(Topic ID: 327023)

LED's in Fireball

By jlbintn

3 months ago



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  • 9 posts
  • 6 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 3 months ago by jlbintn
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#1 3 months ago

Not really a big fan, but.... was thinking about some in the backbox, to reduce heating and to brighten up just a little bit, e.g., Game Over, player up indicator.

I tried some warm white LED's behind Game Over, and they do look good, not a significant difference, but a difference nonetheless. Problem is, they flicker on and off every time a coil activates. I have heard that there are LED's that can handle this load. Don't want to, and will not, put diodes on every coil just for a couple of bulbs. I have no plan whatsoever to put LED's under the playfield.

I do have two flasher LED's installed for attract mode. No issues with them.

Any suggestions on bulbs that would resolve the flashing I see?

Thanks in advance.

#2 3 months ago

Eh i dont know, it depends on what you would like. It definitely would decrease heat but the warm glow of the regular bulbs is something that can’t be replaced. If it were a fireball two i would say go for it.

#3 3 months ago

What you're looking for is non-ghosting LEDs.

For in an EM - I'd suggest Comet's 1smd retros. Frosted lens for sure.
https://www.cometpinball.com/products/retro-smd-non-ghosting-bulbs

They have a second version called "bullet" that I've found easier to use in backboxes - at least in Gottliebs - easier to get into round cut outs.
https://www.cometpinball.com/products/retro-smd-bullet-non-ghosting-bulbs

#4 3 months ago
Quoted from Beatnik-Filmstar:

What you're looking for is non-ghosting LEDs.
For in an EM - I'd suggest Comet's 1smd retros. Frosted lens for sure.

I doubt non-ghost will fix, he is seeing the normal voltage fluctuation during play which can be more pronounced with LED's.

Worth trying a few when you put your next order in but the bulbs are continuously lit which negates the need for non-ghosting bulbs.

#5 3 months ago
Quoted from pinballboy:

Eh i dont know, it depends on what you would like. It definitely would decrease heat but the warm glow of the regular bulbs is something that can’t be replaced. If it were a fireball two i would say go for it.

I went all LED in the backbox on my Fireball II. My wife said it best: Wow!

With Fireball, it's really just a subtle look I would like, but don't need. You are so on target correct about the warm look that standard bulbs give on a game this age.

I have to break out the camera and the tripod and do some proper photography, but this is the main game room as it looks right now with a cheap Android picture

IMG_6867 (resized).jpg
#6 3 months ago

Your wife liked the LEDs so much you had to put a bed in the game room! Fantastic

#7 3 months ago
Quoted from gdonovan:

I doubt non-ghost will fix, he is seeing the normal voltage fluctuation during play which can be more pronounced with LED's.
Worth trying a few when you put your next order in but the bulbs are continuously lit which negates the need for non-ghosting bulbs.

When LEDs are off, they can slightly flash on as if they are ghosting when coils are firing, but from parasitic voltages because all of the game's wires are bundled together. But as stated LEDs that are always on like in the backglass GI wouldn't have the problem.

#8 3 months ago
Quoted from frenchmarky:

When LEDs are off, they can slightly flash on as if they are ghosting when coils are firing, but from parasitic voltages because all of the game's wires are bundled together. But as stated LEDs that are always on like in the backglass GI wouldn't have the problem.

The OP is talking about GI which is always on aside from Game Over which would benefit from a non-ghosting.

Sorry for any confusion on my part.

#9 3 months ago

Comets arrived today. Game Over flicker issue is resolved. Tried one in Player 1 and one of the GI lights on the backbox.... just a tiny bit of flicker, but no distinct flashing. Decided to stick with incandescent bulbs for now. Put comets in Tilt and Game Over sockets. I may put them in the Match row, just didn't get there today.

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