Coin-in Timeout

[Kringle]

I recently got a new MultiPoker (super board?) for my IGT bartop machine.  When I installed, it gave me an Coin-in timeout error.   I wasn't having this issue with the old single game bonus poker board.  Could it be something in the board programming?  or do I have a new issue?  In the self test, coin deflector C reads "0".  I'm not sure, but I think it should read "1"  I'm also not sure where the C sensor is in the coin mech.  I tried cleaning the coin mech and reseating all the connectors related.  This happens on startup.  I also, left the machine on for several hours to see if that helped, but no difference.  Any ideas?

   

[jay]

Sounds like a new problem to me.

Coin in is a two stage game.

You typically have a coin comparitor.
It checks if the coin dropped in matches the sample coin and then rejects it if the metal properties are different.
Canadian Quarter vs US quarter, vs Penny, etc.
This does not cause a 21 .....

Next is the coin optic board below the comparator.
There are 3 sensors inside this small set of boards. Known as an ABC optic.

As a coin passes the first optic (A) it changes from 1 to 0 and then back to 1.
The zero indicates that the optic sensor is blocked - presumably by the coin as it passes.
This is repeated with the B and C optics.

It is checking that each optic is blocked in sequence and at a certain speed (gravity).

So someone stringing a coin (putting a coin on a string) and pulling it back up to put on multiple free credits (Cheating) would not have the coin drop in at the right speed (too slow) and if it was pulled back up the optics trigger in reverse order. All of which will cause a 21 - Coin Tilt error.

The optic is two boards held together with a spacer in between You can clean this with a q-tip and some water. Do not use alcohol. This might fix it.

You can test it by going to the input test screen - they should all be reading a 1, using a popsicle stick or a bit of thin card board in similar shape you can insert that into your coin slot and trigger the optics.

[Kringle]

I did look at that optic last night.  I saw the 2 boards separated with the holes to allow the sensors to see each other on both sides of the coin.  I cleaned all of those holes and sensors with a damp qtip even though they looked clean already.  The little white button on that board seems to trigger "deflector B" rather than "c".   So, the sensors on that board are A,B,C??

I also happen to have a spare comparitor which I tried and got the same result.  It's just the comparitor though and not the entire mech. 

I had read somewhere that machines with a coin jam push button can use an additional optic sensor.  Not even sure if I'm saying that correctly or if it's at all relevant to my issue.  I just thought perhaps something with the new board was incompatible with my coin comparitor.   

[jay]

It would not be an incompatibility but in the same breath I would not rule out that something could be wrong with your new board.

I would start by popping in your old board. Does the problem go away ?? if so then this rules out any hardware issues with the coin handling.

If the problem goes away. Then I would suggest we run a clear chip through the new MPU and see if there is any behavior change. If it remains we continue trouble shooting the optics.

[Kringle]

OK thanks.  I sent an email off to Alan, hopefully he'll get back soon.  I had sent him my old board because it had an issue that was causing the screen to go pixel screwy.  He had sold me an upgraded replacement board as mine was going to be a hassle to fix I guess.  But he didn't send the old one back, knowing it was bad I suppose.  I'll mess with the coin optics again tonight.  Just seems a coincidence it would start at the exact time as a new board install.  Hopefully it's nothing big, just anxious to get it running for a few seniors who'd really love to play it.

Thanks to all for input!