test equipment for arcade games?

Question

What kind of test equipment would be helpful in an arcade? I have little knowledge of being a technician, but I went to school for electrical engineering. I have a multimeter, a current clamp, and a dual channel oscilloscope. I don't have much experience in their use in troubleshooting beyond simple signal testing. I can do some reading of schematics. I have the option to do circuit board repairs, but I'm not sure what test equipment would be helpful for me. Can anyone help? I'm looking for any kind of help whether it is big or small. Thanks.

Michael A. Terrell · Accepted Answer

Try news: .  Look for John Robertson, from-- Michael A. TerrellCentral Florida

ForensicOke · Answer

Hi Mike!Must admit that I do not have any experience regarding arcades, but here ismy penny's worth.We successfully use signal trackers to test for good, bad, or marginalcomponents on PC boards and that may assist you. It does take some time toget use to, but it works. Our Lab. personnel uses the Huntron Trackers withsuccess. There may be others that is just as good , but I am not versed withthem. You will find there website in any good search engine. If you need todo the testing, repair on-site look for the relevant Huntron. Warning: Theyare expensive!What is nice is that it uses a power-off test method so that it eliminatesthe risk of further circuit damage which often occurs when power is applied.We use it for testing damages to PC boards and components on behalf of theinsurance and most of the time the testing needs to be done on-site.Especially with regards to commercial claims one cannot expect a business toshut down a network and bring all their workstation in for testing in a...

John Robertson · Answer

HI Brian,It really depends on what you want to be able to do. If you want toget to a board level testing then you have a lot to learn, but it canbe fun.I sell the Fluke 9010A microprocessor test fixture and that with abunch of CPU pods is what I use for deep down service on these boards.There is a lot of support for these machines, including a nice webpage that you can use to build you own test scripts...Otherwise a logic probe, voltmeter, and a good temperature controlledsoldering iron can't be beat!Then you might consider a logic comparator for TTL and CMOS ICcomparison - you'll need a large stock of ICs though...Like I say...fun!John :-#)#    (Please post followups or tech enquires to the newsgroup)  John's Jukes Ltd. 2343 Main St., Vancouver, BC, Canada V5T 3C9      Call (604)872-5757 or Fax 872-2010 (Pinballs, Jukes, Video Games)                                  "Old pinballers never die, they just flip out."

Michael A. Terrell · Answer

Peter, it was Brian who was looking for help, and I was replying to his question. I have spent years troubleshooting logic boards too, but your comments may help Brian.

I spent four years repairing 16 layer embedded controller boards for a telemetry equipment manufacturer.

test equipment for arcade games?

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