Here is one for the experienced techs out there...

I bought Jim's Silverball Mania which had a toasted transformer (and I was the one that killed it!!!   ). The Bally part number is an E-122-125, which is the transformer used on all Bally pins with the transformer in the backbox (Eight Ball, Space Invaders, Evel Knievel, Kiss, etc...).

The thing is that I have tons of transformers, but none of that part number. I have more recent ones, like from a Flash Gordon (an E-122-141) and a Mr&Mrs.Pacman (E-122-161). Can these be used in a Silverball? The wiring is of bigger gauge than the E-122-125, and the E122-161 is slightly larger, but they essentially pump out the same voltages...

Solutions or opinions anyone?

Oh, and I will be ordering a new power supply board from Ed at GPE for it. I figure that the original is 30 years old and has had a few fixes (with a too-hot soldering iron... board is toasted and traces have been redone).

Thanks for your input!!!


Sparky

PS: I have a similar situation with Eight Ball Champ, mind you the transformer is OK, but is European (big donut shape) and I have an Escape From The Lost World transformer (part number MT00-00157-000 compared to an MT00-00141-000 normally in an EBC).

I would say yes, providing that the replacement transformer:
- physically fits where the old one was;
- has all the same voltages;
- has the same or higher current capability (bigger size/wire gauge is a good sign);
- compare very carefully the position of lugs/voltage taps. Probably different !!!

I had to do a transformer swap on someone's Stern Trident pinball recently
(in addition to replace a shorted bridge rectifier and also a shorted drive transistor)
and the replacement transformer I had had a different part number, and was larger.
All of its voltages were however the same. Luckily it went into the cabinet of the machine,
so the larger size was a non-issue.

However, electrically the position of the lugs/windings were VERY different between the
two transformers. Still, easy to do, had to slightly change the harness and dress the wires.
I suspect that a similar scenario would occur on Bally transformers.

Obviously, you will also need to address the cause of the meltdown, and purchasing a new
rectifier board should do that (although you should also check all drive transistors on the
Solenoid driver too!).

Bonne Chance !
- Sylvain.

GPE has been out of stock of the rectifier boards for a while. He recently told me that he'd have more soon, but the site still says he doesn't have any.

Hey, Ian.

I'd say yes, too.

I used a different transformer in an EK awhile back. I think it was from a Stern game ( Hot Hand ) or something like that. I'll check the number when I get home. It replaced the same transformer that you have trouble with ( E-122-125 ). The lugs were a bit different configuration as well.... I will update you later.

Dan

P.S. You should just rebuild your current transformer board, it's not difficult or expensive, and it's just as good when your done as a new one. Hey, as long as all the voltages are correct, it's a better alternative than waiting for Ed's stock. Clay's guide is very helpful!

Quoted from cooke

GPE has been out of stock of the rectifier boards for a while. He recently told me that he'd have more soon, but the site still says he doesn't have any.

Ed told me he has all the parts, just lacked the time to assemble them. He said he would have some by next week.

Quoted from Bally Boy

P.S. You should just rebuild your current transformer board, it's not difficult or expensive, and it's just as good when your done as a new one. Hey, as long as all the voltages are correct, it's a better alternative than waiting for Ed's stock. Clay's guide is very helpful!

The board was rebuilt, albeit roughly. Some traces are gone and replaced with some soldering on top. Looks like it has been repaired 3 times in the past. For 50$, I get ALL NEW components on a new board and a more reliable bridge setup instead of some new components on a hacked board... no brainer.

Thanks as usual to you guys... I suspected I had the answer. I believe that the Flash Gordon transformer is merely more heavy duty than the original in Silverball, judging by the wire gauges (wiring on original is VERY small!!!). I have both schematics and will be converting the wiring. I will probably make it easier on myself and merely put a heavy-duty connector between the transformer and new board if the board already has the wires soldered to it...

" I will probably make it easier on myself and merely put a heavy-duty connector between the transformer and new board if the board already has the wires soldered to it... "- Sparky

That's the way to go for sure. I've done more than half my games this way - if you ever have a problem, it's just plug and play, as the board will all swap from game to game ( without all the soldering ). It makes it SO easy.

Dan