Reel problem

[Nepa Coin Op]

I have an alpha quick hit here being a problem child


Reel 1 sometimes starts out spinning backwards sometimes ok sometimes chatters, give it help starting and it’s ok


Reel 1-2 swapped condition stays on reel 1
Reel changed from diff machines
Prob still stays on reel 1


I’m leaning towards either the transistor or what ever drives that reel or the harness which I have checked with an ohm meter and checks out ok
This has been pushed off to the side for months but tis da season so gonna go back to it
Any input is greatly appreciated
I’ve dug pretty deep into this and keep hitting the same wall

[Stayouttadabunker]

Have you swapped the MPU?

[sixcardmark]

I would try running a reel calibration.  Next would be swap the RCU board behind the reels, you may need a key.

[Nepa Coin Op]

How is a reel calib done on these ? It in the menu ? What kind of key do you mean ? I never dug this deep into one of these they’re usually pretty trouble free


Thanks

[sixcardmark]

Yes in the menu. 

Look just above the reels, you will see a locked metal box.

[Nepa Coin Op]

I see what you’re talking about, I popped that out and reseated the rom we will see what happens, still acts up I’ll change the trans for reel 1
I’m also getting error mechanical reels not configured
Never see that on any others that I can remember

[qbert]

Have you tried reseating the cable from the reels to the motherboard

[Nepa Coin Op]

Yea I reseated all the cables made no diff, I swapped the transistors from reels 1-5 we will see if that name a diff reel 5 on this don’t exist so I could get away doing that
I doubt it’s that but a trans could be breaking down, if it’s not that it’s an ic that controls the reel trans

[rickhunter]

Have you tried using a known good reel controller board (the one inside the tray right on top of the reels)?

[Nepa Coin Op]

Have you tried using a known good reel controller board (the one inside the tray right on top of the reels)?

That’s next, I have another alpha here I can borrow one from, if anyone has a good one I’d prob grab it, my guts leaning me in that direction

[dailey]

I had a similar problem with my Alpha. The reel went backwards and got an error: "Mech Reels not Configured".  In my case it was a bad reel driver optic board which is mounted on the reel assembly.  The board had a burned trace, I believe from a bad diode. I replaced the board and that solved the problem.


This may not be your problem but is easy to check.  (In this case the problem followed the reel)

[Nepa Coin Op]

That was my original thought, but my prob stays on reel Pos 1 no matter what reel is plugged in there
I’ve seen those reel optic boards cause crazy problems

[Nepa Coin Op]

Tried a known good rcu from a working alpha still have same issue

[sixcardmark]

Check the pins/wires on connector that reel #1 plugs into.  One may have pushed out.

[Sunrise Side]

Try clearing it with your clear card.

[Nepa Coin Op]

Tried that too
No luck

[Nepa Coin Op]

I'm suspecting the board on the back wall behind the reels at this point, whata you guys think ??