SPIKE SYSTEM AND NODE GUIDE
9
Copyright of Primus Inc. 2018
PRIMUS MANUAL 500-55N9-01
2.5 SPIKE NODE PROGRAMMING
The SPIKE nodes are smart nodes that have on-board pro-
cessors and run embedded code. The nodes are programmed
automatically by the CPU node whenever software updates are
installed to the CPU. When replacing a node, the CPU node will
detect and update the node to the latest software with no user
intervention. Always replace nodes with the power to the game
turned OFF.
2.6 SPIKE SYSTEM TERMINOLOGY
MULTI GENERAL ILLUMINATION LIGHTING
General Illumination Lighting is two or more lights powered by
one control source. These are often a number of LEDs connect-
ed in parallel and the system controls these as one large LED. A
missing LED will not affect these circuits, however a shorted LED
can cause the entire string of LEDs to turn off.
SINGLE LIGHTS
Single lights and LEDs are direct-controlled from SPIKE node
boards. A common power source is grounded by individual
transistors to turn individual LEDs on and off. Groups of LEDs,
usually by node connector, share a common power source, so if
a group of LEDs is out, check the wiring for the power source.
FLASHERS
SPIKE games treat flashers the same as single LEDs that draw
more power. Flashers are controlled from the same circuits that
power regular lights.
DRIVERS
A driver is a circuit that controls a high power-device such as a
coil, magnet, or motor. Each device has a common 48V power
source that is then connected to ground by a dedicated control
transistor. Each driver is protected against shorting, static elec-
tricity, and over-current conditions. Take caution as 48V is always
present on a device even when it is not energized.
OPTOS
Certain types of optical switches (“optos”) require external signal
conditioning. For these optos, they will interface to a SPIKE node
via an opto signal conditioning board. Other optical switches
connect directly to the Spike node board.
System Protections
CAUTION: Unless explicitly directed by an Authorized Stern Re-
pair technician, perform ALL work on your pinball machine with
the power disabled!
INPUT/OUTPUT PROTECTIONS
SPIKE features built-in short-circuit, static electricity, and other
protections to maximize reliability. If an LED, coil or other device
shorts, it will be disabled but will not shut down the entire system
in most circumstances. Groups of LEDs, coils, and switches often
share common power supplies or other circuits, so it is possible
that a bad device will affect the group of related devices and
require removal or repair to fix the group. The system diagnostics
will inform the technician of shorted or otherwise malfunctioning
devices whenever possible. While the system is protected against
permanent damage, it is strongly recommended to repair or
replace these bad components as soon as possible to minimize
downtime and maximize game earnings.
FUSES
Nodes that have 48 V power are fused individually. Fuse voltage
ratings are a safety rating and always must be higher than the
circuit the fuse is protecting. Never replace a fuse with a lower
voltage-rated fuse. Fuse current ratings must be replaced with
the same current value. A higher current value fuse could cause
catastrophic failures, and a lower-value fuse will cause premature
fuse failures.
Common fuses
Fuse Rating (Amps)
Type
Part Number
3 A
Slow Blow MDL
200-5000-08
4 A
Slow Blow MDL
200-5000-06
5 A
Slow Blow MDL
200-5000-01
7 A
Slow Blow MDL
200-5000-03
8 A
Slow Blow MDL
200-5000-05
CAUTION: Always replace fuses with the exact current specifica-
tions.
2.7 COMMON SPIKE NODE BOARDS
Description
Type
Part Number
SPIKE CPU Node
Node
520-6936-01
SPIKE CPU Node w/ Video Out Support (Back-
ward compatible with -00)
Node
520-6936-10
Cabinet Node
Node
520-5319-10
48V 8-Driver Node
Node
520-6935-10
48V 4-Driver Node
Node
520-5329-10
48V Core Node
Node
520-6985-72
SPIKE 32 Light and Switch Node
Node
520-5322-30
Trough Serial Opto Receiver Extension
Extension 520-5345-01
SPIKE SYSTEM AND NODE GUIDE CONTINUED
