I've never rebuilt pop bumpers or flippers before. But I'm about to learn. What fun.Are you referring to an EM or solid state game? EM games (and earlier solid state games) switched the entire current to the flipper coil via the EOS switches, which results in degradation (burning, pitting) of the EOS switch contacts; replacing the EOS switches in that case helps restore strong flipper action. Solid state games typically use the EOS switches to signal the game's computer (or flipper controller board) of the flipper movement, and thus the contacts don't degrade nearly as much; there *is* the chance of breakage due to the heavy duty cycle of flippers, so replacing those EOS switches is good preventive maintenance.
I recently ordered semi-complete rebuild kits for a flipper set (no coils), and also two pop bumper kits (no coils) from Marco.
I am curious why the flipper kits from everyone seem to include the EOS /activation blade switches, and pop bumper kits do not include the basic activation switch. Maybe flippers are just more prone to destroy switches from current or ???, and pop bumpers do not? I'm perplexed.
On the trivia tech side- From the pics- The Flipper kit from PBR has semi-strange hand-built boards. I'm just wondering who makes the best kits. I don't don't really care what they look like if one performs better than the other. It's not too late for me to order more parts if I need to consider them.
I have heard that coils rarely go bad or need to be replaced unless they have cooked and fry. So... I didn't bother to order any replacements. I hope that's not a mistake.
Thanks!
On Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 8:59:40 PM UTC-4, Greg M. wrote:Thank you Tony. The pin I'm working on now is a Gottlieb Black Hole. I also have a Solar Ride, and a WIlliams Earthshaker pin.
I've never rebuilt pop bumpers or flippers before. But I'm about to learn. What fun.
I recently ordered semi-complete rebuild kits for a flipper set (no coils), and also two pop bumper kits (no coils) from Marco.
I am curious why the flipper kits from everyone seem to include the EOS /activation blade switches, and pop bumper kits do not include the basic activation switch. Maybe flippers are just more prone to destroy switches from current or ???, and pop bumpers do not? I'm perplexed.
On the trivia tech side- From the pics- The Flipper kit from PBR has semi-strange hand-built boards. I'm just wondering who makes the best kits. I don't don't really care what they look like if one performs better than the other. It's not too late for me to order more parts if I need to consider them.
I have heard that coils rarely go bad or need to be replaced unless they have cooked and fry. So... I didn't bother to order any replacements. I hope that's not a mistake.
Thanks!Are you referring to an EM or solid state game? EM games (and earlier solid state games) switched the entire current to the flipper coil via the EOS switches, which results in degradation (burning, pitting) of the EOS switch contacts; replacing the EOS switches in that case helps restore strong flipper action. Solid state games typically use the EOS switches to signal the game's computer (or flipper controller board) of the flipper movement, and thus the contacts don't degrade nearly as much; there *is* the chance of breakage due to the heavy duty cycle of flippers, so replacing those EOS switches is good preventive maintenance.
Pop bumpers don't switch the coil current via the "spoon switch" blades: they either actuate a relay (EM games) or signal the game's computer (solid state games), so replacement is rarely needed.
(Of course, if someone uses a file on the switches used in solid state games that will remove the thin layer of gold flashing on the contacts, which can affect the switch continuity; in that case replacement is warranted.)
I'm not sure what you mean with your PBR reference. An EM game typically used Bakelite linkages between the flipper coil and crank.
You're correct, unless there are visible signs of burning or overheating, or if the coil plunger gets stuck inside the coil due to partial melting of the coil bobbin, replacing coils is not necessary.
There are probably some good articles on PinWiki.com with regards to rebuilds.
Joseph "Tony" Dziedzic
On Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 7:43:18 AM UTC-7, Joseph 'Tony' Dziedzic wrote:
On Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 8:59:40 PM UTC-4, Greg M. wrote:
I've never rebuilt pop bumpers or flippers before. But I'm about to learn. What fun.Are you referring to an EM or solid state game? EM games (and earlier solid state games) switched the entire current to the flipper coil via the EOS switches, which results in degradation (burning, pitting) of the EOS switch contacts; replacing the EOS switches in that case helps restore strong flipper action. Solid state games typically use the EOS switches to signal the game's computer (or flipper controller board) of the flipper movement, and thus the contacts don't degrade nearly as much; there *is* the chance of breakage due to the heavy duty cycle of flippers, so replacing those EOS switches is good preventive maintenance.
I recently ordered semi-complete rebuild kits for a flipper set (no coils), and also two pop bumper kits (no coils) from Marco.
I am curious why the flipper kits from everyone seem to include the EOS /activation blade switches, and pop bumper kits do not include the basic activation switch. Maybe flippers are just more prone to destroy switches from current or ???, and pop bumpers do not? I'm perplexed.
On the trivia tech side- From the pics- The Flipper kit from PBR has semi-strange hand-built boards. I'm just wondering who makes the best kits. I don't don't really care what they look like if one performs better than the other. It's not too late for me to order more parts if I need to consider them.
I have heard that coils rarely go bad or need to be replaced unless they have cooked and fry. So... I didn't bother to order any replacements. I hope that's not a mistake.
Thanks!
Pop bumpers don't switch the coil current via the "spoon switch" blades: they either actuate a relay (EM games) or signal the game's computer (solid state games), so replacement is rarely needed.
(Of course, if someone uses a file on the switches used in solid state games that will remove the thin layer of gold flashing on the contacts, which can affect the switch continuity; in that case replacement is warranted.)
I'm not sure what you mean with your PBR reference. An EM game typically used Bakelite linkages between the flipper coil and crank.
You're correct, unless there are visible signs of burning or overheating, or if the coil plunger gets stuck inside the coil due to partial melting of the coil bobbin, replacing coils is not necessary.
There are probably some good articles on PinWiki.com with regards to rebuilds.
Joseph "Tony" Dziedzic
Thank you Tony. The pin I'm working on now is a Gottlieb Black Hole. I also have a Solar Ride, and a WIlliams Earthshaker pin.
The PPR Gottlieb flipper kit kit seems to have zip-tied electronics. It's not exactly attractive. But I could care less if they work well. Just for the record, I ended up going with the cleaner OEM look from Marcos.
I appreciate your input, and excellent knowledge.
Have a great week.
Greg M.
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