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Author Topic: Power to pinball machine  (Read 215 times)

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Offline roger3235pies

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Power to pinball machine
« on: September 05, 2012, 12:24:08 PM »
Hi Guys,
           I bought a Bally Playboy Pinball Machine from U.S.A. and it didn't have a 3 pin plug on the end of the power cord to plug into a power point. I can put a 3 pin plug on the end of the cord, but I don't know which is the positive wire and which is neutral as they don't have any coloured inner plastic covers. The earth wire does have a green inner cover so it is easily identified. My question is - does it matter if the positive and netral wire are connected "in reverse"? Also, is it best to completely replace the existing power cord and connect a new double insulated wire to the pinbell machine? I would have to cut a hole in the back of the pinball cabinet to get access to do this.
          Cheers, Roger.
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Offline Wotto

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Re: Power to pinball machine
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2012, 12:31:34 PM »
 *!@

Please STOP right now........and wait for the advice from a couple of the techo guys here.
Please have a fire extinguisher handy  :lol
« Last Edit: September 05, 2012, 12:33:42 PM by Wotto »
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Offline pinnies4me

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Re: Power to pinball machine
« Reply #2 on: September 05, 2012, 01:23:19 PM »
Spot on Wotto.

I don't know my way around that vintage Bally, but Nino or another Bally guy will be able to tell you if the transformer can be tapped for local voltage.

Hold tight, help is on its way!
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Offline Homepin

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Re: Power to pinball machine
« Reply #3 on: September 05, 2012, 01:42:12 PM »
YES, DO NOT PLUG IT IN - you WILL destroy the power transformer (as a minimum) unless the taps are connected correctly.

(1) Change the taps on the power transformer in the backbox as per the diagram below
(2) Change the MOV (varistor) soldered to the mains input filter to a 220V type (or you will hear a very loud BANG when you plug in) Jaycar part # RN3404 or RN3400 or RN3406 (in that order of preference depending on availability at your local store) NONE of the others are suitable fo rthis application.
(3) then and ONLY then attach a 3 pin plug.

If you are uncertain about any of the above - it ALL involves playing with the mains and is potentially LETHAL - get an electrician or competant hobbyist to help you.



Play a game or two - good luck!
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Offline Strangeways

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Re: Power to pinball machine
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2012, 02:01:35 PM »
Advice is spot on - I would advise that you have an electrician do the power conversion according to Mike's diagram. You can also ask if a local pinball tech can have a look for you.

You will need to replace the power cord and the plug (electrician or pinball tech). You won't have to drill any holes in the cabinet. You should have the machine tag and tested after the conversion.

You other option is to buy a "step down" transformer.
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Offline pinnies4me

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Re: Power to pinball machine
« Reply #5 on: September 05, 2012, 02:20:17 PM »


Roger - where are you located? Someone might be nearby who can assist.
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Offline Extra Ball

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Re: Power to pinball machine
« Reply #6 on: September 05, 2012, 03:00:41 PM »
go the stepdown transformer, and mount it inside the machine, its a $60 to $80, and 5min job that way.
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