Algar (Williams, 1980): Troubleshooting and System 6 Replacement Boards
Is your Algar by Williams has no ambient sound, rippling displays, no general illumination, or won't boot? These symptoms are typical of Williams System 6 pinball machines whose original boards (MPU, driver, power supply) are now over 40 years old. The good news: the WillFA7 replacement board, Plug & Play and battery-free, brings your machine back to life.
Algar (Williams, 1980): Overview
Released in 1980, Algar is a widebody System 6 machine and one of the first Williams games with voice (via a Type 1 sound board), with a very limited production.
- Manufacturer: Williams
- Year: 1980
- Electronic system: Williams System 6
- Type: solid state, widebody, speech
- Theme: jungle / adventure
Common Issues (System 6)
On Williams System 3 to 7 pinball machines, recurring failures stem from aging: leaking NiCad battery on the MPU (corrosion — the #1 cause of dead boards), worn 40-pin MPU-to-driver connector (the single most common failure point), resets/reboots from 5V drops (power headers and connectors need re-soldering), tired power supply capacitors, displays with missing segments, and solenoid fuse blowing (stuck slingshot or pop bumper).
Algar-Specific Issues (Forum Reports)
- No ambient sound: a frequent Type 1 sound board failure — dry solder joints at connectors, a tired TDA2002 amp, loose IC sockets, or a failed PIA.
- Displays that ripple or show missing digits: a classic System 6A fault; rework the connectors and solder joints on the 7-digit displays.
- No general illumination (GI): GI connectors overheat and blacken; recondition them.
- Drop target and flipper wiring: on this widebody, the original harnesses are fragile; wiring photos help make these areas reliable.
- 40-pin MPU-to-Driver connector: a System 6 weak point — a single pin losing contact and the game won't boot.
- Overheating power connectors: Williams' fire-risk warning targets power headers and Molex; replace them preventively.
Compatible Replacement Boards for Algar
- WillFA7 — 2-in-1 board (MPU + Driver) compatible with System 3 to 7 (System 6 included).
The WillFA7 replaces the original MPU and driver board (startup, logic resets, solenoid control, battery-free memory) and eliminates the fragile 40-pin ribbon cable. Purely power-supply issues (5V/12V, capacitors, power connectors) and the sound board are addressed separately; our support team can guide you.
Installation is Plug & Play, battery-free, with tutorials and free support. Contact us.
FAQ — Algar Williams
My Algar won't boot.
A System 6 weak point is the 40-pin MPU-to-Driver connector — one bad pin stops boot. The WillFA7 combines MPU and driver and eliminates that ribbon, battery-free.
My displays ripple or drop digits.
A classic System 6A fault. Rework the connectors and solder joints on the 7-digit displays.
Do I need to keep the original battery?
No. The WillFA7 runs without a battery and eliminates the #1 cause of corrosion on System 6 machines.
How long does installation take?
Installation is Plug & Play: just a few minutes, no soldering required, with tutorials and free support.
Does a battery-free board retain settings and high scores?
Yes. Modern replacement boards use NVRAM: no battery, no corrosion, and settings are preserved when powered off.
Step-by-Step Diagnostics
- With power off, visual inspection: look for any signs of battery leakage or corrosion on the MPU of your Algar; remove the NiCad battery if still present.
- Power supply: check the 5V rail and fuses; re-solder power supply headers and MPU headers if voltage drops or the game resets.
- Connectors: re-pin oxidized Molex connectors, especially the MPU-to-driver connection.
- Solenoids: check solenoid fuses and switches (stuck slingshot) before powering back on.
- Displays: never connect or disconnect a display while powered on; test with a known good display.
- Final test: verify startup, credits, solenoids, and displays; remember the WillFA7 replaces MPU + driver. If needed, contact free support.
Useful Guides
- How much does pinball machine repair cost? A price guide
- How much is my pinball machine worth? Value and estimation
- Pinball machine leg sizes: the complete guide
- Which board for a Williams System 3 to 7?
See Also
- Alien Poker (Williams, 1980)
- Scorpion (Williams, 1980)
- Blackout (Williams, 1980)
- Laser Ball (Williams, 1979)
