fuse keeps blowing

[stan]

my red and ted roadshow keeps blowing fuse 114. it has a dead short to earth. the manual says it is a 18volt nb for the lamp matrix. does this mean I have to check every lamp to find out which lamp is down to earth, or is there another explanation for the fuse to be down to earth. thank for any advice.
 

[DSB]

Maybe, Maybe not. Looks like fuse 114 indeed feeds the lamp matrix but also feeds the 12 volt digital through fuse 115. I'd first check that the correct size fuse is installed in 115. If it is to big 114 may blow before 115. Then I would pull the ribbon connector J113. Turn the machine on, if the fuse still blows your problems on the driver board.

[Marty Machine]

After confirming fuse types (as stated before), unplug the lamp matrix connector(s) and then see if fuse still blows or not, this will isolate the problem to either being a crook lamp/wiring short, or, a problem on the main board where the fuse is located.

In fact the next step would be removing all connectors on the fuse board EXCEPT the power input to the board, switch on and see if the fuse blows.

[stan]

thanks you all for the advice. I will try to get to it Thursday arvo if I get home in time. once it gets dark I'm as blind as a bat. will let you know I get on.

[pinsanity]

If it is a board problem, it will most likely be a failed BR1 on the power driver board.

Very easy to test and replace if faulty.

[stan]

well it has taken me nearly two months to get time to investigate further, and it indeed does look like it is the br1 rectifier. thank you all for pointing me in the right direction. all I need now is to find a replacement part.

[Marty Machine]

well it has taken me nearly two months to get time to investigate further, and it indeed does look like it is the br1 rectifier. thank you all for pointing me in the right direction. all I need now is to find a replacement part.

Well done, it's common for various bridge rectifiers to die and go short, blowing fuses etc.

I repaired a friends 'funhouse' a few months ago, same thing, blown bridge/blowing fuse.....took about 2 mins to solve it ;-)

MM

[ddstoys]

I always say "FIXING PINBALL MACHINES IS EASY FINDING THE FAULT IS THE HARD PART"

[Pintoxicated]

Jaycar or someone like that will more than likely sell the BR. 

[stan]

rectifier fitted, its game on again. thanks to all for your help.

[pinball god]

Great news well done