by Handyman62 »
Tue Dec 30, 2008 4:43 am
Hi Janet,
Yes I did get the machine working. I was able to locate the correct scoring wheel and replace the defective one. The main problem I had was not having a schematic or any information and the fact there were several defective components, disconnected wires and apparent experiments by the previous owner. I had to replace the scoring wheel, a micro switch, a relay coil, the buzzer and a few other odds and ends.
Anyway, it works like a champ now and I really enjoyed working on it. Since I am working on this machine for my gameroom, I have converted it to a penny machine, like the old arcade units were. I removed the door, which held the quarter coin mech and replace it with a solid panel oak door, complete with scroll work like the 30's machines. I then cut a coin slot into the metal disk next to the handle (again like the 30's machines) and used a flexible coin chute to carry the coin to the coin box on the inside wall of the cabinet. I placed a micro switch at the bottom of the chute, which activates the start relay coil when the penny passes. Since this machine is for my enjoyment, I did not bother with a slug rejector. I could care less if someone puts a coin or a slug, I'm not making money at a penny a pop anyway. However, should anyone ever desire, you could add a coin mech at the bottom of the chute where I placed the micro switch. The switch I used is out of a coin mech.
Tell your son, the way this machine operates is quite basic, when you understand the circuit and component functions. Basically, the coin operates a relay coil. That coil in turn provides power to the handle. When you squeeze the handle, power is provided to another relay coil, which in turn provides power to a small electric motor and the buzzer. The electric motor has a shaft with a cam. As the shaft turns, it operates a micro switch each 1/2 turn. This micro switch provides power on and off to a circuit which passes through a 455 bulb and then to the scoring wheel. Each time the micro switch operates, it causes the circuit to move the scoring wheel. Each time the scoring wheel moves, it completes the circuit to one of the lights in the top of the cabinet. (Of course this is all happening very quickly, so the lights are turning on and off up and down the light display at a rapid rate). Anyway, this continues to the 455 bulb heats and opens the circuit. Whichever light is burning at that time continues to blink and provides your "love score". There are some other things happening, (like the first time the scoring wheel turns the solonoid plunger breaks a set of contacts, which deactivates the start relay), but that is pretty much how the machine operates. I hope this helps your son understand how it works.
I am now redoing the cabinet and metal work. I have fininshed the metal work on the top of the cabinet and the metal work beside the handle, with the exception of lettering instructions on the flat panels. I have made the new door and will now stain it and try to reactivate and clean, rather than refinish, the old finish on the cabinet. When I get it completed, I will post a before and after picture just for grins.
As far as being close to Ohio - not so much. I live in the great state of Georgia.
