Skip to content

Data East Vector Installation and Use Manual

How the Vector board installs, what the LEDs mean, and how to bring a classic Data East machine online.

Table of contents

How it works

Vector sits between the processor chip and the game's main board so it can act like the RAM chip where settings are stored. Gameplay continues unchanged. The same ROM runs on the same processor. Vector stores RAM values in on-board permanent memory. Installation requires no permanent modification or soldering.

Data East install photo Status LED:
Yellow-Yellow Trying to join WiFi
Green-Green WiFi joined, all OK
Purple-Purple AP mode - join with your phone

Red-Yellow Hardware installation issue
Blue-Yellow WiFi password incorrect
Blue-Purple WiFi network not found

LED codes

The Status LED uses color combinations to indicate system status and faults. Each fault code consists of two color blinks separated by a brief pause.

Normal Operation

LED Pattern Status
Yellow-Yellow (dim) Trying to join WiFi at startup
Green-Green (dim) WiFi connected, all systems OK
Purple-Purple (dim) AP mode - join with your phone
LED Pattern Code Description
Red-Yellow HDWR01 Early Bus Activity
Red-White HDWR02 No Bus Activity
Red-Purple HDWR00 Unknown Hardware Error
LED Pattern Code Description
Blue-Yellow WIFI01 Invalid WiFi Credentials (wrong password)
Blue-Purple WIFI02 No WiFi Signal (network not found)
Blue-Red WIFI00 Unknown WiFi Error
LED Pattern Code Description
White-Yellow CONF01 Invalid Configuration
White-Purple CONF00 Unknown Configuration Error
LED Pattern Code Description
Yellow-Red SFTW01 Drop Through
Yellow-White SFTW02 Async loop interrupted
Yellow-Purple SFWR00 Unknown Software Error

Other

LED Pattern Code Description
White DUNO00 Unknown Error

Note: Multiple faults will be displayed in sequence with a pause (black) between each fault code.

Disclaimer

Removing classic game chips carries risk. Work with the game powered off but still grounded, discharge static before touching electronics, and double-check that sockets and ICs are fully seated. Incorrect fuse sizes or partially seated components can damage the machine. Warped Pinball provides email support but cannot be liable for damage.

Supported games

Installation picture System Titles
Data East install photo Data East Back to the Future
Batman
Baywatch
Checkpoint
Frankenstein
Guns N' Roses
Hook
Jurassic Park
Last Action Hero
Laser War
Lethal Weapon 3
Maverick
Monday Night Football
Phantom of the Opera
Playboy
RAD Mobile
Robocop
Rocky and Bullwinkle
Secret Service
The Simpsons
Star Trek 25th Anniversary
Star Wars
Tales from the Crypt
Time Machine
TMNT
Torpedo Alley
The Who's Tommy Pinball Wizard

Hardware installation

  1. Carefully remove the processor (MC6802) and place it into the socket on the Vector board according to pin #1 designation. Verify pins are straight and fully seated. The chip location is identified in this picture:

Data East chip location

Throughout the installation pay attention to pin #1 alignment:

  1. To improve mounting and connection reliability, insert the pin-strip headers into each side of the main-board processor socket. Press gently, you will fully seat these later.

Pin strip Photo

  1. Place the 40 pin socket into the pin strip headers. Press firmly all the way around. Make sure all pins are fully seated now.

socket Photo

  1. Attach the adhesive standoff to the Vector board with the included plastic screw so it can adhere to the board surface when installed.

Pin standoff Photo

  1. Insert the Vector board into the socket on the main board. Align all pins, press, and confirm each corner is seated. Pay attention to pin #1 alignment throughout this installation.

After connection the game operates normally while the Vector board provides NVRAM service. Configure WiFi to access advanced scoring, tournament, and other features.

Connecting to local WiFi

  1. Power up the pinball machine; the WiFi status LED will start Yellow then flash Purple.
  2. On a phone or computer, open WiFi settings and join the Warped Pinball network. A no-internet warning is expected.

Pin setup screen

  1. When prompted, tap Sign In or open a browser to reach the configuration screen.

Pin sign in screen

  1. On the configuration screen:
  2. Select your local WiFi SSID and enter the password (case sensitive).
  3. Choose your game from the dropdown (use GenericDataEast if not listed; incorrect selection can cause erratic behavior).
  4. Optionally set an Admin Password to protect actions like erasing scores and leaderboards.
  5. If Vector previously joined a network, the assigned IP address is shown at the bottom.

Pin setup screen

  1. Click Save. Power-cycle the game to apply settings. On the next boot:
  2. Yellow blinking indicates the unit is locating the network.
  3. Green blinking LED confirms a successful connection.
  4. Check the LED table above for all fault codes. If Wifi join fails power down, hold the WiFi setup button while powering up, release when the LED blinks purple, and repeat pairing.

Pro Tip: To re-enter configuration mode later, hold the WiFi config button during power-up and release when the LED blinks rapidly.

IP addresses

Each machine receives an IP address from your router (for example 192.168.1.79). Access Vector by entering the IP in a browser and save it as a bookmark. Router DHCP assignments can change; the Vector board periodically displays the current IP on the machine display. To keep the same address, log into your router, locate the device, and mark the entry as static.

Most Data East games display the IP address in attract mode with spaces separating the four numbers (for example: 192 . 168 . 1 . 189).

Operation

  • Navigation buttons are in the upper-right corner.
  • Tournament and personal best scoreboards are accessible via the banner.
  • Enter player full names under Players.
  • Check out the Admin panel for configuration save/restore and software updates

Pin main web page

Watch the features video and send ideas via WarpedPinball.com.