Dr Who TECH (My first major repair) MINI Playfield

[tomdotcom]

I'm so friggin happy right now. I just took apart and put back together the mini playfield on my Dr Who. Since I bought it, only 2 of the 5 optos on the mini playfield were registering. Major problem, as these 5 targets are the main point of the game. So today I took it all apart and installed 2 new opto boards that I bought. 3 or so hours later and a few cigarettes for stress relief, I put it into test mode and it friggin worked! All 5 optos register now!!!!!

I also cleaned the clear sub sump underneath which was filthy, and changed 15 555's that sit underneath the ramp, you can't get to them with the ramp on. I also changed all the rubbers/bulbs on and around the mini playfield that are normally impossible to get at.

Here's some pics and a link to the repair guide that helped me do it.  I've done some soldering, replacing switches, fixing minor problems, but this was my first MAJOR repair.

Photos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomdotcom88/sets/72157622391176356/show/
Mini Playfield Repair guide
http://members.shaw.ca/tomblack/drwho%20miniPF%20repair.pdf

[Pinball Fixers]

Awesome stuff!

There's nothing like repairing your own machine... and having it work!

[rads]

Well done!

[illawarra_steelers]

Good on you Tom,

Fixing pinballs - often wished that I had 3 hands.

Does anybody ever feel like that?

[Extra Ball]

Thanks for sharing, I am buying a Dr Who next week.

[Wotto]

Good on you Tom,

Fixing pinballs - often wished that I had 3 hands.

Does anybody ever feel like that?

I have used the top of my head to hold up a playfield in a game that didnt have the brace/stand installed in it 

Power on as well   

[tomdotcom]

I ALWAYS need a 3rd hand. I have an extendable magnet that is constantly getting used. One of my best tools for sure.

Also I need some sort of adjustable alligator clip that is adjustable from like 3-6feet and goes all angles and is on a stand. That'd be handy hhahaha

[MartyJ]

I ALWAYS need a 3rd hand. I have an extendable magnet that is constantly getting used. One of my best tools for sure.

Also I need some sort of adjustable alligator clip that is adjustable from like 3-6feet and goes all angles and is on a stand. That'd be handy hhahaha

I agree with the extendable magnets...I got one a while back (has spirit level in it too) about the size of a biro....best must have pinball tool I reckon!

[pinmadd]

great work mate  

classic pin  

can i ask why you didnt fit any protectors?

[tomdotcom]

ya i thought about putting on some protectors. I just need more parts. I had the urge to fix it that day so I just did it. It needs some new cliffy posts as well as the front metal lip. All in good time :) I'll probably snag them on my next parts order. :)

[Strangeways]

WOW - Love your guide doco - well done.

I've rebuilt a few of these mini playfields - as the game requires this assembly to be working perfectly. Easier to totally rebuild and install a cliffy. You have covered everything perfectly.

[tomdotcom]

Not my guide sorry to say. I believe it was made by a guy who goes by the name of faz on RGP.