Gauging Interest: Bally AS-2518 MPU Reproduction Factory Test Fixtures

[Dave2084]

I've been working on reproducing the Bally 'Brown Box' factory test fixture for AS-2518-17 and -35 MPUs over lockdown, primarily for my own use but was wondering if anyone else would be interested?

For those that don't know, this tester WILL NOT diagnose a non booting board, however they will automatically test all the display, switch and other inputs and outputs.

Anyway, I have already done the CAD for the Main PCB and the interface PCB, just need to do the Display PCB. Before I get the boards made I'd like to see if anyone else would be interested so I know how many boards to get made. No price as yet, once the design is complete I'll work it out but this would only be for a project for the boards, you'd need to roll your own PSU, Case, wiring & controls, though I will of course document everything that is needed.


I'm not looking for firm commitment just a 'I would like one fo these if a finished article cost something like £100-£300' (including all the bits you'd have to make), so I can get an approximate number of PCBs made.

 

[stevebm1]

so was this part of the original AID kit that is often mentioned in old bally manuals

 

[Dave2084]

so was this part of the original AID kit that is often mentioned in old bally manuals

Not sure, they were available as a set of 4 'Brown boxes':

1. MPU Tester (the one pictured above)
2. Drive and Sound board tester
3. Display tester
4. Lamp Driver Tester

The MPU tester pictured above is on loan but I do have the Driver and Sound board tester.

 

[Arv]

I'd be interested in a PCB only please.

 

[stumblor]

Yes I'm interested too, depending on final price

 

[knazzo]

I would also be interested in complete pcbs.

 

[Flipperfix]

Did this happen?
I need only the interface board if so.
Thank you.

 

[AlanJ]

yes Im interested too please

 

[Dave2084]

Too many projects ... not enough time. It is still a long term goal.

I need only the interface board if so.

I have already made the interface PCB and they work just fine, but currently the tester I have is not working (Swapped out for a working one recently) so I can't build and test till I find time to fix the main unit I now have.

 

[Drewscruis]

If you were to make boards for all 4 testers I'd be very interested.

 

[Dave2084]

If you were to make boards for all 4 testers I'd be very interested.

It is possible, I have access to all of them, like most big projects it all takes time. I have a lot of projects building up at the moment so it is unlikely anything will happen for a few months.

 

[johnwartjr]

Greetings. I’m a pinball fanatic from the US

I found this thread thru a Google search.

I have 2 of the cpu testers in my collection and neither have the interface board.

I would be interested in 2 blank interface pcb boards or 2 assembled ones - if you have a couple either ways to sell.

Curious how you planned to handle the backglass aspect of the solenoid driver and lamp driver testers - one of mine is missing the backglass and the other one is very rough. I’ve been looking for replacements for years.

A photo of the ‘Bally’ workbench section of the pole barn workshop I built this year! The workshop has been a dream for years and just finally happened this year!

 

[Paul]

Greetings. I’m a pinball fanatic from the US

I found this thread thru a Google search.

I have 2 of the cpu testers in my collection and neither have the interface board.

I would be interested in 2 blank interface pcb boards or 2 assembled ones - if you have a couple either ways to sell.

Curious how you planned to handle the backglass aspect of the solenoid driver and lamp driver testers - one of mine is missing the backglass and the other one is very rough. I’ve been looking for replacements for years.

A photo of the ‘Bally’ workbench section of the pole barn workshop I built this year! The workshop has been a dream for years and just finally happened this year!

View attachment 240069

Hiya John - Did wonder if it was you that registered earlier! Welcome to our slightly-less-confrontational version of Pinside!!

 

[johnwartjr]

Hey Paul thanks for approving and making me feel welcome!

I’ve stepped way back on forum and social media stuff, way too much drama for my liking. But I built my workshop this year and am looking at acquiring a project pin this next week to tinker with.

Had a stroke in early November and recovery is going very well. Just gotta work on the motor skills a bit before I solder anything ‘important’ - gets better every day!

 

[Paul]

I’ve stepped way back on forum and social media stuff, way too much drama for my liking. But I built my workshop this year and am looking at acquiring a project pin this next week to tinker with.

I can promise you that 99% of the time there's FAR less drama here. We are only a small island, however with a good pinball following!

Had a stroke in early November and recovery is going very well. Just gotta work on the motor skills a bit before I solder anything ‘important’ - gets better every day!

I'm so sorry to hear that - My father had the same in the height of the pandemic. Thankfully, whilst he is a lot less stable on his feet, his hands are almost back to where they were. As you say - Practice on the motor skiils are key - they had him building block towers a week after getting out of hospital!!
Good endevours with the recovery, and again, welcome!

 

[Dave2084]

Greetings. I’m a pinball fanatic from the US

I found this thread thru a Google search.

I have 2 of the cpu testers in my collection and neither have the interface board.

I would be interested in 2 blank interface pcb boards or 2 assembled ones - if you have a couple either ways to sell.

Curious how you planned to handle the backglass aspect of the solenoid driver and lamp driver testers - one of mine is missing the backglass and the other one is very rough. I’ve been looking for replacements for years.

A photo of the ‘Bally’ workbench section of the pole barn workshop I built this year! The workshop has been a dream for years and just finally happened this year!

Hi there, Sadly the MPU Tester I had on load had to go back so this project is on hold until I can find another.

I just checked and all the blank interface boards I had made have been used. PM me and I'll send you the gerber files and you can have your own made at JLC PCB.

I still have a fully working Driver board tester, if you like I can scan the glass for it as that might help you get yours going.