Black Hole (Gottlieb, 1981): Troubleshooting and System 80 Replacement Boards
Is your Black Hole pinball machine by Gottlieb (1981) not starting, crashing, resetting on its own, the lower playfield not responding, or accumulating electronic failures? On this Gottlieb System 80 pinball machine, the cause is almost always a worn-out CPU board (MPU) or driver board. This guide covers the essentials about the Black Hole, common issues reported on forums, and the compatible System 80 replacement boards to get it running reliably again.
Black Hole (Gottlieb, 1981): Overview
Black Hole is an electronic Gottlieb pinball machine released in 1981 on the Gottlieb System 80 platform. Designed by Ed Krynski with artwork by Gordon Morison, it is one of the most iconic pinball machines of the early 1980s, famous for its lower playfield (a second level of play beneath the main playfield) and its space theme centered around a black hole.
- Manufacturer: Gottlieb
- Year: 1981
- Electronic system: Gottlieb System 80
- Type: solid state
- Theme: space, science fiction, black hole
Common Issues with the Black Hole (System 80)
Like all Gottlieb System 80 machines, the Black Hole develops typical age-related issues: aging CPU and driver boards, crashes and resets, machine won't start, random slam tilt, faulty displays, ground problems, and failing components. The original battery can also leak and corrode the board. Rather than hunting for unobtainable original parts, the lasting solution is to replace the boards with modern, reliable, battery-free models.
Black Hole-Specific Issues (Forum Reports)
Beyond the generic System 80 issues, enthusiasts report on forums (Pinside, rec.games.pinball) recurring problems specific to the Black Hole:
- Lower playfield won't light up or ignores targets: often a switch matrix fault (isolate via switch test, column 1 / rows) or a poorly crimped A1J6 playfield connector.
- Reset on startup: during the drop target reset sequence, the displays go dark, the ball gate locks, and the game returns to attract mode in ~5 seconds. Common causes: solenoid grounds on the driver board and drop target reset coil diodes.
- Won't start / slam tilt: a slam tilt switch stuck open on the coin door prevents startup.
- Machine doesn't detect all 3 balls: check ball 3 switch (#25) and the A1J6 connections.
- Lower playfield kicker stays stuck: coil jammed, usually a transistor under the playfield to replace.
Many of these issues (resets, grounds, solenoid driving, displays) disappear when replacing the original CPU/driver boards with the GottFA80_Plus, or can be quickly pinpointed using the Lisy80 diagnostics. Purely mechanical faults (under-playfield transistor, slam tilt switch) still need to be checked separately — our free technical support can guide you.
Compatible Replacement Boards for Black Hole
The Pinballs Store boards compatible with the Gottlieb Black Hole:
- GottFA80_Plus (Light) — all-in-one board replacing CPU + driver + power supply, without sound. Black Hole: Export version only (the US version is not compatible).
- GottFA80_Plus (Full) — the same all-in-one board with integrated sound board. Export only.
- Gosof — replacement sound board for Gottlieb (with or without speech).
- Godri80 — replacement driver board for System 80.
- Lisy80 — CPU board with web-based diagnostic tools.
- GoPOP80 — pop bumper driver board (MA-922).
All our boards are Plug & Play, battery-free, with tutorials and free technical support. Unsure about your Black Hole version (US or Export)? Contact us.
FAQ — Black Hole Gottlieb
My Black Hole won't start, what should I do?
On a Gottlieb System 80, a pinball machine that won't start is most often caused by the CPU board (MPU), the driver board, or an open slam tilt switch. A replacement board like the GottFA80_Plus or the Lisy80 provides a lasting fix.
Why does my Black Hole reset on startup?
This is a classic issue: solenoid grounds on the driver board and drop target reset coil diodes. Replacing the driver board (Godri80) or switching to the all-in-one GottFA80_Plus eliminates the problem.
The lower playfield on my Black Hole no longer works, why?
Often a switch matrix issue or an A1J6 playfield connector problem. The Lisy80 and its diagnostics help locate the fault; an under-playfield transistor may also be the cause.
Which CPU board for a Black Hole?
The Lisy80 (CPU + diagnostics) or the all-in-one GottFA80_Plus (CPU + driver + power supply), Export version for the Black Hole.
Do I need to replace the battery on my Black Hole?
Our replacement boards work without a battery: no more risk of corrosion.
How long does it take to install a replacement board?
Installation is Plug & Play: just a few minutes, no soldering required, with tutorials and free support.
Does a battery-free board retain settings and high scores?
Yes. Modern replacement boards use NVRAM: no battery, no corrosion, and settings are preserved when powered off.
Step-by-Step Diagnostics
- With power off, visual inspection: look for any signs of battery leakage or corrosion on the MPU of your Black Hole; remove the NiCad battery if it is still present.
- Power supply: measure the 5V rail and verify it reaches the MPU (re-solder the voltage regulator or Q1 if voltage drops).
- Grounds: apply ground mods between the boards (CPU, driver, power supply, sound).
- Connectors: re-pin oxidized Molex connectors, especially the MPU-to-driver board connection.
- Displays: never connect or disconnect a display while powered on; test with a known good display.
- Final test: check startup, credits, solenoids, and displays; if needed, contact free support.
Useful Guides
- How much does pinball machine repair cost? A price guide
- How much is my pinball machine worth? Value and estimation
- Pinball machine leg sizes: the complete guide
- Which board for a Gottlieb System 80, 80A or 80B?
See Also
- Haunted House (Gottlieb, 1982)
- Volcano (Gottlieb, 1981)
- The Amazing Spider-Man (Gottlieb, 1980)
- Mars God of War (Gottlieb, 1981)
