IDOL OPTO HELP PLEASE-

Aloha, I run a Brewpub on the Island of Kauai. I have the only (public) pinball machines on island and there's no technicians on island, so I try to do all the maintenance myself, rather than flying someone in.

Game is going into ball search mode when it starts Multiball. Looks like I have an opto receiver under the idol that isn't working. I replaced it about a year ago and it worked till recently. I replaced it with a new opto and it didn't work, tried with another new opto (in case my soldering job wasn't that great), and still didn't work.

I checked the opposite opto transmitter with another receiver from the subway and it showed up on the switch matrix, so I know the transmitter is good and it's the receiver that is not.

I'm attaching 4 photos. One of the switch matrix. In the center column of the matrix, you can see towards the bottom there's a missing light... I'm guessing that' the opto that's not registering- but I'm not sure.... looks like the matrix calls it 'Top Post'

2 pictures of the opto- one close up with the Orange/ Brown wire and Gray/ Yellow wire.

I traced those wires to the board in the other picture, (Opto PCB Assembly Board- for Idol) and reseated all the connections on the way there. The game came with a spare board. Both look brand new. I swithed the board and no dice.

Any input would be appreciated.... I'll buy you a beer if you make it to Kauai.

Thank You

IJ Switch matrix (resized).JPG

IJ board (resized).JPG

IJ Idol (resized).JPG

IJ Opto (resized).JPG

Thanks for the reply TractorDoc- I actually had the same problem- broken diod on that switch. I fixed it, but still have the issue listed above

Please identify this wire wrapped around the post on the idol.

It's solid Gray, and disconnected at both ends. The game goes into ball search mode when multiball starts.

I've found a problem with the receiver opto pictured below, and can't figure it out. I've switched it out twice and it still doesn't work. I've moved the transmitter to a different receiver and can see on the switch matrix that the transmitter works, but can't get the receiver to register on the matrix.

Thanks for any input.

IMG_3375 (resized).JPG

IMG_3377 (resized).JPG

This is a picture of the opto receiver that I can't get to work....

IJ Opto (resized).JPG

IMG_3378 (resized).JPG