Hi folks.
Usually an EM guy, I could do with some help with this SS I have acquired. Worried I am using EM tricks for an SS
The problem is well documented - Black Hole kicker solenoid on lower playfield. It was missing, I suspected it stuck on for previous owner and he removed it.
To test, I used my light bulbs tester (2 x 12v bulbs in series) connected to the kicker wires, and sure enough, at power on, the bulbs were "super" bright.
From other Pinsiders I read I had to test the Q5 under playfield transistor and the Q15 on driver board.
The Q5 indeed had failed, so I replaced it with a MJ2955 (it had a 2n3791, like the one to the right).
thumbnail_IMG_0351 (resized).jpg
Both now test ok (DMM in diode mode, red lead on Collector/casing, black on E reads .59, on B reads .49, on both). Also I removed and checked all fuses as ok.
(I'm thinking that right hand side transistor should also have its own 4.7K pull-up resistor, plus maybe replace the tranny anyway with a new 2955?)
When I powered on, my test bulbs still stayed on, but much dimmer. I removed bulb tester and checked voltage (machine in attract mode) and the 24v lug (orange, yellow) does indeed read 25v, but the other lug (red, green) reads 11v ?
So, on to the Q15, but it Q15 tests ok. In fact the board is quite recent (2014), as are all the boards, so I'm thinking its fine. Everything else seems to power up ok.
thumbnail_IMG_0350 (resized).jpg
Lots of pretty leds, not sure if they help?
Also, when I run test 16 (lamp driver test), the bulb tester connected to the kicker wires does indeed go super bright, then back to dim - each time it tests.
My first question is - can I use the bulb tester - or does that cause its own issues...should I just wire in a new coil & diode?
Should I just replace the other older transistor on the right to be sure, and add a pull-up resistor?
(Once we fix this then on to the Wireform Ball Gate solenoid (upper playfield - lets ball into play) is also permanently energized).
Thanks, in advance!