reel optics question

[Talarspeed]

I'm working my way through a 42 error. Browsing previous posts on this issue, I've seen a reference to checking and cleaning the reel optics. Where are these? Does anyone have a picture of this?


This machine is a very early S+ Triple Diamond.
10mhz board
SP1137
SS4779


Thank you!

[slots4home]

I would try switching reels to see if the code follows the reel. In the case of 42 is reel 2 if you move it to 3 position see if it can he’s to 43 code or vice virsa
If you look on the inside of the reel you will see where the black plastic tab goes thru a u shape plastic, that is the optic

[knagl]

If you look on the inside of the reel you will see where the black plastic tab goes thru a u shape plastic, that is the optic

To expand on that, the "black plastic tab" runs the entire circumference of the inside of the reel basket, and has cutouts in it that almost look like Morse code.  The U-shaped enclosure that those cutouts spin through are the optic assembly.  Beyond maybe taking a little bit of compressed air and shooting it in there, there's not a lot you can or should need to do with the reel optics.

If something is dragging on the reel basket causing it to not spin properly, that can cause a reel error.  A suspect in a 42 error, since that's the middle reel and most likely to be affected, is the wiring on the top of the door for the fluorescent bulb at the top of the reel glass.  Over time, those wires stretch a little, and you'll notice as you slowly swing the door shut that those wires tend to start creeping down a little -- if there's enough slack that they're rubbing on the edge of the reel basket, that could be your culprit.

[Badbaud]

It could also be a corroded reel connector, reach under and unplug, then plug in a couple of times.