Early Bally -18 Rectifier Query

[stuba]

those that have worked on these will know what a pain in the ass they are to work on because the transformer feeds are soldered direct to the board - as oppossed to later models that were located in the cab with decent connectors to allow you pull the board out to work on it. for those that have repaired these has anyone gone down the track of putting a connector inline? do you pull the whole transformer to get the board out or do you just cut the wires and resolder them after you have rebuilt the board? grateful for any advice/ tips?

[Strangeways]

I've never had the need to install a connector to the transformer wires. When I rebuild these boards, I remove the transformer base from the machine. There are 4 - 6 black metal screws (depending on the game), then I remove the board from the 4 stand ups and then simply place the whole assembly on the bench and work on it - similar to the description on the Space Invaders restore.

I plan on writing a guide for the rebuild of the Bally / Stern Power Boards when I get time 

[stuba]

cheers nino
that makes sense, then you can test it on the bench before reinstalling. thanks
will have another look at the SI thread.

[Strangeways]

cheers nino
that makes sense, then you can test it on the bench before reinstalling. thanks
will have another look at the SI thread.

The SI uses a -48 Power supply mounted in the bottom cab - but the principle remains the same.

[Skybeaux]

I'll say they're a bit annoying to work on.
I do it the same as Nino ,pull the whole thing out ,transformer and all ,and work on it on the bench.

[Retropin]

I use a circuit board clamp so i can work on it still in the machine.
This board is my least favourite of any to work on - absolutely hate them with avengence.

But! Stu - after the last one i worked on, i swore i would from now on place a connector in line.

How do you test this board out of the machine?? You cant - it relys on inputs from the connectors

[Strangeways]

I use a circuit board clamp so i can work on it still in the machine.
This board is my least favourite of any to work on - absolutely hate them with avengence.

But! Stu - after the last one i worked on, i swore i would from now on place a connector in line.

How do you test this board out of the machine?? You cant - it relys on inputs from the connectors

I knew you would like this thread, Gavin 

To test mine, I just place the entire unit back in the cab and reconnect the unput. Stand back - and then switch on

[dj10555]

The boards only contain a few parts and all the parts can be tested offline with a good meter. You could tell about 99% time that the board is going to work when plugged back in.

[stuba]

from the pinouts you can connect 240v active, neutral and earth. stand well back (LOL) and flick the switch...
if nothing flies past your ears then you can test the test points and see if she's working (under no load)
having said that, its pretty easy to switch in and out (as a whole unit tranny and board) so i will be testing mine in machine (i'll leave the cab and playfield disconnected just in case)
my current prob - i can't see the early bally part of pinrepair to check what jumpers clay recommends on the 18 board - link is broken?? i've done everything else but waiting for them to fix their links...
if anyone knows them feel free to post them here. cheers 

[Retropin]

Clays site has been down for a while now bar the main pages - once again, when this goes down, im reminded just what a great source of info it is - dont notice till its gone!

Stu - i have here a VERY badly hacked board - believe it or not - it does work, but man its ugly!

Its a spare as i bought a new one off RTBB - but it has the mods on the back. if you want - can take it to copy the mods

[stuba]

can you email me a pic gav? 

[Retropin]

On its way

[stuba]

cheers and thanks