Fish Tales 'missing ball' error

LongJohns

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Basically it does not seem that the game reconizes any of the balls whether they are under the apron or in the playfield 'holes' (for lack of better term). I am also assuming that there are only the 3 play balls.

Possible solutions? I am right now just figuring to start with the connectors, but anything more I should be look out for with this unit?

Thanks.
 
First, how many balls are really in there? If there are more or less than required, its going to do weird stuff.

Second, put it into test and check the switches in the trough. You may be dealing with a bad switch thats not recognizing the 4th ball.
 
ball trough

if it has the opto board--that might be the problem--had to replace several of them over the years in different pins--just orderd one for my Scared Stiff from mad amusements--think the set was 50.00--
 
First, how many balls are really in there? If there are more or less than required, its going to do weird stuff.

Second, put it into test and check the switches in the trough. You may be dealing with a bad switch thats not recognizing the 4th ball.

Ok, I have 3 loose balls (and a 4th that is trapped). All 3 can be in the tough and still the same - I can also put a ball in an eject hole and startup with no change. When the ball drains it does not move to the right (so I could have all 3 balls at the drain hole).

Will try the switch test, but right now it seems to be more than 1 switch that is a problem (unless it is just acting weird).
 
Just to update - for anyone that may run into this in the future.

ok all the switches are good and it turns out that there is a bank of solenoids that are not working. Specifically all the ones related to the same plug on the power driver board. I suspect that there is a problem on the common (50V) side of the solenoids and will have a look at that section later today. I suspect the fuse is gone and maybe I have a bad coil that caused the fuse to go, but will know more once I get to that point.

Just wanted to add that this unit is WAY easier to troubleshoot than my EM one I did last week. The built in software makes it so easy, even for a beginner like me (this is only my second pinball). ;)

BTW - is there a prefer mothod to fix some playfield wear in the lower area? I don't have any real wear spots, just the seams around the playfield inserts looks like it has cracked and it is showing (it is a diamond coat playfield if that matters). I did see someone selling the playfield stickers, but that seems to be a quick easy fix and not sure if that is really acceptable.
 
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