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Author Topic: GI lamps dimming  (Read 228 times)

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Offline braddo

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GI lamps dimming
« on: November 22, 2009, 02:02:19 PM »
Back to annoy you again with my '79 Flash. Sorry.

A handful of bulbs under some plastics dim a fair bit, a couple even go completely out at times. The bulbs under the RHS plastics (above the kicker hole), are off most the time, and flash on with full power sometimes. I've found a good guide to fixing these machines, but i'm stuffed if i can find info on how to fix GI globe problems !@#. Should i start back at the power supply/transformer etc. in the back box, and get some readings? (my terminology sucks, sorry). Thanks again.
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Offline Rod71

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Re: GI lamps dimming
« Reply #1 on: November 22, 2009, 02:09:21 PM »
It will be the socket itself.  best to replace it, or try using the eraser on the end of a pencil to clean it out.

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Offline FirePower

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Re: GI lamps dimming
« Reply #2 on: November 22, 2009, 03:41:50 PM »
There are little wire wheels that suit dremmel tools that just fit inside a globe socket and can be used with care.
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Offline ddstoys

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Re: GI lamps dimming
« Reply #3 on: November 22, 2009, 06:44:01 PM »
Or you can clean the end of the globe socket (Little lump in the center ) and solder the wire directly to that.  If that doesnt help you can do the same thing to the casing
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Offline braddo

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Re: GI lamps dimming
« Reply #4 on: November 22, 2009, 10:45:34 PM »
Thanks everyone. Excellent info. I'll have a bash at the sockets. I really did not think it would have any thing to do with sockets due to so many bulbs playing up, but, quick word to my brother this arvo (after asking here) and he agrees with you guys. I'll have a look, might just replace them, IF the newer made chinese parts beat the original, then again, the sockets may not be original anyhows :D. Gave it a good clean just with Euco oil and wow what a different game it is already.

Thanks again all, what an awesome site, very happy and appreciative to be a part of it, and be involved with pinball addicts like yourselves. Bloody hot day around these parts i don't know about you guys, but for me, 10 beers and 4 shots of tequila later still straight AND bloody sweating. *!@
« Last Edit: November 22, 2009, 10:58:31 PM by braddo »
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Offline Rod71

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Re: GI lamps dimming
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2009, 11:59:00 PM »
Yeah mate.. Waiting for that cool change to hit the Gong.  Hurry up already!
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Offline braddo

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Re: GI lamps dimming
« Reply #6 on: November 23, 2009, 04:08:54 PM »
Haha the cool change hit today so i'm home early from rain and have some time up my sleeve. Cleaned the dodgy sockets with a rubber tip pencil (it's all i had), did not really know what i'm doing to start with but all faulty lamps are now working! Three sockets from the whole machine are stuffed, i'll hit them with some solder or replace them. Also only 3 bad globes in the whole machine. Globes that were not lit at all are now working! I've gone from 30% GI globes either out or dimming, to pretty much 100% working. Stoked.

I love Flash but i'm giving it extra marks for the new light show, even makes the playfield art better. It looks great. Thanks for the tips ^^^.
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