Sigma SG-32B Handle Arm Stuck -Explain the theory...

[modessitt]

I'm trying to figure out how this handle is supposed to work.  When it came in, the handle was stuck in the down position.  I pulled the mechanism apart until I figured out where it latched, and I got it unlatched - but now it is stuck up.  The slot plays fine if you push the START button on the panel, but I think the client would want to play it with the arm, too.

What I can't figure out is how the arm releases when a credit is registered.  The only wires to the mechanism are to the microswitch that registers when the arm is completely down.  I see the little lock-latch in the back that has a spring on it, and I lubricated it so that it now spins much more freely, but how does it allow the arm to move down when a credit is entered, and then back up?  I'm beginning to wonder if the arm ever locks (meaning it may not be positioned properly or needs a tighter spring), and is always free to move, and only spins the reels if a credit is registered?  If that was the case, then I could remove that latch-lock completely.

And of course the manual that came with it does not show the handle mechanism at all....

[stayouttadabunker]

Most arms have a lever attached to the plunger of a solenoid.
When a coin is accepted, the MPU sends a signal to the solenoid to pull on the plunger
which then releases ( unlocks) the arm lever to allow the arm handle to be pulled.
When the game is finished, the solenoid returns to the locked position.

Check the wires leading to the wire tabs on that handle solenoid. Might be loose.

[modessitt]

That was my thought as well, but there is no solenoid.  The only wiring coming to the handle mechanism is to the microswitch  Lemme see if it was removed, or if I can get a pic...

[ROCKET]

I'm trying to figure out how this handle is supposed to work.  When it came in, the handle was stuck in the down position.  I pulled the mechanism apart until I figured out where it latched, and I got it unlatched - but now it is stuck up.  The slot plays fine if you push the START button on the panel, but I think the client would want to play it with the arm, too.

What I can't figure out is how the arm releases when a credit is registered.  The only wires to the mechanism are to the microswitch that registers when the arm is completely down.  I see the little lock-latch in the back that has a spring on it, and I lubricated it so that it now spins much more freely, but how does it allow the arm to move down when a credit is entered, and then back up?  I'm beginning to wonder if the arm ever locks (meaning it may not be positioned properly or needs a tighter spring), and is always free to move, and only spins the reels if a credit is registered?  If that was the case, then I could remove that latch-lock completely.

And of course the manual that came with it does not show the handle mechanism at all....

what  you said could very well be the case the pull arm moves never locks only works when a credit is inserted .. it coud  be just fine if only 2--wires-go to mro swtch & no solenoid  go to it ..

[stayouttadabunker]

Sounds like a free mechanism that only needs a single micro-switch
that acts in parallel to the "Spin" button.

The handle must remain upright somehow -
perhaps with a spring latch that has some sort of
an metal indentation to hold the handle in place while in idle mode.
The spring holding it there might give off a clicking sound as the handle is pulled.

Since this is an electromechanical machine, it uses the large spring to give
the player the sensation/resistance of pulling the handle on a real mechanical reel machine.

[modessitt]

Yeah, that's what it looks like.  The latch-lock is just there for "sound effect".  And it's not EM, as it has a circuit board like the IGT S+, too.

Well, the guy wants to spend as little as possible to get it running, so I took the latch-lock out.  When the handle is pulled all the way down, it triggers the microswitch and the reels spin.  The spring tension on the handle is sufficient enough to return the handle to it's up position without being difficult to pull down, so I just need to replace all 3 fluorescent bulbs and see why the door won't shut tight on the bottom.

Thanks, guys...

[stayouttadabunker]

Many times,
The reason for the door being ajar at the bottom is due to
the coin tray tabs not being fully inserted into its cabinet slots.