Well,

Hello all...I've just purchased (traded for some work) my first Pin.  I've logged on to the board as a guest the odd time however decided to wait until I owned a Pin to register.  Like most newbies I'll probably have many Qs, don't worry I'll use the search as much as I can before posting.  So my first pin is a:

Williams Flash.  Not bad condition, but needs some TLC.  I will need to have all new rubbers, bulbs, clean, wax and or clear coat....

It powers up and most works however there are a few things that will need repair:
One set of drop targets will not reset after they are all dropped (but do reset after I wiggle the middle target)
Two lanes up top do not score when to ball crosses them
No background sounds (I think Flash has background sounds)
The displays have a few pixels burnt on each.

So it will be a project for me given I have no experience with pins.

I'm also looking for a late 70s, early 80s pin that is working so I have someting to play while I work on this one.  All in all I'm looking for about 4 pins in the next year.  But I'm sure 4 will turn into 8+!

Cheers,

Jeff

Welcome to the disease.

The switch on your middle drop target is dirty. Clean the contacts with a business card. Your top lane switches are probably dirty, too. Again, business card.

Background sound on this machine needs to be activated. I think it's option 31 or 33 within the game settings. "0" is off (default) and "1" is on. That might get you up and running. Actually, I'm pretty sure there are many different background sound options, but this may not be the case. I know Stellar Wars has a bunch of background sounds to choose from. Any number between 1 and 30-something will give you a different sound. Try them and find one you like. Flash was the first game with dynamic background sound.

Displays might need new glass. Get out your wallet and soldering iron, if they do.

For lots and lots more important info, http://www.pinrepair.com is MANDATORY reading. Specifically, THIS and, for Flash, THIS.

Please report results.

Corey

Hi Jeff

Welcome to MAACA! You'll find lots of help and definitely games to buy in the future, Flash is a bit older than what I work on so I'll leave your questions to the more knowledgeable who I am sure will start to answer.

Just wanted to welcome you and say that since you're in Kingston, try to get to Ottawa for the next meeting. Great way to meet in person other collectors.

Mary Ellen

PS three years ago I started with 4 pins and lets just say I've added a few more since then They are DEFINITELY addictive but fun!

Quoted from cooke

The switch on your middle drop target is dirty. Clean the contacts with a business card. Your top lane switches are probably dirty, too. Again, business card.

Background sound on this machine needs to be activated. I think it's option 33 within the game settings. "0" is off (default) and "1" is on. That might get you up and running.

Displays might need new glass. Get out your wallet and soldering iron, if they do.

For lots and lots more important info, http://www.pinrepair.com is MANDATORY reading. Specifically, THIS and, for Flash, THIS.

Please report results.

Corey

See.... Cooke's not a bad guy!  This is a totally valid and helpful post, and I'm sure the original poster will find this information very handy.

Just thought I'd try to point out the good, given all that has transpired over the past week.

D.

Quoted from medvet

Mary Ellen
P S three years ago I started with 4 pins and lets just say I've added a few more since then They are DEFINITELY addictive but fun!

Oh My Gawd, You mean People can have morte than 4 Pins in their Houses?? I never thought that was even possible!!!  hehehe  

Dave  (Currently owning more pins than I am years old!     )

Welcome to the Hobby, I am pretty sure you will like it!!

Quoted from Menace

See.... Cooke's not a bad guy!

OK, seriously, was this ever a question?  

Cooke
(Who's starting to get a complex.)

Quoted from cooke

Welcome to the disease.

The switch on your middle drop target is dirty. Clean the contacts with a business card.

Ok , yes dirty contact , But you may have difficulties with a business card ,!! ,

If you look carefully at target banks , you'll see that behind each target there is a small pc board , you have to unscrew each one and clean the traces on it using alcohol, don't forget to clean the contact attach to the target (horseshoe shape ) be carefull with these contacts , you don'twant to break it !!! you may have to bent them a bit to have a better contact !!!

I know some poeple are against what I'm gonna say  ,But did it many times and it does help a lot !!!! After cleaning the traces on the small board , use a clothe to put a very thin layer (thin film only) of wd-40( sprayed on the cloth, not in the machine) on the traces it will help contact and reduce friction !!!!

Quoted from mindstorm88

I know some poeple are against what I'm gonna say  ,But did it many times and it does help a lot !!!! After cleaning the traces on the small board , use a clothe to put a very thin layer (thin film only) of wd-40( sprayed on the cloth, not in the machine) on the traces it will help contact and reduce friction !!!!

Use clear Teflon grease instead.

Aren't Flash of this era also affected by the reversed leaf blade contact problem that Williams failed to notice for years.  It may be me, but on my Firepower it looks like one blade on all the switches is reversed.

Super Lube is a good substitute for for the WD40 squeemish crowd. Available at Home Hardware n Ontario.

Welcome to the board iam a newbie too and i tell you here you will find for sure alot of helpfull people.

Again welcome!

Quoted from Mrhide

Use clear Teflon grease instead.

Phil , I used to use Corning DC-4 grease (the best ,used in aerospatial) , but with time dielectric contaminant stick to the grease and push the wiper off  the board !!!!

Thanks for the help,

look forward to working to the forum, working on the pin and getting into a few more now that I have the space in my new place (games room is currently under construction)