The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Repairs / Problems & Assistance => Topic started by: ajlaird on June 06, 2009, 08:01:46 PM

Title: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: ajlaird on June 06, 2009, 08:01:46 PM
OK, first real problem - potentially. Everything else up until now has been an easy fix (resolder jobs and realigning switches).

LHS flipper is not firing correctly, and 'chatters' (repeatedly fires the coil, hits EOS, fires again). In the switch test the flipper switch when held in is basically going on and off rapidly.

So far I have attempted to clean the optos; might still take the board out and do it properly, but I have a sneaking suspicion the problem is somewhere else down the line.

Any suggestions of what else to check out? (The manual is available for download at IPDB if you are interested.)
Title: Re: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: MartyJ on June 06, 2009, 08:10:27 PM
How is the actual coil testing OHM wise?  Could be a break in the windings.  I would also check to ensure the coil stop is not worn or finally the fliptronics board.

I just read to cold/dirty solder joints on the coil can cause issues too (although unlikely).  Maybe just give them a really good reflow as well for a 2 sec fix.
Title: Re: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: ddstoys on June 06, 2009, 08:24:09 PM
I agree with marty try resoldering all the joints sounds like its to do with the opto board if its even pulsing in the switch test
Title: Re: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: ajlaird on June 06, 2009, 08:52:04 PM
I'll start with the opto board as the switch test shows it to be pulsing.
Title: Re: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: silverball on June 07, 2009, 01:11:33 AM
Swap over opto boards to see if problem follows, check soldering(as mentioned) at coil making sure that windings are making proper contact.
Title: Re: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: Strangeways on June 07, 2009, 11:02:45 AM
Swap over opto boards to see if problem follows, check soldering(as mentioned) at coil making sure that windings are making proper contact.

That's the first thing I would do.

If the problem follows the board, grab some nifti and a toothbrush and clean the optos. Leave it in the sun if you don't have a compressor.
Title: Re: Flipper 'chatter' on Dirty Harry
Post by: slammer on June 10, 2009, 12:01:15 AM
I had this same problem on the Catcus Jack machine.

Even though I had brand new coils, sleeves and EOS and rebuilt the flippers, the problem was that the small wire on the flipper coil had broken.

I just resoldered it to the tab and it hasen't missed a beat!

Cheers Angelo