(Topic ID: 51188)

TECH - Stern Galaxy wierd switch problem

By Deadlander

10 years ago



Topic Stats

You

Linked Games

  • Galaxy Stern Electronics, 1980
#1 10 years ago

Hi there,
Got a stern Galaxy that has a flaky switch for the galaxy hole kick out. The ball will randomly get stuck waiting for the galaxy kicker to work. I've check the switch numerous time and it is mechanically working correctly. During a game you shoot the Galaxy hole and occasionally the game will not acknowledge the switch. The game doesn't have a ball search mode so your stuck in the water. Once you turn off the game and turn it back on the switch works normally for a few games then acts up again. I'm wondering if I should replace all of the diodes associated with the wires attached to the switch (yellow-red & white-orange). I have already replaced the diode on the switch in question. Could one of the other switches have a bad diode causing this intermittent problem? Before I swap out 10-12 diodes I wanted to get another opinion as to what is wrong.
On another note I have a stern trident that randomly scores. I noticed that my Galaxy has had several of the brown caps cut. I'm guessing this was to address a similar problem. What purpose do these caps serve? Can I just cut them out to fix my random scoring problem with Trident.
Thanks for your assistance. I'm just figuring out these old sterns.. Al

#2 10 years ago

You need to check out the other side of the equation. The connectors. Double check the header pins at J3 and J4 on your MPU board. Also look at the pins inside the connectors at these locations. If the connectors do not look shiny and silver you probably need to repin them.

Very common problem and mandatory maintenance on this era of Bally/Stern.

#3 10 years ago

I would suggest changing the switch. Saucer switches in classic Bally/Stern games tend to become problematic over time. More than likely the contact points have the flashing worn off.

Also, I agree with Xenon75 on the connector side of the equation. Repinning connectors/changing header pins is a mandatory item on classic Bally/Stern games. It makes a lot of problems go away.

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