Midway Artic Thunder Game Operations Manual For 27 Dedicated Video Game

							ARCTIC THUNDER 
• Before servicing electronics, turn off AC power to the VGM. Wait for capacitors to discharge.
 Before touching or handling electronic assemblies, discharge static electricity on your body. To dis-
charge static, begin by connecting the line cord to a properly grounded outlet, but do not turn on the 
power! Next, touch the safety ground stud of the power supply chassis.
 Store electronic assemblies in an anti-static area. Use anti-static bags to store or transport circuit 
boards. Transport the hard drive in original shipping container.
 Do not remove or connect electronic assemblies when the power to the cabinet is switched on. Other-
wise you’ll damage electronic assemblies and void the warranty.
 Replace ground wires, shields, safety covers, etc., upon completion of maintenance or service. Install 
and firmly tighten all ground and mounting screws.
CAUTION
This Video Game Machine (VGM) uses complex electronic components that are very sensi-
tive to static electricity. Observe the following precautions before handling electronic assem-
blies. Failure to do so may void your warranty and could damage electronic assemblies.
TROUBLESHOOTING








 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING - 2 MIDWAY AMUSEMENT GAMES, LLC 
COIN MECHANISM AND PRICING TROUBLESHOOTING 
Symptom Cause Required Action
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) accepts cur-
rency or tokens, but 
number of credits per 
coin or bill is incorrect. Improper settings 
at Pricing Menu1. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select SWITCH 
TEST. Conduct test to confirm operation of game 
switches.
2. Access Pricing Menu, then select one of the avail-
able pricing options to verify settings. 
Faulty wiring 1. Confirm cabinet wiring is correct for this game.
2. Assure coin meter and coin switches connect
properly to control input wires.
VGM will not accept 
currency or tokens.
VGM will not enter 
play mode.
Audio and video are 
present.Improper currency 1. Unlock and open cash door. Empty cash box and 
inspect revenue for counterfeit currency. 
2. Check vault. Remove any items that block mecha-
nism’s path.
Faulty coin mech-
anism1. Unlock and open coin door. Check each mecha-
nism for proper mounting. 
  Remove mechanism.
  Clear currency path. 
  Reinstall mechanism and close latch. 
Tilted coin mecha-
nism or game1. Verify mechanism is level after doors close. 
2. Repair or replace coin door if it is bent or dam-
aged. 
3. If necessary, adjust cabinet leg levelers to keep
mechanisms level.
Coin indicators do not 
lightBurned-out bulb 1. Burned-out bulbs may appear white or darkened.
Replace burned-out bulb with one identically 
rated.
2. Check continuity with digital voltmeter.
Open fuse circuit 1. Check fuse continuity with digital voltmeter.
2. If fuse is blown, replace fuse with an identically
rated part.
3. If fuse isn’t blown, check wiring.
CAUTION
Do not remove or install any connector when power is turned on. Installation under power will 
damage the circuit boards, ROM’s or hard disk and void the warranty. 
						

							ARCTIC THUNDERTROUBLESHOOTING - 3
START UP TROUBLESHOOTING 
Symptom Cause Required Action
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) does not start.
VGM appears com-
pletely non-functional.
No audio
No illumination
No video displayPower problem 1. Check power is switched on.
2. Make sure fans in Arcade Computer are turning. If
not: Is the power supply connected to its power
cable? Is power supply turned on?
3. Plug cord into AC power outlet. Verify presence of
AC line voltage.
Improper line volt-
age switch setting1. Turn off power. Unplug AC line cord. Check line 
voltage switch. If necessary, set it to agree with 
local AC line voltage. Retest game.
Open fuse 1. Turn off power. Examine fuse on power chassis, 
cabinet wall or electronic equipment shelf. 
  Replace faulty fuses with identically rated parts.
  Turn on game power. If fuse opens again, 
check wiring harness and connectors.
Faulty wiring 1. Remove line cord. Test line cord, power plug, and 
IEC connector for breaks or damage. 
  Verify continuity of each wire in cord. 
  Install cord on power chassis. 
  Press connector firmly to seat it. 
2. Assure that cabinet wiring harness connectors
fully seat in corresponding power supply and
board connectors. 
3. Inspect wiring for breaks or damage.
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) does not start.
VGM accepts cur-
rency or tokens.
Audio and video are 
present.Faulty coin mech-
anism1. Unlock and open coin door. 
  Check each currency acceptor to assure proper 
mounting. 
  Verify each release latch is closed and locked.
2. Test mechanism with good and bad coins to see if
mechanism accepts and rejects currency cor-
rectly. 
3. Inspect to see if external acceptor indicators (Pric-
ing, Flashing Arrows, etc.) are lit. 
4. Verify each acceptor operates properly by placing
it in working game. Replace bad parts.
Faulty switches 1. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select SWITCH 
TESTS. Conduct test to confirm operation of each 
switch.
2. Assure no loose parts or wires are caught in
switch contacts.
3. Check for continuity in each suspect switch con-
nection (Common to Normally Open or Common
to Normally Closed). 
4. Replace faulty switches (bent levers, broken actu-
ators, etc.). 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING - 4 MIDWAY AMUSEMENT GAMES, LLC 
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) does not start.
VGM accepts cur-
rency or tokens.
Audio and video are 
present.Faulty wiring 1. Assure no wires are caught in hinges, latches or 
switch contacts.
2. Check wiring continuity from circuit board connec-
tors to acceptors.
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) appears non-
functional.
Currency acceptor 
price indicator is illumi-
nated.Power problem 1. Inspect circuit boards under low-light conditions.
  The LED’s glow and the fan turns when proces-
sor circuits receive voltage and indicate pres-
ence of DC from power supply. However, 
voltages or signals may not be normal. 
2. Switch on power to game machine and measure
DC voltage settings. Refer to the Cabinet Wiring
Diagram for specific wiring information and volt-
age limits. 
  Set the digital voltmeter to the 20-volt DC set-
ting and measure the power connector pins. 
Adjust the +5V source if necessary. 
  Set the digital voltmeter to the 2-volt AC setting 
and measure DC voltages at power connector 
pins. Any reading here indicates that supply 
voltages are unstable and may contain ripple or 
noise.
Faulty wiring 1. Switch off power to game. Check both wiring har-
ness connectors and other types of connectors to 
make sure they fully seat onto mating board con-
nectors. 
Faulty circuit 
boards or Arcade 
Computer1. Run power-up self-test sequence. Note errors or 
failures during test. 
2. Switch off power to Arcade Computer, but NOT
the game machine. Wait for HDD to stop spinning,
then loosen the thumbscrews on computer cover
and remove. Listen for beeping sounds. Symptom Cause Required Action 
						

							ARCTIC THUNDERTROUBLESHOOTING - 5
LINKING PROBLEM TROUBLESHOOTING 
Symptom Cause Required Action
Cannot connect multi-
ple Video Game 
Machines (VGMs) 
togetherFaulty wiring  1. Install required crossover between cabinets. Each 
coupler connects two VGMs (one pair). Do not use 
standard telephone type couplers or wiring for link-
ing.
2. Use only 10 Base-T, Ethernet-type, Category 5,
twisted-pair wiring.
3. Do not overextend linking cables supplied with
VGM.
Improper linking 
hardware1. Use required network hub for your local network. 
A Hub Link Kit permits up to four VGM connec-
tions. Array completion requires basic kit brackets 
and spacers.
VGM does not recog-
nize other players in 
linking operation
VGM functions nor-
mally by itselfImproper settings 1. Record any error messages that occur during self-
test. 
2. Check that each VGM has a unique ID number. 
3. Access the Diagnostic menu, then select LINKING
TEST. Confirm the link is enabled. 
Power problem 1. Verify the hub receives power. AC adapter wires 
are thin and easily damaged.
Faulty wiring
(3 or more VGMs)1. Inspect hub indicator lights. 
  Illuminated indicator lights for each active port 
light up if the cable(s) are properly connected. 
  Check for cable continuity from hub to VGM for 
each indicator that failed to light. 
2. Assure no loose wires are caught in hinges, doors
or under cabinet.
3. Verify linking cable connects to CPU Board for
each game. 
4. Verify each linking cable operates properly by
placing it in a working game. 
CAUTION
Do not remove or install any connector when the power is turned on. Installation under power 
will damage the circuit boards, ROM’s or hard disk drive and void the warranty. 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING - 6 MIDWAY AMUSEMENT GAMES, LLC 
LINKING PROBLEM TROUBLESHOOTING 
Symptom Cause Required Action
Some Video Game 
Machines (VGMs) in 
group link properly, 
while others do notImproper hub 
switch setting1. Assure switches on hub are set according to kit 
instructions. (VGMs on a network do not require 
couplers. Hub has electronic crossover.)
2. Inspect hub indicator lights for link activity. See
manufacturer’s literature for diagnostics.
Wrong software 
version1. Verify all linked VGMs use same software version. 
Machines with different versions will not recognize 
each other. Contact your distributor for a software 
update if needed.
Faulty wiring
(2 VGMs)1. Insert only the supplied crossover connection 
between coupled VGMs. Standard couplers 
appear identical to devices supplied with games, 
but do not include an internal crossover.
2. Verify each linking crossover coupler operates
properly by placing it in a working link between two
VGMs.
Faulty wiring
(3 or more VGMs)1. Use an additional crossover connector and cable 
to extend game or hub link connection. Two cross-
overs cancel each other out and results in same 
problem as no link crossover. 
2. Connect cables directly to hub. Do not use a
crossover coupler and hub together in single net-
work.
3. Separate communications wiring from other wir-
ing. Wires that must cross can only cross at right
angles to limit noise pickup.
CAUTION 
Do not remove or install any connector when power is turned on. Installation under power will 
damage the circuit boards, ROM’s or hard disk drive and void the warranty. 
						

							ARCTIC THUNDERTROUBLESHOOTING - 7
PLAYER CONTROL TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Cause Required Action
Intermittent or com-
pletely non-functional 
player controls
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) starts normally.Faulty switches or 
lamps1. Access the Diagnostic Menu, then select SWITCH 
TEST. Conduct test to confirm switch operation.
2. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select LAMP TEST.
Conduct test to confirm lamp operation.
3. Check for loose parts or wires caught in switch
contacts.
4. Check continuity at each switch connection (Com-
mon to Normally Open or Common to Normally
Closed). 
5. Verify player control operates properly by placing it
in working VGM.
6. Verify light bulbs used for dashboard switches are
type specified in parts listing. Other types will light,
but may produce too much heat. Excess heat may
cause switches to bind.
Faulty switch wir-
ing1. Check for wires caught in door hinges, latches, or 
switch contacts.
2. Verify harness connectors are attached and fully
seated.
3. Assure control switches connect properly to con-
trol input wires.
4. Check cabinet wiring is correct for this VGM.
Steering pulls to one 
sideFaulty Wheel 
Driver Board1. Access the Diagnostic Menu, then select CALI-
BRATE FEEDBACK. Perform the calibration 
sequence. 
2. Locate power amp on Wheel Driver Board’s large
heatsink. Test Board and replace bad part or
board if necessary.
No wheel feedback 
Steering does not aim 
vehicle as expectedImproperly set 
calibration1. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select CONTROL-
LER TEST. Select and perform one of the test 
sequences to aid in correcting calibration.
Faulty circuit 1. Examine fuses and cables on Wheel Driver Board.
2. Check cables and wiring between Arcade Com-
puter, interface board, wheel driver and motor.
3. Replace bad parts.
Faulty motor 1. Inspect motor. Refer to the Steering Assembly 
Service instructions in Chapter 3 for complete 
details. 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING - 8 MIDWAY AMUSEMENT GAMES, LLC 
Sloppy, unpredictable 
or ineffective steering
Video is present
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) operates nor-
mallyBlocked or faulty 
fan1. Fan located on power supply acts as an exhaust 
fan; with power switched on, check fan airflow to 
assure that nothing blocks airflow. 
Faulty mechani-
cal parts1. Inspect motor for faulty or worn belts, bearings, 
couplings, gears, etc. Refer to the Steering 
Assembly Service instructions in Chapter 3 for 
complete details. 
Faulty Wheel 
Driver Board1. Inspect Wheel Driver Board under low-light condi-
tions. To indicate presence of AC from the trans-
former the LED’s glow when voltage is received. 
However, voltages or signals may not be normal.
2. Examine fuses and cables on Wheel Driver Board.
Replace bad fuses. 
3. Use digital voltmeter to verify AC voltage between
each fuse holder and ground. Measure approxi-
mately 25V. See Wiring Diagram.
4. Use the 20-VAC setting on digital voltmeter to
measure DC voltage at motor. Do not move steer-
ing wheel, drive belt, or motor while making this
measurement. Any reading indicates unstable
supply that may contain ripple or noise. 
5. Select CONTROLLER TEST from the Diagnostic
Menu. Follow on-screen instructions to verify
operation of the wheel motor and steering position
sensor.
6. Verify proper operation of Wheel Driver Board by
placing it in working VGM.
Loose or worn 
drive belt1. Inspect motor for faulty or worn belts, bearings, 
couplings, gears, etc. Refer to the Steering 
Assembly Service instructions in Chapter 3 for 
complete details. 
2. If drive belt isn’t worn or damaged, check its tight-
ness. 
WARNING
The Wheel Driver Board heatsink, power resistors, and other components may be very hot. 
The DC Motor in the steering wheel may also be hot. Symptom Cause Required Action 
						

							ARCTIC THUNDERTROUBLESHOOTING - 9
VIDEO TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Cause Required Action
Monitor appears non-
functional
Audio is present
Video Game Machine 
(VGM) controls oper-
ate normallyPower problem 1. Verify connection of AC Power to video monitor. 
Inspect neck of CRT in dim light. Glowing filament 
near CRT base confirms monitor circuits receive 
power. However, voltages or signals may not be 
normal. 
Faulty wiring 1. Switch off power. Verify that video signal and 
Remote Adjustment Board connectors seat prop-
erly on Video Monitor Board. 
2. Assure that video cables connect to circuit boards
and Arcade Computer.
3. Assure that no wires are caught on chassis or
mounting brackets.
Improper monitor 
adjustments1. Try setting Brightness and Contrast above mini-
mum levels.
Faulty monitor cir-
cuitry1. Check AC line for a blown fuse on Video Monitor 
Board. Replacement fuses must be identically 
rated.
2. If the fuse is good, verify video monitor operates
correctly by placing it in a working VGM.
3. If monitor is bad; Check monitor power supply.
4. If the power supply is good, Check monitor hori-
zontal output transistor and related circuitry.
Graphic images from 
game do not appear
No audio
Power-up self-test 
runsImproper compo-
nents1. Verify circuit boards are correct for this game. 
Labels on each board record manufacturers’ 
name, assembly number and hardware version.
2. Verify HDD is correct for this game. Label on HDD
records assembly number and software version.
Hard Disk Drive 
(HDD) problems1. Allow game to load normally. Note and record any 
error messages that occur during self-test. 
Power Problems 1. Turn on Power. Use 20-volt DC setting on digital 
voltmeter to measure DC voltages present at 
Power connector pins. Verify +5V source if it is 
adjustable. Refer to Cabinet Wiring Diagram for 
specific wiring information and voltage limits.
2. Use 2-Volt AC setting on digital voltmeter to mea-
sure DC voltages at Power Connector pins. Any
reading indicates the supply voltages are unstable
and may contain ripple or noise.
White areas at screen 
edges appear tinged 
with color
Dots at screen edges 
appear ovoid or cylin-
dricalPicture tube 
dynamic conver-
gence is out of 
alignment1. Have service bureau dynamically re-converge 
monitor. This procedure requires removing and 
repositioning yoke. Service bureau must follow 
instructions from monitor manufacturer. 
						

							TROUBLESHOOTING - 10 MIDWAY AMUSEMENT GAMES, LLC 
Video images tear or 
roll, or have black bar 
down middle of screenFaulty wiring 1. Check connectors and cables between circuit 
boards and monitor for wiring continuity. 
2. Assure connection of all cabinet ground wires,
especially at video monitor chassis.
Faulty monitor cir-
cuitry1. Verify video monitor operates correctly by con-
necting it to working game machine.
2. Assure video monitor is correct type for this game.
Video monitors with wrong resolution can’t lock
sync.
Improper sync 
signals1. Make sure Video Board emits proper type of sync. 
2. Verify jumpers are set correctly for monitor. 
Electromagnetic 
fields1. Move game cabinet further away from machines, 
appliances, or other video games. 
Missing colors Faulty wiring 1. Check connectors and cables for wiring continuity 
from circuit boards to video monitor.
Faulty monitor 
color drive cir-
cuitry1. Verify video monitor operates correctly by con-
necting it to a working game machine.
One color is dimmer or 
brighter than others 
Whites appear tinted 
everywhere on screenMaladjusted color 
bias pots 1. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select MONITOR 
TEST. Perform the COLOR BARS TEST.
  Adjust three bias pots for best colors. (Most 
monitor neck boards include these pots.)
2. Check White Screen. Touch up controls.
  If whites still seem tinted, have service bureau 
rejuvenate picture tube.
Picture is too narrow
Maladjusted WIDTH 
pot
.1. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select MONITOR 
TEST. Perform CROSSHATCH TEST.
2. Adjust screen width using the width pot on Monitor
Remote Control Board, located behind coin door.
Picture is too short Maladjusted 
HEIGHT pot or 
damaged vertical 
circuit1. Access Diagnostic Menu, then select MONITOR 
TEST. Perform CROSSHATCH TEST.
  Adjust screen height using the height pot on the 
Monitor Remote Control Board behind coin door.
  If pot has no effect, service vertical output cir-
cuit.
Picture seems shifted 
to one sideMaladjusted 
HORIZONTAL 
POSITION pot1. Access Diagnostic Test, then select MONITOR 
TEST. Perform CROSSHATCH TEST. 
  Adjust Horizontal Position pot for best picture 
using the Monitor Remote Control Board behind 
coin door.
Keystone-shaped pic-
ture Shorted turns in 
yoke 1. Substitute working yoke.
2. Have service bureau converge monitor.
3. Retest monitor. Symptom Cause Required Action