carry out the multiple power cycles to get it up and running but that was always the normal with this machine, and for the past 6 months or so it sometimes it trips the breaker in my house. Resetting the breaker and a few power cycles brings it back to life, again not great but was the normal.
The kids were starting to get more annoyed with this game, (and me also tbh) with the machine having the boot and reset issues. It was always in my mind this past 2 months or so on whether I should sell it or keep it. Anyhow I decided to keep the machine (unit today) as me and the kids really like the game, the music and chimes are great
So. where are things now and what has changed.
Well, a few days ago since I decided to keep the machine, I placed a wanted ad up for a replacement Data East MPU. With the hope that this will sort out the MPU blanking and reset issues but no such luck.
Yesterday I sourced a replacement MPU from Nevin on the forum, along with some NVRAM and new MPU roms. Changed out the MPU and the new MPU does not boot, PIA remains on but noticed it flashes twice. According to the manual the suspect component is B5 Eprom. (5v supply to the MPU is 4.97) Swapping over my original MPU B5 & C5 roms to the replacement MPU and attempting a reboot resulted in the 5V and PIA remaining on (this is the same behaviour seen with my original MPU) However after a few power cycles the PIA clears the blanking signal appears and the machine boots but only for a minute before losing the blanking signal again (same behaviour are seen with the original MPU now and again)
Next was to check over my original EPROMS, two of the legs were a little corroded and they snapped when I tried to straighten them a little once I removed them from the board. Decided to place the original roms back into my original MPU (had to make up a temporary pin in the socket for contact to the broken legs on the rom) and retest. Same again, after a few power cycles it eventually booted briefly but yet again dropped out, same as always. This was late last night and spent a few hours checking things until very late and again this morning but can’t get it to boot. Really could do with new Roms since I broke the legs on one (B5), but to be honest I have had enough now and do not want to continue fault finding. The kids are on at me also to get another machine so now it is up for sale.
So, to recap -
Currently I cannot get the machine to boot (with original MPU and roms, really could do with a new rom to replace the damage one)
The replacement MPU with the supplied roms does not boot, PIA remains on (flashes twice)
Machine notes and Condition
( I see plenty machines here for sale, the condition descriptions seem to be all over the place at times and sometimes not listed. So, in my opinion I have listed the conditions on the scale - Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Very Poor)
Backbox - Overall Condition Poor
Plenty scuffs and marks on the back, same on the side art. There has been been paint touchup work carried out previously.
There are no bolts inside the box that secure it to the new cabinet (never got round to that either)
Backbox Circuit Boards - Overall Condition Fair
The original MPU is poor condition, based on the history and the quality of the previous work carried out.
The PSU is fair condition, but has been worked on (really needs a proper going over to verify all voltages)
Sound board -fair
PPB board - fair
Backbox Speakers and Panel - Overall Condition Fair
The usual data east speaker hum is here, the chrome plastic panel is pretty decent with no major chipping. Both speakers working.
Backbox Wiring - Overall condition Poor
There is terminal block used from the PSU, some wiring look suspect. There is a couple of burnt connectors that need changed out. All fuses are good. Batteries on original PSU are stored in a battery pack (its soldered to original batter mounts)
Backbox Door - Overall Fair
All the lights work, wiring looks original. Has a RottenDog display board installed.
Backglass - Overall condition Very Poor
There is no back glass, some print on a piece of Perspex here ( I was always going to buy a repo Translite, something else I didn’t get round to doing)
Cabinet - Overall condition Poor
Cabinet has scuffs and marks and paint touch-ups previously. Generally, still a solid cabinet tbh.
Cabinet Legs and Rails - Overall Condition Fair
The outside legs have cleaned up well, but the inside has rust and needs cleaned up. Bolt levellers needs replaced. Has cabinet leg protectors.
Cabinet rails are pretty decent, some light to medium scratching.
Cabinet Glass - Overall Condition Poor
Quite a few scuff marks on here, some pretty bad tbh but not fully quite like an ice rink at the end of skating session.
Coin Door - Overall condition Very Poor
Outside condition is ok. The mechs condition inside are very poor. I see some wiring that was never connected to a credit board. (Free play setting was used anyhow, so didn’t bother me)
Cabinet Internals - Overall condition Poor
Some suspect wiring here and there, wiring not terminated, at the credit board (isolated anyhow) and coin mechs. The wiring could do with a good clean and once over to verify insulation. Previous power supply for credit board removed. There was bad external strip lighting installed previously and has been removed. Terminal block is used temporarily on supply cable to transformer (to get things about up and running post removing previous suspect wiring) TB would need removed and terminated back into connector. Cabinet speaker works. Overall, everything could benefit from a good clean in here. Chimes work (knocker plunger removed)
Playfield - Overall condition Fair/Poor
Main star warp ramp is cracked in places (a better conditioned replacement will be provided with the sale) Some plastics are broken in places. The playfield mylar is bubbling in places. Some wear at the switch's lanes etc. Rubbers are dirty and need replaced.
Playfield Switches Flippers, Switches, Lighting, Coils etc - overall condition Fair/Poor
No errors were displayed on boot up, the coils and switches are pretty dirty and could do with a clean and likely replaced here and there. Flippers are generally pretty strong, one seems loose. Needs adjusted and likely both needs rebuilt to get the best out of them. 99% led in here, not the expensive type. A couple flashers didn’t work, never got round to changing them either.
Other
The replacement MPU I had purchased (£225) and delivered is also included with the machine. Also comes with a replacement Starwarp Ramp that is in better condition that the one currently installed.
So…
I think I have covered most things… but plenty more to discuss if anyone is interested. This is a genuine honest sale but please remember this is sold as Project machine. I would also like the buyer to come see the machine first and I can discuss and go over things with them. Collection from Fife, Scotland.
Lots of photos will be uploaded very soon.
Oh, and the price…….. is £1000
Cheers
Scott
1988/89 Data East Time machine - Project
This was my first Pinball Machine and I have had this for near a year now but it's never been without some issues. Now I no longer have the time and the patience to be honest to spend time looking into the current issues. This will also be my first Pin for sale on here so let’s see how it goes.
History
I had decided I wanted a DE TM for a while and when I saw one on eBay, I decided to go for it. Even though I knew I was heavily overpaying, I felt confident in the machine and seller, I purchased this machine back in November last year. The machines purchase history can all be read below.
My experience owning my First Pinball Machine (unfortunately things have not been so great so far)
Hi, A good few weeks back I decided upon my first Pinball Machine I would love to own, I loved the sound and them of Data East's Time Machine. After speaking with @Horsey back and forth and asked if he could kindly look out for one for me If he ever seen one for sale. A couple of weeks past...
www.pinballinfo.com
In my ownership
Over the past year I have repaired a pop bumper and coil, cleaned up things a little (not a full strip and clean) placed colour LEDs in, and generally just tried to keep the machine running, transistor changeout, fuses etc. Although the machine was working there was forever an issue with it booting from a month after having it. On powering up it did not always boot up, (no blanking signal on MPU, 5v and solid PIA LED only) on first power up. Sometimes it would take around half a dozen power cycles or so before it would boot. Also, when playing it ,sometimes the machine would just hang up , reset or loose blanking signal. I could never source this problem fully although there are many things that would still need to be looked at.
Since I have had the machine there has also been the issues above , but I have always managed to get things running, well until yesterday. It was playing fine 3 days ago, albeit I had to carry out the multiple power cycles to get it up and running but that was always the normal with this machine, and for the past 6 months or so it sometimes it trips the breaker in my house. Resetting the breaker and a few power cycles brings it back to life, again not great but was the normal.
The kids were starting to get more annoyed with this game, (and me also tbh) with the machine having the boot and reset issues. It was always in my mind this past 2 months or so on whether I should sell it or keep it. Anyhow I decided to keep the machine (unit today) as me and the kids really like the game, the music and chimes are great
So. where are things now and what has changed.
Well, a few days ago since I decided to keep the machine, I placed a wanted ad up for a replacement Data East MPU. With the hope that this will sort out the MPU blanking and reset issues but no such luck.
Yesterday I sourced a replacement MPU from Nevin on the forum, along with some NVRAM and new MPU roms. Changed out the MPU and the new MPU does not boot, PIA remains on but noticed it flashes twice. According to the manual the suspect component is B5 Eprom. (5v supply to the MPU is 4.97) Swapping over my original MPU B5 & C5 roms to the replacement MPU and attempting a reboot resulted in the 5V and PIA remaining on (this is the same behaviour seen with my original MPU) However after a few power cycles the PIA clears the blanking signal appears and the machine boots but only for a minute before losing the blanking signal again (same behaviour are seen with the original MPU now and again)
Next was to check over my original EPROMS, two of the legs were a little corroded and they snapped when I tried to straighten them a little once I removed them from the board. Decided to place the original roms back into my original MPU (had to make up a temporary pin in the socket for contact to the broken legs on the rom) and retest. Same again, after a few power cycles it eventually booted briefly but yet again dropped out, same as always. This was late last night and spent a few hours checking things until very late and again this morning but can’t get it to boot. Really could do with new Roms since I broke the legs on one (B5), but to be honest I have had enough now and do not want to continue fault finding. The kids are on at me also to get another machine so now it is up for sale.
So, to recap -
Currently I cannot get the machine to boot (with original MPU and roms, really could do with a new rom to replace the damage one)
The replacement MPU with the supplied roms does not boot, PIA remains on (flashes twice)
Machine notes and Condition
( I see plenty machines here for sale, the condition descriptions seem to be all over the place at times and sometimes not listed. So, in my opinion I have listed the conditions on the scale - Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor, Very Poor)
Backbox - Overall Condition Poor
Plenty scuffs and marks on the back, same on the side art. There has been been paint touchup work carried out previously.
There are no bolts inside the box that secure it to the new cabinet (never got round to that either)
Backbox Circuit Boards - Overall Condition Fair
The original MPU is poor condition, based on the history and the quality of the previous work carried out.
The PSU is fair condition, but has been worked on (really needs a proper going over to verify all voltages)
Sound board -fair
PPB board - fair
Backbox Speakers and Panel - Overall Condition Fair
The usual data east speaker hum is here, the chrome plastic panel is pretty decent with no major chipping. Both speakers working.
Backbox Wiring - Overall condition Poor
There is terminal block used from the PSU, some wiring look suspect. There is a couple of burnt connectors that need changed out. All fuses are good. Batteries on original PSU are stored in a battery pack (its soldered to original batter mounts)
Backbox Door - Overall Fair
All the lights work, wiring looks original. Has a RottenDog display board installed.
Backglass - Overall condition Very Poor
There is no back glass, some print on a piece of Perspex here ( I was always going to buy a repo Translite, something else I didn’t get round to doing)
Cabinet - Overall condition Poor
Cabinet has scuffs and marks and paint touch-ups previously. Generally, still a solid cabinet tbh.
Cabinet Legs and Rails - Overall Condition Fair
The outside legs have cleaned up well, but the inside has rust and needs cleaned up. Bolt levellers needs replaced. Has cabinet leg protectors.
Cabinet rails are pretty decent, some light to medium scratching.
Cabinet Glass - Overall Condition Poor
Quite a few scuff marks on here, some pretty bad tbh but not fully quite like an ice rink at the end of skating session.
Coin Door - Overall condition Very Poor
Outside condition is ok. The mechs condition inside are very poor. I see some wiring that was never connected to a credit board. (Free play setting was used anyhow, so didn’t bother me)
Cabinet Internals - Overall condition Poor
Some suspect wiring here and there, wiring not terminated, at the credit board (isolated anyhow) and coin mechs. The wiring could do with a good clean and once over to verify insulation. Previous power supply for credit board removed. There was bad external strip lighting installed previously and has been removed. Terminal block is used temporarily on supply cable to transformer (to get things about up and running post removing previous suspect wiring) TB would need removed and terminated back into connector. Cabinet speaker works. Overall, everything could benefit from a good clean in here. Chimes work (knocker plunger removed)
Playfield - Overall condition Fair/Poor
Main star warp ramp is cracked in places (a better conditioned replacement will be provided with the sale) Some plastics are broken in places. The playfield mylar is bubbling in places. Some wear at the switch's lanes etc. Rubbers are dirty and need replaced.
Playfield Switches Flippers, Switches, Lighting, Coils etc - overall condition Fair/Poor
No errors were displayed on boot up, the coils and switches are pretty dirty and could do with a clean and likely replaced here and there. Flippers are generally pretty strong, one seems loose. Needs adjusted and likely both needs rebuilt to get the best out of them. 99% led in here, not the expensive type. A couple flashers didn’t work, never got round to changing them either.
Other
The replacement MPU I had purchased (£225) and delivered is also included with the machine. Also comes with a replacement Starwarp Ramp that is in better condition that the one currently installed.
So…
I think I have covered most things… but plenty more to discuss if anyone is interested. This is a genuine honest sale but please remember this is sold as Project machine. I would also like the buyer to come see the machine first and I can discuss and go over things with them. Collection from Fife, Scotland.
Lots of photos will be uploaded very soon.
Oh, and the price…….. is £1000
Cheers
Scott
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