How do the ramp micro switches work?

Lazerhawk

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Im still putting my first pin, Elvira and the party monsters, back together after a playfied cleaning/rubber/wax job and Im not sure if the switches on the ramps have ever worked and if they are installed correctly.

Its like a micro switch riveted to the ramp and currently the trigger just sort of lays on top of the metal bracket of the ramp gate. How does this work just sitting on the ramp? Is it sensitive to the vibration from the ramp when the ball moves over it or should it maybe sit on top of the ramp gate and move up and down when the ball passes through the gate?
 
Looks like the Monster Slide ramp has a standard roll-under wireform there.

The metal bracket that goes over the ramp should have a metal wire hanging under it. The ball will push that piece of wire, which also has a section that activates the microswitch.

From your description, my guess is that the wireform is missing maybe.

-Hans
 
I think I just dont know what it is im trying to describe :) It is a roll under wireform. So your talking about the end of the wire form that has an elbow in it right? The switch trigger goes on top of that elbow? I kinda figured that was how it was supposed to work but when I put the switch arm/trigger on top of that wire form I can hear the switch closing. Do I have to bend it so when its sitting on the wire form the switch is open and then when the wire form moves the switch will close? Thanks sorry I dunno what Im talking about bare with me :)
 
I think you're on the right track there.

The switch should be open when the wire is hanging neutral, and the switch should close when a ball passes through the wireform. And make sure to use an actual ball for any adjustments.

Sometimes you have to tweak the wireform, sometimes you have to tweak the arm on the switch. You may also be able to adjust it by loosening the mounting screws for the switch, then tighten them back down after getting it into the right spot.

Switch adjustment can be an art sometimes, but the results are worth it with a well tuned machine.

-Hans
 
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