Gottlieb System 80B (1984-1989): replacement boards, compatibility and specifics
Do you own a Gottlieb System 80B pinball machine (1984-1989) that no longer starts, resets itself or keeps piling up electronic faults? The 80B is Gottlieb's last electronic generation, and it has its specifics that you need to know before choosing a replacement board. This guide gives you the full picture: differences from the System 80/80A, board compatibility, and the available power supply kit.
What is the Gottlieb System 80B?
The System 80B powers Gottlieb / Premier pinball machines from 1984 to 1989 — the evolution of the System 80 and 80A. It includes titles that have become cult classics: Rock, Raven, Hollywood Heat, Genesis, Gold Wings, Monte Carlo, Spring Break, Arena, Victory, Diamond Lady, TX Sector, Robo War, Excalibur, Bad Girls, Big House, Hot Shots, Bone Busters, Bounty Hunter, Chicago Cubs Triple Play, Tag Team…
The specifics of the System 80B (vs 80 / 80A)
The 80B is repaired like a System 80 (aging CPU and Driver boards, grounds, connectors, leaking battery), but with 4 specific points to know:
- The power supply is separate and kept. On 80/80A, an all-in-one board can replace the power supply; on 80B, the original power supply is kept (different architecture). See below: a power supply kit is available.
- Audio is handled differently. The 80Bs have their own sound boards. An all-in-one CPU board only integrates audio on a few titles; for the others, the original sound board is kept (or replaced).
- Larger displays (alphanumeric), with specific wiring and positioning.
- On some models, plan for a small mechanical adjustment: the display ribbon cable can be a bit short (small extension) and the backbox neon tube sometimes needs to be raised/repositioned to make room for the board (typical cases: Diamond Lady, TX Sector, Robo War, Excalibur, Bad Girls, Big House, Hot Shots, Bone Busters).
Which replacement boards for a System 80B?
- GottFA80_Plus (Light) — all-in-one board that replaces the CPU + Driver on 80B (the original power supply is kept). The most complete solution, plug & play.
- Lisy80 — CPU + web diagnostics board, ideal for repairing and understanding your 80B.
- Godri80 — replacement Driver board.
- Gosof — replacement sound board (System 1, 80/80A and early 80B).
- GoPOP80 — bumper driver board (MA-922).
⚡ What about the power supply on 80B?
On System 80B, you keep the original power supply — the CPU/Driver board does not replace it. If yours is worn, oxidized or if you want to start fresh, a power supply kit is available and can be added to your order.
FAQ — Gottlieb System 80B
Which CPU board for a Gottlieb System 80B?
The GottFA80_Plus (Light) which replaces CPU + Driver, or the Lisy80 (CPU + web diagnostics). Both compatible with 80B, plug & play.
Does the board replace the power supply on 80B?
No. On 80B, the original power supply is kept. If it is faulty, a power supply kit is available — contact us.
How to handle sound on a System 80B?
You keep the original sound board, or replace it with the Gosof board depending on the model. The GottFA80_Plus Full only integrates audio on Bounty Hunter, Chicago Cubs Triple Play and Tag Team.
Why a cable extension or raising the neon on some 80Bs?
On models like Diamond Lady, TX Sector, Robo War, Excalibur, Bad Girls, Big House, Hot Shots or Bone Busters, the display ribbon cable can be short and the backbox neon can get in the way of the board: a small extension and repositioning of the neon are enough.
Do you need to keep a battery on an 80B?
No: our boards work without a battery, no more corrosion and lost scores.
