Rock Encore (Gottlieb, 1986): faults and System 80B replacement boards

June 29, 2026

Does your Gottlieb Rock Encore (1986) play with no music or sound, only trigger sound on some targets, show a very weak audio signal or ground-related resets? These symptoms are typical of an ageing System 80B, whose sound section is especially sensitive. Here are the common faults and the compatible replacement boards.

About the Rock Encore (Gottlieb, 1986)

Rock Encore (1986) is the enhanced version of Gottlieb (Premier)’s “Rock”, with extra music on a concert and rock theme. It runs on System 80B electronics, known for its sound and grounding troubles.

Manufacturer: Gottlieb (Premier)
Year: 1986
System: Gottlieb System 80B
Type: solid state, alphanumeric displays
Theme: rock music, concert

Gottlieb System 80B boards — Rock Encore — The CPU and Driver boards of the Gottlieb System 80B.

Common faults (System 80B)

Gottlieb’s System 80B shares well-documented weaknesses:

Battery corrosion: the battery soldered to the CPU board leaks and eats away traces and components; it is the number-one cause of a dead board.
Displays: missing digits, dead segments or no display at all on power-up.
Sound and music: music that cuts out, partial or missing sounds (the sound board is sensitive to poor contacts).
Connectors and rivets: poor contacts on the inter-board connectors and oxidised backbox rivets (a “ground mod” is often needed).
Grounds: insufficient grounding near the transformer, a source of lock-ups and spurious resets.

Battery corrosion on a Gottlieb System 80B board — Rock Encore — Typical corrosion from a leaking battery on System 80B: neutralise it first.

Rock Encore-specific issues (forums)

Reported by owners on Pinside:

Missing music: no music or sound in attract mode or during play, even though the game scores normally.
Partial sounds: some targets trigger a sound, others don’t; an abnormally weak audio signal.
Sound board traces: severed traces between the sound-board chips to check and repair, and connectors to repin.
Grounds near the transformer: ineffective grounds; redoing solid ground connections markedly improves operation.
Inter-board connectors: poor contacts between boards, a classic source of System 80 trouble.

Replacement boards compatible with Rock Encore

Rather than chasing a ghostly sound signal, replace the original electronics:

GottFA80_Plus (Light) — all-in-one CPU + Driver + power board, without sound.
GottFA80_Plus (Full) — same with integrated sound board.
Gosof — replacement sound board.
Godri80 — replacement Driver board.
Lisy80 — CPU board + web diagnostics.
GoPOP80 — pop-bumper board (MA-922).

GottFA80_Plus board for Gottlieb System 80B — Rock Encore — The GottFA80_Plus: all-in-one board (CPU + Driver + power supply), battery-free.

Plug & Play installation, battery-free, free support.

FAQ — Rock Encore (Gottlieb)

My Rock Encore has lost its sound, which board should I choose?
The Gosof sound board replaces the original sound board. To replace everything in one go (CPU + Driver + power + sound), choose the GottFA80_Plus (Full).

The sound is weak or partial, can it be fixed?
Yes: severed traces and tired connectors on the sound board. A new Gosof removes these poor contacts at a stroke.

Do I need to do the “ground mod”?
On System 80B, better grounds near the transformer fix many resets and sound problems. Our boards make the upgrade simpler.

Is installation complicated?
No: our boards are Plug & Play, battery-free, with free support. If in doubt, contact us.

How long does it take to install a replacement board?
Installation is Plug & Play: a few minutes, no soldering, with tutorials and free support.

Does a battery-free board keep the settings and high scores?
Yes. Modern replacement boards use non-volatile memory: no more battery, no more corrosion, and the settings are kept when powered off.

Step-by-step diagnosis

Power off, visual inspection: look for any battery or corrosion traces on the MPU of your Rock Encore; remove the NiCad battery if still present.
Power supply: measure the 5 V and check it reaches the MPU (resolder the regulator or Q1 if the voltage drops).
Grounds: apply the “ground mods” between the boards (CPU, Driver, power supply, sound).
Connectors: repin the oxidised Molex connectors, especially the MPU↔Driver link.
Displays: never plug or unplug a display while powered on; test with a known-good display.
Final test: check start-up, credits, coils and displays; if needed, contact free support.