Scorpion (Williams, 1980): Troubleshooting and System 6 Replacement Boards
Is your Scorpion by Williams has no blanking signal, a blowing solenoid fuse, missing display digits, or stuck pop bumpers? 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.
Scorpion (Williams, 1980): Overview
Released in 1980, Scorpion is a fast late-System-6 title.
- Manufacturer: Williams
- Year: 1980
- Electronic system: Williams System 6
- Type: solid state
- Theme: scorpion / desert
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).
Scorpion-Specific Issues (Forum Reports)
- No blanking signal: prevents startup even after replacing the MPU and Driver boards — needs precise diagnosis.
- Solenoid fuse (SB 3.5A) blowing: unplugging connectors J9 and J11 (sound board and playfield coils) helps isolate the cause.
- 40-pin MPU-to-solenoids connector: a high failure rate; if one pin fails to make contact, the game won't boot.
- Displays with stuck strobe lines: in test, lines stuck high cause missing digits.
- Stuck pop bumpers: often a switch stuck closed; watch for resistors heating up with soft solder joints.
Compatible Replacement Boards for Scorpion
- 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 — Scorpion Williams
My solenoid fuse keeps blowing.
Unplug connectors J9 and J11 (sound board and playfield coils) to isolate the cause. The WillFA7 replaces the driver stage.
My Scorpion won't start even with new boards.
Check for a missing blanking signal — it prevents startup and needs precise diagnosis. Also redo the 40-pin connector; the WillFA7 eliminates that ribbon.
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 Scorpion; 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
- Blackout (Williams, 1980)
- Laser Ball (Williams, 1979)
- Algar (Williams, 1980)
- Alien Poker (Williams, 1980)
