Judge Dredd - random 'Chain Feature game' during play

[Kano]

WARNING: This material contains content from a complete newbie to pinball repair and electronics.

Hi all,

1000 games later and my hobby with pinball machines finally starts

I have a problem with my Judge Dredd pinball where during game play the 'Chain Feature' game (Battle Tank, Sniper, Impersonator, etc) will randomly start. Coincidentally when this occurs  I hear a coil fire (only once) from what I believe or sounds like the right hand side of the play-field. This random start and coil firing is consisted every time. (I am right in thinking that coils and solenoids are one and the same?)

What I have done so far, with my limited knowledge.

1. Switch Test -  each switch tested returned the what was listed in the manual correctly.

Only question, with the main ball trough the test came back with a different sound accompanied with a (A) in the Switch display for each of the 6 opto sensors. I couldn't find what the (A) meant but it may be that the balls are still in the trough?

2. Have gone over the underneath of the play-field but not really sure what I am looking for, except maybe a loose wire, but haven't found anything!

3. 1/4 quarter of the way through reading "Electronics for Dummies' so I have some basic electronic concept  and I must admit its making more sense.

Thanks for any help.

Cheers
Sean

[DSB]

(I am right in thinking that coils and solenoids are one and the same?)

They are sort of the same thing. The coil is the copper winding part of the solenoid so the solenoid is the coil and plunger together but that doesn't really help you with your problem. Not sure what the problem may be but good luck with the repair.