GLS1 Electronics Computer Aided Testing

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At GLS1 Electronics, all Galaga, Ms Pacman, Pacman, Missile Command, and Asteroids video game boards are repaired utilizing the GLS1 Electronics Computer Aided Testing System. This method provides the means to reliably troubleshoot and detect faults existing on the circuit board under test.

Connecting directly into the microprocessor socket enables the testing device to "see" the circuit board under test, from the same level as the microprocessor. Because the testing device interfaces directly to a computer, all processes can be controlled, viewed, and analyzed in-depth.

The testing device is capable of analyzing program chips, ram chips, edge connector input, real-time DIP switch operation, sound circuitry, watchdog reset, interrupt, address decoding, text screens, moving characters, color and many other sections of circuitry which exist on Z-80 (Galaga, Pacman, etc), 6809 (early Williams, Defender), and 6502 (Atari Asteroids, Asteroids Deluxe, other early Atari) microprocessor-type circuitry. Any board type using these one of these microprocessors can be tested, once a Test Table is written.

In the test table of the particular type PCB being tested, is a line of text which directs the hardware interface device to switch over to the correct microprocessor type. This command causes the interface to electronically re-arrange the connections between the computer and the board under test. This is done because the 3 microprocessor types (Z-80, 6809, and 6502) have completely different pin assignments.

Failures are analyzed by computer.

The testing software is designed for troubleshooting the video game PCB to component level and beyond, identifying errors and their probable causes. Because all areas possible of the circuitry are examined by computer, failures can be identified immediately, and then can be corrected. Different areas of the circuitry can be targeted for troubleshooting if needed, by software which has been written specifically for this purpose.
These state of the art measures which are taken at GLS1 Electronics are done to assure the customer that when their boards are received back from repair, they work the first time they are re-tested, and they work 100 %.
To view some of the tests which are performed while servicing Galaga and Ms Pac man type arcade PCB's : Galaga and Ms Pacman Test Examples A detailed analysis of how the system finds and determines errors, in this example for Ms Pacman repair: Ms Pacman Analyze Errors How the system interprets test requests from the test table: Processing Test Requests An Index to all links on this website: Browse GLS1 Electronics Website

The links below point to pages describing the test procedures taken, and the tests performed, on the various boards analyzed by the Computer Aided Testing System. All PCB's undergo these operations, repair boards or exchanges.
Galaga PCB test procedure
Ms Pacman PCB test procedure

To verify and troubleshoot specific chip operation is possible using these software interface programs designed by GLS1 Electronics. These applications also contain extended troubleshooting information regarding the circuit for which each applies.

More information on troubleshooting

Coming soon, more troubleshooting tools: Galaga (Z-80), Defender (6809), Missile Command (6502), Asteroids and Asteroids Deluxe (6502).

Contact me at greg@gls1electronics.com for the repair of Galaga PCB's, Pac-man PCB's, Ms Pacman PCB's, Asteroids PCB's, Asteroids Deluxe PCB's, Defender PCB's, Missile Command PCB's, or if you require more information concerning the GLS1 Electronics Computer Aided Testing System.

			Galaga PCB repair
			Ms Pacman PCB repair
			Asteroids PCB Repair Asteroids Deluxe PCB Repair

			Services and Parts
			Index of Links

GLS1 Electronics
Computer Aided Testing System
For the repair of classic video game boards

Link to Jindo dog - shop guard
Asteroids PCB Troubleshooting Notes

Ms Pacman PCB Exchange (Exchange option for Ms Pacman or Pacman board) Ms Pac-man PCB Repair