Author Topic: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On  (Read 1152 times)

Offline wackenhut

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Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« on: April 24, 2018, 03:27:03 PM »
Hi,

I noticed that when I turn on one of my machines I hear a constant buzzing noise (and there is no bee inside).  Has anyone encountered this before and what is the fix?

Thanks!!

Offline Mamushka

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #1 on: April 24, 2018, 03:35:54 PM »
First thing first: What machine?  :)
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Offline wackenhut

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #2 on: April 24, 2018, 03:43:03 PM »
Stern Simpsons

Offline atarijim

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #3 on: April 24, 2018, 03:46:09 PM »
Check for a cap with a pushed up top on the bottom of the cpu where the power connects from the driver board; I have seen these starting to routinely go bad.
aj

Offline wackenhut

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #4 on: April 24, 2018, 08:41:08 PM »
The noise is coming from inside the main cabinet...there is a box in the center on the bottom that wires are all connected to.  Not sure why it is buzzing.  Let me know if a picture is needed.

Thank you.

Offline FUNWIZ

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #5 on: April 24, 2018, 09:12:30 PM »
Pix are always best...  Does the sound change when you turn the volume up and down?  Is it coming from the coin door?
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Offline k7

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2018, 09:00:50 PM »
picture added to help you say "hey, it's that thingy that's buzzing"


the only things in the middle section of a stern simpsons cabinet are the transformer (rear center). that should not buzz. tighten screws.

in the middle, you've got the main speaker. if it's buzzing, you have bad grounds, a bad sound pot, the blown cap jim spoke of, many other potential causes of noise. maybe even a blown woofer.

a coin box. that will not buzz. :)


the main power box/main fuse box is to the right of the coin box in the pic. i've never heard one buzz.


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Offline FUNWIZ

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #7 on: April 25, 2018, 09:22:33 PM »
Nice looking game!  Wow, it's clean.  It's got to be a bad cap.  AJ nailed it. 
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Offline k7

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #8 on: April 25, 2018, 10:12:39 PM »
pinball transformers may increase buzz/hum as they get older, or possibly may be failing. technically, they all hum. from the early EM machines to the latest LCD pinballs, most utilize the power transformer.

there's advice to put rubber grommets on them, then remount to the cabinet.

there's advice to replace it.


personally, I've never experienced a loud post-2000 stern transformer block, so i'll let experts chime in.

but respond back and advise where the noise is originating, and follow the leads here. good luck.
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Offline wackenhut

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #9 on: April 25, 2018, 11:58:14 PM »
It seems to be coming from the transformer.  The noise does not increase with the volume or come from the two side speakers.  I have not been able to get to my machine to double check and lift the playfield again though.  I appreciate the assistance.  I will pull the connector from the soundboard to narrow it down though as recommended.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2018, 12:03:04 AM by wackenhut »

Offline Mamushka

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #10 on: April 26, 2018, 12:49:00 PM »
It seems to be coming from the transformer.  The noise does not increase with the volume or come from the two side speakers.  I have not been able to get to my machine to double check and lift the playfield again though.  I appreciate the assistance.  I will pull the connector from the soundboard to narrow it down though as recommended.

If the plates become loose they can hum:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUt8rE9tYo0

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Offline wackenhut

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2018, 06:07:48 PM »
Yes, that is the exact issue/sound...what is the best fix?

Offline Doublekick

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #12 on: April 26, 2018, 06:31:01 PM »
Watch the second part of the u tube video
Posted he shows you how to fixed it

Offline HammysHangout ( Hammy )

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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #13 on: April 26, 2018, 07:15:35 PM »
Tighten the 4 bolts going thru the transformer.
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Re: Pinball Machine buzzing Sound when Powered On
« Reply #14 on: April 27, 2018, 09:27:47 PM »

the only things in the middle section of a stern simpsons cabinet are the transformer (rear center). that should not buzz. tighten screws.

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