Dr Who TECH (My first major repair) MINI Playfield

tomdotcom

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I'm so friggin happy right now. I just took apart and put back together the mini playfield on my Dr Who. Since I bought it, only 2 of the 5 optos on the mini playfield were registering. Major problem, as these 5 targets are the main point of the game. So today I took it all apart and installed 2 new opto boards that I bought. 3 or so hours later and a few cigarettes for stress relief, I put it into test mode and it friggin worked! All 5 optos register now!!!!!

I also cleaned the clear sub sump underneath which was filthy, and changed 15 555's that sit underneath the ramp, you can't get to them with the ramp on. I also changed all the rubbers/bulbs on and around the mini playfield that are normally impossible to get at.

Here's some pics and a link to the repair guide that helped me do it. I've done some soldering, replacing switches, fixing minor problems, but this was my first MAJOR repair.

Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomdotcom88/sets/72157622391176356/show/
Mini Playfield Repair guide
http://members.shaw.ca/tomblack/drwho miniPF repair.pdf
 
Don't throw away the opto boards you removed. The common problem with them is simply cold solder joints. You can also use Radio Shack IR LED's to replace the transmitters. If you can fix those boards you'll have good spares for if/when your replacements fail.
 
Thanks a Million

I just got a Doctor Who this morning, and it is painfully obvious that the mini playfield needs attention. I too am a relative novice with sys 11's of this era, but am ready to take the next step. This guide , along with your testimonial encourages me. thanks so much for the info, and I will keep you posted as to the outcome.
 
Good luck with it. With that guide it should be a cinch. At the end of the day it's mainly just a bunch of screws :) Just keep things organized and it makes it so much simpler to put back together after.
 
I just got a Doctor Who this morning

Welcome to the club!
icon10.gif
 
Speaking of this pin... I am looking possible @ one for sale right now.

I know what Boston Pin gives it but what do you think a reasonable price is for a doctor who.

the cab looks like it has a little fade, the playfield looks good but i cant fully tell yet...

~train
 
Mine game has some cabinet fade and had several dead optos when purchased but I paid significantly less than $1000. However, the going private sale price these days appears to be from $800 to $1300 for a working game in good condition. If you are lucky enough to find a game with an animated dalek topper sell it to me... er... the game is worth more.

Be sure to run through the diagnostics to check for bad switches and exercise the mini playfield before purchase. You also want to lift the main playfield and check on the mini playfield guide underneath. If bent, it's a real pain to straighten and I'd start asking for a discount. ;-)

Doctor Who Manual


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Mine will probably be for sale this winter or now if there is any interest. I'm looking to get $2000CAN for it. I might also be looking to trade it as well. Not that many of you live anywhere close really...
 
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