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Stern TMNT Pro issues

Jib

Jib

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Joined
Mar 12, 2021
Messages
1,357
Location
Northamptonshire
So first I really don't know what I'm doing past really basic stuff. If anyone has any suggestions please can you dumb them down a bit 😆

I started getting a lot of stuck balls in the van lock, then ball drains started to not register and occasionally after a ball drain and ball search it thinks a ball has been locked at the van lock. I swapped the balls in case it was because they had become magnetised and re-seated the trough wires. In test the trough registers each position fine. I don't know what to try now, its one of those intermittent problems that you think you've fixed and then it happens a few games in a row. Any help greatly appreciated!
 
The balls don't lock in the van on the Pro. It's virtual locks except when you start multiball and it holds the last ball for a second while the multiball starts.

It sounds like a dodgy opto behind the van but I'll have a look at mine and see how it works.....unless you have a Premium/LE?
 
Yes sorry I don’t mean IN the van I meant the shot at the van, the ninja pizza lock. It’s a pro.

Ok in the switch test upper lock 3 and 2 register every time but 1 only registers sometimes so I guess that’s the issue there. The ball trough seems to be registering every time so I’m not sure what the issue there is. It is intermittent so I’m guessing it’s not registering there sometimes I just can’t replicate it in switch test but I guess I need to replace something there too?
 
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I think the pizza lock started first but the trough was only shortly after, they’re intermittent so I guess they could have broken at the same time but showed up at different times.
 
Maybe because the upper lock 3&2 are triggered it's waiting for lock 1 to trigger so doesn't register the ball drain? It sometimes instead of ball drain registers a lock at the pizza so with my zero mechanical knowledge that could make sense. Also because the trough tests fine and I ran all the balls through several times. Thinking about it, all the non registering ball drains may have been in multiball so may have got a ball trapped in the pizza lock and then it doesn't register a ball drain.

I'll replace the optos at the pizza ball lock first and see if that resolves both issues. I just need to work out how to get to them 😆 I assume if adjusting their position slightly doesn't work I need to order a receiver and emitter as I don't know which is the problem? Also I've looked on the usual sites for the parts number in the manual and can only find the receiver, tried PH, a few American sites and the stern eu site, where else can I try?
 
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Before I start dismantling everything, is there an easier way to access those optos? Seems like I need to take a bunch of stuff apart to even get to them and I'm not sure if it's past my comfort level
 
Take lots of photos beforehand. Lay everything out on a table (or on the floor) as it was in the machine. You can also put screws back into their holes after unfastening. It's daunting the first time, but it's really not that bad! :)
 
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Before you start pulling the machine to pieces. its worth checking the connectors for the optos are pushed together securely, and not coming loose causing the intermittent fault
 
just got home and had a proper look, think Im an idiot and can actually get them out from below? Unless there's something else holding them in at the top, but I think its just that bracket. Gonna have lunch and then start poking around lol
IMG_1542.jpg
 
Well this is rather embarrassing lol I expect you’re all reading this thinking ‘of course you take it off from the bottom you numpty’ yeah so it’s two screws! cleaned, reseated the connectors, put back in, 20 balls tested all registering at all locks.

I look like a bit of a dummy but seems to be fixed easily so I’m still happy. Thanks everyone!
 
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