My right slingshot was misfiring so I began to fiddle with the switch blade spacing. While doing that, the switch died completely -- along with the entire GRN-GRY column (lanes and slings). I yanked the diode out and tested it, and it was indeed bad, so I thought I'd found the issue. I reflowed the solder on the switch and added a new diode and ... no change. The column is still dead.

So: I have a few more wire continuity tests to do (game is on location and I'll be back this weekend) but I have a bad feeling this is a board issue. Could a bad diode or some other sort of under PF issue knock out a switch column?

And: I saw that upstream from the column connector are transistors (confused by that), is that likely the component that's bad? I do have a donor board I can mess with.

I did a bunch of searching and couldn't find any Stern switch matrix problems/solutions like this. Any advice on testing or potential board issues is welcome.

IMG_5285 (resized).jpg

For the jumper test, would I simply “close” the switch on each pin by jumping the GRN-GRY column to each switch row pin?

I think a have a transistor year I can do on Q8 after that.

Thanks for the ideas so far!

It’s pictured but not explained: but basic enough. No diode needed, you jumper the row and column pins in Switch test mode. I can do this. Will report back.

Pin test confirmed column is dead on the board. No switches activate when jumped from pin 9. Replacing Q8 — still worried something under the pf can blow it again. Or maybe it was bad from the start? Yikes.

Replaced Q8 and all is good.