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General NLG Chat => The Slot Shop **Tech Talk** => Topic started by: bulanek on April 14, 2010, 09:37:11 PM



Title: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 14, 2010, 09:37:11 PM
I have a super rare never seen another one IGT coin pusher there is no information anywhere on it, IGT has been as helpful as possible but all documentation on it has been destroyed so getting any tech info is impossible. My question is I have been having heat problems and narrowed it down to a general area consisting on to diodes and a resister I thought it was going to be the 1n270 diode but when I went to remove it I thought I will replace the diode next to it as well but I could not read the numbers so I decided It would be easier to read once removed but when I went to remove it it pretty much disintegrated the only thing I can read is 1n and 001. so I thought okay there is another one that looks just like it same size same board good chance they are the same so I removed that one but the numbers are all rubbed off. Is there any way of testing this presumably good diode to find out what it is? I think it might be a 1n4001 what happens if I put this in and its wrong?   


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: coorslight115 on April 14, 2010, 10:05:56 PM
There will be other more qualified people answer this, but most important on the diodes is their direction. They are one way gates. Record or remember the direction they were installed now if possible. The other factors include current handling and such. Pretty sure you can Not measure them like you can a resistor. :103-


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 14, 2010, 10:15:55 PM
Yes I took pictures before to make sure they go in as they came out.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: coorslight115 on April 14, 2010, 10:29:38 PM
and the board is marked :3- :3- :3-


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: Super Joker on April 15, 2010, 12:05:53 AM
The glass one looks like a Germanium diode, and the other a Silicone diode. Basically, they function the same, the germanium has a lower bias voltage (.3v) compared to .7v for the silicon. Meaning that if 5v were passing through, it would be 4.7v on the germanium circuit, and 4.3v on the silicon circuit.

It would be interesting to see more of the board, front and back, to see if perhaps one of those had been changed out at one time.

1N4001 is a common silicone diode number.

The PCB, if you're lucky, should show the symbols for each diode (like it does next to the glass one). The only thing I would be concerned about is whether the silicone one is a Schottky diode - which I doubt.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: CommTech on April 15, 2010, 12:52:52 AM
I was wondering what you meant by heat problem.
Based on what you described I would say that the 1n4001 would be a good guess. 
Does the unit function correctly or is it not working at the moment?
More info would be helpful.   


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 15, 2010, 01:04:20 AM
Sorry I was not sure if anyone would even reply so I didn't spend too much time typing, What I was referring to as a heat problem was when the unit ran for a while it would shut off and then if you either let it cool off, put a strong fan or hit the area with a component cool spray it would start back up it seemed like it was the germanium diode which is right next to the diode that feel apart which I know believe to be the problem. Both diodes appeared to be original. This is an odd board almost like a proto type one thing is for sure it is one of the first IGT machines made. The machine was working before I removed these 3 parts but would shut off sometimes every couple hours sometimes every few minutes. Any other questions by all means please ask them.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: CommTech on April 15, 2010, 01:23:04 AM
Check the solder connections on the board in question. It sounds like you may have a poor solder connection on one or more of the components.
That may explain why cooling the board brings back the power.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 15, 2010, 01:31:45 AM
Ya I looked for that first, but the diode was cracked and broke in half when I removed it you don't think that could have been the problem? I'm not even sure what a diode does. I've now done alot of work on this board a lot of components are new if its a cold joint we will soon have eliminated it. :) 


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 15, 2010, 02:04:23 AM
What could happen if the new diode is wrong?


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: CommTech on April 15, 2010, 02:46:02 PM
A Diode only allows current flow in one direction only. That is why it is important that it is installed correctly.
The fact that the diode was cracked may or may not have been causing your issue. It all depends on were in the circuit the diode is located.
For example: If the diode is located across the coil of a relay, then it's purpose is to prevent counter emf from producing potentially damaging voltages when the relay is de-energized. That probably would not cause your power to drop out.
 :211-
I have no clue as to how the board is laid out or what it's purpose is.
If you can take a series of pictures which shows the entire board and it's connections, we may be able to help you further.
Remember, the more information we have (and can see), the more we may be able to help.





Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 15, 2010, 05:17:41 PM
http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=364.0 (http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=364.0) that is my old post that I did under my old name (forgot what it was) so I created a new name that has lots of pictures the location of this diode is next to the large orange capacitor which I changed out already it is black in the new picture.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 15, 2010, 05:23:51 PM
I have all the other problems in the old post fixed they were bad opto couplers that were causing the malfunctions. this machine has came along way since I bought it. It has been a long fun crazy expensive journey, several phone calls to IGT and everyone else that new anything about this odd machine. Even had to have a custom made burg chain made to drive the gears that push the coins.  I'm getting there I just hope it doesn't fry when I power it up with possibly the wrong diode in there.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: Super Joker on April 15, 2010, 06:05:28 PM
The other pics are 600x400, too small to get much detail, and follow traces to determine if this was a rectifier circuit, or what the ultimate purpose of the diodes in the circuit were.

Diodes are just one-way streets for electricity. It allows a flow in one direction, blocking opposing flow.

As long as the black diode is for sure a diode (as long as the pcb has a diode symbol), you are safe in just replacing the diode - also as long as you install it the same way the other one was installed.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: Op-Bell on April 15, 2010, 07:05:24 PM
Confirmed, the 1N270 is a germanium diode. Available at www.mouser.com, stock number 526-1N270, $1.06. The other will be a 1N4001, you can use any 1N400x, the last digit is just the working voltage and '1' is the lowest (50V). 1N4003 is more common (200V). Mouser part number 512-1N4001 or 512-1N4003, price $0.06 either type. No minimum order at Mouser and they will ship USPS, cheaper than UPS or FedEx that the other distros use. You may be able to get these at local shops like Frys or RS, though you won't get the germanium diode at Radio Shack.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 15, 2010, 07:39:36 PM
Thanks I already bought a package of them off ebay for 13.99 shipped that had both of them in it I was just scared to fire it up until told it was safe to do so. Thanks


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 16, 2010, 10:10:48 PM
Alright it powered up and I think everything is working now except the candle light but I don't think that goes through the circuit boards. thanks for the help.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: knagl on April 17, 2010, 03:20:02 AM
 :211- :211- :211- :211-


You seemingly have a very rare IGT-created coin pusher/flipper machine.  I know I'd love to see a ton of pictures and/or video of it in action -- I'm sure other members here would like to see your treasure, too!



Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: uniman on April 17, 2010, 01:21:04 PM
                                                              :212- :205- :205- :205- :212-

                                                                                :185-


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: stayouttadabunker on April 18, 2010, 12:44:51 AM
I never knew IGT made any type of coin pushers...interesting!


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 18, 2010, 01:04:48 AM
Yes I will take pictures for sure, how ever the machine is in storage 1 1/2 hours away from me so it might be a week or two tell I go down there. As far as IGT making a coin pusher it is very rare to say the least I had quite a few so called experts say I didn't know what I was talking about. But I have talked to the vp over at IGT which surprisingly was very nice and helped me despite the fact usually IGT won't even talk to an end user. He and his techs remembered the machine quite well, I guess they didn't miss it.  This thing is a monster and mine is ugly the guy I bought it from stored it outside under a tarp for years. :( and it shows but the thought of getting my hands on a rare machine made me buy it 1000.00 or more latter I'm not sure I was smart to do so. But it has been fun but it's no beauty pageant winner that's for sure. So keep In mind when you see the pictures I was not bragging. It's like bagging the fat chick when you were drunk. 


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: StatFreak on April 18, 2010, 08:19:51 AM
Yes I will take pictures for sure, how ever the machine is in storage 1 1/2 hours away from me so it might be a week or two tell I go down there. As far as IGT making a coin pusher it is very rare to say the least I had quite a few so called experts say I didn't know what I was talking about. But I have talked to the vp over at IGT which surprisingly was very nice and helped me despite the fact usually IGT won't even talk to an end user. He and his techs remembered the machine quite well, I guess they didn't miss it.  This thing is a monster and mine is ugly the guy I bought it from stored it outside under a tarp for years. :( and it shows but the thought of getting my hands on a rare machine made me buy it 1000.00 or more latter I'm not sure I was smart to do so. But it has been fun but it's no beauty pageant winner that's for sure. So keep In mind when you see the pictures I was not bragging. It's like bagging the fat chick when you were drunk.  

 :208- :208- :208-  I had to give you a K+ for the laugh.

Pageant winner or not, consider that you will be showing the pictures to the rest of your drunk chumps -- er -- chums who frequent the same bar! :5- :30-
I'm sure that we're going to enjoy seeing the pictures. :183- :183-  :151- :198-  :211-


Stat :31-


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 26, 2010, 07:53:40 PM
Okay here they are don't laugh, any carpentry experts in the so cal area want to help me build a new cabinet let me know. I also at some point will want some plating done if you guys have any recommendations.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 26, 2010, 07:54:18 PM
more sorry it will only let me do two at a time?


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 26, 2010, 07:54:41 PM
more


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 26, 2010, 07:55:04 PM
more


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: Thor777 on April 26, 2010, 08:00:13 PM
K+... thanks for the pics,   :244-  I had no idea IGT ever made such a machine !  :103-


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 26, 2010, 08:30:57 PM
Yes I wonder how many or still left out there? Has anyone seen one of these in the last 10-15 years? I remember seeing similar machines in the casino years ago but I have no idea who made them as I was an underage kid then lol. I'm only 3 years older then this machine and in similar condition or feel that way anyhow :) If I ever have the money to restore this all the way it may become my pride and joy. My dad for some reason is nuts for it and shows it off to anyone that will look at it. I'm embarrassed of it because it is trashed but I know it has the potential to be very cool.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: StatFreak on April 27, 2010, 02:01:46 AM
I don't recall ever seeing an IGT coin pusher. That is very cool. :89-  :199- Thanks, and another K+ for posting the pictures. :3- :3-


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: Super Joker on April 27, 2010, 12:22:40 PM
Thanks for the pics!

I recall the Delta saloon in Virginia City having some old type of pusher. I never paid attention to it, just watched as friends lost quarters in it.

But then again, most pushers look alike. Gonna have to take a look at it next time I'm there.


Title: Re: Diode question
Post by: bulanek on April 27, 2010, 05:19:00 PM
Yes must pushers do look very similar, although I never remember them seeming as large as this I bought it from a picture and was quite shocked when I went to pick it up. I remember the bally version being a good amount smaller but I could be wrong.