Opinion: Wizard of Wor PSU

[EvilCensor]

Hi, I have bought a Wizard of Wor upright (my first) cabinet that was sold as not working and would really like to restore this (having played the C64 conversion to death in the early 80's).

The voltages coming from the PSU PCB seem to be fluctuating wildly and the large 20000 mF cap appears to be leaking, I appreciate that the game boards and other parts may have been damaged (I will deal with this later).

My first question of what will probably be many is what is the opinion of people here - should I buy a repair kit to restore the original PSU board, or go via a modern Switching PSU and Midway adapter?  And which would be less likely to damage future game boards? - which is my main concern.

[level42]

I'm in favor of fixing original PSU's.

[EvilCensor]

Thanks for your reply but isn't there something to be said for the long-term reliability of a modern switching PSU?  I mean I have a set of replacement cards coming shortly (just incase) for the game logic - but obviously I can't keep replacing these boards

Or do I just need to go about replacing the caps on the PSU every few years (I'm assuming these are the cause of the unstable power readings)?

[level42]

Every few years is not necessary. Replacing them after 30 years may be needed though yes.

I personally just check all the caps with an ESR meter and keep the good caps (usually the big one's are OK, but not always of course).

If you want to, go cap-kit to be bullet-proof and google for any well-known troubles with that kind of PSU.

IMHO a well refurbished conventional PSU is more reliable than a modern-day switching PSU. They are also easier to fix.

Plus there is the originality factor.

[Etienne MacGyver]

I agree 100%

rebuild that sucker   

[Tyrem]

Wiz is a great machine... but it has to run the original hardware to capture the real spirit!

[Luigi]

(sometimes I'm really confused by the multiple meanings of 'appreciate'  )


While there are replacements for the Midway PSUs (small PCBs to connect to the game-boards and a regular switcher) I chose to use the original PSU of my Journey instead. It was dirty and rusty, but worked. But even if not, I at least would have tried to have it repaired. If I were you, I'd keep it as original as possible.

Hell, I even think about leaving the original controlpanel and bezel though I already bought repros 

[EvilCensor]

Thanks for the replies, going for the rebuild - in truth that is more appealing to me.  Was just worried about a future failure killing the game.

Apologies Luigi - I used the word 'appreciate' there to mean 'I accept', 'Understand' or 'I am fully aware'.. not "woohoo my boards are fried!"

[Etienne MacGyver]

Was just worried about a future failure killing the game.

Thats the beauty of this hobby ! 

[level42]

Amen.

[Luigi]

Apologies Luigi - I used the word 'appreciate' there to mean 'I accept', 'Understand' or 'I am fully aware'.. not "woohoo my boards are fried!"

Eh?

That was no offense against you. 'Appreciate' HAS multiple meanings

[EvilCensor]

Yup, no big issue.

Awaiting parts now

[smarty]

So are these Midway cabs known to have often failing PSU's? WOR is on my hit list as a cab I want, great game.

I'm all for keeping cabs original, with the only exception in my collection being Pole Position which is known to draw a heavy load off the two ARII PSU's and failing often. I fitted a Switcher PSU in a tasteful way without cutting existing cables and am happy with the results.

I'd rebuild the existing PSU (Which you seem to be doing) before looking at alternatives.

Regards, Mart.

[Belike]

Do you have  a pic from your PSU?

[EvilCensor]

Yes, when my Wiz arrived I took the back off and found the PSU board out of its slot laying across the transformers



A close-up of the actual board..