From: overturf@bigbootay.sw.stratus.com (Dallas Overturf)
Newsgroups: rec.games.pinball
Subject: Re: Cleaning lamp sockets - suggestions wanted.
Date: 19 Aug 92 22:22:46 GMT
Organization: Stratus Computer, Software Engineering
Cc: overturf@vos.stratus.com

In article <1992Aug16.121204.25332@encore.com> mpalmer@encore.com (Mike Palmer) writes:
>What's the best way to clean lamp sockets. I have several lamps that are dim
>& wiggling the bulbs makes them bright until I let go.  I tried a pencil with
>an eraser at the end with no luck.
>
>Any nifty suggestions would be appreciated.


Ok:  I'll bite on this one and hopefully the FAQ miester will
pick up on it as well.

Fixing lamp sockets using bayonet style bulbs (#44, and #47 bulbs).

Note:  All of the following assume that your light bulb is new and
not coroded.

	Check light bulb for corrosion at the two bayonet
	posts (the two thingys that stick out of the bulb).
	These two posts are what make the common connection
	to the bulb as well as at the center of the bulb.


There are two problems with the bayonet sockets (not counting bad design)

A.  The bad common connection:
	This is the connection from the "screw in tab" to the
	base of the socket.  It is a press fit like connection
	and when it becomes loose and or corroded, the lamp 
	will flicker, dim and or just not work.  To prove it is simple;
	touch a wire from the common wire (often this is a bare wire
	running to the screw tab on older games though not
	always) to the actuall outside of the socket, being carefull
	not to press against the socket.  If lamp is correct
        you have a bad common connection.

Fixes:

	1.  Put in a new socket. (same old design problem still exists!)

	2.  Fix the design.  This can be done with a 100 Watt
		soldering gun by soldering the base of the 
		socket to the point where it is pressed to
		the screw tab.  Be carefull not to bridge the
		solder to the center terminal!

		Also clean off the two notches in the socket where
		the bayonet tabs of the bulb sit.

		A small dremmel tool wire brush on the end of a drill
		can be used to easily clean the outside base of the socket
		where it is pressed against the common screwtab.



B.  Bad center connection: (connection to the center post of the
	bulb is bad).  

	Proof:  jumper from the center tab to directly to the
	center post of the socket, if lamp works then the following
	fixes are in effect:

	1.  Put in a new socket.
	
	2.  Fix the design as follows:

	The design fix here is easy; with a bulb in the socket,
	and using a 100 Watt soldering Gun; remove the wire from
	the center tab and solder it directly onto the center pin
	of the socket.  (you may wish to clean off the center pin
	before soldering to it; a file works nicely.)  Be carfull
	not to bridge to the socket base connection.

	The above assumes that the inside of the socket is clean.
	If it is not, then a small "dremmel tool" wire brush on the
	end of a drill can be used to easily clean out the inside
	of the socket.  This wire brush is tiny and should be available
	at most hobby stores.


	Warning:  The fixes can be time consuming and require that you
		be skillfull with a soldering iron.  If you are not
		good with a soldering Iron then do yourself a favor
		and replace the socket, or get someone to do the
		work who is (Or practice on a spare socket first).

		The fix to the bad "common  connection" is time
		consuming and while simple it is not so easily done.