TECH: Pinball Magic dumping out too many balls

Fatsquatch

Active member
Joined
Dec 28, 2001
Messages
2,325
Reaction score
5
Location
Tennessee
My PM has started spitting out two -- and sometimes three -- balls into the shooter lane.

The software shows that the switch in the shooter lane is "Dead". Mechanically the switch appears to be fine, and the wiring connections are good. Also, while looking at the switch in the "Troubleshooting" menu, the software plays a sound and shows a changing image every time the switch is opened/closed (when I manually activate it by hand).

Reckon I just need a new switch, or is a diode likely to blame?
 
That's just a microswitch with a bracket and wire actuator, yes?

Just replace the whole thing, including a new diode (if it has one).

That's about 8 bucks in parts and 10 minutes.

RussMyers
 
Stop testing it by hand it test it with a ball. Always test microswitches that balls activate...... with balls. Your finger may be pushing the switch more than the ball would. If it doesn't get tripped by the ball but does with your finger, you will need to make an adjustment to the shape of the wire. Also, if the switch shows to be reristering in the switch test, make sure it is registering the correct one.
 
Whether activating the switch by hand or with a ball, the end result is the same.

In the switch test, it plays a sound and displays an image on the DMD when the switch is activated, but the switch is still listed as "DEAD".

I've no problem with just replacing the switch, but am not sure of what to use as an alternative to Capcom part #SW00112.

I'm hoping it's just a bad switch and not the diode on the switch matrix board. Having to replace that seems like it would be TEH SUCK.
 
If there is another switch of the same type used in anoother location... swap them and see if the problem moves with the switch....

Googled SW00112 and found...

Capcom Part
Sub microswitch with actuator, for ball shooter
SW00112
BL0204

http://www.pinballspareparts.com.au/index.php?crn=270&rn=3279&action=show_detail

3279_image.jpeg


-Mike
 
Capcom used too thin a wire on their switches. Common problem is a broken wire at another switch shutting others down.

Check other switches with the same wire colors as the one switch not working and you'll find the problem.

Capcom isn't known for having flaky switches.

LTG :)
 
Capcom used too thin a wire on their switches. Common problem is a broken wire at another switch shutting others down.

Check other switches with the same wire colors as the one switch not working and you'll find the problem.

Capcom isn't known for having flaky switches.

LTG :)


Ahhhh, great suggestion. I shall do that.

Thanks a bunch, Lloyd!
 
I had a loose wire on the right slingshot (which I fixed), but that's all I could find amiss under the playfield.

I went ahead and reflowed the solder on the shooter lane switch, as well as on another switch that looked suspect, but it made no difference. As its been doing lately, it still wants to dump out an extra ball (and sometimes two) in the shooter lane. I should point out, though, that it does this intermittently...probably about 25% of the time.
 
I had a loose wire on the right slingshot (which I fixed), but that's all I could find amiss under the playfield.

I went ahead and reflowed the solder on the shooter lane switch, as well as on another switch that looked suspect, but it made no difference. As its been doing lately, it still wants to dump out an extra ball (and sometimes two) in the shooter lane. I should point out, though, that it does this intermittently...probably about 25% of the time.

It may not be the trough switch, but rather the optos in the ball trough. I have the same issue on my Breakshot and Airborne, but have not had time to delve into them :(

Chris
 
It may not be the trough switch, but rather the optos in the ball trough. I have the same issue on my Breakshot and Airborne, but have not had time to delve into them :(

Chris

Usually the issue there is the tiny connectors to the ball trough opto boards.

Secure a tiny cable tie around the connector so it can't move on the board will cure this.

LTG :)
 
Usually the issue there is the tiny connectors to the ball trough opto boards.

Secure a tiny cable tie around the connector so it can't move on the board will cure this.

LTG :)

Ya know, that might just explain the intermittent nature of my particular problem.

I'm totally gonna give your cable tie protip a go.

Thanks!
 
I never posted the resolution for my issue with the game dumping out too many balls in the shooter lane, so for posterity, I thought I would now.

After failing to find broken wiring and whatnot, the problem ended up being poor solder joints on the opto boards. I had tried everything else suggested to me with no results, so as a last ditch measure, I pulled the opto boards and reflowed every solder joint on both boards -- after that, the problem was gone. (This was also the fix for when the "Genie Bottle" started firing off continuously without ever stopping.)
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom