Main > Main Forum

Reset coin counter to Zero?

<< < (4/6) > >>

Jdurg:
In my case, my big question is what type of signal does the KeyWiz output?  Couldn't I just wire my counter up to the coin-switch and have the voltage come from the signal generated by the KeyWiz, and just tie the ground into the ground on my encoder circuit?  My counter is a 4.5/6V counter and if it's getting a feed from the encoder it shouldn't cause any damage to it.  (I have trouble understanding how something can damage itself with a signal it generates).

mountain:

--- Quote from: Jdurg on April 14, 2008, 12:46:16 pm ---In my case, my big question is what type of signal does the KeyWiz output?  Couldn't I just wire my counter up to the coin-switch and have the voltage come from the signal generated by the KeyWiz, and just tie the ground into the ground on my encoder circuit?  My counter is a 4.5/6V counter and if it's getting a feed from the encoder it shouldn't cause any damage to it.  (I have trouble understanding how something can damage itself with a signal it generates).

--- End quote ---

The only output from an encoder is through the USB or PS2 cable. The ground "output" is just a ground. The counter needs to see the ground pulse from the switch to register a number change. The encoder needs to see the pulse to tell the computer that a "key" has been pressed.

Jdurg:
I think that's what I was getting at, but in a more convoluted manner.  I'll have to draw something up.  I just know that there has to be some flow of electrons through the encoder in order for a signal to be registered, and that a flow of electrons through the meter causes the counter to change.

DaOld Man:

--- Quote from: Jdurg on April 14, 2008, 04:26:04 pm ---I think that's what I was getting at, but in a more convoluted manner.  I'll have to draw something up.  I just know that there has to be some flow of electrons through the encoder in order for a signal to be registered, and that a flow of electrons through the meter causes the counter to change.

--- End quote ---

The counter most likely will draw more CURRENT than the keywiz can sink.
It will probably draw more current than the PC's PS2 or USB port can handle.
If you power the counter from the keywiz +5 volt supply you are taking a very big chance.
I WOULDNT DO IT.
But if you do, tell us how it turns out.
I think we discussed this in another thread.

DaOld Man:

--- Quote from: mountain on April 14, 2008, 12:34:02 pm ---Thanks for the explanation. Please post or PM me what you have, you have my attention  :cheers:

--- End quote ---

OK, I am no expert, but let me start by explaining what a opto isolator (also called opto coupler) is and how it works.
It is a small package that contains an led and a photo transistor (some have photo triacs and photo scrs, but Im not getting into those here.)
you supply current to the led side, it lights up (inside the package, you cant see it), and it basically turns on a photo transistor. The transistor is like a switch, but its current capacity is limited.
Here is a very simple drawing of a opto isolator:

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page

[*] Previous page

Go to full version