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 Bally & Stern Fuse/Rectifier Board Voltages
NOTICE: For some very important information, please read the Technical Article Notice and Disclaimer, found on our Technical Articles Index page before performing any of the work described below. The information given below assumes you have read the Notice and Disclaimer first.
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- Do-It-Yourself: For information on working on your own game, you can browse online repair guides such as www.homepinballrepairs.com, www.pinrepairs.com or www.pinrepair.com.
Page Contents:
Overview:
This article discusses checking for vital/critical voltages coming off the fuse/rectifier (power supply) board in Bally games 1977-1980 and Stern games 1977-1984. Bally games 1981-1984 are similar but use a slightly different board mounted in the center of the main cabinet.
The fuse/rectifier board is the small board (approx. 6" x 6") that has 6 fuses on it and is wired directly to the main power transformer. This is a good place to start when things don't work- checking for "vital signs"- or basically power supply voltages that the game needs to function.
The fuse/rectifier board in these games is located in the lower right corner of the backbox in Bally games, and in the main cabinet behind the coin box area in Stern games.
Fuse Testing:
Fuses are always quick/easy to check first. Unplug the game so power is not present, then inspect the 6 fuses on the board. If any are visibly bad, remove and replace them. Use correct replacement value fuses- do not over-fuse.
Sometimes a fuse can look "good" but still be open internally. In this case, simply "looking" at the fuses won't help you find a faulty one. It's best to remove each fuse and test with an ohm-meter to ensure that there is continuity through the fuse. If a fuse has no continuity ("open") or has a high resistance value, then it's bad- replace with a new fuse.
Once fuses have all been checked and/or replaced, apply power and turn game on while watching the fuse/rectifier board. If you see any fuses blow (real quick, bright flash), then you've got a short-circuit either on the fuse/rectifier board, or elsewhere in the game, and futher troubleshooting/diagnosis will be needed to isolate the fault.
If you have a game that is blowing one or more fuses when you turn power on, replace the faulty fuse(s) (or install clip-on circuit breakers for testing purposes), then remove connectors J1 and J3 from the bottom of the fuse/rectifier board. J1 is the small 8- or 9-pin connector near the left edge of the board and supplies power to the playfield. J3 is the long 20-pin connector at the bottom/center of the board and supplies power to the backbox. Leave connector J2 plugged in (supplies power to cabinet and brings 117vac power in from line cord to the fuse/rectifier board and transformer).
Make sure fuses are good (or test circuit breakers are installed) and power game on with J1 and J3 removed.
If fuse(s) still blow, then you've got a fault on the fuse/rectifier board that will have to be repaired. Consult the schematic diagram included with your game manual to see what component(s) are in the circuit of the fuse that is blowing, then diagnose and test those components to try to find the culprit.
Common causes of fuses blowing on these boards are:
| Test Point:
| Fuse:
| Purpose:
| Common Faults:
|
| TP1 | F1 | Feature/switched lights on playfield and backbox. | Failed BR1 rectifier.
|
| TP2 | F2 | Score display high voltage supply. | Shorted rectifier diode CR1, CR2, CR3, and/or CR4.
|
| TP3 | F3 | 5-volt regulator supply voltage. | Failed BR2 rectifier.
|
| TP4 | F5 | AC voltage for general illumination lighting. | Short to ground somewhere on front or back of board, or in main cabinet around coin door (check coin slot lamp sockets). Power for GI lamps will still be going off board through the J3 connector to main cabinet even when J1 and J3 connectors are removed, so always check coin door and main cabinet for faults when fuse F5 is blowing with J1 and J3 removed.
|
| TP5 | F4 | Solenoid (coil) power supply voltage. | Failed BR3 rectifier or shorted R3 varistor.
|
| None | F6 | Main line power (117vac). | Short at line cord plug end (wall plug), on line cord as it goes into and through main cabinet, at EMI line filter box in rear left corner of main cabinet, or shorted varistor attached to line filter box. Check wiring from line filter box to main power switch and up to J3 connector on fuse/rectifier board for any faults as well.
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Note that the game will still boot and run even if you have a bad fuse or fault in the circuit for TP1 (feature lamps), TP2 (score display power), or TP4 (general illumination). Faults in these circuits will not prevent the game from booting-up (however some features may not work such as lights, score displays, or speech in some Stern games).
Critical voltages are TP3 (5vdc regulator supply power), TP5 (solenoid power), and of course line power (117vac) through fuse F6.
If you have determined that there are problems on the board from testing/diagnosing during this step, those problems will have to be remedied before proceeding. See the section below on Replacement Parts to help find any repair parts you may need.
Voltage Testing:
Once fuses have been verified okay and none are blowing when power is turned on (with J1 and J3 connectors still removed from fuse/rectifier board), then you can do some testing of voltages to determine if voltages are present and sufficient to allow the game to boot and run.
Do two tests- one with connectors J1 and J3 removed, then turn power off and plug J1 and J3 back in, power on, and do a second test. Voltages will differ between tests- see table below for details.
When testing for voltages, you will be measuring voltage between each of the 5 test points on the board, and ground. Place your volt-meter's negative (black) lead on a ground point (metal behind or around the fuse/rectifier board or transformer) and use the positive (red) lead to test voltage at the test points.
Your volt-meter should be set for "DC" voltage for these tests, with the exception of TP4 (general illumination lights) when it should be set on "AC" voltage.
| Test Point:
| Purpose:
| Voltage - J1 and J3 removed:
| Voltage - J1 and J3 installed:
| Causes - No Voltage:
| Causes - Low/high voltage:
|
| TP1 | Feature/switched lights on playfield and backbox. | 5.4 to 7.0 VDC | 5.4 to 7.0 VDC | Open BR1 rectifier, open F1 fuse, bad transformer or connection between transformer and board. | Failing BR1 rectifier, open R2 resistor, or partial short somewhere in game on feature lamp buss (if J1 and J3 are connected).
|
| TP2 | Score display high voltage supply. | About 150 VDC | About 240 VDC | Open diode CR1, CR2, CR3 and/or CR4, open F2 fuse, bad transformer or connection between transformer and board. | Open diode CR1, CR2, CR3 and/or CR4, failed circuitry on solenoid/regulator board for score display voltage regulator, faulty score display(s).
|
| TP3 | 5-volt regulator supply voltage. | Close to 11.9 VDC | 13 to 17 VDC | Open BR2 rectifier, open F3 fuse, bad transformer or connection between transformer and board. | Failing BR2 rectifier, bad connections between J3 connector on fuse/rectifier board and J3 connector on solenoid/regulator board, failed C23 filter capacitor on solenoid/regulator board, failed Q20 regulator transistor and/or associated circuitry on solenoid/regulator board. Also see our Solenoid Driver Board Modifications article for more details.
|
| TP4 | AC voltage for general illumination lighting. | 6 to 7 VAC | 6 to 7 VAC | Open F5 fuse, bad transformer or connection between transformer and board. | Failing transformer or partial short somewhere else in game on general illumination lines.
|
| TP5 | Solenoid (coil) power supply voltage. | About 43 VDC | About 43 VDC | Open BR3 rectifier, shorted R3 varistor, open F4 fuse, bad transformer or connection between transformer and board. | Failing BR3 rectifier, open R1 resistor, faulty R3 varistor, partial short elsewhere in game on solenoid buss line.
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Replacement Parts:
Below is a listing of common replacement parts used on the fuse/rectifier board in these games for repairing problems. If you need any other items, use the Search feature at top of this page to search by game name, part description, part #, etc. Or contact us for further info.
Note on bridge rectifier replacement: The small VJ248 type rectifiers used on these old boards are still being made but are not manufactured in the same electronic specs as the originals, so may not perform as well or as long as original parts. If replacing one of these, we recommend using a larger 3504W wire-lead rectifier, and mounting it on the front of the board, rather than the back (legs can be bent to match the pinout on the front of the board). We recommend using an external heat sink on the BR1 (left) rectifier, if you are replacing with the larger 3504W type rectifier. This helps dissipate heat and make this part last longer. For an image of what these larger rectifiers look like when mounted on these boards, see our part # BSPS018, which is an aftermarket replacement board that comes with 3504W rectifiers already installed.
| Bally / Stern Early Solid-State Pinball Fuse/Rectifier Board
Part #: BSPS018
Condition: New
New aftermarket replacement fuse/rectifier board for early solid-state Bally and Stern pinball games. Replaces original Bally... more
In Stock (2 Available)
$79.95 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Stern Games (1977-1985) Fuse/Rectifier Board Decal
Part #: PDG349
Condition: New
Replacement decal for Stern solid-state (SS) pinball games. Mounts on the metal mounting plate just above the fuse/rectifier... more
In Stock
$5.00 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Fuse Kit - Bally Electronic Games (1977-1984)
Part #: FKBLYSS
Condition: New
Fuse kit including 12 common fuses used in Bally electronic solid-state (SS) pinball games made from approx. 1977 to 1984.... more
In Stock
$8.50 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Fuse Kit - Stern Electronic Games (1977-1984)
Part #: FKSTNSS
Condition: New
Fuse kit including 12 common fuses used in Stern electronic solid-state (SS) pinball games made from approx. 1977 to 1984.... more
In Stock
$8.50 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| 1/4-Amp Fuse - Fast-Acting - Small (AGX) 15/16 x 1/4 Inch
Part #: FUSE1/4AGX
Condition: New
Short-size glass fuse, slow-blow. Rated for use up to 250 volts. Measures 1/4 x 15/16 inches (7mm x 24mm) in size. This... more
In Stock
$1.95 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Bally / Stern Power Supply Rebuild Kit
Part #: KITBLYPS
Condition: New
For use on most early Bally and Stern electronic solid-state (SS) pinball games with original power supply boards. (Not all... more
In Stock (1 Available)
$29.79 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Bally / Stern Score Display Repair Kit
Part #: KITBLYDIS
Condition: New
This repair kit is for use in early Bally or Stern electronic solid-state (SS) pinball games from approx. 1977-1985 which have... more
In Stock
$10.50 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Power Rectifier- VJ248 Type
Part #: VJ248
Condition: New
As used in early Bally (1977-1980) and Stern (1977-1984) electronic solid-state (SS) pinballs (For Bally games 1981-up, use... more
In Stock (5 Available)
$3.89 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Power Rectifier- 35 amp 400v, Wire Leads
Part #: REC3504W
Condition: New
Heavy-duty replacement rectifier for most electronic solid-state (SS) pinball games- old and new models. Rated at 35 amps, 400... more
In Stock
$7.95 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Stern SS Theory of Operation Service / Repair Manual (ORIGINAL)
Part #: PM0073
Condition: Used (Original)
23 pages. Theory of Operation Manual for Stern Solid-State Games 1977-1984. An in-depth and low-level overview of operation of... more
Out of Stock more info...
$15.00 each Details | Related Items |
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| Stern SS Display Repair Service / Repair Manual
Part #: PM0074
Condition: New (Reprint)
Solid State Digit Display Repair Procedures Service Bulletin #15. This manual covers testing, diagnostic, and repair procedures... more
In Stock
$7.50 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Bally Games FO-560-3 Service / Repair Manual
Part #: PM0078
Condition: New (Reprint)
Electronic Pinball Games Repair Procedures #FO-560-3 (October, 1981). WOW! 92 pages! Electronic pinball repair manual... more
In Stock
$30.00 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Power EMI Line Filter
Part #: 150-5000-00
Condition: New
Grounded line EMI filter for main line power, as used in most all makes/models of electronic pinball and video games 1977-up.... more
In Stock
$15.49 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| 130V AC Varistor / Surge Protector
Part #: MOV130VAC
Condition: New
Used by most electronic pinball machines from 1977-up which are operated at 120vac. This metal-oxide varistor protects the... more
In Stock
$1.49 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| 47V DC Varistor / Surge Protector
Part #: MOV047VDC
Condition: New
Commonly used in Williams and Bally games on power supply for protection of the DC solenoid power circuit. Replacement for... more
In Stock (12 Available)
$1.49 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| 600-ohm Resistor, 10-Watt - Ceramic
Part #: RES600-10W
Condition: New
Discontinued - use 620-ohm 10-watt resistor as replacement. 10-watt resistor, 600... more
Discontinued more info...
Details | Related Items |
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| 25-ohm Resistor, 5-Watt 5% Tolerance - Ceramic
Part #: RES25-5W
Condition: New
5-watt resistor, 25 ohm, wirewound with ceramic exterior. 5% tolerance. Replacement for resistor R2 on early Bally / Stern... more
In Stock (4 Available)
$0.99 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| 1N4004 Diode
Part #: 1N4004
Condition: New
1N4004 diode. Also replaces 1N4001, 1N4002, and 1N4003. As used on most devices including flipper and bumper coils (solenoids),... more
In Stock
$0.19 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| C23 Capacitor Replacement Kit - Bally/Stern Games (1977-1985)
Part #: KITC23CAP
Condition: New
For Bally and Stern solid-state pinballs, 1977-1985. Replaces the original C23 filter capacitor (11,700uF 20vdc or 10,000uF... more
In Stock
$10.73 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| LM323K 5V Voltage Regulator
Part #: LM323K
Condition: New
Type LM323K for use in 5v power supply regulator circuitry. As used on most all electronic pinball machines from 1977 on up,... more
In Stock (26 Available)
$7.49 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Heat Sink Compound
Part #: HSCOMP
Condition: New
5 gram tube of white heat sink grease (thermal paste). Used to assure proper heat transfer between semiconductor component and... more
In Stock (15 Available)
$3.95 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| DeoxIT Anti-Oxidant Compound D100L
Part #: D100L
Condition: New
Great for improving connections. It's what we use! We use DeoxIT anti-oxidant compound in our shop all the time on all... more
In Stock
$5.95 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Heat sink, Q20 - Solenoid / Regulator Board (Bally/Stern) (USED)
Part #: U177
Condition: Used
Large heat sink used in upper right corner on solenoid/regulator PC board in Bally and Stern solid-state pinball games,... more
In Stock (4 Available)
$7.50 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Heat sink, Q21 - Solenoid / Regulator Board (Bally/Stern) (USED)
Part #: U440
Condition: Used
Small heat sink used in upper left corner on solenoid/regulator PC board in Bally and Stern solid-state pinball games,... more
In Stock (1 Available)
$7.50 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Capacitor - 150uF 400v Axial Lead
Part #: CAP150UF400VAXL
Condition: New
Replacement for C26 capacitor on solenoid/regulator boards used in early solid-state Bally and Stern pinballs from approx.... more
In Stock (5 Available)
$26.49 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| 2N3584 Transistor
Part #: 2N3584
Condition: New
High voltage regulator transistor for display power in solid-state (SS) Bally and Stern pinball games, 1977-1985. Replaces... more
In Stock (3 Available)
$7.61 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Header Pin Connector, 9-Position - 0.156 Inch Spacing Break-Away
Part #: 26-48-1091
Condition: New
Header pin connector, 0.156-inch spacing. Break-away style- can be easily cut-down to smaller size if needed. Pin... more
In Stock
$1.13 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Header Pin Connector, 10-Position - 0.156 Inch Spacing Break-Away
Part #: 26-48-1101
Condition: New
Header pin connector, 0.156-inch spacing. Break-away style- can be easily cut-down to smaller size if needed. Replaces Bally #... more
In Stock
$1.13 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Connector Housing, 9-Position - 0.156 Inch Spacing
Part #: 09-50-3091
Condition: New
Connector housing, 0.156-inch spacing, with locking ramp. Crimp/solder pin type. Replaces Bally # E-00715-033. Pins sold... more
In Stock
$0.88 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Connector Housing, 10-Position - 0.156 Inch Spacing
Part #: 09-50-3101
Condition: New
Connector housing, 0.156-inch spacing, with locking ramp. Crimp/solder pin type. Replaces Bally # E-00715-034. Pins sold... more
In Stock
$0.96 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Connector Housing, 20-Position - 0.156 Inch Spacing
Part #: 09-50-7201
Condition: New
20-position connector housing, 0.156-inch spacing, with locking ramp. Crimp/solder pin type. Pins sold separately- use part #... more
In Stock (4 Available)
$1.99 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Connector Housing Pin - 0.156 Inch Spacing, Trifurcon Type
Part #: 08-50-0189
Condition: New
Heavy-duty Trifurcon connector pin for use in standard 0.156-inch crimp-pin style housings. This connector pin can be crimped... more
In Stock
$0.18 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Connector Housing Pin - 0.156 Inch Spacing
Part #: 08-50-0108
Condition: New
Standard connector housing pin for use in 0.156-inch crimp-pin style housings. This connector pin can be crimped to stripped... more
In Stock
$0.18 each Order | Details | Related Items |
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| Soldering Kit (4 pcs)
Part #: SI-30-KIT
Condition: New
Basic soldering kit for doing most anything on pinball and other arcade games. Includes 30-watt soldering iron, soldering iron... more
In Stock (3 Available)
$19.99 set Order | Details | Related Items |
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 Game Manuals/Schematics:
Essential for any repairs, troubleshooting, and testing on your game. Use the Search feature at top of any page to search by game name to see what we have available for your game!
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Bally & Stern Fuse/Rectifier Board Voltages
