Whirlwind drop target not popping back up during play

GameyMcGame

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Whirlwind drop target not popping back up during play

Strange...The back drop target pops up at power on but wont do it during play. Is this an opto board issue?

Thanks!
 
Strange...The back drop target pops up at power on but wont do it during play. Is this an opto board issue?

Thanks!

It is most likely the opto. They have a tendency for the thin wire inside the U-shaped housing to break. You can usually verify they they are working by dropping the PCB from the assembly and using a digital video camera. Point it at the transmitter (they are on all the time the game is on). If it is transmitting, you'll see a faint blue light. If you see light, the problem is most likely the wire is broken on the receiver. No light, the problem is obviously the transmitter.

To fix mine, I unsoldered the sensor, this let me verify that the wire was broken. Mark the orientation so you don't get mixed up when you reinstall the opto. I then had to break away part of the plastic side to get access to the remaining wire. I then soldered a piece of wire onto what was left. After resoldering the opto to the PCB, secure it with some silicone caulk to try and prevent the wire from breaking again. Also make sure you put a dab of silicone on the other optos at the three bank target assembly.

I had to repair optos for the single target and one at the three bank assembly. They all work fine now.

The completed repair on the three bank PCB (no silicone installed yet).

dsc6782large.jpg
 
Last edited:
Marco does. You need the four wire version, not the five:
http://www.marcospecialties.com/product.asp?ic=5490-10159-00

I'd suggest you first try fixing it as I detailed. Either way you are going to have to unsolder and solder on a part. If you mess up, no harm done and you can buy a new one from Marco. If it works, you saved yourself $5 + shipping + waiting around for the part.
 
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