Star Tech Journal

STAR*TEcH
December 1996
Journal
IMPROVED PINBALL SWITCHES
SEGA PINBALL NEW REED SWITCH BALL SENSOR
TEAM SEGA
Joe Blackwell, Eric Winston, Ted Kilpin,Jay Alfer
Sega Pinball, Melrose Park, Illinois
We continually strive to decrease
the amount of maintenance re-
quired on the playfield like im-
proving the reliability of playfield
switches and the accuracy of
switch closures during game play.
This of course, satisfies both the
needs of the operator and the
player!
In Golden Eye we had intro-
duced the Happ Controls Modu-
lar Stand-Up Target with a
built-in diode (see diagram below).
How do we do this?!Simplify, sim-
The Reed Switch Ball Sensor
plify, simplify ... - how many
times have we said this and found
that it really works!
Shown on the next page is the
Overview & Theory of Opera-
tion for this new sensor which can
be used in any Roll-Over or
Roll-Under Switch application.
In Space Jam we are utilizing
them on the Plastic & Steel Ramp
Assemblies as Ramp Enter and
Exit Switches and to sense if a
In Apollo 13, we introduced the
first Switch Membrane Switch
Assembly used in the 8-Ball
Trough Assembly and since then,
have had almost no failures.
□
~
Space Jam we are introduc-
ing the New Reed Switch Ball
Sensor. All three are being used
with great success!
..-
N
C:
a:
a:
C:
Basket Shot was made from the
Steel Ramp.
The advantage is that this sensor
has much greater accuracy than
standard switches, has a built-in
Diode (IN4004) and requires no
adjustments or maintenance at
all. The only special requirement
is the use of non-magnetic fasten-
ers. We are currently using
non-magnetic stainless steel
screws but brass and aluminum
will also work.
The reason for this is, a fastener
that is not made of non-magnetic
material can become magnetized
and affect the balanced magnetic
field within the sensor of the
Reed Switch
Assembly.
This can af-
fect the accu-
racy with
which
it
senses the
ball.