Working on a Theatre of Magic

retroACTIVE

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My friend just purchased a ToM that needs a bit of work.... on the surface the driver board is cooked... some headers are burned and at least one of the electrolytic caps is puffed up... (I don't feel like messing with pcb repairs ... I'm just going to replace the whole thing...)

I really have no idea as to the functionality of the rest of the machine...

I'm not overwhelmed or intimidated just looking for any tips or experience regarding this particular pin, mechanics/play field/common problems etc... I've already been reading over pinrepair.com stuff.
 
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I had sound board issues with mine. One of the channels blew out. The GI connectors like to melt on these, so it is common to have to resolder the connectors and replace the molex connectors. Other common things is divots forming in the ball trough. Just use a small file to get those cleaned up or you will occasionally have multi-ball issues. The trap doors back stop likes to break. May need to replace that or the trap door will start eating into the playfield. Also check for divots in the trap door return area too. Good luck!
 
Animated saw?

The owner of the machine would like to add the animated saw kit to it. Tom Callahan has them, one for version 1.3 and another for a version 1.4.

One is more expensive than the other... what is the diff?
 
My friend just purchased a ToM that needs a bit of work.... on the surface the driver board is cooked... some headers are burned and at least one of the electrolytic caps is puffed up... (I don't feel like messing with pcb repairs ... I'm just going to replace the whole thing...)

I really have no idea as to the functionality of the rest of the machine...

I'm not overwhelmed or intimidated just looking for any tips or experience regarding this particular pin, mechanics/play field/common problems etc... I've already been reading over pinrepair.com stuff.



Get the later ROM (1.3,1.4). The earlier ROM version will stop the trunk rotation if hit by the ball and you will have to power cycle to rest it. The later ROM version sends the trunk home if hit in motion and will keep the game playing without a credit dot /error report.


Check your plastic opto interrupter wheel for cracks and any wire frays or wear. This is at the base shaft where the wires feed through the trunk.

I shopped mine a about a year back and it still looks great. Pick up a few LED's for those hard to replace areas like the pop bumper under the ramp and anywhere else that is hard to reach. Adjust your prox switches properly. If the one in front of the trunk is not adjusted right your sound when multiball starts will be cut off.(I know this)

If you plan on pitching your drive board I would love to have it. I am always trying to improve my repair skills!
 
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