Hi All

I'm new to social media, new to pins and new to this forum. Please be kind.

I bought an original Stern LOTR pin 4 years ago and its always worked fine until a few months ago. Background info that may help includes:
> The last service was when I bought it 4 years ago
> There is no obvious previous repair work that I can see
> There are no unusual noises, burning or smells coming from the pin
> I have access to a guy locally who can solder wires and components if needed
> I live in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia - but haven't been able to find anyone local who can repairs pins - happy to bride someone with a free stay at our award winning 5 star accommodation in Hepburn Springs if they can help (that's where the pin is located)
> a Month before my problems with the LOTR pin started I installed a Cointakers LOTR LED kit

Here's my tale of woe:

The left flipper fuse (32mm, glass boody, silver metal ends, slow blow) burned out (clean break in wire about 2mm long with some scorching on glass) - it was a 3 amp slow blow fuse in a 3 amp socket. I replaced it and the pin played for 1-2 weeks before it blew out again. I replaced it again and it played for a week or so before burning out again. I did some web research which suggested I could change the fuse to 5 amp slow blow, I did this and it burned out the transistor (Q15) which are the one for the relevant flipper on LOTR pin. I had that transistor replaced by an electronics store that confirmed it was not working. I restarted the machine with the recommended 3 amp slow blow fuse and it blew immediately. So I put in a 4 amp slow blow fuse for left flipper and it then worked (for how longI am wondering?), BUT the right flipper transistor then blew instantly...it had a 4 amp slow blow fuse too.

My problem is that the 3 amps the fuses blow (sometimes immediately, sometimes after a week or so), but when I up the amps on the fuse the transistors blow. I can tell when the transistors blow because it moves to the up position and stays there as soon as the power is turned on. Also, when the machine is turned on the flipper fuses are warming up very quickly before they blow.

Can anyone help out with ideas for what the problem, might be. I can remove PCBs and other components etc and take them to the electronics shop as needed.

Thank you

David