What not to do.

[Crashramp]

I wasn't sure which section to post this under because there isn't a sub headings for dumb.

Anyway I have an issue with a pop bumper light not working on a pop bumper that I'd replaced a switch and globe holder on, so on a different bop bumper on the same machine I hooked some jumper leads onto the lugs that the bumper globe holder is soldered to and the other end on to a new globe holder, then turned the game on and went into the test modes to light the lights. All good, light comes on just fine. Now to test the problem pop bumper so I hooked the jumpers up and turned on the machine and this time the light comes on straight away, no need to go into the light test.......that's because I'd let one of the jumper cables lay across the fuses on the Rectifier board on the bottom of the cabinet.

Pretty bloody dumb thing to do but luckily there was no damage to me or the machine.

[pinnies4me]

I did something similar with an old Gottlieb (those power boards and transformers really are in a bad spot). Was soldering with the game plugged in, so when I let the solder roll drop after doing the repair - zizzle!!  Learned to unplug them when working after that!

If we get enough members willing to share their less than switched on moments, we might set up a "What not to do" Section.......could be just as useful as the helpful tips section.

[Steve2010]

Yup, been there done that.

I was doing some testing on a Bally SS rectifier board with the multimeter.  I had one of the probes on ground on the board, but somehow it slipped and I shorted something.  I never really found out what I shorted, because there was a great spark and then all the lights went out.  At least the circuit tripped really quickly in the main fuse box of the house and did its job!  As the shed I have my pins in has both the power points and lights on the same circuit, the lights in the shed went out as well, so there I was holding the multimeter in the dark wondering what the hell just happened.

Anyway, all OK on the rectifier board, but the spark sure gave me a momentary heart attack.

[DSB]

A good reminder for everyone to test your safety switch(rare but they do fail) or if you don't have one, consider getting one installed or at least use a portable model when working on a live machine.