Star Force pcb

[sukhbir]

Hi all,

I dug up a original star force pcb which I found in my loft,bought it many years ago decided to have a go in fixing it,trouble is it’s missing the 4 program roms 2,3,4,5.
It has a encrypted z80 CPU (315-5069) fitted,I can’t find any info on what romset is required.
any help please?

 

[philmurr]

There are a couple of original encrypted versions (excluding the bootleg starforcb), ROMsets are starforca and starforce

I used the unencrypted version starforc and a standard Z80 when I did my high score save mod

 

[sukhbir]

Hi ,
Starforca romset uses 315-5018 cpu
Starforce romset uses 315-5015 cpu.

 

[GadgetFreak]

It is possible that 5069 is the same as either 5015 or 5018, I would try both sets to see if either works?
The encryption table for 5069 has not been dumped so if neither works then you will have to go with an unecrypted set.

 

[sukhbir]

Hi,
That's a good idea but I would give the decrypted set a go.i got hold of the set from the Web but the program roms are 16kb (27128) and two are used for rom location 2 and 3.
The board set I have use 8kb roms (2764) for location 2,3,4,5.
Will the 2 decrypted roms work?as there's no select link on the board for 16kb?

 

[GadgetFreak]

Lower half of '3.3p' should go to 2 (8m)
Upper half of '3.3p' should go to 3 (8k)
Lower half of '2.3mn' should go to 4 (8j)
Upper half of '2.3mn' should go to 5 (8f)

 

[sukhbir]

That's brilliant , I'll give it a try, fingers crossed and hope it boots into life.
Thank you

 

[Lurch666]

I have an encrypted starforce that uses roms 2,3,4,5.
If you have no luck I'll dig it out tomorrow and see if the CPU is the same as yours.

 

[sukhbir]

I have an encrypted starforce that uses roms 2,3,4,5.
If you have no luck I'll dig it out tomorrow and see if the CPU is the same as yours.

Thanks lurch

 

[sukhbir]

Burned 4 decrypted roms (2764) today but all I get is a cyan colour screen and a pulsing sound,scoped the reset pin on the z80 and its pulsing,oh dear it looks like the watchdog is barking.
As this is a 3 board set it’s going to be a difficult repair.

 

[Lurch666]

That's just reminded me to check mine and I also have a 5069. Will dump the roms for you.

 

[sukhbir]

Thanks lurch but I don’t think it’s going to make any difference as i think it’s a data or address bus issue somewhere.
ill try the romset you have provided just to make sure.

 

[Lurch666]

Even if it doesn't make a difference at least they are there for anyone else who needs them.
Lack of schematics makes this a difficult repair,good luck dude.