Reel reader, 5v Led IR question

[einad]

If I put my Bally's series E into test mode 5, the reel reader test, and I look at the IR LED's with a camera, reader 1 and 2 all 5 LED's are on, but they are flickering, I'll say .5sec on, .5sec off, and reel reader 3 is constantly on, but one IR LED is dead (will fix it), are they supposed to flicker or be on constantly?

Thanks

[MarkInAz]

Hi Einad,

That's a very good question and an interesting observation.   You might think that they would be all on or all off together, but there is more to it.  Reviewing the diagrams you can see what is happening. On command from the microprocessor they are strobed, turning on & off as needed.  Also, as they are using VCC (+5VDC) to drive the LEDs there should not be any flickering like you might see in an AC powered bulb. So to answer you question I'd have to say yes, the flickering is normal.  Although  1/2s does seem oddly slow.

[einad]

Thanks MarkInAz
Thanks for the info, yes that cleared it up,  do you have a schematic of the I/O board, as I am trying to trace a problem but it's a bit difficult without it.

Thanks

[MarkInAz]

[einad]

Thanks

[litterbox99]

I'm working on a E2000 w/5vdc card reader LED's also.

I have been unable to get a good test 5.

Test 5 doesn't show a change when I move the
reels.

I did the same as you, used my camera to
watch the IR LED's in test 5.

I experienced the same observation;

The LED's on Reader's 1 & 2 strobe and 3
are constantly on.


I have this question....

When I look at Bally's schematic's, it shows 5vdc real mech's
use the controller board w/DIP switches.

And 50v real mech's use the controller board without
DIP switches...

My three reel mech has 5v LED's but the controller
board has no DIP switches.

Are these 'controller' boards interchangeable
regardless of 'light' voltage ?

 

[MarkInAz]

Hi Litterbox,

I'd say they probably are interchangeable, though I've never tried it myself.  Looking closely at the schematics I see the biggest functional difference is the DIP switches.  The 50 VAC and the 5 VDC take different paths no matter which board you use. The older AS-2983-1 board allowed reel spin time variations only by soldering in diodes on the back of the board,  The newer control board AS-2983-2 has the DIP switches installed to make it easier for casino operators to adjust this feature.  So like I said, I think they are interchangeable. 

There is a test routine in one of my other Bally books.  Let me know if you need more info on troubleshooting the reels & I'll dig it out.

Cheers,
Mark

[litterbox99]

I took a closer look and it appears that I
have a few intermittent connections at
the readers and controller board. 

The headers on the wiring harness have
an IDC type right angle connector.

I usually have good luck using a small screwdriver
and needle nose to drive the wire deeper into
the connector. This time it's not working for me.

What is the 'right' tool for this ?

I ordered some 16 pos .100
headers/pins to crimp up and I'll
just redo the whole mech.

While I'm waiting for the connectors, can
I use another reel mech, for testing,
regardless of reader voltage ?

[MarkInAz]

I would not do it.  Too many variables: number of reels, E1000 or E2000, any modifications previous owners may had performed.  I'd worry about inducing new problems.  Try to be patient.  At this point you know what you have to deal with.