I presume I have a short somewhere.

Here's the background story
http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/tech-column-keeps-blowing-in-high-speed

I now have all 8 switches out in column 5.

I haven't yet tested Q43 but I presume it's fried again.

First question: Is there any way to "socket" a small 2N3904 transistor so that I can replace it easier without desoldering/soldering each time?

Second question: How would you start to track down the short?

Last time I encountered a problem like this was with Barracora, and my solution was trial and error cutting diodes one by one on all 8 switches until the shorting ceased... (I started with pops, which didn't help), then moved to inlane switches, which turned out to be the winner.)

-mof

Here's the switch matrix table, it's column-5 out.
switch matrix.png

Thanks, I'm having trouble finding one with 3-inline holes for the 2N3904

http://www.ecs.umass.edu/ece/m5/images/2N3904_pin_layout_S.jpg

Or is there no choice, and you just have to bend the wire leads... Can you link a recommended one from mouser ?

-mof

I found this, but I'm afraid those might be stiff pins.
http://www.mouser.com/Search/Refine.aspx?Keyword=575-91743103
Guess I get to get gouged on ebay for $5 each, wow...
(search ebay for augat transistor socket 3 pin)
-mof

Bought 2 off ebay for $10. Very $$$.

I feel good about the move, since I didn't want to desolder and resolder that spot 3+ more times while I troubleshoot this.

My main concern is -- what's going to keep the diode in there, since the CPU is installed vertically?

Here are some pics:

-mof

201406-HS-top-side-socket.jpg201406-HS-soldered-in.jpg201406-HS-socket.jpg

What's going hold the transistor in long-term?
201406-HS-whats-holding-it-in.jpg

I went ahead and measured 7 of 8 diodes in column 5. I didn't get under the ramp to check that one.

I clipped the two EOS diodes on the flipper assemblies. I am hoping it's them.

Played a few games for 20 minutes with no changes. I'll know more with a few more hours of game play.

-mof

Played a few hours of games. No further errors. 99% safe to say it's one or both of the flipper switches. I think I'll replace the diodes for good measure. Here are the pics to my HS. Can you check these pics against your HS, and verify that the diode band is going in the correct direction for the engine rev switch -> away from white/green and white/blue?
thanks!

I tried a continuity test from either end of the diode against the flipper lugs and assembly frame. Nothing showed up on either side.

-mof

201407-HS-flipper2.jpg201407-HS-flipper1.jpg