Alright, I’ve read every thread I could find on BSD opto issues. I’ve also tried everything I can think of. I’m totally STUMPED.
Issue:
Everything on my BSD works great, but the LONG opto switch doesn’t work at distances further than 6 inches apart. The long opto is used to see if there’s a ball on the magnet as it moves across the playfield. I CAN get the long opto to work, but only if I physically place them close together to test them. They just won’t work at the long distance required (across the playfield).
Fixes I’ve tried:
-Swapped in different opto boards (both of them). No change.
-Swapped in a good half dozen opto senders AND receivers. No change. The receiver can’t pick up anything beyond about 6 inches of distance. I used NOS Williams/Bally’s senders/receivers.
-Swapped in a new shield cable for the opto. No change.
-I even picked up this:
http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/72-6771?green=779DAC1E-97AC-51DD-B070-DAAAF2FF2F95
The infrared detector card showed me exactly what I thought was happening. It showed the infrared beam more focused up close. At distance, the infrared (as shown on the detector card) washed out/spread out… until at distances beyond about 6 inches, the receiver can’t pick it up more.
Thoughts? I’m REALLY stumped on this one. Is there a long distance (focused) opto I’m supposed to be using? If so, where the heck would I find them? I can find plenty of optos, but nothing that doesn't wash out past 6 inches or so.
Thanks in advance!