Probably a noob question :
Much of the EM pinball repair info I read emphasizes the important of adjusting switches to have correct gaps.
What tool do you use to do this? Do you use an automotive gap measure or something else?
I've seen writings that say a business card is about the correct gap. Does that sound right?
Is a 1/16 - 1/8 gap correct for all switches?
I'm sure with experience I'll be able to eyeball this. But until then I think I want a more careful measurement.
http://www.pinballlife.com/index.php?p=product&id=1518 Leaf adjuster. I use a thin flat nosed Klein pliers.
I don't believe there is a correct gap. Some need more, some less.
LTG : )
LTG, thanks for the reply. How do you know what each switch needs? How would you evaluate what is gapped correctly and what is not?
I usually put my multimeter on the solder tabs of the switch and then test the switch as it would normally be used.
And in most cases the open switch gap should be around 1/16", maybe a little closer. You don't want the open gap to be too close or you will get arcing, which will burn out the switch contacts quickly.
As a special case, the cup switches actuated by bumper skirts should be 1/32" or even a little closer.
- TimMe
And, if you want to be a pro about it, you'll check to see that all the blades in a switch stack are lined up so that there is a maximum amount of face-to-face contact area between the contact points on each blade. If the blades aren't lined up, slightly loosen the screws holding down the switch stack, and move the blades into alignment. Then, re-tighten the screws.
Even if you don't need to align the switch blades on a switch stack, it's always good to make sure the switch stack screws are down good and tight before making any adjustments to the switch blades.
- TimMe
Hi SevenHorses
I believe in the "roughly 50% percent rule" - the moved blade in a switch shall have 50% (of its travel (way)) contact with the stationary blade. Want to read here: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/1965-bowl-a-strike-crazy-at-startup#post-3231326 from "A simple relay has a Normally-Open-Switch" (?). The JPG shows the "precious Self-Cleaning", greetings Rolf
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Hopkins, MN
Aarau