Old Grayhound skill crane 1988

[becknutt]

Hi - I've read a lot of posts here and did not locate anything on this problem...

When powered on the crane seems to be stuck in test mode. Display flashes 10-18 19-88  (version, date.)

Initially the carriage would move forward, and the motor would not stop. You could hear it trying to keep moving forward. I replaced the little foam piece on the case that presses the switch on the carriage (That I thought should tell it to stop) and now the carriage moves forward and back continuously. While the display counts down from 60, then displays 00-00 (Not flashing) and the carriage continues going back and forth until powered off.

The circuit boards are dated 03 so they were replaced at some point.

Any ideas?

Thanks!!

[becknutt]

Update - Threw setting the dip switches to test mode, it ran through a full cycle, moving all directions, claw dropped, closed and retracted correctly. I put it back to play mode and it keeps trying to go forward again. :-/

[Xiaou2]

 Various things to try:

 Test all upper carriage Limit-Switches with a multimeter.    If they all register without any trouble,  then make sure they are being depressed fully when the carriage fully extends.

 If pully system... check to make sure that belt isnt slipping.   When rubber gets old... and or dirty, it loses its grip and or elasticity.  Use rubber cleaner / re-new..   or at least rubbing alcohol, to clean the belts and pullys.

 Check the PCB for any loose connections / connectors.   Pull the relays if they come up... then re-seat (with game off).   

 Check all connectors for any blackened areas, and or loose / bad pin connections... where a short may have taken place.

 Check PCB for any capacitors that are bulging at the top,  possibly leaking.  Also,  Sniff the board to see if you detect any smoky smells from burnt electronics.

 If relays pop out, try swapping them around with the others.

 Check actual games microswitches to make sure they work well.. and are not shorted out from some soda spill.

 Check for loose soldier joints..  soldier than looks more grayish than shinny.  Re-Heat and reflow the areas as needed.

 You could also check the power supply,  for proper voltages.  Many power supplies can be cranked up a little if they have fallen under voltages.  If possible, Disconnect boards before attempting to turn up the voltage pot.. as you could accidentally fry them.

 Most crane issues are either mechanical,  or they are connector related.

[becknutt]

Thank you for the tips. I will try these today and keep you posted. :-)

[becknutt]

A limit switch on the carriage was the culprit! Thanks!

Next issue... Upon powering on, I still don't get the 00's flashing. I'm getting power to the coin slot but not getting credits. Runs through the test modes with the dip switches fine.

 

It's a fun project, my first arcade machine.

[becknutt]

UPDATE: As it turns out most of my issues were wiring related. It was a painstaking process to figure out what had been done to it by previous owners. Wiring all straightened out and I'm in this machine (full of toys) $40. Working like it was new, and ready to take all the neighborhood kids quarters!