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Can This Fix Flipper Fade? | Flipper Dysfunction Part 2

Wild Dog Arcade·video·12m 51s·analyzed·Apr 30, 2026
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Analysis

claude-haiku-4-5-20251001 · $0.017

TL;DR

Wild Dog Arcade installs Pinmonk flipper coolers on Winchester to combat flipper fade.

Summary

Wild Dog Arcade demonstrates a two-part flipper fade solution for a Barrels of Fun Winchester Mystery House machine, combining precision flipper upgrades with aftermarket cooling fans from Pinmonk. The video provides a detailed installation walkthrough covering backbox wiring, playfield modifications, bracket replacement, and testing, showcasing how cooling systems can extend gameplay duration before flipper coil overheating occurs.

Key Claims

  • Precision flipper system reduces deflection and allows coil power reduction, but flipper fade still occurs after extended play

    high confidence · Wild Dog Arcade host, demonstrated through gameplay testing during stream

  • Flipper cooler kits from Pinmonk are straightforward to install using basic tools and can be done at home by enthusiasts

    high confidence · Wild Dog Arcade host, based on detailed step-by-step installation walkthrough

  • Pinmonk designed an improved hook system for leaf spring installation that is easier to use than original brackets

    high confidence · Wild Dog Arcade host, noting design improvement during bracket comparison

  • Winchester Mystery House experiences significant flipper fade during extended stream play

    high confidence · Wild Dog Arcade host, opening statement about ongoing stream issues

  • The combination of precision flippers and cooling fans should dramatically improve long-term gameplay performance

    medium confidence · Wild Dog Arcade host, prediction based on installation completion and testing

Notable Quotes

  • “We've been playing too much pinball again. Welcome to part two of improving our Winchester Mystery House.”

    Wild Dog Arcade host@ 0:34 — Establishes the context of extensive gameplay leading to flipper fade problems

  • “First one in the last video, we put in the precision flipper system. That reduces deflection, makes the shots a little more powerful, a little more accurate. What that lets us take the coil settings down a little bit, which is going to put a little bit less heat in the coil. That worked, but it still after a while it still get flipper fade.”

    Wild Dog Arcade host@ 1:03 — Summarizes the partial efficacy of precision flippers and justifies the need for additional cooling solutions

  • “So, I ordered a three flipper cooling kit from Pinball Monks. So, they I wanted to cool the two primary lower flippers and the one big upper right flipper. The upper right flipper hits a really steep ramp, so I wanted to keep that cool.”

    Wild Dog Arcade host@ 1:24 — Explains the product selection and target flipper choice based on gameplay demands

  • “This is a fairly basic install, uses very basic tools, so anybody can do this at home. If you like to play your Winchester Mystery House or any other Barrel of Fun game for an extended length of time, this is well worth the upgrade.”

    Wild Dog Arcade host@ 1:44 — Positions the mod as accessible to enthusiasts and recommends it for heavy Barrels of Fun players

  • “Pinball Monk has actually designed a hook system to where you can easily slide the ring in and it hooks into there. So, it's much easier to install when you're kind of working down inside of stuff.”

    Wild Dog Arcade host@ 9:22 — Highlights Pinmonk's design innovation in bracket installation ergonomics

Entities

Wild Dog ArcadeorganizationPinmonkcompanyWinchester Mystery HousegameBarrels of FuncompanyTibetan Breezegame

Signals

  • ?

    product_concern: Winchester Mystery House experiences flipper fade during extended stream play, indicating coil overheating issues common in machines used heavily for demonstration or competitive purposes

    high · Host explicitly states flipper fade occurs after extended play despite precision flipper installation; cooling upgrade deemed necessary

  • ?

    technology_signal: Pinmonk has developed improved flipper cooling bracket designs with hook systems that simplify installation compared to original equipment

    high · Host provides detailed walkthrough comparison of original vs. Pinmonk bracket, highlighting ergonomic improvements in leaf spring attachment

  • ?

    product_strategy: Flipper fade solutions are positioned as tiered approach: precision flippers reduce coil heat, then cooling fans address residual overheating, allowing customers to adopt both mods incrementally

    high · Video structure and host commentary treat precision flippers and cooling fans as complementary solutions addressing different aspects of flipper fade

  • ?

    operational_signal: Machines used for extended stream play require proactive thermal management upgrades to maintain reliable flipper performance over long sessions

    high · Wild Dog Arcade streaming setup drives need for cooling mods; typical use case for location operators running tournaments or extended play sessions

  • ?

    content_signal: Wild Dog Arcade produces detailed modification walkthroughs positioning themselves as educational resource for DIY pinball upgrades and repairs

Transcript

youtube_auto_sub · $0.000

0:03
Hello, Mr. Winchester. I see you're here for a follow-up on your flipper dysfunction treatment. So, how did that go? I think [music] the first treatment did help. I was able to play a much longer game before I overheated, but I still got hot. Ah, I see. [music] I do have another treatment option for you, and I think you're going to like it. Oh, really? Aha!
0:34
Yeah, we've been playing too much pinball again. Welcome to part two of improving our Winchester Mystery House. So, during stream we've been having [music] some flipper fade issues, and we're trying two different approaches to tackle that problem. >> [music]
0:53
[music]
0:53
[music] >> First one in the last video, we put in
0:55
First one in the last video, we put in
0:55

  • “Between these two, this should play dramatically different, especially in the long term.”

    Wild Dog Arcade host@ 12:26 — Final assessment of the combined mod effectiveness for extended gameplay sessions

    • high · Entire video structured as step-by-step installation guide; host emphasizes accessibility ('anybody can do this at home'); directs viewers to subscribe and hit notification bell

  • ?

    design_innovation: Flipper cooler kits integrate fan mounting brackets that replace original flipper brackets while preserving leaf spring functionality and end-of-stroke switch geometry

    high · Detailed technical walkthrough shows bracket compatibility, spring transfer process, and switch preservation requirements

  • ?

    collector_signal: Aftermarket cooling fans gaining adoption among venue operators and heavy-play collectors seeking to extend machine uptime and gameplay quality

    medium · Host recommends coolers for anyone wanting extended play on Barrels of Fun machines; positions mod as worthwhile investment

  • ?

    venue_signal: Wild Dog Arcade maintains live streaming infrastructure with Wednesday and Sunday night broadcasts, requiring high-reliability pinball equipment

    high · Host mentions typical stream schedule and need for equipment to handle extended gameplay sessions without thermal issues

    • First one in the last video, we put in the precision flipper system. That reduces deflection, makes the shots a little more powerful, a little more accurate. What that lets us take the coil settings down a little bit, which is going to put a little bit less heat in the coil. That worked, but it still [music] after a while it still get flipper fade. So, part two of this is we're going to be installing flipper coolers on this game. So, follow along and see how it's done. I ordered [music] a three flipper cooling kit from Pinball Monks. So, they I wanted to cool the two primary lower flippers and the one big upper right [music] flipper. The upper right flipper hits a really steep ramp, so I wanted to keep that cool. So, I got the three flipper kit. Now, in the kit you'll see there are three fans, zip ties, cutter, instructions, Loctite, and a variety of wiring. This is a fairly basic install, uses very basic tools, so anybody can do this at home. If you like to play your Winchester Mystery House or any other Barrel of [music] Fun game for an extended length of time, this is well worth the upgrade. So, follow along and I'll show you how to put this in. So, I powered off the machine and unplugged [music] it, and I removed the balls to the playfield so when I lift it later I don't want to forget about it. So, the first thing we're going to do is we're going to go into the back box. [music] So, using the key, drop that down, take out the back glass. This is where you're going to get to the guts of the game. So, you'll see in here there are some variety of different [music] electronics boards and other stuff. What we're going to be doing is we're going to be tapping into this power supply right here to provide power for the flipper coolers. First step that we're going to be doing is we're going to be putting in this wiring harness here. You'll notice there are two blade connectors in here. Those are going to tap into the V+ and V- on this power supply, and we'll tap it right in. [music] So, first thing you want to do is there is a little safety panel in here. It basically [music] it's two little Phillips screws. Pull that out. These are very small, so don't don't drop them. They're hard to find. I've done that in the past, and it's a it's a fun experience. So, next up we're going to be locating the [music] V+ and V-. So, you'll see there's a variety of other wires and stuff picked in put in here. So, find one of the V+, unscrew it, and then we're going to put some jumpers in here.
    3:18
    Okay, so that harness is done. So, now
    3:18
    Okay, so that harness is done. So, now we'll move on to the rest of the wiring and then go underneath the playfield. Next piece of wiring you'll find in the kit there's a little splitter. It's got two ends and one end. >> [music]
    3:27
    [music]
    3:27
    [music] >> The single end will plug right into the
    3:29
    The single end will plug right into the
    3:29
    The single end will plug right into the wiring you just installed. Since I have a three flipper kit, I will be needing to use both of these, and then we'll run the wiring down the back into the back box or down the back box into the cabinet [music] for the flipper cooler wiring. When you're done with the wiring, don't forget to reattach the safety cover. In the kit you'll have two different [music] bundles of long wire. They're the same harness, so they're exactly the same. You've got the connector that will go into the splitter on the right, and on the left are the connectors that go onto the flipper coolers themselves. I'm going to plug this into the back box, drop it in behind the playfield, >> [music]
    4:03
    [music]
    4:03
    [music] >> and then go up underneath the playfield.
    4:05
    and then go up underneath the playfield.
    4:05
    and then go up underneath the playfield. All right, let's get these wires installed. >> [music]
    4:07
    [music]
    4:07
    [music] >> You're going to take the two harnesses
    4:09
    You're going to take the two harnesses
    4:09
    You're going to take the two harnesses and you you can put feed them in from the top or go I find it easier to feed it from [music] the bottom. Pull it up. Connect into the one connector. And then we'll repeat [music] for the second wire. Goes up underneath. Plugs into the second bit of the splitter.
    4:31
    There there [music] we go. I'm going to do a little zip tie work here just to give it a little strain relief, and then we'll lift the playfield and put the flipper coolers in. [music] I took the balls out, I got the playfield in the up position. I'm looking at the upper right flipper mech [music] right here. This kit will actually replace this bracket. Uh this bracket actually holds the end of stroke switch, and it holds a coil spring. So, the bracket will actually replace all of this, and it's pretty easy. You're going to unhook a spring, >> [music]
    4:58
    [music]
    4:58
    [music] >> and there are two Phillips screws. So,
    5:00
    and there are two Phillips screws. So,
    5:00
    and there are two Phillips screws. So, let's do that. Also, note the switch [music] is going to be have has a connector, so unplug that. We're going to take this off and we'll work on it on [music] the bench because I have to reattach the end of stroke switch.
    5:23
    [music]
    5:23
    [music] >> Whole thing comes out.
    5:25
    Whole thing comes out.
    5:25
    Whole thing comes out. Don't lose your screws. You will be reusing those, so that's the bracket with the leaf spring [music] installed. We're going to go over to the workbench, and we're going to change these out on the cooling fan. To the workbench! We're over here [music] at the workbench. I've got the two parts out here to show you. This is the original bracket. You can see the leaf spring is attached to it two by two Phillips screws. [music] This is the flipper cooling bracket for the Tibetan Breeze, so one of the more up level ones that he's got. Notice it looks like the other one on the bottom here, so it's got two screw mounts to the playfield, and it's got two three holes for the leaf springs. >> [music]
    6:01
    [music]
    6:01
    [music] >> They kind of match the original bracket.
    6:02
    They kind of match the original bracket.
    6:02
    They kind of match the original bracket. So, what we're going to do is we're going to transfer that leaf spring [music] over to the new bracket. Oh, also kind of note the orientation of the spring. You'll notice this one, it's tipped down just a little bit, so you want kind of want to replicate that on the new bracket. [music]
    6:27
    There's a little [music] thread plate on the back. Don't forget don't lose that. You won't be able to attach it without it. [music]
    6:36
    Going to start both screws, and then I'll tighten them down. >> [music]
    6:42
    All right, I've just kind of put them in
    6:42
    All right, I've just kind of put them in a snug position, and I'm looking at the angle [music] on it. I think I got a little bit too much angle, so I'm going to kind of adjust that by eyeball. We might have to do [music] some adjustment once I line it up in the game. Hope not. I'm going to tighten them down.
    7:03
    There we go. Leaf spring transferred. All right, now that you got the leaf spring on [music] the mount, let's get it put back in place.
    7:24
    Okay, so I have the flipper cooler back on. Um don't forget to hook up the leaf spring switch, >> [music]
    7:29
    [music]
    7:29
    [music] >> otherwise your end of stroke won't work,
    7:32
    otherwise your end of stroke won't work,
    7:32
    otherwise your end of stroke won't work, and the game will be confused. So, now what I'm going to do is get [music] under here and hook up this spring, which is going to be a little bit on the fun side. He does have [music] these nice little slots put in here so they can hook up on.
    7:52
    And there we go. So, got the spring [music] hooked back up. You can check the movement.
    8:00
    Since this is a new [music] bracket, you might have to adjust the end of stroke switch. So, you can see there you probably just barely see the two little contacts. When I push up on the plunger, the [music] leaf spring will actually close, and that will trigger the voltage to drop from the [music] primary coil to the secondary hold coil, and you'll want to adjust that. Um you'll need to get do that by feel. You don't want it too too close [music] cuz that way if you ever get a hard ball returns, and it knocks down the flipper, you don't want it disconnect and immediately flick it right back up. So, there's going to [music] be some fine tuning you got to do. You can buy a little leaf spring adjustment tool or you can if you can get a needle nose pliers, you can [music] adjust that so uh you kind of adjust it to your feel, but good practice is you know, you got [music] about an eighth of an inch travel about an eighth of an inch travel where it's actually connected before it disconnects. All right, so the coil is mounted. [music] I'm going to go and do the other two flippers, and then we'll move on to wiring. All right, I'm going to pause here for a second and just [music] explain a little little tidbit of information about an improvement that Pinball Monk has made. [music] So, this is the original bracket. Those little springs put basically hook into little holes in the actual bracket. They basically [music] you have to feed them in. Pinball Monk has actually designed a hook system to where you can easily slide [music] the ring in and it hooks into there. So, it's much easier to install when you're kind of working down inside of stuff. So, it's it's a really nice little little touch that he's done with his brackets. Flipper coolers are now installed in the game, and I hooked up the original leaf springs back to the wiring harness. Don't forget that step, otherwise you'll have some weird behavior. Next step is to grab the two wires that you put down below. First one, [music] grab one of them. It's going to have two connectors. It's going to have a long and a short leg. You'll notice that there are connector mating connectors for the actual the actual game. So, they can only plug in one way. So, plug them in [music] on the two of them.
    10:09
    And the little slot goes in the slot. And voila, the upper or the lower flipper coolers are in place. So, now what I need to do is route the wire down, but I also need to hook up the lower [music] one. Really similar to the other step. Grab the other wiring harness. Plug it into the switch. >> [music]
    10:24
    [music]
    10:24
    [music] >> You're going to have an extra one here
    10:25
    You're going to have an extra one here
    10:25
    You're going to have an extra one here if you've got a three flipper set. The wires come with a pair of fans. So, [music] if you don't have one, don't worry. That's a potential tap for some power for an accessory later. >> [music]
    10:36
    [music]
    10:36
    [music] >> All right. Now, let's do some routing.
    10:38
    All right. Now, let's do some routing.
    10:38
    All right. Now, let's do some routing. All right. Let's zip tie. Okay. There you go. Wiring is all zip tied in place. So, there you go. That's kind of the [music] end of the wiring. Uh just make sure you have enough extra just enough extra down below. So, there's going to be some extra wire in the back. You can tuck >> [music]
    11:11
    [music]
    11:11
    [music] >> You just got to make sure you have
    11:12
    You just got to make sure you have
    11:12
    You just got to make sure you have enough to where you can pull the playfield up and all that. So, that that way you can work on the game at some later point. Um I'm going to clean up the wiring, route it so it doesn't get hooked on the speaker or anything like that. So, we'll test it in a minute. Wiring is in. Flipper cooler is in. I think everything is hooked up correctly. [music] I've double-checked it. Now, I'm going to turn on the game and see if they turn on. So, make sure we have air flow to each one of these. They'll turn on really quick cuz they're hooked directly to the power supply. Here we go. We've got [music] air in that one. Air in that one and air in that one.
    11:51
    [screaming]
    11:51
    [screaming] >> All right. Success.
    11:53
    All right. Success.
    11:53
    All right. Success. Now, they should extend the length of our game play before we get flipper fade. That completes step two, installing cooling fans. [music] So, between the two mods we've done, we should be able to get a lot more time on this game before we start to see any flipper fade. The first ones were the precision flippers. Those reduce a lot of deflection, make the shots more accurate, [music] which means you can back down the coil power a little bit. But, there's still heat. We found that even after extended play, we did get some flipper [music] fade and we added the coolers. So, between these two, this should play dramatically [music] different, especially in the long term. And speaking of streams, we typically [music] stream live pinball on Wednesday nights and Sunday nights. So, make sure you like this video, >> [music]
    12:36
    [music]
    12:36
    [music] >> subscribe, and hit that notification
    12:37
    subscribe, and hit that notification
    12:37
    subscribe, and hit that notification bell. You'll get notified when we get new videos coming up or when we go [music] live. Thanks for watching and hope to see you then.