Mills antique collectors slot machine. Found on Craigs List

[Op-Bell]

Oh! It is a timer, a time delay relay of some kind. At this point I can't say anything more about it, whether it's a delay-on or delay-off or just puts out a pulse of definite length. To go any further you'll have to discover a part number, probably on the outside casing. The solenoid behind the coin acceptor is the coin lockout coil. It pulls in to allow a coin to drop through, then after the coin is detected it drops out to stop any more going through. It should stay released (blocking coins) until the handle is pulled, which would be a function of the relay (maybe) or some switch worked by the mechanism. You will have to dig in further to find out. This won't be a very complex circuit, though. Something that latches to remember that a coin was played, a solenoid to release the handle to be pulled, and a contact somewhere to reset everything when the mechanism cycles.

[shortrackskater]

Okay I've started digging and found three other micro-switches on the mechanism that I'm sure set and reset things. First, however I posted pictures of what isn't getting energized...the  solenoid which physically moves a lever to lock and unlock the arm. There are four contact dots on the back of the mechanism with connections to the solenoid (on that arm) and then to the various micro-switches on the mechanism. Those "dots" make contact as the mechanism is slid back into the case, against four copper tabs. Do you know what kind of voltage a solenoid takes? Sorry if I'm sounding so dependent here; I'm trying to look up and learn things on the internet but sometimes there's literally too much information out there. Bottom line is I think I need to see first, if there's anything getting to those tabs before I probe further so I can start to rule out some areas. Thank you.

[Op-Bell]

It will be whatever voltage the transformer is putting out, probably. I don't think they would hook up a 240V solenoid through exposed studs like that. So probably 12V

[Amachanic]

Hi Mark... Have you tested the solenoid with the ohm meter to make sure it's still good? You should get some resistance if it's good, if you get nothing that solenoid could be bad..

[Jackpot]

Hi Mark,

Well.....I haven't had much luck either. I work on tons of machine and have since 1969. My guess is a Mills Open front, mechanical machine with a coin rejector. I am thinking that it may of been reworked to give it a new look and action at some point. It does fit in with the M head type machines and the open fronts of the 60's. One thing I see leads me to think that it may be a fourion machine, and reworked to U.S.A. coins but I may be very wrong also. It's the design of the cabnet sides and the formica, looks like a sega type machine design to me. In reading your post, I see that your having coin in problems, and this sounds like it could be a coin lock out armature causing this problem, if it is, you can remove the lock out lever so the coin will drop through the coin rejector. I have seen a lot of strange machines, and this is another one for my list! Sorry I don't have anything new to add to help you identify this machine.

Thank You!

Jackpot
http://www.coinslots.com

[shortrackskater]

Sorry Amachanic and Jackpot that it's taken me so long to reply! I took a break from this slot for awhile. I did measure the resistance of that solenoid and got about 70 ohms or so on my meter. I'd like to test the solenoid - this is the solenoid that locks and unlocks the arm. I have no idea what kind of voltage to put on it. Any ideas? I think it I can rule out that it's the problem, then I can move backward and trace from there.
Thank you.

[shortrackskater]

To whoever cares...it's FIXED! Thanks to someone I met from Craigslist who I think is on this forum, it's now working. The problem was NOT the solenoid or anything electric. The handle lock/unlock mechanism was simply too tight, maybe just from being slightly gummed up. I backed off two large "high torque" screws and the arm immediately freed up. I put some light lube on the area and re-tightened the screws tight but not cranked down. When the machine cycles through, the handle now locks!
Again, thanks to those who helped. I need to troubleshoot a little better next time and look at the obvious.