I've noticed that many early Bally and Williams games have poor solder
joints where the connector pins are soldered to the circuit boards. This
can result in intermittent problems or an all out failure of the game,
depending upon the particular function of the connector. The best strategy
on these games is to remove the boards from the machine and desolder and
clean the connection. Then apply a very small amount of flux (rosin or
electronic ONLY, do not use acid based flux!) to the connection and resolder
the joint. Some of the problems I've encountered because of bad solder
connections are listed here: intermittent switch registering (Bally games),
intermittent or no sound (Gorgar and Firepower machines), playfield lamps
out (almost all Williams games with lamps mounted to p.c. boards) and
inoperative games.
New tips are welcome and encouraged. Tips will be credited to those who
contribute. If you would like to submit a tip click
here.
For more information you may contact us by email, email form, or by phone at (801) 277-0888.
