With respect to repairing the CCPU circuit board used in several Cinematronics an VectorBeam games, you might be interested to know that there are alternatives when it comes to replacing the custom EPROM and BPROM chips. The following devices are direct plug-in replacements for the original chips.
BX288 Module : Replacement for 74S288 (32 x 8) Type Bipolar Prom:
Installation Notes below.
The BX288 is a modern flash memory device that replaces the following 74S288 type CCPU BPROM chips:
Each BX288 module is individually programmed for a specific location. Once programmed, it must be used in that location. They are not interchangeable.
Here is the BX288 module shown next to the original chip that it replaces (click images to enlarge):
Here are all of the CCPU BPROM replacements installed:
Purchasing Information (AVAILABLE NOW, Oct. 21, 2009) Email me your request here Buy BX288 :
You may purchase these BPROM replacements individually for $12.00 USD each plus shipping (quotes done on request and combining all items ordered). You must specify the location for which the chip should be programmed. Each unit is labeled, programmed, and tested before shipping.
Use in other games:
If you would like me to program the BX288 module for use in another game (not a CCPU board), just send me the binary PROM file. Be aware that I cannot test these units for other games so they are sold as "code verified but untested". I cannot accept returns since I cannot be responsible for problems due to incorrect files or incorrect installation.
Other Device Numbers:
The 74S288 type bipolar PROM (32 words x 8 bits) was very common in the 1970's up until about 1985. Similar chips with the same pin-out and functionality were supplied by many manufacturers. A few equivalent part numbers are shown below. Any of these devices might appear in your CCPU board. The BX288 will replace any of the following parts.
74S288 (National Semiconductor) equivalent devices:
AM27S19, AM27S09, AM27LS09 AMD
7112, MB7051 Fujitsu
7603-5, HM7603 Harris
5610 Intersil
6331-1, 63S081 MMI
82S123 Signetics
18S030, SN54/74S288 Texas Instruments (TI)
BX287 Module : Replacement for 74S287 (256 x 4) Type Bipolar Prom:
Installation Notes below.
The BX287 is a modern flash memory device that replaces the following 74S287 type CCPU BPROM chip:
Each BX287 module is individually programmed for a specific location. Once programmed, it must be used in that location. They are not interchangeable.
Here is the BX287 module shown next to the original chip that it replaces and also shown installed on the CCPU board (click images to enlarge):
Purchasing Information (AVAILABLE NOW, Oct. 21, 2009) Email me your request here Buy BX287 :
You may purchase these BPROM replacements for $20.00 USD each plus shipping (quotes done on request and combining all items ordered). Each unit is labeled, programmed, and tested before shipping.
Use in other games:
If you would like me to program the BX287 module for use in another game (not a CCPU board), just send me the binary PROM file. Be aware that I cannot test these units for other games so they are sold as "code verified but untested". I cannot accept returns since I cannot be responsible for problems due to incorrect files or incorrect installation.
The BX287 can be programmed to replace any 16-pin DIP BPROM including these types:
- 32x8 (74S288, 82S123) (BX288 shown above is cheaper in this case)
- 256x4 (74S287, 82S129)
- 512x4 (74S571, 82S131)
Other Device Numbers:
The 74S287 type bipolar PROM (256 words x 4 bits) was very common in the 1970's up until about 1985. Similar chips with the same pin-out and functionality were supplied by many manufacturers. A few equivalent part numbers are shown below. Any of these devices might appear in your CCPU board. The BX287 will replace any of the following parts.
74S287 (National Semiconductor) equivalent devices:
AM27S21, AM27S11 AMD
93427, 93467 Fairchild
MB7052, 7114 Fujitsu
7611-5, HM7611 Harris
3621 Intel
IM5623A Intersil
6301-1, 63S141J, 5201?, 6201? MMI
82S129 Signetics
24S10, 34S10,SN54/74S287 TI
29661 Raytheon
DM7574/8574, DM7597/8597 National
Installation of BX288 and BX287 Modules:
Installing the BX288 and BX287 modules is the same as plugging any DIP chip into a DIP socket. Simply align pin 1 of the module with pin 1 of the PCB socket and plug it in so that it is fully seated in the socket. Be aware that if you plug the chip into the socket backwards and power up the game, the module will be instantly destroyed and you'll have to purchase another one, so be careful!
The chips have the usual orientation features:
- Label text is readable when pin 1 is at lower left.
- Label has a dot indicating pin 1 at lower left.
- The black DIP16 plug on the bottom of the PCB has a half-circle
indentation toward the end with pin 1.- The PCB itself has an obvious [1] symbol close to pin 1.
If your original BPROM chips are soldered into the board, you'll obviously have to carefully remove them first. While you could then solder the new modules into the PCB, I strongly recommend that you take the opportunity to install new good quality DIP16 sockets into the PCB. That way you can easily plug the modules into the sockets and if you ever have issues in the future, you can easily remove them or swap them out or whatever you need to do without any hassles.
Game EPROM 2716 Replacement for locations U7, T7, R7, & P7 :
The 28C16A is a flash type reprogrammable EEPROM that can directly replace the 2716 chip. Simply program it using the binary game ROM file and plug it in. No chip or board modifications are required. Be aware that this chip will only replace the 2716. Boards modified for use with 2732 (i.e. Armor Attack, Solar Quest) are not supported. Any game that runs on 2716 chips will work (i.e. Star Castle, RipOff). These chips were manufactured by Atmel (AT28C16A), Microchip (28C16), Catalyst (CAT28C16A), and possibly others.
CAT28C16A datasheet PDF
This chip can be purchased (blank) from the following distributor:
- JameCo Part# 74691: Major Brands 28C16A-25
- and other electronics distributors.
Purchasing Information:
If you would like to purchase these directly from me programmed for your game ($35 USD) email me your request here:
You may purchase the 28C16A EEPROM chips from anywhere you like and send them to me for programming. Or, if you prefer, I can order them myself on your behalf but I will have to charge you for the parts and the shipping plus a little for my effort. I will label, program, verify, and if I have the appropriate game, test them and return them to you ready for use. You must specify the game for which the chips are to be programmed or you can provide the binary ROM file of your choice. The programming service fee is minimal. At this time, I only have a few chips left in my stock but if I am repairing your Cinematronics or Vectorbeam CCPU board and you want me to replace your original EPROMs with the 28C16A, I can do that.
- individual chip price varies depending on supplier,
- programming fee $10 each or as a set of four for $20.00 USD
- plus shipping (individually quoted on demand)
If you don't want a full set, you must specify the location for which the chip should be programmed.
I realize that the above price might seem a little high. To sell these, I first have to purchase them myself, then label, program, and test them. I then have to pack, weigh, and ship them. However, keep in mind that the 28C16A is a superior device to the 2716 part.
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