Namco 246 won't post

[Esom]

I have a 246, rack C. It will not load a game fully. I've swapped DVD-ROMs, verified 5v at the IO and at the DVD-ROM power plug. The power LED is solid and there is a blinking LED near the data ribbon cable. It doesn't beep at all. The ROM spins up and acts line it will read, but eventually stops showing activity.

I've tried a few different monitors/settings and one odd behavior is the Dell monitor I tried to se d VGA signal directly to keeps trying to auto adjust. Not sure if that means the 246 is sending and stopping over and over or what.

Any tips?

 

[chacal231077]

Hi!

What type of power supply are you using ?
If it's an ATX PC power supply, it's garbage for this hardware.

You really need an arcade power supply like a Sega Naomi or Sega Lindbergh type, because they have an adjustable knob for the +5V rail.

Also ,What is the exact name of the game you are trying to launch ?
Are you using an original DVD ,CD or a burned backup copy ?

 

[Esom]

Using a Happ PowerPro, it appears to work with all my other 246 systems.

Trying to play Soul Calibur 3, original dongle, burned DVD.

 

[1credit]

Interested as I have one same issue ..

I’m wondering if the ode dvd emu drive option would work ?

 

[archimage]

there's a common fault on these systems : https://www.arcade-projects.com/threads/solved-help-with-a-namco-system-256-pcb-replacement.15723/

I have replaced L3 C135 and F3 on two systems because they were blown for no obvious reason (one of my systems was nos barely open)

So my guess is ageing components.

Open it and give it a check

 

[1credit]

Guy says
246
..Will update here with what I find.
But that’s a 256?

 

[archimage]

I don't know if they have the same exact issues, but worth opening and checking

 

[1credit]

I don't know if they have the same exact issues, but worth opening and checking

Yep tons and I will ..

I just get black screen f I remeber ..
Been long tome
Since I tried

 

[El_isra]

Maybe check the Emotion engine serial port with an USB to RS232C adapter

 

[1credit]

Maybe check the Emotion engine serial port with an USB to RS232C adapter

Maybe check the Emotion engine serial port with an USB to RS232C adapter

I will post a pic of my usb to rs232

Not sure of it will do th trick or not

 

[El_isra]

I will post a pic of my usb to rs232

Not sure of it will do th trick or not

It wont do any trick

it will tell you if the PS2 Processors are dead or alive....

that can narrow down the search of culprits

Thread '[guide]: how to use the system256 EE UART to test if EE or IOP are fried'

Aug 17, 2026

today I found out the EE UART TX pin on the system256 board

to use this UART to test for dead EE or IOP, you will need: cables (I used dupont cables female-male) and an RS232 to USB adapters (the ones that use DB9 connector)


the serial port pin is conveniently exposed on a test clamp pin near the dip switches connection, you can see it labeled as "TAB1" and "EERS"


that pin goes to your adapter RX pin. then take ground from wherever you want, there is a test clamp ping labeled as TAB2 left to the power plug for the cooler, that exposes GND cleanly

once you have it connected, plug the...

• El_isra
• Replies: 0
• Forum: Namco System 246/256

• 

 

[1credit]

Yeh I mean that would be a massive help
Because then I Can go ahead with ode purchase