Mata Hari (Bally, 1978): Troubleshooting and Bally MPU Replacement Boards
Is your Mata Hari by Bally not starting, flashes then stops, resets when the ball exits the top saucer, or has flickering lamps? These symptoms are typical of Bally microprocessor pinball machines whose original MPU board is now over 40 years old and almost always suffers from a leaking battery. The good news: the BallyFA replacement MPU board, Plug & Play and battery-free, brings your machine back to life.
Mata Hari (Bally, 1978): Overview
Released in 1978, Mata Hari is one of Bally's biggest solid-state hits (over 16,000 units), themed on espionage and the famous dancer-spy. It uses the Bally MPU board (AS-2518 series).
- Manufacturer: Bally
- Year: 1978
- Electronic system: Bally MPU (AS-2518)
- Type: solid state
- Theme: espionage / the dancer-spy Mata Hari
Common Issues (Bally MPU)
On Bally microprocessor pinball machines (1977-1985), recurring failures stem from aging: leaking battery on the MPU (corrodes traces and sockets around U10/U11 — the #1 cause of dead boards), worn PIA 6821 chips (U10/U11) (oxidized pins, machine won't boot), failed 5101 RAM and sockets, oxidized or burnt MPU/power connectors (look for heat marks), displays with missing segments, and power supply/driver board (rectifier, fuses, solenoid transistors) needing attention.
Mata Hari-Specific Issues (Forum Reports)
- 7 flashes then no startup tune: the boot sequence halts; points to the MPU (PIA/RAM, battery corrosion).
- Reset when the ball exits the top saucer: voltage drop when the coil fires; the power supply and capacitor C23 (5V filter) need refurbishing.
- Lamps flickering on bumper hits: unstable 5V regulation from the power supply board.
- Leaking battery on MPU: corrosion around U10/U11.
- Oxidized or burnt connectors: replace to make the machine reliable.
- Displays with missing segments: displays and MPU to check.
Compatible Replacement Boards for Mata Hari
- BallyFA — replacement MPU board (battery-free).
- BallyDri — power supply + driver board.
- BallyLa_60 — lamp driver board.
📚 Learn more: Guide: Which MPU board for a Bally (1977-1985)?
The BallyFA replaces the original MPU board (startup, game logic, battery-free memory) and eliminates the battery — the #1 cause of corrosion. For solenoids and power, the BallyDri takes over; lamps via the BallyLa_60. Installation is Plug & Play, battery-free, with free support. Contact us.
FAQ — Mata Hari Bally
My Mata Hari resets when the ball leaves the top saucer.
A voltage drop when the coil fires — the power supply and filter capacitor C23 need refurbishing. The BallyDri (power supply + driver) provides a stable, modern supply.
My Mata Hari flashes 7 times and won't start.
The boot halts at the MPU (PIA/RAM, battery corrosion). The BallyFA replaces the MPU and boots without a battery.
Is the BallyFA compatible with my Bally?
Yes, for all Bally microprocessor machines (1977-1985). If in doubt, contact us.
Do I need to keep the original battery?
No. The BallyFA runs without a battery and eliminates the #1 cause of corrosion.
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 Mata Hari; remove the original battery if still present.
- Power supply: measure voltages (especially 5V) and verify they reach the MPU; check the rectifier and power board fuses.
- MPU components: inspect the PIA 6821 chips (U10/U11) and the 5101 RAM, often corroded by battery leakage.
- Connectors: re-pin oxidized or burnt connectors, especially between the MPU and power supply.
- Displays: check display power supply; test with a known good display.
- Final test: verify startup, credits, solenoids, and displays; the BallyFA replaces the MPU battery-free; 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 MPU board for a Bally (1977-1985)?
See Also
- Eight Ball (Bally, 1977)
- Six Million Dollar Man (Bally, 1978)
- Playboy (Bally, 1978)
- Evel Knievel (Bally, 1977)
