Dear Lloyd:

I just joined Pinside today, very exciting! I was not sure whether to get into forums there with similar topics or contact you.

Anyway, I have a problem with several columns on my Lamp Matrix on Data East LW3 game. When I do the diagnostics tests using the buttons from inside the coin door, lamps corresponding to columns 4,5,6,7 and 8 all are out (do not light). I replaced the female molex connector on CN6. I checked continuity of the column wires from the connector to the playfield lamp locations with a DMM and they all checked out okay.

Per a pinball fix it website, I then tested all the lamp matrix (column and row) pin combinations using "All Lamps" from CN6 and CN7 with two test leads, one each from CN6 and CN7, a 1N4004 diode to the CN7 side, and a 555 light socket and lamp in between. This time, columns 1,2,3,5, and 6 worked (lit the bulb) while columns 4,7,and 8 did not light the bulb inside the 555 socket.

Not sure what to do next, do I take the CPU Board out of the game now to test it further from the other side? I understand that the problem could also be the TIP42 Transistors and/or the 0.4 ohm, 3 watt Resistors. How do I check those on the board? What else do you think it could be and how do I go about testing and fixing it?

Thanks

Lousy Lamps in LW3

Not sure if you need it, but my user name is NEED HELP