Unknown System 11B Board - How Do I Install Safely?

[Dave Playman]

Hi

Ok, so I’ve just had this cosmetically mint looking system 11B power board arrive today. Seller said it passed ‘some’ bench tests. Wouldn’t confirm it was 100% (or maybe couldn’t on a bench?) So I have bought it assuming that it might have faults, but it may actually be ok...

It’s a numbers matching SOF board which I have been looking for, so had to get it regardless to be honest.

I’ve visually looked at it and can’t see anything obviously broken or burnt. I’ve checked transistors and nothing appears shorted. There is no battery leakage on the board (I know, I can’t believe it either. It looks almost new)

Question is - is there a safe way for me to install this in the machine without risking damage? Possibly only connect power to do checks at board test points? Or just plug it all in and see what happens with the back box open just incase?

My SOF is currently fully working and running a Rottendog board, so I know there are no faults with my machine in that respect.

What’s the consensus on unknown / untested condition boards being installed? Anyone else been in this position and care to share their experience?

I’m probably over thinking it all to be fair

Cheers!

 

[ronsplooter]

Safest way is to plug it into the power board only and check the test points The only thing I can't remember is whether Sys 11 need other boards connected for it to boot correctly (the sound board for example). As long as you don't have anything else connected up then the only things you're risking are this unknown driver/mpu board and your power board. If you have a bench power supply that can give this board all the voltages it needs then that's the uber safest way but from your post I'm assuming you don't have that facility.

Don't just bung it in and connect everything up and see what happens though

 

[Dave Playman]

Safest way is to plug it into the power board only and check the test points The only thing I can't remember is whether Sys 11 need other boards connected for it to boot correctly (the sound board for example). As long as you don't have anything else connected up then the only things you're risking are this unknown driver/mpu board and your power board. If you have a bench power supply that can give this board all the voltages it needs then that's the uber safest way but from your post I'm assuming you don't have that facility.

Don't just bung it in and connect everything up and see what happens though

Thanks for that. No, I don’t have a bench power supply unfortunately. I’m tempted to just connect power to start with and see how it behaves...

 

[Moonraker]

You could also try working your way through this:
https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Post-Purchase_Checklist#Circuit_Boards
and this:
https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11#MPU_Driver_Boards
If only to check jumper configurations. The scroll down for the lamp, switch testing and checking display voltages.

 

[Dave Playman]

You could also try working your way through this:
https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Post-Purchase_Checklist#Circuit_Boards
and this:
https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11#MPU_Driver_Boards
If only to check jumper configurations. The scroll down for the lamp, switch testing and checking display voltages.

Wow! That’s really helpful, thanks! Will definitely have a look at both of those in more detail over the weekend. In regards to the second link with board revisions, luckily this is a numbers matching Swords of Fury MPU and populated with the necessary chips, so I’m confident I’m safe in that respect as it’s going in that game anyway.
Will go back and check diodes and inspect header pins closely though for sure. Thanks again

 

[Pick Holder]

This is what I do on most games be it whatever system.

I turn off after each one before making other connections.

Connect power first
Check all test points.
then connect ribbons
Then lighting
Then gi
Then coils

Is your playfield without faults ???

 

[Dave Playman]

This is what I do on most games be it whatever system.

I turn off after each one before making other connections.

Connect power first
Check all test points.
then connect ribbons
Then lighting
Then gi
Then coils

Is your playfield without faults ???

Thanks for the tips!
There are no faults with the playfield as I have been using the game with a Rottendog board. Will go with the advice given so far and report back with an update

 

[Dave Playman]

Evening!
Quick up update on the 11B MPU....it’s 100% fully working (has been on for around 10hrs so far and no issues) I fitted a remote battery holder before installing too
Very happy with the end result!