What's new
Pinball info

Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Revenge From Mars RFM computer will not boot

Asiapinball

Site Supporter
Joined
Aug 14, 2020
Messages
1,581
Location
near Hexham
Took my RFM out of storage after a few years. OK when it went into storage but now will not boot. Everything is completely original.

has 130v ac present at cable into computer box as it should
No fans running either on CPU or Power supply
Red button not pressed on front of computer box (as it should be)
No loose connectors in computer box
No DC at connectors within box
Prism card assembly taken out and re-seated
RAM taken out and re-seated
No playfield lights
No video
Took out prism card and took off all connectors but still doesn't boot (not sure if I also need to short 2 connectors to get it to do this - I recall reading this somewhere)

I expect power supply is toast. but is anything else I should look into first?

I noticed that prism card assembly has a jumper wire - looks well done - but is this a factory hack or a operator hack/ (it was done prior to me buying machine in 2002)

Paul
 
If none of the fans are spinning, then I'd check out the PSU in the computer. I'm sure they are AT PSUs as standard which should spin the fan up as soon as they are switched on (if it isn't broken) but the motherboard also has a heater for an ATX PSU
 
If none of the fans are spinning, then I'd check out the PSU in the computer. I'm sure they are AT PSUs as standard which should spin the fan up as soon as they are switched on (if it isn't broken) but the motherboard also has a heater for an ATX PSU
I believe it does - 20 pin connector next to where the AT PSU connectors are on the motherboard. Pinwiki has write up on what to do, which was going to be my next step.
 
If your computer doesnt work you have three choices:
1 - Send it to @myPinballs - he can get it going and install new parts and his latest software.
2 - Contact me and buy a new PC, flatscreen monitor and amplifier - I can sell the bits, or completely install it for you. Done dozens.
3 - Do it yourself (depending how much knowledge you have) - you can not get those motherboards now, a new PSU may sort it but make sure you get one that runs on 110v.

Do not forget these computers are over 20 years old. I bet you have no computers that old that still work in the house.

You also have the issue of originality. If you change the computer and the screen - it will boot and work much quicker and a lot quieter. I also replace the fluorescent with colour changing LEDs which look great behind transltite. Even if I get a working RFM I put in more modern bits. Plus it takes the weight of the backbox down significantly. Those monitors also wont last forever. They are all ticking on the countdown. I have never had a customer moan about video quality when I do an upgrade. CRT performance does reduce over time.

I am sure Jim has his views (MyPinballs). He is king of Pin2K here. I am just a peasent.

ALSO - it will run SWE1 and RFM hotswappable.
 
If your computer doesnt work you have three choices:
1 - Send it to @myPinballs - he can get it going and install new parts and his latest software.
2 - Contact me and buy a new PC, flatscreen monitor and amplifier - I can sell the bits, or completely install it for you. Done dozens.
3 - Do it yourself (depending how much knowledge you have) - you can not get those motherboards now, a new PSU may sort it but make sure you get one that runs on 110v.

Do not forget these computers are over 20 years old. I bet you have no computers that old that still work in the house.

You also have the issue of originality. If you change the computer and the screen - it will boot and work much quicker and a lot quieter. I also replace the fluorescent with colour changing LEDs which look great behind transltite. Even if I get a working RFM I put in more modern bits. Plus it takes the weight of the backbox down significantly. Those monitors also wont last forever. They are all ticking on the countdown. I have never had a customer moan about video quality when I do an upgrade. CRT performance does reduce over time.

I am sure Jim has his views (MyPinballs). He is king of Pin2K here. I am just a peasent.

ALSO - it will run SWE1 and RFM hotswappable.
Thanks. Already spotted PSU needed to be 110v. DIY option is an option for me - the P2K is the youngest pin I have - most of collection is Williams Bally Data East 1988-1997 with a Firepower II, Baywatch and Rescue 911 thrown in for variety and I have managed to keep those alive by myself for 20+ years of collecting. I will PM you re PC option.
 
did you say the red button in the front is NOT pushed in as it needs to be IN to the boot the pc. The psu is an AT one with manual on/off which is what he red button is

As tagged here yes I can fix anything Pin2k, original Computers, drivers board etc or supply drop in replacement computers on panels that fit the old computer mounts and are plug and play.
 
did you say the red button in the front is NOT pushed in as it needs to be IN to the boot the pc. The psu is an AT one with manual on/off which is what he red button is

As tagged here yes I can fix anything Pin2k, original Computers, drivers board etc or supply drop in replacement computers on panels that fit the old computer mounts and are plug and play.
Thanks, and I would like to declare myself the pinball technician numpty of the week. Pressed the red button and it fired straight up - I was sure I had read online it needed to be out, not in.. Good to know there are other options around too -

I still could do with making it easier to do the SWEP1 swap / easier update of software.
 
Back
Top Bottom