Bringing a Game Plan Star Trip back from the dead





Game Plan Star Trip


So I recently acquired a Game Plan Star Trip which had MCU issues. No life on the MCU. After testing voltages, checking clocks, replacing capacitors and transistors for a few days my next move was to start ordering some replacement ICs.

Not knowing if it would lead to a resolution and deciding that I didn't have the knowledge to go any further with debugging this MCU board I shelved it.

Next plan was looking into finding a replacement. Some searches turned up some old posts which had Jim Francesangeli from Echo Lake Pinball Service & Sales selling a replacement MCU board. After contacting Jim my name was on the list to get a replacement board, but it could be 12 months before the next batch is processed.

In the mean time I have a pretty cocktail pinball machine that does nothing but lights up. So my interim plan is to get this thing going by building a replacement MCU myself. I will probably still order the board from Echo Lake Pinball as I believe it will be a better long term solution.

I could have just ripped out all the old electronics and replaced it with new FAST controllers, however cocktail pinballs are not common especially here in Australia so I felt that leaving it as original as possible is best.

As I want to maintain the ability to use a replacement MCU in the future I cannot modify the existing cabling/connectors. I will have to interface with the cabinet as is. The other benefit of interfacing with the other control boards is I can validate they are working ok before spending the money on the new MCU.

Interfacing with the rest of the cabinet


Inside the cabinet

First step in getting this machine working again is working out how to interface with each of the wiring harnesses that used to plug into the original MPU board. Gaining control of the Light Driver Board LDR-1, Solenoid Driver Board SDR-1, Sound Board SSU-1, Display Board DDU-1 and the Switch Harnesses.

One really valuable source of information is http://www.pinrepair.com/gp/ lots of schematics and data on how things work that will come in handy.

Over my next few blogs I will describe the process of interfacing with each of these boards using Arduino's and then move onto driving them all together in making game play possible.

Stay Tuned....





Comments

  1. Ginny9 February 2026 at 09:32

    oh

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  2. Anonymous24 February 2026 at 05:20

    fr

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  3. Anonymous24 February 2026 at 05:22

    Restoring a classic machine while keeping its original structure intact really shows dedication to authentic gameplay, and it is interesting how both vintage pinball systems and modern casino platforms rely on well balanced mechanics and carefully calculated odds to create engaging experiences, because whether you repair old boards or play online you still look for fairness and excitement in every session, and speaking of that I recently came across the boho casino free chip offer which adds extra value for those who want to explore a new casino environment and test the odds before committing too much, showing how innovation and tradition can both enhance the way we play and enjoy interactive entertainment.

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  4. adam103haynes20 March 2026 at 06:40

    Planning a "Game Plan" star trip to revisit past adventures sounds like a wonderful way to reconnect with friends and relive the memories that brought you together. There's a special magic in sharing experiences and creating new stories along the way. For those who enjoy the camaraderie of sports and the rush of a well-placed bet, having a reliable mobile companion can make any outing more engaging. To keep that spirit alive wherever you go, check out the level up app which is designed for Australian players who want quick access to a full sportsbook and casino from their phone. With a simple download, you can enjoy live betting and casino games wherever your journey takes you.

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  5. Daniel5831 March 2026 at 02:26

    There’s something really satisfying about revisiting an old game plan or forgotten format and realizing it still holds up because the core idea was solid from the start. A lot of good entertainment doesn’t need to be reinvented completely — it just needs to be delivered in a way that matches current habits. That’s why mobile optimization matters so much now, especially for users who want entertainment in shorter, more flexible sessions throughout the day. In that sense, https://aussieplaycasinoau.com/app/ feels aligned with how digital platforms are evolving, since app access on Android and iOS makes the experience much easier to pick up and return to. Convenience has become a huge factor in why people stay engaged with betting and casino apps.

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  6. mkn3 April 2026 at 14:17

    I’ve been exactly where you are—staring at a dead pinball board, testing voltages until my eyes hurt, and realizing I’m in over my head. Your idea to build an interim MCU with Arduino while keeping original wiring intact is smart, especially since those harnesses are irreplaceable in Australia. Before diving too deep, take a break and check https://aviatorgameau.com/en-au/ – that page explains Aviator Australia and lists the best Australian casinos for playing Aviator, including RTP of 97%, provably fair rounds, and Autoplay features. Sometimes stepping away for ten minutes clears your head. Then come back, grab those pinrepair schematics, and keep documenting every step. You’ll thank yourself later.

    ReplyDelete

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