ES Problem redux

[LLUncoolJ]

It may still be the switch dude, go into diagnostics mode on active switch test & push on the switch to see if it registers or look to see if a wire came loose from the solder on whatever items are in the line of the switch matrix.............if that doesn't make sense let me know I will PM you my#.

Revisting my old problem with Earthshaker: When the ball goes down into the shelter, it trips a switch, then another switch, then a switch that tells it it is on the pop up solenoid. All three switches are testing correctly. But when the ball enters the shelter and rolls into the pop up, it delays 10-12 seconds, which was not the case originally. I reset the factory settings thinking maybe I accidentally set something wrong (and reset my hi scores in the process).

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[LLUncoolJ]

I ran the ball through and all three are registering. How do I go about temporarily eliminating 2 switches? I'm not real sure how they fit into the program. The first one I'm pretty sure is functioning correctly. It is acknowledging the ball fell in, I'm pretty sure the problem is with one or both of the others.

[LLUncoolJ]

Not real sure how that last one works, it is in the solenoid or whatever that pops the ball back into play. When I ran the switch test and put the ball in the shelter, all 3 registered. Believe me, I was hoping it was something simple. I'll tinker more with it tonight, maybe I'll get lucky and find a loose connection.

[shardian]

I have kind of the same situation on my WhoDunnit. When the ball gets into the left ball lock saucer, it has a delayed recognize period, or goes all the way to ball search before recognizing it. If I hit both flippers and nudge the cab at the same time twice, it will recognize the ball. I've checked the switch in test mode too with fine results...but I didn't use the ball.

No cold solder, no loose joints, testing appeared fine. I will be very interested to see how yours is resolved even if it isn't the same system. The switches are probably still the same.

[Jeff AMN]

I have kind of the same situation on my WhoDunnit. When the ball gets into the left ball lock saucer, it has a delayed recognize period, or goes all the way to ball search before recognizing it. If I hit both flippers and nudge the cab at the same time twice, it will recognize the ball. I've checked the switch in test mode too with fine results...but I didn't use the ball.

No cold solder, no loose joints, testing appeared fine. I will be very interested to see how yours is resolved even if it isn't the same system. The switches are probably still the same.

Definitely test it with the ball. Your switch just might be enough out of adjustment that the ball doesn't always push it down all the way. I had this issue with my VUK switch on the Gollum shot on my LOTR. It would test fine by hand, but was about 50/50 with the ball in there. It would usually need some nudging or flipper flips to get it to register or I could wait until ball search. After some adjustment it works 100% of the time now.

[LLUncoolJ]

OK, she's up and running again. I ran the switch test again, everything cheked out. Played a game, same problem. So I ran the test again and this time caught the ball pop up switch not working. Loose connection causing intermittent failure on he last switch...just like Jimballjim predicted.

I usually don't agree with your opinions PBJ, but you do know your pinball repair.

[Jeff AMN]

Sometimes at RGP you get some crazy over analysis. I had an issue with my LOTR where my diverter gate on the middle loop wouldn't work. The fuse leading to it was blown, but if I put a new one in a fuse on the driver board would blow. My DMM readings were unreliable because at times stuff would test out perfectly well and other times horribly off. Suggestions ran the gamut between the very simple and what seemed to be almost theoretical science. In the end the coil was just pulling too much current and the transistor on Q8 was bad. Pretty simple stuff, but I could have spent a whole lot more time and money chasing other potential problems if I didn't go with the simple things first.

[shardian]

FYI, My Whodunnit switch just needed a slight bend and it works perfectly.

[LLUncoolJ]

Glad it worked out Shardian. I looked at a Whodunnit a while bck, but one of the slot machine reels was all jacked up and it was pretty filthy. I had zero experience...as opposed to my very little experience now...so I didn't want to take it on.

So after I fixed ES, I listed it on Craigslist and to my surprise, the first guy boughtit...he just left, so I am back in he market for a new machine. I love the hunt.

[LLUncoolJ]

Check's in the mail.