How to Fix an Antique "Pac-Man" Arcade Game

"Pac-Man" is still going strong!

"Pac-Man" is one of the first arcade games, and remains one of the most popular -- honored by the "Guinness Book of World Records" as the "most successful coin-operated game in history." Thanks to ease of play and 1980s nostalgia, "Pac-Man" cabinets can be found in arcades, bars and children's play areas around the world. The midway game can even be found in some homes, as people with "Pac-Man" fever and some disposable income purchase this classic arcade cabinet for their own enjoyment. However, there may be times when the proud owner of an antique "Pac-Man" game must cope with problems brought on by age and handling.

Things You'll Need

• Machinist scribe
• Soldering iron
• Wire

Instructions

Preparation

1. Remove the control panel and monitor glass from your "Pac-Man" arcade cabinet to gain access to the insides of the game, including the arcade board.

2. Open the coin door, then release the two clamps located beneath the control panel.

3. Disconnect the control panel jack, and remove the control panel. Then remove the monitor display glass.

Examination and Repair

1. Remove the arcade board from the cabinet; use canned air to blow away any dust and inspect the board for any possible issues.

2. Check the harness connector, through which the "Pac-Man" game receives its power and control inputs. Clean the connector with an eraser. Replace the ribbon cable if necessary.

3. Examine any socketed -- rather than soldered -- chips to make sure they are inserted tightly and have not oxidized. If there is oxidation on the chip pins, remove the chip with a small screwdriver and use a machinist scribe to etch off the oxidation. Damaged chip pins can cause all kinds of problems for a "Pac-Man" game, including lines on the screen, faulty graphics and nonmoving characters.

4. Check capacitors for any bulging or leaking that can indicate a problem. Replace accordingly.

5. Flip the board over and inspect the soldering side for any damaged joints; use a soldering iron to repair them as needed.

6. Check the traces for any damage, which could prevent electrical flow between the two end points. Use a soldering iron and wire to repair them as needed. Damaged traces can cause problems like inappropriate repetition of "Pac-Man" graphics.

References

• Mike's Arcade: "Pac-Man" Manual
• Arcade Repair Tips: Inspecting an Arcade Board
• Lawnmowerman's Pac-Man Website
• Mike's Arcade: Pac-Man Board Problems and Fixes
• Bandai Namco: Celebrating 30 Years of Pac-Man in 2010!