The 'ghost of "Spot A Card"

[mark jackson]

I'm currently servicing this machine for a customer. I used to own this machine, and for the whole time I owned it and for the new owner it has always had this problem........
When you press the replay button and the machine resets, it sometimes awards you from 10-19 points just as the game resets. When this machine does its reset thing, it also gives the player 2 cards before start of game. In the head it has a 0-9 unit and another similar unit which is responsible for the spotting (lighting) of the cards 2-Ace.

Sometimes you get no bonus points, sometimes just 10, sometimes 13 or 14 and sometimes it gives you 19 points. Does anyone know what it is that makes this machine give out these few points before you even fire up 1st ball??

As I say, it's been doing this for about 20 years that I know of, and I'd like to fix it if I knew why it was happening.
I'll attach a couple of pics, just so you get the idea of this machine. Thanks, Mark

[oldpins]

I'm not familiar with the game, and personally would be looking at purchasing the schematics which would point you in the right direction. Possibly a stepper unit reset problem? I would start by looking at the stepper units which may not be returning to their correct 'Parking' point/s.

[Strangeways]

Sounds like the Bonus unit is not resetting correctly ? Is it adjusted properly in its reset position ?

[mark jackson]

I use the term 'bonus' for the incorrect points that this machine gives at game start. Both the 0-9 unit and the Unit for the card spotting (backglass shows how they move along in a group of 4) are Continuous stepping units, and as such they do not re-set.  The stepping unit for the cards does make movement when game is started and it gives 2 cards for free as it makes this one start-up movement. ... sometimes you get a few points?? sometimes you don't...???

[oldpins]

Although the stepper unit is not designed to reset (single 'add' solenoid) and travels in a continuous fashion is it designed to possibly 'park' on a certain position at reset ? Just a thought.

Greg

[arcadoz]

What activates the card unit normally? Is it the score or a specific target?

[mark jackson]

The card spotting unit (4 consecutive arrows on backglasss) moves along one place at a time via the "Advance Arrows" pop bumper. When they are covering 5,4,3,2 and you hit the bumper, they move along again, this time they are covering the A,K,Q,J and they start their movement again. ...every time you hit the bumper, the arrows move along one place. 

[arcadoz]

If hitting the bumper also credits the 10-19 score it would be the most likely suspect or the relay it operates.
Perhaps a switch gap too small?. Resetting a machine tends to vibrate or shake a machine different from gameplay.
A schematic would make it easier.

[mark jackson]

I've got one. I use them as I can, but I'm not great with schematics. I agree that a switch gap too close is probably the culprit, but then, it's doing it on the units and tens reel so ... I'll check those relays...