(Topic ID: 66172)

F14 Tomcat Owners Club Fans Also Welcome.

By Hellfire

10 years ago


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  • 5,561 posts
  • 466 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 12 days ago by chipleader
  • Topic is favorited by 208 Pinsiders

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19 key posts have been marked in this topic, showing the first 10 items. (Show topic index)

There are 5,561 posts in this topic. You are on page 84 of 112.
#4151 4 years ago
Quoted from GRUMPY:

Test the diodes.

Good call, they were bad. Replaced the two and now I'm in business. Thanks!

#4152 4 years ago
Quoted from Geteos:

Good call, they were bad. Replaced the two and now I'm in business. Thanks!

Playball!

#4153 4 years ago

I cheated and pulled sockets from the bottom to do it. Had to fix several parts of braid because I was too vigorous getting the staples out. Whoops.

Ended up having to pull the playfield TWICE because I accidentally subbed a warm white bulb for one of the cool whites--gah!

Now I need to order some wedge LEDs from comet so I can finish the controlled bulbs...

IMG_20200206_195737 (resized).jpgIMG_20200206_195737 (resized).jpg
#4154 4 years ago

Does anybody know where these stickers are available to purchase? Thanks

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#4155 4 years ago
Quoted from athenspin:

Does anybody know where these stickers are available to purchase? Thanks[quoted image][quoted image]

It's on Ebay. It looks great

#4156 4 years ago
Quoted from BertoDRINK1:

It's on Ebay. It looks great

Cool, man they look sharp!

#4157 4 years ago

Those stickers really do jazz it up a bit. Guess I'm going after some too!

#4158 4 years ago

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/for-sale-f-14tomcat-brand-new-playfield#post-5456186

Holy crap... I'm a bit sad now lmao..I paid $1450 (delivered) for one much, much less nice....

#4159 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

I cheated and pulled sockets from the bottom to do it. Had to fix several parts of braid because I was too vigorous getting the staples out. Whoops.
Ended up having to pull the playfield TWICE because I accidentally subbed a warm white bulb for one of the cool whites--gah!
Now I need to order some wedge LEDs from comet so I can finish the controlled bulbs...[quoted image]

Looks good. Results are what matter, not the process.

I’ll look you up next time I’m up your way.

#4160 4 years ago
Quoted from schwism:

Looks good. Results are what matter, not the process.
I’ll look you up next time I’m up your way.

I've still got lots of tuning to do on this thing.

The pop isn't as sensitive as it needs to be, so it's kind of lazy at times.. Both left and right gates are causing the ball to get hung up at times..I noticed the right one isn't always fully dropping after the ball shoots out (probably need to either remove and clean or just replace).. Right sling is still weaker than the left (needs additional switch adjustment I assume).. otherwise it's playing okay for a mostly neglected turd

Rubber looks fairly good so I'm assuming those aren't crazy old.. That helps.

Definitely let me know if you're around!

#4161 4 years ago

Lol...I just noticed....

I had to pull the playfield a second time to fix that one warm white bulb on the right... And then I lost this cluster. So out she comes for a THIRD time so I can pinpoint the break. Sheesh.

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#4162 4 years ago

Tried to solder the break without pulling... Of course it was the FURTHEST POINT possible... So I'm balancing on a chair, dangling myself upside down... To no avail, of course. I finally give in and pull the damn thing, try to solder with it leaned up against something... NOPE... Give up and lay it flat, solder it easy peasy, and put the damn thing back in. Looks good now!

Used a purple passion 2SMD from comet in the center, but had to pull it pretty far away to get it to diffuse properly. Love the color, wish I could get the bulb to diffuse properly up close..

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#4163 4 years ago

It’s always fun dealing with these issues. Glad you got it fixed. I haven’t had the pleasure of pulling the playfield on mine yet but probably will need to do so to replace one of the flashers at the back.

I noticed on your first picture the pads behind the T and O look a little ragged. Marco has replacements and I replaced all 22 of mine yesterday. Took less than an hour. Just saying.

#4164 4 years ago
Quoted from schwism:

It’s always fun dealing with these issues. Glad you got it fixed. I haven’t had the pleasure of pulling the playfield on mine yet but probably will need to do so to replace one of the flashers at the back.
I noticed on your first picture the pads behind the T and O look a little ragged. Marco has replacements and I replaced all 22 of mine yesterday. Took less than an hour. Just saying.

Good suggestion. I do need to do that.

I've noticed that I have (and still have, even after replacing with known working) flashers with issues. The white one in the right doesn't work no matter what I do. Probably the warming element..

This still isn't dialed in perfectly but it's playing better than it was, anyway. I'm getting there with it.

At some point I need to figure out why the cabinet and the back box both seem....snug? Warped? Idk. Both the glass and the playfield seem to resist having the pieces installed. It's more so the back box than the cab, as I think my issue there is just that the playfield is heavy and maneuvering it is awkward.

The speaker panel and the backglass are nightmares to fit in place and I'm noticing that there are actually rub marks as well. Not sure if I need to sand some material down and then repaint black, or what.. Something to deal with later on down the road.

#4165 4 years ago
Quoted from schwism:

It’s always fun dealing with these issues. Glad you got it fixed. I haven’t had the pleasure of pulling the playfield on mine yet but probably will need to do so to replace one of the flashers at the back.
I noticed on your first picture the pads behind the T and O look a little ragged. Marco has replacements and I replaced all 22 of mine yesterday. Took less than an hour. Just saying.

If yours is one of the later models the flashers in the back are on a pcb that is connected with two thumb screws on either end. I had one dead flasher and it ended up being a blown trace on the circuit board. Had to bypass with wire but now working great. Pretty easy to pull that if it's the later model.

#4166 4 years ago

Snapped the spoon like a twig trying to get the pop working well more consistently -- oops. Stole one off the high speed I have in pieces (I'll put brand new stuff in it when I get the hardtop down anyway), verified it was in good condition / cleaned it and installed... Thus far no mis-hits. So I think I have that fixed. I'm about 98% there with the most important stuff. Fixed the bum flasher too, the warming board had some gross soldering work done--stuck out like a sore thumb with the PF raised--and one leg had come loose. Soldered it down and away we go. Fixed the beacons too.

I love this game.. Way underrated imo.
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#4168 4 years ago

Holy F that's obnoxious, I absolutely love it.

#4169 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

Snapped the spoon like a twig trying to get the pop working well more consistently -- oops. Stole one off the high speed I have in pieces (I'll put brand new stuff in it when I get the hardtop down anyway), verified it was in good condition / cleaned it and installed... Thus far no mis-hits. So I think I have that fixed. I'm about 98% there with the most important stuff. Fixed the bum flasher too, the warming board had some gross soldering work done--stuck out like a sore thumb with the PF raised--and one leg had come loose. Soldered it down and away we go. Fixed the beacons too.
I love this game.. Way underrated imo.
[quoted image]

Sounds like you’re making progress. Yes, when working it’s a great game.

#4170 4 years ago

Quick question on the gate to the right of the pop.. mine was completely destroyed, and installed backwards, so I removed it and did my best attempt at bending a new piece (temporarily) but couldn't actually even get it installed except backwards.. is there some trick to installing the damn things?!

#4171 4 years ago

Were you able to locate these on EBay? I wasn’t able to find any listings

Quoted from athenspin:

Does anybody know where these stickers are available to purchase? Thanks[quoted image][quoted image]

#4172 4 years ago
Quoted from chadryan44:

Were you able to locate these on EBay? I wasn’t able to find any listings

I don't think he has a listing on Ebay anymore. This was the original one: ebay.com link: F 14 TOMCAT WILLIAMS PINBALL MACHINE YAGOV STICKER DECAL MOD

You can try contacting the creator here on pinside to see if he still have some available? User Dreg604: https://pinside.com/pinball/community/pinsiders/dreg604

#4173 4 years ago

Nvermind

#4174 4 years ago
Quoted from Phantasize:

I don't think he has a listing on Ebay anymore. This was the original one: ebay.com link » F 14 Tomcat Williams Pinball Machine Yagov Sticker Decal Mod
You can try contacting the creator here on pinside to see if he still have some available? User Dreg604: https://pinside.com/pinball/community/pinsiders/dreg604

Will reach out with a PM. Thanks!

#4175 4 years ago
Quoted from chadryan44:

Will reach out with a PM. Thanks!

I messaged him on eBay, to no avail. Would love to buy a set from him if you find any success here.

#4176 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

Quick question on the gate to the right of the pop.. mine was completely destroyed, and installed backwards, so I removed it and did my best attempt at bending a new piece (temporarily) but couldn't actually even get it installed except backwards.. is there some trick to installing the damn things?!

Are you sure you don't have the right gate installed in the left?

#4177 4 years ago

Left gate seems oriented correctly. It's certainly possible the right gate was actually a left gate and that's why it was so screwed up. I had to absolutely destroy it to remove it. I actually bent a new gate from a wire hanger, being careful to match the bends up with a RIGHT gate picture, and I simply couldn't get it to go on any way other than with the loop facing the pop. Unfortunately it has a tendency to rub on the cap like this and that causes it to stick open, etc.

Side note, decent first game this morning..I think I'll leave it at that for now lol

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#4178 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

Left gate seems oriented correctly. It's certainly possible the right gate was actually a left gate and that's why it was so screwed up. I had to absolutely destroy it to remove it. I actually bent a new gate from a wire hanger, being careful to match the bends up with a RIGHT gate picture, and I simply couldn't get it to go on any way other than with the loop facing the pop. Unfortunately it has a tendency to rub on the cap like this and that causes it to stick open, etc.
Side note, decent first game this morning..I think I'll leave it at that for now lol[quoted image]

Bicycle spokes work great.You need to have a spring steel metal to work right.

#4179 4 years ago
Quoted from locksmith:

Bicycle spokes work great.You need to have a spring steel metal to work right.

Good suggestion. So here's the real question I have... Should the loop be on the OUTSIDE, or inside facing the pop? It's on the outside on the left gate, but I could only get it installed facing the left for the right gate. It also seems that the metal bar that restricts movement is orientated on the inner (left) part for the right gate...?

#4180 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

Good suggestion. So here's the real question I have... Should the loop be on the OUTSIDE, or inside facing the pop? It's on the outside on the left gate, but I could only get it installed facing the left for the right gate. It also seems that the metal bar that restricts movement is orientated on the inner (left) part for the right gate...?

I had a heck of a time finding reference pics of these when trying to figure mine out. Some operator some point earlier in this pins life put gates from another machine on and they were not right at all. Instead of bending I just bought some new ones from Marcos when I was doing another order. Wasn't too much. Here they are installed and I'm not even 100% sure I'm right lol. but it works
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#4181 4 years ago

Just took my F-14 off the market because its a great pin for the money.My thinking was I cant buy anything else that nice for what I was asking.Great system 11 here.The high numbers made also keeps the price down.Now you Die Comrad

#4182 4 years ago
Quoted from C0untDeM0net:

I had a heck of a time finding reference pics of these when trying to figure mine out. Some operator some point earlier in this pins life put gates from another machine on and they were not right at all. Instead of bending I just bought some new ones from Marcos when I was doing another order. Wasn't too much. Here they are installed and I'm not even 100% sure I'm right lol. but it works
[quoted image][quoted image]

I tried my damnedest to get the right gate on like that but couldn't do it. Granted I was using a pliable part bent from a coat hanger, but still... I need to order the actual part still.

Quoted from locksmith:

Just took my F-14 off the market because its a great pin for the money.My thinking was I cant buy anything else that nice for what I was asking.Great system 11 here.The high numbers made also keeps the price down.Now you Die Comrad

I wasn't sure just now much I'd really enjoy F-14 because it's challenging and I kinda suck at Pinball. But since I got it, I haven't played much else. Right now it's stealing the bulk of time I was putting in to meteor and space shuttle right next to it.

I was a bit unsure of where this left high speed when I finished its hardtop but barring a complete change of direction I think high speed will be leaving my lineup once eight ball deluxe is finished. I really only have room for 5 comfortably and imo high speed (though itself a gun game) is not better than f14.

I'm really enjoying F14 a lot...comrade.

#4183 4 years ago
Quoted from chadryan44:

Were you able to locate these on EBay? I wasn’t able to find any listings

Unfortunately I wasn’t able to find any listings on eBay, I pm’d the person in Pinside who made these initially but I haven’t heard anything back. If anybody finds a source for these stickers please spread the word.

#4185 4 years ago

Might make some slight tweaks but the lighting is now done. Love the ice blue 2SMDs!
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JK I swapped the kill lights with some green 2SMDs I had. I'm digging it.
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Unrelated, but my test menu goes straight into display test and I can't get it out. Connections look fine. Any ideas?
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#4186 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

Might make some slight tweaks but the lighting is now done. Love the ice blue 2SMDs!
[quoted image]
JK I swapped the kill lights with some green 2SMDs I had. I'm digging it.
[quoted image]
Unrelated, but my test menu goes straight into display test and I can't get it out. Connections look fine. Any ideas?
[quoted image][quoted image]

Looking good. I alternated red, white and blue on my kill lights.

Finally got all my bulbs upgraded to LEDS. Makes a big difference.

#4187 4 years ago

I may catch some flak for this but... I tossed in some green on my backglass where the fireballs go and I really like it too. Haha to each their own!

Halfway done with my LEDs still need to tackle the GI when sunlight 2smd comes available at comet again.
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#4188 4 years ago

Thanks to the Completist for the decals. My F14 is flying high!!!

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2 weeks later
#4189 4 years ago

From rags to riches. Glad to say I'm finally done with my restore. Doubt I'll mess with the cabinet, maybe sometime down the road.

Cheers!!

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#4190 4 years ago
Quoted from FLASHBALL:

From rags to riches. Glad to say I'm finally done with my restore. Doubt I'll mess with the cabinet, maybe sometime down the road.
Cheers!![quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

You did well for yourself little buddy

#4191 4 years ago
Quoted from locksmith:

Thanks to the Completist for the decals. My F14 is flying high!!![quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Not sure why but my left decal didn't fit at all. Very weird. He asked for measurements and said he'd double check things.. But I'm assuming my plastic is just some oddball junk.

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#4192 4 years ago
Quoted from KSUWildcatFan:

Not sure why but my left decal didn't fit at all. Very weird. He asked for measurements and said he'd double check things.. But I'm assuming my plastic is just some oddball junk.[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

That’s odd. Hope you’re able to sort out. I just installed the decals and the screw holes were off by about an 1/8” but was able to make it work. They look great installed.

#4193 4 years ago

hello,new cpr translite is better to look than original?

#4194 4 years ago
Quoted from pinballfan:

hello,new cpr translite is better to look than original?

Here is the new CPR mirrored backglass on the left and original translite on the right. The new one is darker, I'm going to try a few Comet led Strips and see if it comes out a little brighter

PhotoCollage_1582325784564 (resized).jpgPhotoCollage_1582325784564 (resized).jpg
#4195 4 years ago
Quoted from BertoDRINK1:

Here is the new CPR mirrored backglass on the left and original translite on the right. The new one is darker, I'm going to try a few Comet led Strips and see if it comes out a little brighter[quoted image]

Darker, but the colors are more vivid with better contrast. What type of LED's are you using? I probably already have too much into my F-14 but am tempted to buy the back glass since it could always be re-sold down the road.

1 week later
#4196 4 years ago

Anyone sitting on a clear dome? I should have bought 1 when I had the chance a couple years ago.

Thanks

chris

#4197 4 years ago

I've been having one strange issue I have not been able to track down. Every so often the left ball lock won't detect a ball inside it. Sometimes a nudge will work and it will lock and sometimes it does not. I've checked the switch in switch test and I have not been able to get a failure. It also seems like a power cycle will also resolve it. Strange thing is that is the only switch that seems to have the issue. I'm not even sure where to start looking for that.

The only other thing I've noticed, but I don't conclusively know if it is related or not yet, is that when the switch is having the issue the normal bong sound that the machine makes on startup is higher pitched and shorter.

Anyway, hoping my description sounds like something someone else has seen.

#4199 4 years ago
Quoted from C0untDeM0net:

I've been having one strange issue I have not been able to track down. Every so often the left ball lock won't detect a ball inside it. Sometimes a nudge will work and it will lock and sometimes it does not. I've checked the switch in switch test and I have not been able to get a failure. It also seems like a power cycle will also resolve it. Strange thing is that is the only switch that seems to have the issue. I'm not even sure where to start looking for that.
The only other thing I've noticed, but I don't conclusively know if it is related or not yet, is that when the switch is having the issue the normal bong sound that the machine makes on startup is higher pitched and shorter.
Anyway, hoping my description sounds like something someone else has seen.

I had a similar problem with the right center lock. The switch needs to be adjusted so that it stays engaged when the ball settles in the lock. If it's sitting slightly too high, it will close initially but then reopen when the ball is all the way in. You can check in switch test using a ball. Put a ball on the wireworm feeding the lock, and make sure the switch stays engaged when it enters the lock. Better to adjust the switch properly from below the play field if needed.

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