Quoted from The Loafer

The only weird thing was the left outlane kickback save, where the little plunger would keep popping out.  A nice and ingenious solution was found by Brett and it now works well, but has anyone experienced this before? Is there a trick to popping it back in?  We noticed the little plunger has a groove going through the entire length but it didn�t seem to lock in any way.  Anyway, it was too loose, so adding something to tighten it resolved the issue.  I just thought of this, under the apron, can I assume there�s some kind of little screw which maybe fastens it to the plunger control?

I'm not certain if I'm thinking what you're describing, but it sounds to me like the built in stop on the end of the Plunger Assembly (Part No. A-6306-2) is missing (or the spring that pulls it back out of the coil (solenoid) after it fires, is missing?  Or the plastic plunger tip is no longer firmly attached to the plunger body (and needs to be fixed back in or replaced).  Happ Controls sells these for $8.05 so I assume that you can likely get them from all the usual suspects.  

You can take off the apron to take a look, but the plunger on the Drainlane Kicker Assemby, has a plastic tip that goes into a metal cylinder (which is pulled electromechanically into the coil) and on the end of that is a larger round "stop" attached, which keeps the plunger from being shot out onto the playfield.

If the plunger is firing but sticking and not returning, then either the spring is too weak or you need to change the coil sleeve (but I don't think that's what you're describing).

Am I describing your problem correctly?


P.S. I admire your "other" hobby too, I had to give up my Meade LX-90, turns out I was too much a "fair weather" astronomer and lugging that thing was getting frustrating (not to mention the ever increasing light pollution in my once "darkish" town.

Hey Websherpa, nice to hear someone else likes stargazing.  I've done a lot of astronomy pics, don't have a webpage set up though, I'll have to get to work on that or post a few here if there's any interest.  BTW, that's one awesome thing about astro photography, it resolves any light pollution issues.  Some of the best pics taken by a Canadian are taken right from good old downtown Ottawa.

Thanks for the heads up on the problem we're having. Yeah, the plunger is firing ok, it looks like maybe it doesn't have that round "stop" attached that keeps it in place.  We were able to just add a little something to keep it firmly in the metal cylinder and now it doesn't pop out anymore, so for now, I'd say it's not an issue, though if this reoccurs, I'll have to perhaps order the part you describe.

Loaf

Quoted from The Loafer

Hey Websherpa, nice to hear someone else likes stargazing.  I've done a lot of astronomy pics, don't have a webpage set up though, I'll have to get to work on that or post a few here if there's any interest.  BTW, that's one awesome thing about astro photography, it resolves any light pollution issues.  Some of the best pics taken by a Canadian are taken right from good old downtown Ottawa.

Thanks for the heads up on the problem we're having. Yeah, the plunger is firing ok, it looks like maybe it doesn't have that round "stop" attached that keeps it in place.  We were able to just add a little something to keep it firmly in the metal cylinder and now it doesn't pop out anymore, so for now, I'd say it's not an issue, though if this reoccurs, I'll have to perhaps order the part you describe.

Loaf

How's the viewing from your area (Embrun)?  I may have to go to your place with my stuff   I have yet to take a decent picture with my Meade Deep Sky Imager II....

For the plunger, if the fix works for now then cool, but you have to watch those "unconventional" AKA "Mc Guyver" fixes.  They will take the value of the machine down.

Mike

Good point, eheh McGuyver fixes

Most of my pics were taken with the Meade DSI-II-C, love it.  It's not the most sensitive camera but it's easy to use and it was good "bang for the buck" when I bought it.  The viewing is pretty good, though Embrun's population is growing so in essence the light pollution is getting worse.  I also live in Embrun, not on some farm, so it's a typical neighborhood with all samey houses.  I usually set up on my deck in the back, and control everything from my kitchen table. The light pollutiojn as I said before is not as much of a problem for astrophotography though I will admit it can take a beating for visual observation sessions.  Typically, towards West / North West, that's Ottawa, so the sky glow isn't so good.  Also, Embrun is not the best for sky transparency, it's a constant battle.  But if you or anyone else ever wants to pop by, not a problem it would be my pleasure.

Incidentally, I haven't taken her out in over 6 months and tonight, I believe the ISS is passing in front of the moon, visible locally. I promised myself I'd try and see if I can image it.

Clear sky clock looks "ok" but not great, seeing is not too good, which means there's a good possibility the craters would be waving constantly:
http://cleardarksky.com/c/EmbrunOnkey.html?1

Let's see on the ISS from my homebase:  http://www.calsky.com.  Nope, I'd have to travel about 10km, and the event is occuring at 6:20pm, wouldn't have the time to go home, get the equipment, travel, get setup, etc.  Too bad, but there's always next time .

Update:  Had a "home gaming" day yesterday.  One of my buddy and is two boys (11-13) LOVED Firepower, I couldn't believe how much the boys really "dug" it, very surprised.  I also managed to have my best game to date, a half decent high score that would no doubt make you all laugh but an achievement for me .

Ian:  The "Loafer's Arcade" cabinet went over REAL well too, great success with the boys, who found some of the old classics very fun to play. Nice to see the younger generation actually show good taste .  Of course, we also played 4 player Rock Band for 2 hours.  

Quoted from The Loafer

Ian:  The "Loafer's Arcade" cabinet went over REAL well too, great success with the boys, who found some of the old classics very fun to play. Nice to see the younger generation actually show good taste .

...Yes, oh grand master... I have collected yet again another soul!!!

Quoted from The Loafer

One of my buddy and is two boys (11-13) LOVED Firepower, I couldn't believe how much the boys really "dug" it, very surprised.

A couple of months ago, a friend visited with her two boys aged around 6 and 8. They loved Firepower too, especially commenting on the sound effects and the knocker. The younger one mostly chimped but the older one quickly caught on and played fairly well. Pinball may be mostly a boy thing (my granddaughters showed little interest) but it seems to appeal to all generations.