Starwars episode 1

[Retropin]

Yep.. 2 thick wires twist onto the cables at each end of the tube

[pinball god]

I'm guessing get the pcb checked.

[infinite1977]

This could explain why it stuffed up in the first place as initially in twisted the two wires together and connected it to one end only.
could explain why it was constantly on

[infinite1977]

Any recommendations on who can check the board in Melbourne as Beaky is back on the coast

[Retropin]

This could explain why it stuffed up in the first place as initially in twisted the two wires together and connected it to one end only.
could explain why it was constantly on

If you twisted the 2 transformer wires together then you are lucky you didn't burn it out... for it to light up, you must have had some sort of grounding at the opposite end

[infinite1977]

Interesting Gav.
I thought it was odd.
I am guessing I wil need to extend the wires as the transformer needs to sit under the plastic handle and as it stands they arent long enough for that to happen

[infinite1977]

k this is getting strange. bare with me as I try to describe it.
I have the chip replaced on the board as suggested.
I connect t the transformer to the tube and playfield but the tube only lights up with one wire connected and when b the other wire touches metal (it accidentally touched the side rail)
do I have a grounding issue or am I connecting it incorrectly.  When I connect both wires from the transformer to the playfield connector I get nothing.
pictures are of the playfield connector which I made up and the connection of the neon

[Retropin]

OK.. bear with me here and attach a 12V supply to the transformer while you have the tube out  and CORRECTLY wired as in your picture... the tube should light up IF you have the correct 12V supply. Im thinking here that you have a 12VDC supply on a 12V AC transformer  which makes one side of the transformer do its job ( transformer is wound as single primary and double secondary) but not the other.. when you ground the opposite end it allows the small amount of current to flow, whereas the power should be cycling from both ends

[infinite1977]

this is what it says on the transformer that I have.

I tested the tube on a 9V battery and it worked.
so does this validate what you are thinking

[Retropin]

No.. its a 12VDC transformer.

You must be missing either side of a 12VDC supply from the board. If it works from a 9V battery then you have a supply problem

[infinite1977]

Ok I had the chip you suggested replaced today as this now has given me light again. What else is there on the board? 
I guess the only other thing I can check is the plug I am using connecting to the playfield as I did a quick fix. I will try a new plug tomorrow

[pinsanity]

Get your multimeter.

Set it to 20v DC.


Stick the black probe of your multimeter into the ground pin hole of the neon connector plug on the pinball machine and the red probe into the 12v pin hole of the neon connector plug on the pinball machine.

Switch on machine and go into:

System Menu
Diagnostics
Solenoid Test
Scroll through the menu and activate solenoid 41 (the neon).
Close the coin door

Check the reading on the multimeter to see if you are getting output voltage.

[infinite1977]

When I put the probes in it tells me -15v no change with during solenoid test.
I am going to have to bite the bullet and get someone out here I think l

[infinite1977]

I need to replace the chip again I think which is fine as I blew some fuses but will have to bite the bullet and get someone to come and check it out.
anyone willing to come to templestowe:)

[Retropin]

Im not familiar with the game but im guessing that the neon is only supposed to come on at certain times?

The -15V you get on a DC test should be fine id say, but you have your probes round the wrong way as it should be +15V, not negative.
is it possible that you have the connector round the wrong way... its important that you get the polarity for the 12VDC correct.
Im also assuming that the driver chip ( transistor array) sits high and gets sunk to ground when activated like all other transistors in a game... so, if you are getting 15V ( which is a little high) then you should be able to light up the neon with this