Non ghosting led´s
Non-Ghosting refers to an important feature of LED light sources in pinball machines that reduces or prevents unwanted afterglow, glow, or flickering. This so-called ghosting or ghost flickering can occur especially when replacing traditional incandescent bulbs with modern LEDs. Many pinball machines control their lighting via a lamp matrix. While conventional incandescent bulbs barely react to very low electrical currents, LEDs require significantly less energy. As a result, even small residual currents can be enough to cause an LED to glow faintly or flash briefly, even though it should actually be turned off. This effect can be particularly noticeable in older pinball machines after converting to LED lighting.
Non-ghosting LEDs for pinball machines are specifically designed to minimize this undesirable behavior. They ensure significantly cleaner on/off behavior, thereby improving the visual effect of the playfield lighting. Illuminated inserts, playfield elements, and other controlled lamps appear active only when they are actually being driven. Non-ghosting is therefore particularly useful when a pinball machine is being converted to LED lighting or when unwanted flickering and afterglow occur after an LED replacement. The behavior may vary depending on the pinball model, electronics, and lamp control system.
By paying attention to non-ghosting when selecting LEDs for pinball machines, you can reduce distracting ghosting and achieve clearer, more controlled lighting. The result is a cleaner lighting effect in which the LED lamps respond reliably to the pinball machine’s control System.
Why Ghosting Can Be a Problem with LED Lamps in Pinball Machines
Anyone who converts an older pinball machine from classic incandescent bulbs to LEDs initially expects, above all, the well-known advantages of modern LED lighting: more vibrant colors, less heat generation, low energy consumption, and a significantly wider selection of different light colors. However, after installing the new LEDs, an unexpected effect becomes apparent in some machines. Individual lights glow dimly, flash briefly, or do not seem to turn off completely. This is often where the search for the cause of so-called LED ghosting in pinball machines begins.
The problem isn’t necessarily due to a defective LED. Rather, it stems from the interaction of two different technologies. The electronics in many classic pinball machines were developed at a time when incandescent bulbs were the standard light source. An incandescent bulb requires a comparatively large amount of electrical energy before any visible light is produced. A modern LED, on the other hand, responds to much smaller currents.
As a result, electrical states that remain completely invisible with an incandescent bulb can suddenly become visible after converting the pinball machine to LED lighting. Depending on the pinball system, lamp matrix, electronics, and the LEDs used, this can manifest as a faint constant glow, brief flashes, or irregular flickering.
This is precisely why it makes sense not to focus exclusively on the base, light color, and brightness when selecting new LEDs for pinball machines. Non-ghosting LEDs are designed for such applications and can reduce or prevent this undesirable behavior.
Case Study 1: The new LED glows even though the insert is turned off
A typical real-world example: In a pinball machine, the existing #44 or #47 incandescent bulbs under the inserts are replaced with LEDs. During gameplay, it becomes apparent that one insert continues to glow very faintly, even though it should actually be dark according to the game state.
If the original incandescent bulb is reinserted in the same position, the problem suddenly seems to disappear. However, this does not automatically mean that the lamp control did not previously have a residual current. The incandescent bulb simply did not visibly react to it.
A more sensitive LED can react even to this small amount of current. The result is the characteristic ghosting. Using a suitable non-ghosting LED for pinball machines can remedy this, as its electrical design is tailored to such situations.
Case Study 2: LEDs Flash Unintentionally During Play
Ghosting does not always manifest as a persistent glow. Another typical effect is LEDs that briefly flash during play, even though they are not supposed to be activated at that moment.
This becomes particularly noticeable during darker gameplay situations or with inserts whose lighting is specifically designed for certain game states. An unintended flash can not only be distracting but also impair the pinball machine’s lighting design as intended by the manufacturer.
Here, too, the high sensitivity of modern LEDs to very small currents may play a role. A non-ghosting LED is designed to suppress such unwanted effects and to illuminate only when activated as intended.
However, it is important to note: Not every flicker of an LED is automatically ghosting. If severe or unusual lighting errors occur, factors such as contacts, sockets, connectors, circuit boards, or other components of the lighting control system may also be to blame. Non-ghosting LEDs are not a substitute for troubleshooting an actual defect.
Non-Ghosting When Converting a Pinball Machine to LED Lighting
Anyone planning a complete LED conversion of a pinball machine should therefore familiarize themselves with the existing lamp control system in advance. Especially with switched lamps and inserts, the choice of suitable LEDs can be decisive in determining how cleanly the lighting will function later on.
However, not every lamp in a pinball machine necessarily has to meet the same requirements. General Illumination (GI), switched inserts, flashers, and other lighting areas can be controlled differently from a technical standpoint. The lamp sockets used also vary. In the pinball sector, for example, #44/#47 bayonet sockets and #555 plug-in sockets are widely used.
In addition to the non-ghosting property, the LED’s design, voltage, base, light color, beam angle, and position also play a role. A clear LED dome, for example, can focus the light more intensely, while a frosted version is often chosen for softer and more even light distribution.
Especially for inserts, the brightest available LED should not automatically be chosen. The decisive factors are how the light appears through the respective insert and whether the desired color and brightness are achieved. A well-planned LED conversion therefore takes into account both electrical compatibility and the visual effect on the playfield.
Anyone who has already noticed ghosting after an LED conversion on a pinball machine should first observe which lamps and in which game situations the effect occurs. If only certain switched lamps are affected and these generally function correctly, replacing them on a trial basis with a suitable non-ghosting LED may be a sensible measure.
In the case of a complete retrofit, however, it may make sense to use appropriate LEDs from the start. This avoids the need to recheck and make adjustments to individual positions after replacing numerous incandescent bulbs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Non-Ghosting LEDs and LED Ghosting
What does Non-Ghosting mean for a pinball LED?
Non-Ghosting describes a feature of LEDs designed to reduce or prevent unwanted glowing, afterglow or flashing caused by small residual electrical currents. These effects can occur particularly in pinball lighting systems that were originally designed for conventional incandescent bulbs.
What is LED ghosting in a pinball machine?
LED ghosting describes unwanted lighting effects where LEDs glow faintly, remain partially illuminated or briefly flash even though they should not be active at that moment. This effect is also commonly referred to as ghost flickering.
Do I need Non-Ghosting LEDs in every pinball machine?
Not necessarily. Standard LEDs work perfectly well in many pinball machines and lighting positions. Non-Ghosting LEDs become particularly useful when unwanted glowing, afterglow or flickering occurs after converting a pinball machine from incandescent bulbs to LED lighting.
Are Non-Ghosting LEDs available with a #555 wedge base?
Yes. Non-Ghosting LEDs are also available with the commonly used #555 wedge base. They can be used to upgrade suitable inserts and other lighting positions in a pinball machine to modern LED technology while reducing unwanted ghosting effects.
Which is better: clear or frosted Non-Ghosting LEDs?
This depends on the desired lighting effect. A clear dome generally provides a more direct and concentrated light output. A frosted dome diffuses the light more evenly and can provide a smoother, more uniform illumination, especially underneath playfield inserts.
What can I do if my pinball LEDs start ghost flickering after an LED conversion?
First, determine which lamps are affected and whether the effect only occurs during certain game states. The lamp sockets and electrical contacts should then be checked. Replacing the affected LED with a suitable Non-Ghosting LED can help determine whether residual current and LED sensitivity are causing the problem.
Why does my pinball LED glow even though it should be switched off?
LEDs require very little electrical energy to produce visible light. Even a small residual current can therefore cause an LED to glow faintly. A conventional incandescent bulb may remain completely dark under the same electrical conditions because it requires considerably more current to produce visible light.
Are Non-Ghosting LEDs particularly useful for older pinball machines?
Non-Ghosting LEDs can be especially useful in older pinball lighting systems because many of these systems were originally designed for incandescent bulbs. Whether ghosting actually occurs depends on the individual pinball machine, its electronics, lamp matrix and the LEDs being used.
Can I replace #44 and #47 pinball bulbs with Non-Ghosting LEDs?
Non-Ghosting LEDs are available for many applications using #44 and #47 bayonet-base bulbs. Before replacing the original bulbs, the required lamp type, voltage, base and physical design should always be checked for the specific position in the pinball machine.
Is every flickering LED in a pinball machine caused by ghosting?
No. Flickering and other lighting problems can also be caused by poor electrical contacts, dirty or damaged lamp sockets, connectors, electronic components or faults within the lamp control circuitry. Not every pinball lighting problem can therefore be solved simply by installing a Non-Ghosting LED.
Can I convert my entire pinball machine to LED lighting?
Many classic and modern pinball machines can be largely converted to LED lighting. The correct base, voltage, lamp control system, light color and intended application should always be considered. Non-Ghosting LEDs can be particularly useful for switched lamps and playfield inserts.
Does a Non-Ghosting LED change the appearance of my pinball machine?
The Non-Ghosting feature primarily affects the electrical behavior of the LED. The visible appearance is mainly determined by factors such as light color, brightness, beam angle, LED design and whether a clear or frosted dome is used.