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cheapy 'Zero Delay' USB encoder
pbj:
I don't know, man, that should have been fairly idiot proof. Are you sure your coin mech is actually pulsing out voltage like it's supposed to? I'd hook a DMM to the wires and make sure you're actually seeing something when a coin goes through it.
InfantSorrow:
--- Quote from: pbj on February 25, 2014, 01:58:16 pm ---I don't know, man, that should have been fairly idiot proof. Are you sure your coin mech is actually pulsing out voltage like it's supposed to? I'd hook a DMM to the wires and make sure you're actually seeing something when a coin goes through it.
--- End quote ---
In software dev, we have a saying. "Programming today is a race between software engineers striving to build bigger and better idiot- proof programs, and the Universe trying to produce bigger and better idiots. So far, the Universe is winning." lol
I wouldn't put it past me, mucking something up. I think the coin mech is pulsing, because when I put the coin mech on NC, I read 4.5v on the pulse and ground wire... and when I drop a coin it drops the voltage. (checking this on a digital multi meter)
Maybe what I have the relay pins pegged wrong.
pbj:
You need to run the NO line from your coin mech to the relay.
The idea is that your coin mech pulses and clicks the relay. If you're only getting 4.5V over the NO when a coin clears, it may not be enough voltage to drive your relay.
PL1:
Did you remove the zener diode?
The zener diode acts differently than the normal (snubber) diode shown below.
In plumbing terms a diode is a spring-loaded one-way valve, and the zener diode adds an over-pressure (over-voltage) relief valve.
A 5v zener will prevent the coil for developing enough voltage to close a 12v relay.
1. Try it without a snubber diode.
If that doesn't work,
2. Try swapping the coil leads.
Scott
InfantSorrow:
--- Quote from: PL1 on February 25, 2014, 10:25:51 pm ---Did you remove the zener diode?
The zener diode acts differently than the normal (snubber) diode shown below.
In plumbing terms a diode is a spring-loaded one-way valve, and the zener diode adds an over-pressure (over-voltage) relief valve.
A 5v zener will prevent the coil for developing enough voltage to close a 12v relay.
1. Try it without a snubber diode.
If that doesn't work,
2. Try swapping the coil leads.
Scott
--- End quote ---
I removed the zener diode long ago when I picked up that the coin mech always pulses at 4.5v without one.
I actually didnt use a snubber diodr between the ground and pulse wire!
Maybe that is the problem. I will pick one up at store later.
Will give feedback.
I actually ordered other encoder types last week, i'm hoping they operate more conventionally.
Thanks again,
The infant