Blew My New Opto Board

[Skyntara]

Hi Guys,

The trough opto transmitter on my STTNG is a little flakey.

I thought I'd replace it with a nice new one.

Bought this - http://mrpinballa2.cart.net.au/details/2900858.html

Hooked it up to my 12V Supply and pretty sure it blew. I thought the LEDs might have integrated ICs or something but now I look at them I don't think they were meant for 12V.

When I searched that code A-18617 most sites show up boards with a few more components. What did I buy and did i blow it up?

What should I be trying to buy. Don't want big fat resistors failing so what's the best upgrade for the trough opto boards?

Thanks

Clancy

[Homepin]

*ALL* LEDs require either a resistor in series or circuitry to limit the current flow. You CANNOT simply connect them to a power supply.

"Big Ugly Resistors" are the simplest (and in my opinion) the most reliable option.

[pinsanity]

Get the replacement boards from here -

http://www.greatlakesmodular.com/

Look under Products for:

DCS-TR Ball Trough Receiver Board at $35US
DCS-TT Ball Trough Transmitter Board at $25US

These are an improved design over the original boards.

Shipping for both should be less than $20US.

[Skyntara]

Just want a replacement for the original.

The one I have has serious vibration problems and has been "repaired" many, many times. I tried to clean it up a bit and replaced the resistor that was most troublesome, but it still has issues.

So the new school ones with surface mount resistors etc, are they really better or is it just hype?

[Homepin]

Just want a replacement for the original.

The one I have has serious vibration problems and has been "repaired" many, many times. I tried to clean it up a bit and replaced the resistor that was most troublesome, but it still has issues.

So the new school ones with surface mount resistors etc, are they really better or is it just hype?

"Surface Mount" is for all practical purposes "unrepairable" - that's why we stick with through hole components on all our boards at Homepin. Surface mount is used in pinballs for ONE reason only - cost cutting! For other applications such as MP3 players etc that's fine - they are made by machines in huge numbers and only cost $10 so disposable is OK.

We will be making these trough boards but that is in the future. I can assure you ours will use "big ugly resistors" but upgraded to 3W as they are now the same physical size as 2W of yesterday. Ours will also provide additional support for the resistors and include the grommet vibration mods.

Actually I don't think the resistors are ugly at all - they look quite cute with their stripy coloured bands.........

We are also looking at making late model Stern boards as they are failing at a horendous rate and are becoming unavailable as a spare part for machines as new as Shrek!!!!

Ours will be upgraded to use through hole parts