Fluorescent bulbs not turning on when I start my s2k

[Bspun04]

Hey everyone,


First time coming across this problem. When I start my s2k, the machine boots up and everything is normal except the 3 fluorescent bulbs won't turn on. Didn't have much time to play with the machine but just wondering if it's something simple or if i'll have to get the meter out and start checking voltage. Any tips on where to check or what to check voltage on is much appreciated. Thanks for the help in advance.

[Shaggy]

Check the box on the left side of the first reel. Mine runs into that. I assume it's the starter for the lights.

[erbs]

Its possible that all 3 of the ballasts and or bulbs could be bad. I would check that 1st.

[cowboygames]

You have 3 ballasts in your machine, one for each bulb. Unplug them one at a time to see if the other 2 lights come back. A single bad ballast can drag down the whole supply circuit and in some cases keep the game from working. Make sure you unplug the input side and not the bulb side.

[IFFV68]

If you have a new bulb laying around I would try that. Problem is when the bulbs go bad they usually flicker or give off some kind of signal.
Also the bad bulbs will be dark or gray at the end of the bulb.

Possibly it is a Ballast. I've never had three go out at the same time.
You may try messing with the bulbs.

Please let us know what the problem is.
Ballast are easy to find & don't cost too much.
Good Luck

[Retro tech repair]

maybe one of the power distribution boards is disconnected i would trace the power going into the ballets back to where they get power from. i have see the light for the top box wired a few different ways i would probably start with the one for the reel glass its closest in the chain.

[Bspun04]

I shoulda mentioned in the op, I had changed all three bulbs beforehand so not that. Also changed the power supply thinking it could be that. Tried the pulling the input side one by one to see if one of them was the problem but no change. I changed the ballasts today and still nothing. Didn't have much time to mess with it today. Think tracing the wires to see if something is loose or someone clipped a wire on accident would be next? Thanks for all the responses so far. Hopefully will solve this tomorrow. was typing this as vtyler posted, ya im thinking now that it has to do something with the power distributions board. def have seen them rigged up diff ways. will give that a shot when I get to it tomorrow

[Jim]

the lamps are powered by the 25vdc coming from the power supply .  PIN 14 from the power supply forms a 2 pin connector, orange wire and a black wire with a orange tracer, J232, connects to P232, provides 25vdc to the top box, and the reel and belly  ballasts.

Trace that wire and you should find your problem.

Hope this helps

Jim

[Tilt]

I agree with Jim.  Wiring diagram attached.

[Bspun04]

Problem solved. j232 wasn't plugged into p232. I thought at first it had to be that easy because the machine worked fine. Thanks again for all responses and especially jim and tilt with the explanations and diagram.