Prints the wrong letters sometimes. Internal mechanisms probably need alignment or have suffered from wear.

Slam tilt stuck on, puta post it note to block it for now

Scoop kickouts are really weak and slow

Some of the connectors were replaced at some point and weren’t done correctly. One is split in half and missing the key pin. One is upside down and loose. A few are missing their keys. Check all the molex’s just to ensure they’re where they should be and keyed.

5v rail measures at 4.8v even after replacing open rectifier. Stable voltage, but may cause issues down the line. Most likely due to filter cap.

Monitor coin slot regularly, as there were at least 4 quarters jammed into the slot today. I was able to take a pointed wooden rod and pull down the coin release from inside the machine to have them run through all the way. I ran $4 worth of credits into the machine successfully. The next audit will be slightly off for this reason. I’ve placed a small sign by the coin slot asking folks to slowly add one coin at a time.

To-do:
Install Free Play & High Score Save Kit
Part is located in coin door

Ground prong on the electrical cord looks sketchy, cord should be replaced

Right flipper completely non-functional.

2000 bonus score lamp is dead

Monitor was black. As before, replaced monitor fuse F101. Now the bottom half of the monitor is squished to the middle.

Online discussions suggest a number of possible causes.

ROM error in Self Test. Code A suggests ROM in P1 on the Analog Vector-Generator PCB. Likely minor / unrelated to #494

To-do:
Install 6100 Monitor Low Voltage Section Regulator Upgrade
Part is located in coin door

Pop bumper light is out

Happened to notice a loose wire when i was lifting the playfield up. Didn’t investigate much, not sure what the leaf switch it goes to controls

Some GI lights are out. Replaced bulbs and that didn’t fix the issue. Checked for continuity on fuses and they were all fine. Inspected the backbox and found a scorched wire.

Metal wire fence behind the pop-bumpers has come loose. Putting it back in place does not fix the issue long term.

The “2x” light, Green Light, and two of the lights on the pop bumpers are not working–bulbs are fine, we suspect an issue with the connection.

Replace power cord

1. Disconnected solder on the “Selection 1 arrow” light (photos marked in green)
2. Also appears none of the “Selection” lights are working. Bulbs are in find shape so likely a connection (photo marked in blue)

A few light sockets and/or related wiring is causing some bulbs to be dimly light or flashing, those are as follows:

• Rollover 10
• Clock 3, 6, and 7

The clock light 5, I was unable to place a new bulb within. This will need to be looked at as there is something in the socket that is preventing it from allowing a bulb to sit all the way in. Noting that the old bulb did look corroded and was difficult to remove.

Dial no longer scores

Game stops working and seems to be crashing in the middle of gameplay. You can play for a while and then the displays and kickers go completely dead. Power cycling the game fixes the issue briefly.

Maximum number of credits appears to be 1, but ROM and the DIP switches theoretically support max of 5, 8, 10 or 15. Not just 1. It would be good to understand why this is happening.

This is quite possibly related to the accumulator problem and possible RAM problem discussed in https://flipfix.theflip.museum/problem-reports/75/

http://www.pinrepair.com/sys1/
https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php/Gottlieb_System_1

Battery probably needs changing. We think the battery is this white cigarette.

Accumulators / bookkeeping do not seem to work. Specifically, even after tilts and games, the machine reports zero tilts and zero games.

My chief suspect at the moment is bad RAM

GI lighting is “blacked out” again

Volume just randomly spikes in the middle of play, and then readjusted. There seems to be nothing in particular that caused it, just started the game and the volume spiked. Tested it and it hasn’t happened again.

Right ramp backing paper detail collapsed

“Mode start” hole often rejects the ball when shooting at it quickly.

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

Figure out a safe way to have the Special hole sensor and rod work again

11 bumper needs adjustment

Fix "super special when lit”. This is currently blocked with a printed disc. See log entry,

Ball can get stuck on this switch if it enters the left inlane slowly (which usually doesn’t happen) but should be addressed

A lot of the switches were undergapped so i spaced a lot of them out a bit.

I got over-zealous with the pop-bumpers and they aren’t sensitive enough now.

Make pop bumper leaf switch gaps smaller

Level machine

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

When the Mystery Wheel stops spinning the game awards something different than what the clown is pointing to.

Machine is down to 7 of 10 pinballs, size 5/8"

This thing gets jammed up all the time. Someone needs to spend time running a lot of balls through it and seeing what isn’t reliable. Ask William to show you what the deal is

Tiny tilt display ball has gone missing

Landing a ball into “Returns out balls” does not return the out balls

While no game is being played, periodically seems to be cycling through some components getting triggered, as if a ball is trying to launch. It appears that the plunger is automatically going off. It’s hard to tell if any other component is getting triggered as I haven’t been able to time it to watch for it to happen.

There are a few remaining caps on the main board to change out. Replace when stock comes in

Current to-do

• Replace back panel #63 bulbs
• Replace corkscrew and cyclone jump #63 bulbs

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

Ball is struggling to launch all the way (weak) on the first try. Usually fine on the 2nd attempt. Machine still playable.

Replace over-bright bulb (LED?) in back of playfield

One of the PC fans sounds sick on startup. Let’s replace it before it fails.

Some lamps do not work after being replaced with new 555 bulbs (multiball arrow, 5 million targets)

Lock bar not sitting flush on the machine. Potentially normal for the machine, consider sanding down the lock bar so it sits flush.

Large score wheel sometimes doesn’t fully reset.

Bell(s) not working

Horse 1 doesn’t fully reset.

Pop bumpers could be adjusted to be a little more sensitive.

Double bonus switch could be adjusted to be a little more sensitive.

Game plays perfectly fine, even without these adjustments.

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean. When replacing any elastic in front of a switch make sure the switch is appropriately gapped afterwards.
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our Wi-Fi (if applicable)
• Insider Connected activated for our account (modern Stern games)

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

William tested continuity in the 120V circuit, tracing the path through Relay U. Here we found one of the soldered connections loose. We found that removing all 3 relay brackets, then removing their solenoids, allows best access to the leaf switch connections.

In soldering the loose connection, we knocked several others loose. The whole machine was probably poorly constructed 60 years ago.

In any case, after all that resoldering, we are in a state where the machine does not start. We ended up finding the Yellow-Black to Red-Blue connector on the bottom of Relay U, one of the ones we had resoldered, is short all the time now. We don’t think the problem is the leaf switch, but we are honestly not sure.

Replace bad solder with modern connectors

Blue and yellow wires by coin door are protected by electrical tape. Do something more permanent

Plunger components are sticky

Edit: Plunger doesn’t feel sticky anymore, but missing the tip–needs a non-standard tip size.

Replace power cord

Get rid of this monstrous screw

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

Litany of issues:

• Ball can get stuck in the right lane as pictured, resetting the game will eject the ball
• Several rollovers and pop bumpers not scoring as they should.
• Cannot add more than one player
• Game sometimes starts with flippers/playfield inactive

TILT light is constantly on, though the machine never appears to be in tilt state

Game keeps adding players after 4 players.

Machine doesnt end game after 5 balls. It keeps count of the balls played correctly but would seemingly let you play infinite balls in a game

Broken springs. Most are 1/4in diameter. The side springs are 4” not including the end loops

Note some springs are mounted on only one end, as ball guides.

Solenoid cores are rusty

Entry gate is corroded and sticky

Coin insert assembly is stuck

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good

intake checklist

When we receive a machine, even when we’re told it’s perfect, we need to check it out and get it up to our standards. That’s usually not hard, but there are a lot of small things.

As you go through this checklist, you will find problems. If they’re obvious or if you’re going to take care of them right away, there’s no need to put them in a checklist. (But if you take care of things, make sure to mention it in the maintenance log.) For anything non-obvious that will be worked on later, put it in a to-do list.

setting it up

• match the legs with the corners; shorter in front, taller in back
• stand the main cabinet up on its back
• attach the front two legs, making sure they’re snug
• with two people, tip it forward so it’s resting on its front legs
• with two people, lift up the back and and put the pinball thing under it (the long way)
• with two people, attach the rear legs, making sure they’re snug
• remove the pinball thing
• with two people, if the backbox is separate, put it on and bolt it down, making sure that the power cord will be free to be plugged in

before powering on

• clean out any loose parts and labels in cabinet and backbox, and put them in a quart ziplock labeled LOOSE PARTS
• if there is a manual or other paperwork, put it in a 2-gallon ziplock
• vacuum out the cabinet and backbox
• check the power cord; if it is damaged, short, or ungrounded, replace it
• use a multimeter to check that all 3 prongs are connected, especially the ground
• check the wiring to the switch and main transformer
• check that all the fuses are present and the correct values
• look for damaged or burnt components
• if cables have been disconnected in the move, make sure that they are all back in their proper places
• look for loose/floating wires
• look for wires or wire bundles that rub or are at risk of getting caught when the playfield, backbox, or coin door are opened and closed
• look for loose or disconnected cables
• if necessary, untangle cables
• look for loose nuts, posts, etc
• look for circuit board damage (e.g., burning or corrosion from batteries)
• if it has batteries, replace them with fresh lithium ones

If you’re pretty confident that nothing bad will happen, you’re ready to plug it in and turn it on.

first power on

• know where the fire extinguisher is

• plug it in and make sure the magic smoke doesn’t come out
• be ready to immediately turn it off or unplug it
• turn it on; watch for sparks or crackling; smell for smoke or melting
• look at
  • general illumination
  • controlled illumination
  • displays
  • initial startup cycle

If it makes it through the startup cycle in good form, you’re ready to start a game.

first game

• replace the ball(s) with new ones
• start the game, adding credits if needed
• launch the ball and try it out
• look for
  • smooth rolling
  • all flippers working and strong enough to make key shots
  • lights working
  • switches working
  • all active elements working
  • ramps and wireforms are working well (not loose, not cracked, ball moves smoothly)
  • correct sound (bells, chimes, audio, voice)
  • correct displays (all digits on all positions work, displays work well and look good)
  • switches properly gapped (e.g., slingshots fire correctly)

You will probably find some things to fix and adjust. Go for it. If you’re working on a solid state machine, remember to never use metal tools while the machine is on.

detail work

These will take a while, but they’re worth doing well. Dirt is a major cause of playfield wear, which we want to minimize. And it’s much easier to fix a problem now when the machine is in the workshop than later when it causes a problem for players on the floor.

• thoroughly clean the playfield and playfield elements
• replace any elastics that are worn or too dirty to clean
• check every bulb, possibly using a self-test
  • if it’s an LED but the machine came with incandescents, replace it (when in doubt, use a #47)
  • if it’s dim or flaky, try cleaning the socket and/or replacing the bulb
  • replace #44s with #47s
  • if it’s dim and behind plastic, try cleaning both sides of the plastic and the bulb
• look for loose screws, missing post caps, and other things out of spec; if needed, search for photos showing what it looks like
• look for cracked or broken plastic elements; stabilize or replace
• check every switch, possibly using a self test
• replace at least the coin door lock with our standard lock, text up, so that when it’s locked the key slot is horizontal
• if the backbox lock is in good shape, you can just hang the key(s) on a hook inside the coin door (which you can make out of wire or a paperclip if there isn’t one); otherwise, replace it with the standard one
• make sure the backglass doesn’t rattle even when shaking the machine; if it does you may need to add tape or padding
• make the the backglass trim, if there is any, doesn’t easily come off
• check the beer seal on the lockbar and replace as needed
• level the machine

settings

If you haven’t done it earlier, when appropriate makes sure the machine is set for:

• standard settings (for this, it may be easiest just to leave the machine off with batteries out for 30 seconds or so)
• free play
• correct number of balls per game (3 for solid state, 5 for EM)
• if it has a match mode, it should be on (doesn’t matter for free play, but people like it)
• a reasonable volume level
• correct date and time
• connected to our wifi
• Insider Connected activated for our account

final cleaning

Once everything internal is clean, safe, solid, and working well, it’s time for a final cleaning.

• clean the legs
• clean the main cabinet
• clean the backbox
• clean the lock bar
• clean the backglass
• clean the playfield glass (do both sides, and wear gloves so you don’t smudge it before putting it back)

finishing up

• any significant work has been logged here or in a new log entry
• change the machine status to Good