Looking to LED my TAF

[Ads Nems]

I'm looking to take the plunge and attempt to install LED's myself into my TAF.
As a complete noob, is it quite a straightforward job to do? Are there any pitfalls I should watch out for?
Could members recommend from where I should buy the LED's ?
I read in a few previous posts that I may need to get an updated ROM or LED OCD?

I know some members are not fans of LED but I figured to try it out on one and then see if I like it enough to do to the rest of my small collection.

As always, any feedback would greatly appreciated!

 

[Tony]

Sounds like a mini strip down, I can see new rubbers on the horizon

 

[Monkeyboypaul]

Switching bulbs for LEDs is an easy job, but accessing some of them can be a pain - like the pops on TAF.

Choosing LEDs is all personal preference - plenty of threads on here about that (but don’t buy yellow LEDs as they’re ****).

Once you’ve installed them, if they don’t work, try reversing them in the socket... then you might start noticing some other things:

The inserts will be very bright. The inserts will go ON/OFF very digitally & it can be quite harsh on the eye, but it’s all down to the observer. Your GI will flicker if the game tries to dim the LEDs in the GI - very noticeable on TAF in my opinion.

You may notice some odd insert flickering, random inserts coming on a bit when they should be off - that’s ghosting and can probably be fixed with a patched ROM and/or anti-ghosting LEDs.

Personally, and I know some stalwarts of the pinball community who’ve recently converted to this thinking, I go for basic sunlight white frosted domed Comet LEDs from the US. Bought in bulk roughly 75% wedge, 25% bayoneted, and I use the LED OCD boards. The boards are expensive but they make the lighting function correctly by reducing brightness a bit, and ensuring the lovely smooth on and off that comes with original bulbs is emulated for LEDs.

My advice - If you’re just dipping your LED toes in on a TAF, just do the inserts and leave the GI well alone. See how you like that and go from there...?

 

[Ads Nems]

Thanks for the advice Paul. If I go for LED OCD, where is the best place to order it from?

 

[Monkeyboypaul]

Direct from the designer ledocd.com, but you’ll have to find a cunning way of getting it back to the UK as he won’t post internationally (many have asked). Otherwise Euro suppliers will happily charge you a big markup, making an already expensive item far more expensive, sadly.

 

[Spadge]

+1 for LED OCD. Have leds in all mine, also have LED OCD boards in.

 

[Ads Nems]

I’ve got a trip to the states in April for work so will time it with that. Happy to bring a couple more back with me if other members are interested

 

[huggers]

I just LEDed and re-rubbered my Addams Family. It's pretty straightforward. Colour match the inserts. Count up how many #44 and #555s you need and in which colours. Get superbrights from pinball led for this. For the GI get some quasar bulbs from Comet pinball In the States.