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Gottlieb System 80B backbox tube LED upgrade

MajesticPinball

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Joined
Jan 11, 2018
Messages
2,298
Location
Essex
Alias
James Reed
Do you have a Gottlieb 80b in your collection...? I thought not. Well here is all you'll ever need to know on how to replace the nasty florescent tube with a gorgeous LED tube. Gottlieb translites are very prone to colour fade caused by the UV emitted from these old tubes so it's in your best interest to replace them if you can. The tube I would strongly recommend is a Voltacon, comes in warm, natural and cool white flavours and also has nifty angle adjustments to direct the light where you want. You can get those badboys here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-T8-t...2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
IMG_20211223_165000.jpg

You'll need: LED tube (obviously), snips, heat shrink + lighter, soldering iron and a flathead screwdriver.

Step one: Get a Gottlieb System 80b Machine and open her up, pop the tube out and locate the starter and ballast (top right corner)IMG_20211223_162325.jpgIMG_20211223_162444.jpg

Step 2: Unscrew and remove the Ballast, starter (2 screws each) and the right hand tube holder. I like to replace the hardware because screw holes are ugly. Pop the wires out of the tube holder by inserting something small/sharp into the connector next to the cable, this will release it - then pop your wireless tube holder back into placeIMG_20211223_163331.jpg

Step 3: With all junk now removed from the back panel cut these 2 wires, strip them back, solder and heat shrink together
IMG_20211223_163357.jpgIMG_20211223_164530.jpg

Your backbox should now look something like this, you'll more than likely find heat damage in the area around the ballast, this can easily be removed with a cloth and some Novus 2 IMG_20211223_164809.jpg

Step 4: Get that tube in! The tube I recommended above receives power from only one end, so ensure that this end is whats connected to the left side of the backbox. Use the adjustments on each end of the tube to vary the light beam (I tend to angle them up slightly to better illuminate the top of he translite) IMG_20211223_165121.jpg

Now slap that translite back in and enjoy some Gottlieb 80B awesomeness!!!
 
Last edited:
Changed mine out for an led fixture from Screwfix, fits perfect as it’s a clip on fixture.
Glad you mentioned the UV fade as I’ve mentioned this before👍
 

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