The Aussie Pinball Arcade

Aussie Pinball Forums => Technical Matters => Pinball Training 101 => Topic started by: oldpins on May 30, 2010, 09:58:43 AM

Title: Simple test light for EM repairers
Post by: oldpins on May 30, 2010, 09:58:43 AM

When fault finding or trouble shotting on EM machines (AC voltage) it can be difficult testing coils on score reels, ball in play & player stepper units etc. which are located in the back box. I use this test light instead of a multimeter as it gives a positive visual that a coil or contact is being energised.(especially if the score motor is pulsing a coil on the score reels on reset, or a relay is counting up etc) It has many uses for testing circuits & may also be used for DC voltages of 15v or below, however observe correct polarity. (You could lower the resistor value if you require a brighter LED, don't go below 1k .

Title: Re: Simple test light for EM repairers
Post by: goodolddays on May 30, 2010, 10:08:31 AM

Very handy Item .. I'm definitely going to build one .
Thanks for the tip  ^^^

Title: Re: Simple test light for EM repairers
Post by: ddstoys on May 30, 2010, 11:00:53 AM

Great Tip  ^^^

Title: Re: Simple test light for EM repairers
Post by: Strangeways on May 30, 2010, 01:57:26 PM

That's one handy tip !

Title: Re: Simple test light for EM repairers
Post by: Marty Machine on May 30, 2010, 10:19:28 PM

Yep, a very handy tool indeedy....

I made a very similar thingy, but used a bridge-rectifier where the test leads go in, to avoid polarity issues, which then you can remove the diode shown in your diagram.

Using a bridge-rectifier will then give a lot less AC flicker on the LED.

hope this helps too ;-)
MM.