cherry switch problem?

[c***@berryservices.com]

I have an Atari Superman machine that I inherited. A few years ago, it
worked fine. The switch (I think it's called a cherry switch) that is
activated by closing the front door had been taped in the closed
position, and one simply opened the door, tickled the little wire trip
mechanism under either of the two coin slots, and started a new game.

Upon opening today, the duct tape that had been holding the switch
closed was rotted. I retaped it, and now I have power everywhere,
except nothing works. I tried the reset/test switch at the top of the
door, and nothing. Though now and then I get a buzz or a click or some
static coming thru the speaker, but for the most part it is lit up but
dead (nothing in the four score areas, for what that is worth).
Occasionally, I heard that click you get when you finish a game and
'match', but no credits ever appear. And nothing happens when I hit
the credit button.

On playing with what I believe is known as the cherry switch (four
wires going into it), the solenoid that controls whether or not a
quarter goes into the coin return or the change box fires off, but is
for the most part relaxed in the 'coin return' position. On wiggling
the cherry switch, there is visible arcing going on inside, and now and
then the solenoid mentioned above fires off. Even when it is active,
the reset/test switch does nothing, nor do I get any credits for
flipping the little quarter activated switches.

It lights up, but is otherwise dead. How critical is the cherry
switch, and is it available anywhere? Note also, that the number two
fuse was burned when I first got started with it. I replaced it, but
there seems to be no action on that circuit. As in, when I remove the
first fuse, all power seems to disappear. When I do the same with the
number two fuse, it's as if there is nothing ging on. But, it didn't
burn.

I'm pretty sure the tilt switch is in the run position, and everything
under the hood looks like a ten year old pinball machine that's been
sitting in the corner. Can anyone give me a clue as to where to look?
I'm capable of hooking a multimeter to a connector here and there, and
know a little about electricity (rode British motorcycles for years).
At the same time, I'm not in the position of calling the Maytag machine
repairman.

Thanks,

Clayton

[immark]

Well, not sure exactly what all you are talking about, but Cherry is a
brand of switch, and a very good one at that. Can you get a DMM on the
switch and check if it is still working? If you are seeing an arc in
it, it is most likely broken.

[Cayle George]

Seems like he is saying that some sort of door interlock switch is
being taped closed, so it does not open when the coin door is opened?

[c***@berryservices.com]

No, not at all. The switch is being defeated so's I can play without
quarters. The machine is 'on', whether the door is open or not.

I don't know what a DMM is. But, I can replace the switch. It is
common? The arc concerned me, and I'll replace it ASAP. I guess I'm
looking for troubleshooting advice.

[immark]

If the switch is activated by the coin door being closed, then it would
be NC or normally closed, when the door is opened the switch opens and
breaks the circuit. If the switch is broken (and an arc would indicate
that) then it won't close to complete the circuit even if you
physically close it. Yes they are common switches and you can replace
it. DMM is digital multi meter, although any multi meter works. Hope
that helps and good luck with the project.
Mark

[c***@berryservices.com]

Hi.

Thanks. Yeah, I didn't like the arcing. I'm going out and will buy a
new switch. A weak connecttion isn't a good connection. I'll report
back as to my progress as a pinball machine repairman.