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Backbox lamps No Fear

domlouis

domlouis

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10 Years
Joined
May 28, 2014
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Location
Derby
So I have decided to brighten my NF a bit as in always thought it was a dark game. I have ordered some LEDs and hopefully they should do the job on the playfield.
And then tonight I started wondering about the backbox, which I also thought was a bit dark. I removed the glass and only the top rows of lamps are permanently on. Have a look at the picture. Is that normal? How do I test this area in the test menu? If it isn't normal, what is likely to be wrong?
Thanks
Dom
 

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In the test menu T6 allows u to test GI, if there are any flashers in the Backbox they can be tested using T5, flash bulbs will be a different bulb to GI and the lesser of the two.

First thing I'd try is, swap a working bulb with a non working one and just rule out a lot of blown bulbs. Then check for any obvious break in the wire, then onto connectors.

GI connectors get stressed since they are constantly on, header pins can crack and corrode, you can try cleaning them with some sandpaper and reflow joints before replacing pins themselves. Check the connectors first for signs of burning its easier to replace IDC connectors before moving into the board.

Good luck
 
This has always been connectors on my machines either on the playfield power board or the power board itself, usually just a remove and refit works.
 
Ok, so I looked at the back of the light board and you can clearly see the three lights circuits. I traced the first one back to j121 connector. Unplugged and re plugged it and this did the trick. Replaced the several blown lamps. And I now have Two of the three circuits working. Traced the last one and it gets to the same connector. Looked at the connector and there is evidence that it overheated at some point. New connector needed.
Fixing the lights on the backbox has also somehow helped with a couple of lights in the slingshot that wouldn't light up. Bonus.
So I just need to get a new connector.
Thanks everyone.
 
Argh sorry I am so thick. So Phil at pinball heaven sells the 11pin connector I need. Do I also need to buy the small metal parts that fit inside the connector separately? Does anyone know? And what are they called? Thanks
 
I would just order some pins and a selection of connectors always handy having some spare. The pin can be cut to length as needed.

Changing header pins are one of the less demanding tasks with a soldering iron so don't hold back. I mean change the connector first and if it fixes it then you can put the iron away.
 
Use the crimp style connectors (molex) not the push fit (idc) ones.

Andy at Mania/ Phil at Heaven sell the pins/ sockets/ tool you need.

It is worth taking the hit and buying the tool as you will face this problem in the future on one or more of your games.

Take photos before you start. One wire at a time is safest. A repetitive task, but usually gets brilliant results and you should never need to do it again on your game.

Rather than replacing header pins on the pcb (can be tricky and can damage the board) I would replace the connector, and just lightly clean the header pins with very fine wet and dry paper (use dry) something like 400 grit plus.

See if this cures it. It probably will

If not, replace the header pins too
 
I am trying to follow David (@DRD) advice and getting the crimp connector instead of the push fit ones. I have read the same advice on pinside.

I can't find the 11-way crimp connector on Phil's website. I can only find the push fit ones. https://www.pinball.co.uk/spares-accessories/connector-11-pin-female-0-156-inch-j120-j121/ - Phil seems to be selling them as J121 connector (which is what i am replacing), are they really a no-no?

I can find an 11-way crimp connector on Andy's website: https://pinparts.co.uk/products/crimp-housing-0156-pitch-choose-size
Is that the right one?
And i presume the crimp pins are: https://pinparts.co.uk/products/crimp-terminal-tri-furcon-0-dot-156-pitch-choose-type
But he hasn't got the large wire gauge (which i presume i would need for the GI???)
And in any case, his shop is closed for February...

So the options appear to be:
- getting a push fit IDC connector from Phil now
- waiting and getting a crimp connector from Andy when his shop re-opens and when he gets crimps back in stock

Any views?
 
@astyy is the man for old fashioned connectors.

You can almost certainly find them on ebay somewhere.

You can buy a plastic connector that is too long and cut it down with a very sharp knife and/ or demel to finish off neatly.

The problem with the IDC style is that you need a high quality pusher tool to correctly insert the wires into them. These tools can be expensive. The plastic cheapo ones do not work that well.

A properly made IDC connector will last for 30 years. After all, the last one did.

The crimp style connectors are much more reliable when built buy a home user.
 
domlouis said:
I am trying to follow David (@DRD) advice and getting the crimp connector instead of the push fit ones. I have read the same advice on pinside.

I can't find the 11-way crimp connector on Phil's website. I can only find the push fit ones. https://www.pinball.co.uk/spares-accessories/connector-11-pin-female-0-156-inch-j120-j121/ - Phil seems to be selling them as J121 connector (which is what i am replacing), are they really a no-no?

I can find an 11-way crimp connector on Andy's website: https://pinparts.co.uk/products/crimp-housing-0156-pitch-choose-size
Is that the right one?
And i presume the crimp pins are: https://pinparts.co.uk/products/crimp-terminal-tri-furcon-0-dot-156-pitch-choose-type
But he hasn't got the large wire gauge (which i presume i would need for the GI???)
And in any case, his shop is closed for February...

So the options appear to be:
- getting a push fit IDC connector from Phil now
- waiting and getting a crimp connector from Andy when his shop re-opens and when he gets crimps back in stock

Any views?
Click to expand...

156 is for the large wires (100 is the smaller ones). I'm sure Andy can advise further @pinballmania
 
^. or don’t buy a keying plug and play connector russian roulette.

or use a matchstick, blob of glue, nail. - not that i’ve found any of those being used yet but i guess it’s just a matter of time
 
Just to finish the story really: caved in and got myself an IDC connector and tool. It arrived today. I installed it tonight. I must admit I was impressed on how easy it was to fit. Turned it back on and all three circuits working. Repladed another 5 or 6 missing bulbs and we are all good.
Put a game on and got second highest score so well chuffed.
Thank you for the help and advice.
 
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