Tales/Crypt solenoid problem

Powerplayfec

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Hello. I've come across a Tales from the Crypt pinball with a problem that I could use a little help with. I went to a home to work on this pin and found 2 melted pop bumpers along with it's driver section badly burnt (as well as previously repaired). I replaced the solenoids and their drivers.... On next power up several solenoids energized.... I then replaced ALL 6 TIP122s and 2N4401s in that section..... still have several solenoids energize on power-up......Next I replace the twin 7402s nearby.....Now I just have one pop bumper (center) that energizes (and it energizes only when a game is started... not on power-up).
I checked the pop-bumper switch and corresponding transistor and they are OK.
Any idea as to what might be a problem deeper in the curcuitry? Thanks.
 
Hello. I've come across a Tales from the Crypt pinball with a problem that I could use a little help with. I went to a home to work on this pin and found 2 melted pop bumpers along with it's driver section badly burnt (as well as previously repaired). I replaced the solenoids and their drivers.... On next power up several solenoids energized.... I then replaced ALL 6 TIP122s and 2N4401s in that section..... still have several solenoids energize on power-up......Next I replace the twin 7402s nearby.....Now I just have one pop bumper (center) that energizes (and it energizes only when a game is started... not on power-up).
I checked the pop-bumper switch and corresponding transistor and they are OK.
Any idea as to what might be a problem deeper in the curcuitry? Thanks.

First of all, anytime you have to replace a TIP122 it is recommended you replace it with a more robust TIP102.

When you say it locks on only during game play, do you mean as soon as you hit start button or when that pop is actually hit for the first time?

I realize you said you checked the pop switch but ensure the diode hasn't broken off the leaf switch or simply gone bad (open).
I'd also recommend you Ohm out the coil and/or check/replace the coils diode.
 
Thanks for that tip. Guess I'll start buying TIP102s.
The coil is new. And it energizes the moment the start button is pushed.
Next time the guy invites me to work on the game further I'll check the switch diode.
I got the machine working 99% with only that one pop bumper not functioning. You should see this Crypt pin....it's like-new out of the box condition. Had several broken fuse holders and a hole burnt through the special solenoids connector on the CPU. The owner is happy with it for now. What do you think the problem could be if that switch is AOK? Thanks.
 
Thanks for that tip. Guess I'll start buying TIP102s.
The coil is new. And it energizes the moment the start button is pushed.
Next time the guy invites me to work on the game further I'll check the switch diode.
I got the machine working 99% with only that one pop bumper not functioning. You should see this Crypt pin....it's like-new out of the box condition. Had several broken fuse holders and a hole burnt through the special solenoids connector on the CPU. The owner is happy with it for now. What do you think the problem could be if that switch is AOK? Thanks.

The only other thing I can think of would be something grounding out. Caused by a break in the wiring insulation or bent leaf lug or bent diode. Latter of the two highly doubtful ;)

EDIT: come to think about it, I've seen lamp sockets touching other components before - check for any grounding in the immediate area. Only one of 3 pops - it's got to be within the immediate vacinity.
 
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