Williams System 9 - 11 - Revision history

Chibler: /* Special solenoid problems */

2026-05-07T04:03:23Z

Special solenoid problems

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:03, 6 May 2026
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	====Special solenoid problems====		====Special solenoid problems====
	[[File:SpecialSolenoidCircuit.jpg\|500px\|thumb\|right\|A typical special solenoid circuit]]<br>		[[File:SpecialSolenoidCircuit.jpg\|500px\|thumb\|right\|A typical special solenoid circuit. <i>Image edited by Chris Hibler. Original image from Williams System 11 game manual</i>]]<br>
	Special solenoids on system 11 games are similar to the earlier variants used on all previous Williams' board sets. During gameplay/test modes the primary switches on the special solenoids (usually the pops and slings) are active, allowing actuation of those switches to fire the solenoids. This is done by grounding an input to a 7402 logic chip which in turn pre-drives a 2n4401 pre-driver transistor which drives a TIP122 Darlington transistor to fire the solenoid.		Special solenoids on system 11 games are similar to the earlier variants used on all previous Williams' board sets. During gameplay/test modes the primary switches on the special solenoids (usually the pops and slings) are active, allowing actuation of those switches to fire the solenoids. This is done by grounding an input to a 7402 logic chip which in turn pre-drives a 2n4401 pre-driver transistor which drives a TIP122 Darlington transistor to fire the solenoid.

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	Most system 11B games do not use the special solenoids in the same way. Special solenoid switches were added to the switch matrix instead, keeping all or some of the solenoid pulses under CPU control. It is easy to identify whether a game has CPU controlled special solenoids by inspecting the activation switches on the special solenoids. If there are both a primary and a secondary switch installed, the game operates via the direct-fire special solenoid setup. (Note that a secondary switch in the case of slingshots does not mean the normal 2nd switch all slings shots employ. Rather, it refers to a switch that only activates when the sling activates. It is installed near the pivot point of the sling arm underneath the playfield.) Also the secondary switches go to CPU connector J18. If nothing is connected to J18, then the special solenoids are CPU controlled. In games like BK2K only the kickers are CPU controlled while the pop bumpers still use the secondary switches. There was no rhyme or reason (no definitive start / stop point) which System 11B titles used special solenoid secondary switches, and which did not. Please refer to the game list [http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11#System_11B above] to determine which did / did not use the secondary switches.		Most system 11B games do not use the special solenoids in the same way. Special solenoid switches were added to the switch matrix instead, keeping all or some of the solenoid pulses under CPU control. It is easy to identify whether a game has CPU controlled special solenoids by inspecting the activation switches on the special solenoids. If there are both a primary and a secondary switch installed, the game operates via the direct-fire special solenoid setup. (Note that a secondary switch in the case of slingshots does not mean the normal 2nd switch all slings shots employ. Rather, it refers to a switch that only activates when the sling activates. It is installed near the pivot point of the sling arm underneath the playfield.) Also the secondary switches go to CPU connector J18. If nothing is connected to J18, then the special solenoids are CPU controlled. In games like BK2K only the kickers are CPU controlled while the pop bumpers still use the secondary switches. There was no rhyme or reason (no definitive start / stop point) which System 11B titles used special solenoid secondary switches, and which did not. Please refer to the game list [http://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Williams_System_9_-_11#System_11B above] to determine which did / did not use the secondary switches.

	[[File:WMSSystem11Zener1N5234.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|6.2V Zener Diodes (ZR3-ZR8) that "protect" the board logic from shorts between the sense switches and coil power. Note: in this image, ZR7 and ZR8 have been replaced]]<br>		[[File:WMSSystem11Zener1N5234.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|6.2V Zener Diodes (ZR3-ZR8) that "protect" the board logic from shorts between the sense switches and coil power. Note: in this image, ZR7 and ZR8 have been replaced. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]<br>
	The usual cause of special solenoid circuit failure is a stuck switch that locks the associated solenoid on, causing the TIP-122 transistor to fail and the coil to get so hot that the winding insulation melts (causing a reduction of coil resistance, eventually approaching zero ohms). The zener diode (pictured, left) in the circuit may fail shorted as well. This will cause the associated coil to lock on even after repair of the other damaged circuitry since the zener is connected directly to ground. The shorted zener diode causes the 7402/2N4401/TIP122 circuit to react identically to a switch closure. Gack!		The usual cause of special solenoid circuit failure is a stuck switch that locks the associated solenoid on, causing the TIP-122 transistor to fail and the coil to get so hot that the winding insulation melts (causing a reduction of coil resistance, eventually approaching zero ohms). The zener diode (pictured, left) in the circuit may fail shorted as well. This will cause the associated coil to lock on even after repair of the other damaged circuitry since the zener is connected directly to ground. The shorted zener diode causes the 7402/2N4401/TIP122 circuit to react identically to a switch closure. Gack!

Chibler: /* Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board */

2026-05-07T04:01:49Z

Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:01, 6 May 2026
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	====Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board====		====Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board====
	[[File:RottenDogMPUDIPSwitches.jpg‎\|300px\|thumb\|left\| RottenDog MPU with a red switch bank for selecting either Williams or Data East special solenoid implementation.]]		[[File:RottenDogMPUDIPSwitches.jpg‎\|300px\|thumb\|left\| RottenDog MPU with a red switch bank for selecting either Williams or Data East special solenoid implementation. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]
	[[File:RDMPU004DIPSwitches.jpg ‎‎\|300px\|thumb\|right\| These DIP switches on this RottenDog are configured for a Williams game, even though they do not seem to match the PCB silkscreen.]]<br>		[[File:RDMPU004DIPSwitches.jpg ‎‎\|300px\|thumb\|right\| These DIP switches on this RottenDog are configured for a Williams game, even though they do not seem to match the PCB silkscreen. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]<br>
	The RottenDog aftermarket MPU board can accommodate both Williams and Data East special solenoid implementations. This is accomplished with an 8 DIP switch bank, pictured at left. If set to the wrong game system, special solenoids will not operate properly in your game. <b>Note:</b> The DIP switch positions should be set the opposite of what you might think, based on the PCB silkscreen.		The RottenDog aftermarket MPU board can accommodate both Williams and Data East special solenoid implementations. This is accomplished with an 8 DIP switch bank, pictured at left. If set to the wrong game system, special solenoids will not operate properly in your game. <b>Note:</b> The DIP switch positions should be set the opposite of what you might think, based on the PCB silkscreen.
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Chibler: /* A/C solenoid/flasher problems */

2026-05-07T04:00:52Z

A/C solenoid/flasher problems

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:00, 6 May 2026
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	====A/C solenoid/flasher problems====		====A/C solenoid/flasher problems====
	[[File:System11AuxDriverBoard.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 Auxiliary Power/Driver Board, showing the A/C select relay, the clear "cube" at the top, center of the picture.]]<br>		[[File:System11AuxDriverBoard.jpg\|400px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 Auxiliary Power/Driver Board, showing the A/C select relay, the clear "cube" at the top, center of the picture. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]<br>
	The A/C select relay is a dual "make/break" (DPDT, double pole, double throw) relay that supplies power to either the "A-Side" or the "C-Side". It is located on the Auxiliary Power/Driver Board for games that use the board which was introduced with Big Guns and used on all subsequent games. For games prior to Big Guns, like F-14 Tomcat, the relay is probably located under the playfield. There are exceptions. High Speed and Grand Lizard do not use an A/C select relay. Road Kings uses one for a handful of solenoids, but this game did not follow the 1-8 solenoid convention which games after it adopted.		The A/C select relay is a dual "make/break" (DPDT, double pole, double throw) relay that supplies power to either the "A-Side" or the "C-Side". It is located on the Auxiliary Power/Driver Board for games that use the board which was introduced with Big Guns and used on all subsequent games. For games prior to Big Guns, like F-14 Tomcat, the relay is probably located under the playfield. There are exceptions. High Speed and Grand Lizard do not use an A/C select relay. Road Kings uses one for a handful of solenoids, but this game did not follow the 1-8 solenoid convention which games after it adopted.

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	[[File:System11A-CRelay-OKOnBothSides.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 Auxiliary Power/Driver Board A/C Select Relay showing normal, working switch contacts.]]<br>		[[File:System11A-CRelay-OKOnBothSides.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 Auxiliary Power/Driver Board A/C Select Relay showing normal, working switch contacts. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]<br>
	It is rare for the A/C relay itself to fail. A possible source of trouble are the miniature contacts on the relay wipers. These are high power, high current, contacts that can be filed with a small point file to restore proper current carrying capacity. Under no circumstances should you ever use contact cleaner on these contacts, as this could cause a spark or fire to occur. Be careful to not mangle the contact wipers in an attempt to adjust them. Adjust with care. 99% of the time, these switch contacts need no maintenance at all.		It is rare for the A/C relay itself to fail. A possible source of trouble are the miniature contacts on the relay wipers. These are high power, high current, contacts that can be filed with a small point file to restore proper current carrying capacity. Under no circumstances should you ever use contact cleaner on these contacts, as this could cause a spark or fire to occur. Be careful to not mangle the contact wipers in an attempt to adjust them. Adjust with care. 99% of the time, these switch contacts need no maintenance at all.
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	[[File:System11A-CRelay-WeldedOnBothSides.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 Auxiliary Power/Driver Board A/C Select Relay showing "welded" switch contacts.]]<br>		[[File:System11A-CRelay-WeldedOnBothSides.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 Auxiliary Power/Driver Board A/C Select Relay showing "welded" switch contacts. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]<br>
	Pictured at left is a disassembled A/C select relay with both the A Side and the C Side connected at the center contact pads. It's rare for one of these relays to "weld" itself to both sides. In this particular instance, the game would fire both the A-side coil and the C-side flasher at the same time.		Pictured at left is a disassembled A/C select relay with both the A Side and the C Side connected at the center contact pads. It's rare for one of these relays to "weld" itself to both sides. In this particular instance, the game would fire both the A-side coil and the C-side flasher at the same time.
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	<b>Flashers Never Light in Game or Test</b>		<b>Flashers Never Light in Game or Test</b>

	[[File:WillliamsS11OptoCouplers.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 schematic showing U1/U2/U3 OptoCouplers and connections to the switch matrix.]]<br>		[[File:WillliamsS11OptoCouplers.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 schematic showing U1/U2/U3 OptoCouplers and connections to the switch matrix. <i>Image courtesy of Chris Hibler</i>]]<br>
	On a related note, if the flashers never illuminate during game or test, but the A/C relay physically engages, likewise the flashlamps are good, and power is present at the lamps, suspect potential failure of the U1 (4N25 or MOC3011) U1 optocoupler on the interconnect board. Starting with Jokerz, the U1 optocoupler on the D-12313 interconnect board was used to identify whether or not the A/C select relay has engaged. Under normal operation, if the A/C relay has engaged, the voltage on the "C" side passes back to the optocoupler. That optocoupler is on the switch matrix, typically switch 2. If the MPU software determines that switch 2 never closes (indicating the A/C Select Relay is operational, then the MPU software doesn't attempt to fire any multiplexed flashlamps as doing so would erroneously fire the associated multiplexed coil. Note that U1 is on some previous games like Taxi, but it was not used.		On a related note, if the flashers never illuminate during game or test, but the A/C relay physically engages, likewise the flashlamps are good, and power is present at the lamps, suspect potential failure of the U1 (4N25 or MOC3011) U1 optocoupler on the interconnect board. Starting with Jokerz, the U1 optocoupler on the D-12313 interconnect board was used to identify whether or not the A/C select relay has engaged. Under normal operation, if the A/C relay has engaged, the voltage on the "C" side passes back to the optocoupler. That optocoupler is on the switch matrix, typically switch 2. If the MPU software determines that switch 2 never closes (indicating the A/C Select Relay is operational, then the MPU software doesn't attempt to fire any multiplexed flashlamps as doing so would erroneously fire the associated multiplexed coil. Note that U1 is on some previous games like Taxi, but it was not used.
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ForceFlow: /* High Current Driver Boards */ added board purpose for bk2000

2026-04-07T01:16:40Z

High Current Driver Boards: added board purpose for bk2000

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:16, 6 April 2026
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	====High Current Driver Boards====		====High Current Driver Boards====
	[[File:WMS C-12493 High Current Driver Board.JPG\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams C-12493 High Current Driver Board from Earthshaker]]<br><br>		[[File:WMS C-12493 High Current Driver Board.JPG\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams C-12493 High Current Driver Board from Earthshaker]]<br><br>
	The high current driver board was used on Earthshaker to drive the shaker motor and ~~also used~~ in Black Knight 2000. It was used on several other Bally/Williams WPC games while designated different part numbers.		The high current driver board was used in Earthshaker to drive the shaker motor and in Black Knight 2000 for the magna-save feature. It was used on several other Bally/Williams WPC games while designated different part numbers.
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Toddsvec: /* High Current Driver Boards */

2026-04-04T23:43:46Z

High Current Driver Boards

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:43, 4 April 2026
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	====High Current Driver Boards====		====High Current Driver Boards====
	[[File:WMS C-12493 High Current Driver Board.JPG\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams C-12493 High Current Driver Board from Earthshaker]]<br><br>		[[File:WMS C-12493 High Current Driver Board.JPG\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams C-12493 High Current Driver Board from Earthshaker]]<br><br>
	The high current driver board was used on Earthshaker to drive the shaker motor. It was used on several other Bally/Williams WPC games while designated different part numbers.		The high current driver board was used on Earthshaker to drive the shaker motor and also used in Black Knight 2000. It was used on several other Bally/Williams WPC games while designated different part numbers.
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Chibler: /* A/C solenoid/flasher problems */

2026-02-18T01:57:14Z

A/C solenoid/flasher problems

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:57, 17 February 2026
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	[[File:WillliamsS11OptoCouplers.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 schematic showing U1/U2/U3 OptoCouplers and connections to the switch matrix.]]<br>		[[File:WillliamsS11OptoCouplers.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 schematic showing U1/U2/U3 OptoCouplers and connections to the switch matrix.]]<br>
	On a related note, if the flashers never illuminate during game or test, but the A/C relay physically engages, likewise the flashlamps are good, and power is present at the lamps, suspect potential failure of the U1 (4N25 or MOC3011) U1 optocoupler on the interconnect board. Starting with Jokerz, the U1 optocoupler on the D-12313 interconnect board was used to identify whether or not the A/C select relay has engaged. Under normal operation, if the A/C relay has engaged, the voltage on the "C" side passes back to the optocoupler. That optocoupler is on the switch matrix, typically switch 2. If the MPU software determines that switch 2 never closes (indicating the A/C Select Relay is operational, then the MPU software doesn't attempt to fire any multiplexed flashlamps as doing so would erroneously fire the associated multiplexed coil. Note that U1 is on some previous games like Taxi, but it was not used.		On a related note, if the flashers never illuminate during game or test, but the A/C relay physically engages, likewise the flashlamps are good, and power is present at the lamps, suspect potential failure of the U1 (4N25 or MOC3011) U1 optocoupler on the interconnect board. Starting with Jokerz, the U1 optocoupler on the D-12313 interconnect board was used to identify whether or not the A/C select relay has engaged. Under normal operation, if the A/C relay has engaged, the voltage on the "C" side passes back to the optocoupler. That optocoupler is on the switch matrix, typically switch 2. If the MPU software determines that switch 2 never closes (indicating the A/C Select Relay is operational, then the MPU software doesn't attempt to fire any multiplexed flashlamps as doing so would erroneously fire the associated multiplexed coil. Note that U1 is on some previous games like Taxi, but it was not used.
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	====Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board====		====Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board====

Chibler: /* A/C solenoid/flasher problems */

2026-02-18T01:56:42Z

A/C solenoid/flasher problems

← Older revision		Revision as of 20:56, 17 February 2026
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	And finally, the solder joints holding the A/C select relay to the board may fracture and cause loss of connectivity.		And finally, the solder joints holding the A/C select relay to the board may fracture and cause loss of connectivity.

	On a related note, if the flashers never illuminate during game or test, but the A/C relay physically engages, likewise the ~~flasher lamps~~ are good, and power is present at the lamps, suspect potential failure of the U1 (4N25) U1 optocoupler on the interconnect board. Starting with Jokerz, the U1 optocoupler on the D-12313 interconnect board was used to identify whether or not the A/C relay has engaged. Under normal operation, if the A/C relay has engaged, the voltage on the "C" side passes back to the optocoupler. ~~In turn, there~~ is ~~a switch~~ on the switch matrix, typically switch 2, ~~which receives~~ the ~~signal from~~ the ~~U1 optocoupler~~. Note that U1 is on some previous games like Taxi, but it was not used.		<b>Flashers Never Light in Game or Test</b>

			[[File:WillliamsS11OptoCouplers.jpg\|300px\|thumb\|left\|Williams System 11 schematic showing U1/U2/U3 OptoCouplers and connections to the switch matrix.]]<br>
			On a related note, if the flashers never illuminate during game or test, but the A/C relay physically engages, likewise the flashlamps are good, and power is present at the lamps, suspect potential failure of the U1 (4N25 or MOC3011) U1 optocoupler on the interconnect board. Starting with Jokerz, the U1 optocoupler on the D-12313 interconnect board was used to identify whether or not the A/C select relay has engaged. Under normal operation, if the A/C relay has engaged, the voltage on the "C" side passes back to the optocoupler. That optocoupler is on the switch matrix, typically switch 2. If the MPU software determines that switch 2 never closes (indicating the A/C Select Relay is operational, then the MPU software doesn't attempt to fire any multiplexed flashlamps as doing so would erroneously fire the associated multiplexed coil. Note that U1 is on some previous games like Taxi, but it was not used.

	====Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board====		====Special solenoid problems with RottenDog MPU board====

ForceFlow: /* Documentation Errors */

2025-12-20T07:37:56Z

Documentation Errors

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:37, 20 December 2025
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	* Error on the [[High_Speed#MPU_Schematics_Error_for_U21_.26_U22\|MPU I/O signals for U21 / U22 of High Speed]].		* Error on the [[High_Speed#MPU_Schematics_Error_for_U21_.26_U22\|MPU I/O signals for U21 / U22 of High Speed]].
	* [[#Flipper_Circuit_Schematics_Error\|Flipper Circuit Schematics Error]] in the manuals for High Speed, Grand Lizard, and Road Kings.		* [[#Flipper_Circuit_Schematics_Error\|Flipper Circuit Schematics Error]] in the manuals for High Speed, Grand Lizard, and Road Kings.
	* In the High Speed manual on page 35, the ''B-9361-R-3 Ball Eject Assembly - Right'', which should actually be B-8361-L-1, as noted in the parts catalog. Item #2 "Mounting Bracket Assembly" is listed ad part number A-6950-R~~. The~~ correct part number is A-6950-L, which is a similar part, but oriented differently. The newer replacement for part A-6950-L is part A-8268-1.		* In the High Speed manual on page 35, the ''B-9361-R-3 Ball Eject Assembly - Right'', which should actually be B-8361-L-1, as noted in the parts catalog. Item #2 "Mounting Bracket Assembly" is listed as part number A-6950-R, but the correct part number is A-6950-L, which is a similar part, but oriented differently. The newer replacement for part A-6950-L is part A-8268-1.

	===Theory of Operation & Schematics===		===Theory of Operation & Schematics===

ForceFlow: /* Documentation Errors */

2025-12-20T07:37:03Z

Documentation Errors

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:37, 20 December 2025
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	* Error on the [[High_Speed#MPU_Schematics_Error_for_U21_.26_U22\|MPU I/O signals for U21 / U22 of High Speed]].		* Error on the [[High_Speed#MPU_Schematics_Error_for_U21_.26_U22\|MPU I/O signals for U21 / U22 of High Speed]].
	* [[#Flipper_Circuit_Schematics_Error\|Flipper Circuit Schematics Error]] in the manuals for High Speed, Grand Lizard, and Road Kings.		* [[#Flipper_Circuit_Schematics_Error\|Flipper Circuit Schematics Error]] in the manuals for High Speed, Grand Lizard, and Road Kings.
	* In the High Speed manual on page 35, the ''B-9361-R-3 Ball Eject Assembly - Right'', ~~it incorrectly lists item~~ #2 "Mounting Bracket Assembly" as part number A-6950-R. The correct part number is A-6950-L, which is a similar part, but oriented differently. The newer replacement for part A-6950-L is part A-8268-1.		* In the High Speed manual on page 35, the ''B-9361-R-3 Ball Eject Assembly - Right'', which should actually be B-8361-L-1, as noted in the parts catalog. Item #2 "Mounting Bracket Assembly" is listed ad part number A-6950-R. The correct part number is A-6950-L, which is a similar part, but oriented differently. The newer replacement for part A-6950-L is part A-8268-1.

	===Theory of Operation & Schematics===		===Theory of Operation & Schematics===

ForceFlow: /* Documentation Errors */ High speed manual part error

2025-12-20T07:17:31Z

Documentation Errors: High speed manual part error

← Older revision		Revision as of 02:17, 20 December 2025
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	* Error on the [[High_Speed#MPU_Schematics_Error_for_U21_.26_U22\|MPU I/O signals for U21 / U22 of High Speed]].		* Error on the [[High_Speed#MPU_Schematics_Error_for_U21_.26_U22\|MPU I/O signals for U21 / U22 of High Speed]].
	* [[#Flipper_Circuit_Schematics_Error\|Flipper Circuit Schematics Error]] in the manuals for High Speed, Grand Lizard, and Road Kings.		* [[#Flipper_Circuit_Schematics_Error\|Flipper Circuit Schematics Error]] in the manuals for High Speed, Grand Lizard, and Road Kings.
			* In the High Speed manual on page 35, the ''B-9361-R-3 Ball Eject Assembly - Right'', it incorrectly lists item #2 "Mounting Bracket Assembly" as part number A-6950-R. The correct part number is A-6950-L, which is a similar part, but oriented differently. The newer replacement for part A-6950-L is part A-8268-1.

	===Theory of Operation & Schematics===		===Theory of Operation & Schematics===