Spike node board basics

The "joys" of owning newer machines with surface mounted parts on little boards. After looking at some of the newer machines and owning a couple for a very short period of time we quickly realized these things were going to be crazy expensive to fix once boards starting having issues so we decided Williams System 11 machines and earlier DMD machines were the way to go.

I have a feeling in about 10 years you will see a bunch of $6000 to $10,000 paper weights sitting because no one is making replacement boards for them. Thankfully that will not be an issue for us!

Sorry you are having an issue but I don't think you will be finding a "cheap fix".

Contact Stern for sure. If it's a new game and needs a new board they're pretty well aboot sending them out no charge.

This is what a lot of people that have concerns about Spike worry about. But hey, the Spike fans tell you not to worry about it and that everything will be fine.

Some of these newer sterns are great machines and a blast to play. I just can’t get down with owning one due to shit like this. I’ll just have to get my fix of Iron Maiden & Star Wars on location.

haven't seen that happen yet on these boards... I think soldering in a new SMD led shouldn't be to tough, especially if it's just one color.
you just need to be really, really careful with it. If I was you I would seek out a replacement board though, can't imagine those kiss boards are going to be around forever.

I'm not a fan of SMD for lighting, but it is what it is.

Surface mount soldering is a great new skill to learn. The only current difference in being able to repair new vs old.

Specifically if in the future boards are not available.

But otherwise. Just enjoy your pins.

also if you can get the part through your distro, it's usually cheaper then going through an online retailer.
especially on stuff like this... sometimes.

See this thread, most of it is applicable to Spike in general - https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/what-are-your-thoughts-on-the-spike-ii-system

Some useful info there, but I'm not sure you will find much of it very encouraging.

On the positive side, usually an LED going out (short) ruins the whole board, as they're so delicate and there's no fusing whatsoever on Spike/2. That hasn't happened to you, so hopefully you find someone with the kit and skills to replace the LED.

A prime example of something that should have been user replaceable with a socket or through hole components. I too am very concerned about ability to maintain these machines long term...

And yes some can replace smd components but think of how many will be damaged by those learning

Im glad I have a friend that can do SMT. I love the new games, but issues like this are always a concern ,

Its just a matter of time before some finds a hack. I tried to have one repair outside Sterns warranty, Which was their fault while on the phone with them. Plug it in here? I questions this but not stupid plug it in I have things to do. Ok, here we go and boom it went bye bye. Oh yeah that machine isn't under warranty anymore. Sorry so I looked else where and had a guy who could fix it but couldn't get around the software within the tiny little unit. However, I still think its just a matter of time before we run into the next genus that will fix them.

Does AFM remake have the same issue?? I understand it’s not Spike but does it use node boards?

No.... It uses its own driver board. All tips and fuses are located on it.

As far as LEDs it all the same except for GI .... SMT on inserts

Can you post a picture of the other side of the node board? Since the LED is off, seems it could even be a driver chip or transistor failure, may not even be a LED. If you check with a meter at the LED #26 and see it pulsing in attract mode, I can say it would be a LED. If it is not pulsing at the LED, then another part would be at fault. You should be able to check against another LED on the board to compare it to.

Hit up surplus stores with boards to practice on. Much cheaper to make mistakes on.

Buy a surface mount hot air station. Amazon etc. And grab some old computer or even cell phones you have around and start practicing.

Just desolider parts and solider them back on

Watch vids etc.

Not as bad as it seems, once you get the hang of it.

d