The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Handy hints and tips => Topic started by: Pinballer on April 12, 2009, 08:52:42 PM

Title: One of the most handy items when fault finding
Post by: Pinballer on April 12, 2009, 08:52:42 PM

Been meaning to post this for a while now.

Easily the most cost effective way of tracing down short circuits in EM and early solid state games.  Anything with a 3AG fuse really.

The idea is taken from Clay's guide to EM fault finding http://www.pinrepair.com/em/index.htm

Removed the metal ends from standard 3AG fuses, cut a slit down one side with a junior hacksaw blade, then soldered them to the lugs of the circuit breakers.  This way they will install in a standard 3AG fuse holder.  When fault finding it will trip to protect the circuit and you can easily reset it each time you think you've found the fault and repaired it.  Saving your fuses for general use.

Title: Re: One of the most handy items when fault finding
Post by: ddstoys on April 12, 2009, 09:16:27 PM

Yes i will second this idea i use these up untill the game is finished and tested. save a fortune on blown fuses

Title: Re: One of the most handy items when fault finding
Post by: Strangeways on April 12, 2009, 09:49:49 PM

Great idea - where did you find the circuit Breakers ?

Title: Re: One of the most handy items when fault finding
Post by: ddstoys on April 12, 2009, 10:02:08 PM

Jaycar sell them there around $6 each

Title: Re: One of the most handy items when fault finding
Post by: ddstoys on April 12, 2009, 10:03:19 PM

When building these if you have a few blown fuses you can solder them directly across the terminals but make sure its a blown fuse or they wont work.