(Topic ID: 184103)

LEDs in EM blinking when playing...

By TheWoodenArcade

7 years ago


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#1 7 years ago

Just installed LEDs on my Chicago Coin Cinema. When ever I Coin up and hit start, the LEDs are blinking or pulsing with the coin score wheels resetting. Then they do it when flippers are being used, or really anything is happening in game. What's going on? I know some will say remove the LEDs and put the incandescent back in, but I gotta know what's up.

Here's a video of what's happening.

#2 7 years ago

remove the LEDs and put the incandescent back in

In simplest terms, they flash because LEDs are not light bulbs.

#3 7 years ago

Tiny voltage spikes from the 30v line heading back into the transformer and likely creating an issue through ground. (the bonus lights don't even have a connection that's NOT ground when the rotating disc unit isn't on them so) An LED is either on or off while an incandescent light bulb's brightness is dependent on voltage, so these tiny little spikes don't light an incandescent bulb up enough to where it is remotely visible.

Are your bulbs good quality? Where did you get them? I'm surprised their tolerance is that high to where they would light with not much voltage.

You can fix this by purchasing a 6v transformer online assuming your lighting has a separate ground connection from the solenoid line (even if they are tied together at the transformer) that can be removed and added to the new transformer. Make sure it has a rating of or higher of the fuse rating for each part, actually, the LEDs will draw a lot less power so you'd have to measure what each is sucking - may be better to run them off of separate transformers if you can't find one which accounts for enough - remember to account for the insert lights which are not lit.

If your LEDs drop the usage below 2A you can just use something like this, but MAKE SURE to remove it before selling it incase the next buyer uses regular bulbs. (Incase it burns up)

ebay.com link: 6V 2A Power Supply Adapter Charger AC DC Transformer 5 5mm x 2 1 2 5mm

At the same time it would be a good idea to lower the fuse rating in the playfield and backbox fuse holders based on your findings when measuring the amps they draw, because as stated, the LEDs would draw significantly less.

#4 7 years ago

Are they non ghosting leds?

#5 7 years ago

They are just regular LEDs

They are clear warm white from comet Pinball LEDs

#6 7 years ago
Quoted from TheWoodenArcade:

They are just regular LEDs
They are clear warm white from comet Pinball LEDs

I have this problem on my Black Jack, and I've been advised to try non-ghosting ones, but haven't gotten them yet.

#7 7 years ago

What Otaku said is correct. LEDs can be powered with much less voltage than an incandescent, so if a small amount gets to the socket, it can illuminate the bulb. The way non-ghosting bulbs work is that they have a resistor which prevents them from illuminating until the voltage goes above 2.5 volts.

Although I can't say for sure, it looks to me like non-ghosting bulbs would solve the problem in this case (and you'd only need them for the inserts). All major vendors sell non-ghosting bulbs, but the ones of mine that I'd recommend to you would be these: https://www.cometpinball.com/product-p/1smd5050ng.htm

They're more expensive than regular LEDs for sure, but should solve the problem.

#8 7 years ago
Quoted from TheWoodenArcade:

They are clear warm white from comet Pinball LEDs

And if you send us back the bulbs you have in there now, I'd of course refund your money.

#9 7 years ago
Quoted from ryanwanger:

And if you send us back the bulbs you have in there now, I'd of course refund your money.

Well, you guys had me at your shipping email, then the gummy bears and stickers. Thanks! I will figure out the count and email you guys.

#10 7 years ago

I like the 5050 LEDs. Non ghosting

1 week later
#11 7 years ago

Well, the issue was fixed by switching to Non Ghosting LEDs. Thanks everyone!

#12 7 years ago

Woo! Great to hear. Glad Ryan was able to issue you a refund (I believe), that is very generous of them. (Comet Pinball)

#13 7 years ago

They did! Amazing company!

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