BSD Mist Multiball Issue - Magnet not working

The magnet itself would be low on my list of probable problems (unless it has overheated).

Run through the mist test in diagnostics and see what you get. Problems with the long opto can make it look like the magnet is now working.

When you lift the playfield there is a board on the upper left and the connector will often get pulled off the board. Check that.

http://pinballrehab.com/1-articles/solid-state-repair/game-specific-toys/200-mist-multiball

It should be repairable and all the parts available. There's one part (a choke on the opto board) that is slightly hard to find, but it is available. There is an IC on the opto board that is no longer available, but you can get a reproduction opto board (if that's the problem).

The article I posted earlier will help you troubleshoot the problem if you get the game.

If it's in good cosmetic shape I'd go for it.

Typically on BSD I've seen misalignment of the across the playfield optos (or they're just dead), the opto board has failed (replacements are available), or the coiled cord under the playfield that supplies power to the magnet has a broken wire (very common because it's moving all the time).

I would check the playfield optos first, then do a continuity check on each of the wires in the coiled cord. Make sure you move the harness around a little to simulate like it's moving when you're doing the continuity test.

ANy of these three problems are very easy to fix, and most people shy away from buying one of these if the mist option is working.

Good luck.

One magnet - yes.

Easier to get a new cord.

Test magnet should be in there under coils or mist ball test. If a ball sticks to it you are fine, if not remove the cable and check each wire for an internal break - replace whole cord if you find one.

LTG : )

I think for a game that is not working and has bad cabinet art, which is not available by the way, that's high. According to Pinside the game should be 1,700 to 2,000. So far this year five Drac's have sold on eBay for an average of 1,550.

If you have to replace the opto board it's about $84 (AUS) plus shipping, so figure $100.

On the other hand a working Drac in good cosmetic shape would be over 2,000 in SoCal.

My magnet on my BSD wasn't working either when I purchased it. The coiled cord had wire breaks just past the Molex terminal pins. Striped the wire and recrimped new pins and its back in business. Check for continuity in the coiled cable.