Epoch Dracula Display Issue

[AlienLockNChase]

Hello all! I'm a long-time lurker, but a first-time poster.

I recently purchased a loose Epoch Dracula through eBay, and have come across a slight problem.

It was listed as working{and came with new "C" batteries}, but the screen does not light up when I turn the unit on.


Dracula will play its opening tune, but no further sound is heard when I attempt to start a new playing session.

Any information/assistance in this regard would be much appreciated.

I'm looking forward to finally being able to be an active part of this unique fan community!

[Rik]

Hmm, could be a couple of things... Worse-case- the VFD is broken, that would require replacing it, but you can only get one from another of the same game.

Better case- Bad (or possibly loose) high voltage transformer. Supplies the voltage required to light up the display. Replaceable, but finding the exact one the game needs can be tricky...

Best case- loose (or broken) contact on the circuit board somewhere. Just a matter of re-soldering or soldering a wire around the damaged area. If the entire display is out, then it's likely the main voltage or ground that's being cut off somewhere...

Most any other kind of circuit damage kills the entire game (transistors and such)... Getting some functionality helps eliminate some stuff right away.

Obviously, try a new set of batteries first, just in case. Might be enough power for the game chip (ie, sound), but not for the display. Anything else requires opening the game. Open it, check for any obvious damage, broken/loose wires, corrosion, etc. Also, once you have it open, the troubleshooting steps here:
http://www.handheldmuseum.com/Coleco/ColecoRepair/index.html
would apply. The circuitry for almost any VFD game is fairly identical, so the steps are similar...

There's nothing loose rattling around inside, is there? (Piece of glass, that would be bad...)

Let me know what you find out. You can also send it to me if you want me to go over it...

Rik

[blanka]

I recently fixed an Epoch Crazy Monster, which has a similar circuit, and I can tell you that it is not the high-power circuit. If that part is broken (in my case the K471 transistor was broken), it will do nothing at all, as the LSI chip also runs of power from that circuit.

How are the wires in the VFD unit? That is a fragile part. They run across the length of the panel. Are they all connected to the hooks at the beginning and the end?

I saw a guide on the net somewhere how to check the working of a VFD display with a lab power supply. Can't find it now.