Big Choice Claw Machine problems

Edziu23

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First I want to introduce myself, My name is Ed and I am becoming an arcade room junky. I started by purchasing a Ms Pacman multicade as a wedding gift for my wife. I will need help with restoring it and possibly changing it from a 4 in 1 multicade to a larder one but have a few questions about a Big choice crane game that I recently purchased as it doesnt work at all.

The game has a joystick and a flashing light will come on when the coins are put in. I cant find any other information on the unit. It has one circuit board with two fuses that I replaced.

I would like to preface by saying that I am fairly mechanical but have never worked on circuit boards so I have a few questions.

What is happening is that when a quarter is placed into the machine the timer light comes on and flashes but the crane doesn't move. I checked and the transformer is functional and the board is receiving 30+ volts I also checked and the two fuses on the board are functional. The board looks like it is in decent shape there are no burn marks on it however it is pretty dusty.

When I turn the unit on/off the claw open and closes but that is the only movement it makes.



My questions are:



1) Does this sound like a board problem?

2) Could it only be a relay problem on the board?

4) How can I be sure I need a new board?

5) Any ideas what my next step would be?


THanks in advance. If it would help I could possibly post some pictures.

ED
 
Start by checking the joy stick switches. They are wired daisy chained, so if one wire if unplugged, none of them will work. Do you hear clicking of the relays when you move the joystick? Start there if you already checked the voltages.
 
I hear clicking when I move the joystick 3 ways. When I move the joystick forward it doesnt move. I checked the wiring and a tab broke off, I am assuming that this could be the problem. Would I have to buy a new joystick or can I solder the tab back on?

Also when I activate the coin acceptor the timer light goes on and then flashes for 5 seconds then goes out. I am assuming that it is supposed to flash for longer is that a good asumption?
 
I hear clicking when I move the joystick 3 ways. When I move the joystick forward it doesnt move. I checked the wiring and a tab broke off, I am assuming that this could be the problem. Would I have to buy a new joystick or can I solder the tab back on?

Also when I activate the coin acceptor the timer light goes on and then flashes for 5 seconds then goes out. I am assuming that it is supposed to flash for longer is that a good asumption?


Well, if its a tab, its just on a switch. So just replace the bad switch and you should be good. There are 4 switches on the joystick that are held in by 2 screws each. Switches are easy to get. As far as the timer, not sure. There are dip switches that control the amount of time you get, and how many credits you get with a certain amount of money. Its best to get a manual and check your dips.
 
Thanks I am going to replace the broken joystick switch. I see there are several more wires that go from the board but do not connect to the joystick. There were two connections that were not attached with wires, I picked what I thought were the most reasonable wires but want to make sure I was right. Is there any standard way that the wires are run to joysticks?

As far as he dip switches go I am not sure where they are on this board. As you can see in the picture there are two dials. From the research I have done i think the top left dial is supposed to control the claw strength. The one in the middle doesnt move when turned. I am not sure if the rust toward the top of the board affects the function or not.

I will try and call the Elaut company tomorrow to get a drawing, but from what i have gathered there really isnt much for info or manuals on these.


Thanks for the help.
 

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Yea I was afraid of that. I was hoping that it was only a relay on the board. I ordered a switch for the joystick and will go from there. Havent had a chance to call the company yet.

I did find a board with all wiring harnesses that may just be the way to go, but it costs $280. Just want to make sure I am covering all of the bases before investing $ if it is not needed.

I could probably call someone in to take a look at it, but would prefer the challenge even if i have to pay a little more to learn. Plus I am stubborn.
 
Post up a WTB for a board on here. Took me a while to find one for my Bear Claw, but someone on here has got to have one. Itll be alot cheaper then 280.
 
Joystick and Microswitches question

Well I put a new to me (untested) board in and it still doesnt work. As you can tell from my previous pictures the machine was sitting in a damp garage for a year or two. I am now wondering if the motors are now shot? but think that I should double check the joystick first. I played around with things so much I want to make sure I am putting them back right. So I have a few questions.

1)In looking at the drawings for the machine the colors of the wires on the drawing and what I actually have on my 15 pin harness are not the same. I am pretty sure I now know what is supposed to be what. Seem logical?

2)On one page of the manual it says things like Pin 13 orange drop claw n/o
Should I assume that the drop claw micro-switch should have an orange wire on the NO3 tab?

3) What should be connected to the other tabs of the micro-switches?

4)In the manual there were 3 black wires on pins 6,7,8 that were labeled as either ground or ground common, in my harness they are blue/white, purple, red with the purple and red being daisy chained. Which part of the microswitch should these be connected to?

5) What is the other tab on the microswitch for? NC2 or Com 1?


Basically if someone can school me on Microswitches I would appreciate it. Thanks
 
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