Alternates things like match numbers, lane changes, pop bumpers.

LTG : )

And all this time I thought it was to keep the batteries from going dead.

Hi Pahuffman
on page-10 (ori-9) the ipdb-manual "Dealers Choice" shows such a rare Unit - it is needed when the pin has a 5 cent coin chute - but the operator wants 10 cents for one play.

Confusing - Williams used the word "Alternator" also for a "Switch mounted on a Stepper" - I know it sitting SOMETIMES on the Number-Match-Unit.

My JPG-1 is from a page in a Williams-Catalog: http://www.planetarypinball.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=BOOK :
Z is the bakelite plate where the Number-Match is created. A is "place of the action". So B, C, D etc. - the coil pulls, armature is moved, a tooth hooks in, the axis with a 10-teeth-little-gear is turned one step (F hinders: turning backwards), G/H: a wiper on the printed circuit is stepped.

SOMETIMES there is also mounted: "I" (next to E) another gear with just ONE big tooth --- or there is mounted "J" another gear with 8 teeth -> the "follower-K" is moved upwards -> downwards -> upwards etc. -> the "Alternator-Switch L" is closed -> opened -> closed etc.

My JPG-2 shows such a stepper NOT having the Alternator-Switch. JPG-3 shows the No-Match-Unit in my "Space Mission" (looking at the unit from the other side). In my Unit the "K" rides NOT in the middle of "J" - it sits with a offset BUT it works -> K is moved -> Switchblade L is moved and closes to Switchblade M.

So the "Alternator-Switch L" lets a "Change-Relay" pull-in -> let go -> pull-in etc. And the Change-Relay let here: http://www.ipdb.org/showpic.pl?id=2253&picno=8473 the "Special when lit" move from left to right to left etc.

We should talk about Alternator-UNIT (Coins) and Alternator-SWITCH. Greetings Rolf

aWms-Mini-Stepper-1_(resized).jpg

aWms-2_(resized).jpg

aWms-3_(resized).jpg

That's always the match unit, Rolf. It becomes an alternator when a different cam and switch are added.

And damn you o-din, I saw the thread title and had that locked and loaded...

My machines from the 40s and 50s have a generator instead.

Yes on it being a device for have two nickels add up to ten cents per play.
Kind of a useful thing if someone wants to have an EM set to take 50 cents per play.
I had one from a Star Pool re-import. Wish I still had one as I just made one out of a score reel to do the same.

Hi Pahuffman
we have a discussion in Your topic. EMsInKC, I can use "mostly" instead of SOMETIMES (post-4) - look here: http://www.planetarypinball.com/reference/partsmanuals/WMS_Parts_1977-1978/index.html -> page 12: "10 step unit with alternator is Number C-7606", "10 step unit without alternator is Number C-7606-1", page-13: "12 step unit with alternator is Number C-7743", "12 step unit without alternator is Number C-7743-1".
The Match-Unit may be hosting an Alternator (You should order C-7606 for a replacement) but well can be NOT hosting an alternator (C-7606-1).
AND: I have never heard of an "Number-Match-Unit" having 12 steps (C-7743, C-7743-1).

The partsmanual page-67 shows the "Wiliams Alternator Unit for Italy", page-69 shows the "Williams Alternator Unit for domestic games with 5 cent coin chute".

In Bat Games used (page-94): "Williams Mix (Alternator) Unit, B-7238"
In my Space Mission in the cabinet below the backbox, in the left corner: A Unit I do not know what it is for - an "Alternator Unit" ? or a spare part ? (The No-Match-Unit with the Alternator is mounted in the Backbox.) Greetings Rolf

aWms-4_(resized).JPG

You stole my line! We sure do think alike!

Yes and they run off 6-volts.

Positive ground.

So, does the "alternator" in the Super Flite mount in the back box also?

Hi
what Bally calls an "Alternator Unit": http://www.planetarypinball.com/reference/partsmanuals/BLY_Parts_1976/index.html#/20/zoomed Greetings Rolf

Newbie here, working on a Sonic Super Straight, has the match unit with the alternator, and seems either the relay coil is weak/shorted, or the plate spring is weak/needs to be replaced. Trying to source the spring for starters, but both the relay coil and spring would be great. Anyone know where they can be had?