stupid noob question: switches for rfm

lowblow

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This is probably a dumb question, but this is my first pin. I picked up a revenge from mars, and a couple of the switches are now not working(the switch on the right outside lane that drains the ball behind the flippers, and the right side switch at the top of the game above the pop bumpers that increases the bonus multiplier). My question is: Can someone tell me exactly which switches I need to order? Are they universal? Where would be the best place to order from? I've bought from Bay Area Amusements before(was missing a plastic saucer), they were very fast shipping. Do they carry what I need? Thanks for your help in advance!
 
I always start with Pinball Resource,go to the ipdb (internet pinball database) and see if you can download the man.get the parts # then call,if you just want the microswitch you can buy just the switch and you can transfer the wire from the switch.
 
Yes, all of the switches and their part #'s will be in the manual. Download it for free, and you can buy them at any parts retailer like Marco, Bay Area etc.... for cheap
 
The microswitches themselves are typically not the problem. They usually just need to be physically adjusted. Or it could be a bad diode, a short or break in the wiring somewhere, a transistor in the switch matrix, etc.
Anyway, you should verify with a multimeter that the microswitches are bad first before ordering anything.
 
The microswitches themselves are typically not the problem. They usually just need to be physically adjusted. Or it could be a bad diode, a short or break in the wiring somewhere, a transistor in the switch matrix, etc.
Anyway, you should verify with a multimeter that the microswitches are bad first before ordering anything.

Actually, for some reason, RFM is prone to having flakey switches. I had to replace 7 or 8 of them on mine when I got it. Perhaps it was just the diode...but I just played it safe and replaced the switches and diodes.

I don't have the manual handy, but I'm pretty sure they're just standard sub-mirco switches, and you can just take the metal arm off your old ones, and put them on the new ones.
 
#1 - check your power supply and cpu fans!!!

#1 - CHECK YOUR POWER SUPPLY AND CPU FANS!!! When I bought mine, it had a Power Supply fan that was worn out and frozen. The game played fine, but was a time bomb. Three caps were also BAD (about to blow) most likely due to heat stress, but age could be a factor... They were all bulging badly. The power supplies are still available, I bought a kit to convert ATX to the old AT style.

http://www.cablesunlimited.com/products/Prod_Individual3.aspx?groupcode=I3557

It's easyer to find better quality ATX supplies these days.

That said.

I had the same problem with the two switches on my right side... Hmm...

I metered them out as bad too.

http://www.pinballlife.com/

Pinballlife.com was the cheapest place that had them in stock.

I have new switches, and bought a few extra just in case... Would put them in this weekend but CAX is here... Going to have to wait.

I have a RFM and a SW EP1. If you need the newest software, let me know. I believe it's v 1.6 for RFM and v1.5 for SWE P1... Mine had 1.0 on both when purchased. You will need a PC with a serial port, and a 9pin FF NULL Modem cable. The update software was for Windows 98/2000... I used XP and a USB to Serial cable w/null modem cable. Takes about 10 mins.

Hope this helps!

-Mike


This is probably a dumb question, but this is my first pin. I picked up a revenge from mars, and a couple of the switches are now not working(the switch on the right outside lane that drains the ball behind the flippers, and the right side switch at the top of the game above the pop bumpers that increases the bonus multiplier). My question is: Can someone tell me exactly which switches I need to order? Are they universal? Where would be the best place to order from? I've bought from Bay Area Amusements before(was missing a plastic saucer), they were very fast shipping. Do they carry what I need? Thanks for your help in advance!
 
Thank you all very much for your help and info. I will check the switches with a multi-meter, but probably just pick up a handful of switches anyway. Good to have around, especially if rfm is bad switch prone. Guess I should have some extra diodes on hand as well. Anything else I should keep handy(besides bulbs)? I believe the rubber has been recently replaced...

I will check my cpu and psu fans. I'm pretty sure I'm running v1.6
 
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