I have a strange problem with our Medusa. What I thought was an issue with a weak trough kicker is something different and more complex.

When the outhole kicker wiring is removed, the machine plays properly. I pulled the apron and I manually move the ball into the shooter lane. All solenoids and switches appear to be running properly.

If the outhole kicker is soldered into place (yes, correctly) the machine becomes possessed. The upper bank of drop targets randomly drop and reset, the knocker fires with virtually any switch closure, the zipper flippers seem to get confused, and the machine seems to have a problem at the end of the boot up process with the sound continuing to play.

At this point, I have a new mpu (thanks barakandl), I have swapped in a known working solenoid expander board, I have swapped out the outhole kicker coil.

I am stumped. Any suggestions?

Thanks dothedoo...

Why two diodes? I seem to think that they are three lug coils with two wires attached and one open leg.

Ok, I will dog into that tomorrow and report back. Clearly you are on top of this.

Thanks

Well just as soon as I lifted the playfield I saw a two lugged coil on the upper saucer. You earned your $20 very quickly, dothedoo!

I will swap a correct replacement in and circle back with the results.

The results are in. Swapped in the correct coil and wired it properly (thanks rack-em-up) and the machine works properly.

I owe dothedoo $20.