fast-ed
New member
I've noticed that they have diodes soldered on to them.i am going to change the switches, do I need to replace the diodes? What are there purpose ? Each slingshot has 2 switches but only one has the diode. Ed
Gorgar pinball slingshot switches
- Thread starter fast-ed
- Start date
The two slingshot switches are wired together - they both have the same job, and therefore only take up one position in the switch matrix.
Assuming the diodes are good you don't have to replace them - but if you're already replacing the switches anyway, it sure makes sense to just replace them as well while you're at it since they're just pennies each to replace.
Make sure you have the banded side of the diode in the same position as it is currently (take a picture first if you like to be safe).
Otherwise, yes - you need the diode. "Bad things" can happen without it installed and working properly. They are there to ensure proper function of the switch matrix.
If you want more info, see: http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_3_-_7#How_the_Switch_Matrix_Works
Specifically:
"The diodes on every switch help to steer the drives only to the row that's being read and not back into other parts of the matrix. That's why good diodes on switches are so important, as they must only allow current to flow in one direction: from column to row. Essentially that's how the switch matrix reads switch closures."
Assuming the diodes are good you don't have to replace them - but if you're already replacing the switches anyway, it sure makes sense to just replace them as well while you're at it since they're just pennies each to replace.
Make sure you have the banded side of the diode in the same position as it is currently (take a picture first if you like to be safe).
Otherwise, yes - you need the diode. "Bad things" can happen without it installed and working properly. They are there to ensure proper function of the switch matrix.
If you want more info, see: http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_3_-_7#How_the_Switch_Matrix_Works
Specifically:
"The diodes on every switch help to steer the drives only to the row that's being read and not back into other parts of the matrix. That's why good diodes on switches are so important, as they must only allow current to flow in one direction: from column to row. Essentially that's how the switch matrix reads switch closures."
