Re: 1978 Stern Stars Light Problem.

On May 28, 8:16 pm, Gerald <gday563...@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Hello

This machine is up and working thanks to all the help I got here. I
have another problem that I am not sure about. When I select 3 and 4
players the players lights will not come on. Player 1 and 2 bulbs
work. All bulbs are new and I even changed them out a second time to
make sure. I also found that the tilt bulbs do not work when the
machine is tilted. Any suggestions on where to start on this problem.
Thanks again for all of the help here.

Go into lamp test. Measure voltage at the sockets, comparing to
working sockets/bulbs: pulsing voltage is good, low or no voltage bad.

If there is no voltage, it is probably: connector problems, socket
problems or the SCR (silicon contolled rectifier) for that lamp (on
the lamp board).

The solder connections crack, the female connector terminals fatigue.
The sockets of the era are bad, but spinning the barrel and turning
the connection tab will usually get them to light up, but briefly.
SCRs can fail open or short.

As others have said, this will get you on the path:
http://www.pinrepair.com/bally/index3.htm#lamp

I am currently doing the resolder job on all 61 (or so) lamps on an
Eight Ball; it's that or replace them all. Thank goodness for my
Dremel, paste flux and a huge soldering gun. Soldering to that center
contact is tough- I can't hold it still while the solder freezes. If
you move the wire to the center contact, clean it w/ the Dremel and
wire wheel, use the pate flux, strip the wire back for fresh conductor
and be sure to give it a 'tug test' after it cools. Even some
beautiful looking solder joints will pop right off.

Don C.

.

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