Saturn 2 (Nuova Bell Games, 1985): faults and replacement boards (Bally-compatible)
Is your Nuova Bell Games Saturn 2 no longer starting, showing dead displays or wild coils? Good news: Saturn 2 is built on a Bally AS-2518-35 base, so the symptoms and solutions are those of Bally microprocessor pinball machines. The BallyFA replacement MPU board, Plug & Play and battery-free, gives your machine a second life.
Saturn 2 (Nuova Bell Games, 1985): overview
Released in January 1985 by the Italian manufacturer Nuova Bell Games, Saturn 2 is a solid-state pinball designed by Greg Kmiec, derived from a conversion kit of the Bally Spy Hunter and reusing Bally electronics (MPU AS-2518-35 board). About 1,200 units, on a space theme.
- Manufacturer: Nuova Bell Games (Bally base)
- Year: 1985
- Electronic system: Bally MPU AS-2518-35 (compatible)
- Type: electronic pinball (solid state)
- Theme: space / science fiction
Common faults (Bally / Stern)
On Bally and Stern microprocessor machines (1977-1985), the recurring faults come from ageing: leaking battery on the MPU (corrosion of traces and sockets around U10/U11, the no. 1 cause of dead boards), worn PIA 6821 (U10/U11) (oxidised legs, impossible start-up), 5101 RAM and sockets to replace, MPU/power connectors oxidised or burnt (look for heat marks), displays with missing segments, and power/driver board (rectifier, fuses, coil transistors) to overhaul.
Issues specific to Saturn 2 (forum feedback)
- Bally Spy Hunter conversion base: specific Bell Games ROMs; check MPU/ROM consistency when replacing a board.
- Leaking battery on the MPU: corrosion around U10/U11, to be treated before powering up.
- Dead or partial displays: display power supply and MPU to check.
- Wild or inert coils: driver board (transistors, fuses) to overhaul.
- Oxidised or burnt connectors: to be replaced (repinned) to make the machine reliable.
- Blowing fuses: short-circuited rectifier or coil to track down.
Replacement boards compatible with Saturn 2
- BallyFA — replacement MPU board (battery-free), Bally-35 base.
- BallyDri — power supply + driver.
- BallyLa_60 — lamp driver.
📚 Further reading: Guide: which MPU board for a Bally / Stern (1977-1985)?
The BallyFA replaces the original MPU board (start-up, logic, battery-free memory) and removes the battery, the no. 1 cause of corrosion. As Saturn 2 uses specific Bell Games ROMs, contact us for the right ROM configuration. For coils and power, the BallyDri takes over; the lamps via the BallyLa_60. Plug & Play installation, battery-free, free support. Contact us.
FAQ — Saturn 2 Nuova Bell Games
Is the BallyFA suitable for Saturn 2?
Yes: Saturn 2 uses a Bally AS-2518-35 base. Contact us for the configuration of the specific Bell Games ROMs.
My Saturn 2 no longer starts.
Check the battery and corrosion around U10/U11. The BallyFA replaces the MPU and works without a battery.
Coils run wild or do not respond.
On the power side, the driver board is to blame: the BallyDri (power supply + driver) replaces it.
Should I keep the original battery?
No. The BallyFA works without a battery and removes the no. 1 cause of corrosion.
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 Saturn 2, especially around U10/U11; remove the battery if still present.
- Power supply: measure the 5 V and check it reaches the MPU; check the rectifier bridge and the power-supply fuses.
- Grounds: redo the grounds between the MPU, the power/driver board and the display.
- Connectors: repin the oxidised Molex connectors, especially the MPU↔power-supply 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; the BallyFA replaces the MPU, battery-free. If needed, contact free support.
See also
- World Defender (Nuova Bell Games, 1985)
- Tiger Rag (Nuova Bell Games, 1984)
- Spy Hunter (Bally, 1984)
- Kings of Steel (Bally, 1984)
