Jumping Balls in Pins

Zud

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Ok my Shadow does this alot. Is this normal? I mean it jumps into rails, jumps out of rails, and has even jumped across the playfield slingshots! Now my F-14 does it once in awhile, but usually hits the glass and then settles down, but not my Shadow.

On a side note who has a translite to replace the stock one?
 
Zud,

Airballs are usually related with poor slope or level of the machine, and or needing flipper rubber adjustment. Check the slope is near to 6.5 degrees (Most smart phones have apps you can install that provide level and slop features).

For the rubbers - make sure they are tight and centered (in the grommit / outline of the flipper). Too high or too low causes airballs.
 
Zud,

Airballs are usually related with poor slope or level of the machine, and or needing flipper rubber adjustment. Check the slope is near to 6.5 degrees (Most smart phones have apps you can install that provide level and slop features).

For the rubbers - make sure they are tight and centered (in the grommit / outline of the flipper). Too high or too low causes airballs.

Also check standup targets and deflectors. If they get tilted back slightly over time, hitting them with the ball will cause airballs. Bending the target brackets back so the targets are straight or tilt forward slightly will cure this.

Basically, check where the airballs launch from. (Your post didn't specify this.) Whaterver initiates the airballs needs to be adjusted slightly. Basic physics at work....
 
If the balls are hitting the glass, that's very cool and you need to leave that alone! : 0
 
Stand up targets usually had a piece of foam behind the target that cushioned the blow from the ball and helped prevent airballs. Usually this foam has rotted and disintegrated or has simply fallen off. So in addition to checking the stand up's orientation, check if there is any foam and replace it if needed. I use the 3/8" adhesive backed weatherstripping foam.
 
Toolguy - first thought too! I love when the ball smacks the glass. Wakes me up. Of course, chipped plastics bother me.

Its funny because my old EM has the most ball to glass hits out of all my machines! I guess because the glass is closer to the PF.
 
I love the sound of the glass hits too. My F-14 sounds cool when it does it and scares people to death.

The Shadow never really hits the glass. I will check tilt and angle when I get home as well as the targets. I get airballs all over, not the same spot. I even had it fall out of the metal rail after launcjing up a ramp. Sucks when that happens as the ball doesnt trigger that I mad a ramp. :mad:

I'll post after I make the adjustments. :)
 
i know on the EM versions you can hook the wires to the transformer differently to help power in low or high line voltage areas to make the game play normal.

i dont know this is your problem as your machine is a solid state
 
i've always been told that certain pins are more prone to airballs than others....DE SW, for instance.
 
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