Aliens Extermination : Gun Problem Repair Info

[modessitt]

Just thought I'd post this in case someone else ever runs across a problem with the guns on this game and needs a searched answer on how to fix it.

This 2006-07 Global VR release is becoming known for problems with the firing (trigger) switch on the mounted machine guns, primarily on the left gun.  The guns would exhibit intermittent or no response when pulling the trigger.

A service bulletin was released telling the operators that the problem was caused by tension on the wiring inside the gun.  Instructions detailed removing the 50,000 (it seems) bolts holding the gun together and snipping several of the plastic cable ties, thus relieving the tension.

Unfortunately, after being called by several route operators to do this to three separate games, this seems to be a temporary fix at best, as the game began having the same problem after a short time.

The problem actually lies in the way the trigger switch is mounted and connected.  In order for the wire connectors to slip onto the switch leads and still clamshell the gun back together, the switch leads must be bent about 65 degrees from normal.  Not only does this cause some internal stress on the contacts of the switch, it cause some questionable contact of the connectors to the leads.

The solution is simple.  First, replace the switch with a similar type.  The original switch may be fine with the leads bent back to their usual perpindicular-to-the-switch-casing position, but I had one switch that still had some problems even after being bent back, so it's probably safer to just replace it than to go back and take that %$#@ gun apart again to do it later.

Next, leave the leads as they are.  Don't bend them.  Clip the plastic connectors off of the wires and direct solder the wires to the appropriate "normally open" leads.  Without the connectors the gun can now be put back together without the leads being bent.  No more trigger problems!

Now you can spend the rest of the day trying to put the gun back together all by yourself.  It takes a lot of patience and a steady hand to keep the plastic trigger from falling out of position while you try to get everything lined up for a tight fit.  Just be sure to be careful with the wiring.  The bundle from the cabinet must ride a groove in the mounting pole.  Be especially careful not to pinch the wires leading to the grenade button when bolting it together, as they like to jump out when your trying to get the bolts in, causing more problems.

Hope this helps someone if they ever get stuck fixing this game.  I should let Global VR know their "fix" isn't enough, I guess.

[ChadTower]

Nice, good info.  That's a decent game, my wife and I beat it a few months ago.