Opto Switch question

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CftBL
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Opto Switch question

Post by CftBL »

Are the LED's on opto switches extremely heat sensitive?
I found that the opto switch on one of my poppers died. i swapped it for an opto switch on a different row/column of the switch matrix and the circuit works fine, so I know it is indeed the opto. I bought two new sets so I'd have a spare and replaced both the transmitter and receiver. I solder the new ones in, hooked it up and nothing. Scratched my head, and de-soldered and put the second set in. Still the switch is not working properly. Only thing I can figure is that I was set to high on heat and literally burned out the LEDs. has anyone else had this issue?
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Ken
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Re: Opto Switch question

Post by Ken »

Do you have a meter? If so, you can check to see if the heat wrecked them (doubtful).
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TomGWI
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Re: Opto Switch question

Post by TomGWI »

Might have a wire that disconnected down stream from the switch. Use the switch matrix and trace the wires back to the other switches.
CftBL
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Re: Opto Switch question

Post by CftBL »

I didn't even try to use a meter on an IR LED; when I was reading the manufacturer's website, they said a DMM gave erratic results and wanted me to buy some special meter. After Ken mentioned it, I checked it, and found that I had reversed the anode and cathode on the quick disconnect when I re-pinned it. :(
No matter how many times I redid the connection on the transmitter, it wasn't going to work...
That's twice now a stupid mistake like that has cost me lots of wasted time. You figure I'd learn someday
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Ken
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Re: Opto Switch question

Post by Ken »

CftBL wrote:I checked it, and found that I had reversed the anode and cathode on the quick disconnect when I re-pinned it. :(
That was the first thing I was going to say but didn't want to sound condescending. And wasn't sure of the setup and if it was possible to reverse. So it's working?
CftBL
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Re: Opto Switch question

Post by CftBL »

You wouldn't have sounded condescending; well unless you started with "hey dumbass..." but I would've laughed at it, checked it, the slapped my forehead with my palm

Yes, it's all functional now; my Creature is playable again.

The problem started when I failed to power down to change a bulb, and accidentally touched the edge of my opto board with a bulb base. I saw a spark, said some choice words, then proceeded to work through a series of switch issues. The opto switch (the start of the problem) was the last thing to get fixed.

Thanks for aiming me in the right way

Cheers!
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