Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Arcade Collecting => Miscellaneous Arcade Talk => Topic started by: NoBonus on March 24, 2005, 04:34:36 pm

Title: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: NoBonus on March 24, 2005, 04:34:36 pm

What does anyone know about replacing a transformer on a pinball machine?  Where do I get one? is it real expensive? is it really difficult?

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 24, 2005, 06:16:34 pm

First of all, what machine is it? Second of all, pinball transformers rarely need replacing. Third of all, they are very expensive!

If it's for an electromechanical pinball expect to pay around $100 for it (weighs about 15 pounds for shipping). If it's for a modern electronic pinball expect to pay $200 to $400 for it (weighs around 30 pounds for shipping).

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: NoBonus on March 24, 2005, 06:35:08 pm

It is a 1985 Fireball Classic by Bally.  Seller wants $250 for it... bad deal?

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 24, 2005, 06:52:11 pm

If that's the commercial arcade pinball that's a good price. If that's the 'home' model then it's way overpriced.

The commercial one should NEVER have a transformer failure. However the power supply circuit board connected to the transformer fails all the time. The Repair Connection (www.repairconnection.com) manufacturers a complete modern replacement power supply board for around $100 or so.

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: NoBonus on March 24, 2005, 06:55:21 pm

It's the "home" version.  What is the difference between regular and "home" versions?  There is also a complete working version of this game for sale for $400.  Over-priced? Also, are the "home" transformers less expensive?

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 25, 2005, 12:36:43 am

Yes the home transformer is much cheaper since the game is basically a toy.

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: NoBonus on March 25, 2005, 01:53:02 am

So the home version is like what you could buy at Sears, huh?

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 25, 2005, 11:48:54 am

The home version was sold at many stores including Sears.

You still haven't said why the transformer needs replacing?

By the way, Marco Specialties sells the service/parts manual for this machine.

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: NoBonus on March 25, 2005, 11:53:07 am

I do not know why the transformers need replacing, that is just what the ad says.  Knowing this is a crummy home version makes this a lot less appealing, so I will pass on these.

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: Ken Layton on March 25, 2005, 12:31:26 pm

If the transformer or power supply is missing or screwed up badly then you'd have a hard time finding replacement parts for this home version (which wasn't even a decent game to play anyway). Yeh, I'd pass this one by if I were you. There are alot better deals/games out there.

Title: Re: Replace a pinball machine transformer?
Post by: ChadTower on March 25, 2005, 12:37:00 pm

The likelihood of a dead transformer itself is almost none like Ken says.  More than likely it's the PCB around the transformer, maybe the bridge rectifier or even a blown fuse.