Steering Wheel not working

[darthpaul]

I'm looking for a little assistance with my steering wheel problem. I picked up a Badlands Steering Wheel.



Before I modified it, I connected it to my optipac to check if it worked and it did, the connector was just a little loose so I re-soldered it and thought I was good to go.





Here is my modification but now it doesn't work. I used my digital camera to check the optics and I can see the LED is working, is there any other way to check to see what is wrong?



 

[BadMouth]

I only know enough to get by, but I've messed optical encoders for steering wheels, so.....

Not much there to test
+
-
signal A
signal B

+ & - should be good if the LED is working

I'd start by testing the continuity between the detector side and the end of your wiring harness connector.

You can also put the leads between the ground and each of the signals on the detector side.
There should be voltage present when the light is let through (I'd assume 5v, but I've never used an optipac).

[darthpaul]

Just an update, I found a guy who is selling the optos for this board, $7.00 shipped or 2 for $10, I ordered 2, just in case.

[DaOld Man]

I think you should try what badmouth suggested, check continuity between the solder joints on the opto thingy to the other end of the cable.
It could be a loose connection.
Or you might have damaged the receiver part of the optics some how. It is just a light activated transistor, sort of, hooking it up backwards or static electricity or surges might damage it.