Kamis, 02 Maret 2017

How to Fix HockeyZoo & Slam A Winner: Yenox Sensor Maintenance & Troubleshooting Guide

Arcade game machines like HockeyZoo and Slam A Winner are popular attractions in entertainment centers, driving constant player engagement and revenue. However, high usage often leads to mechanical and electronic wear. Two of the most common issues operators face are unreadable score sensors on HockeyZoo and stuttering or jerky score wheel rotations on Slam A Winner.


hockey zoo

In most cases, these malfunctions stem from a single component: a dirty or faulty Yenox sensor. In this article, we will break down why these errors occur and provide a step-by-step guide to repairing and maintaining your arcade machines.

PCB mainboard hockey zoo

Common Arcade Issues & Their Symptoms

Before jumping into repairs, it is crucial to properly diagnose the problem on each machine.

1. HockeyZoo: Unreadable Score Sensor

  • Symptom: When a player scores a goal, the LED display fails to update, misses points, or registers scores randomly without any gameplay.

  • Root Cause: The photo-interrupter or optical Yenox sensor positioned near the goal line is obscured by dust, obstructed by debris, or has suffered an internal component failure.

mengecek sensor yenox menggunakan AVOmeter

2. Slam A Winner: Stuttering Score Wheel Rotation

  • Symptom: The main revolving point disk/wheel moves unevenly, jerks, hesitates, or stops completely during operation.

  • Root Cause: The Yenox rotary/position sensor that reads the timing gears or target disk is coated in grime, preventing precise optical tracking and causing the motor controller to stutter.

Why Do Yenox Sensors Fail?

sensor yenox rusak, diganti dengan yang baru

Yenox optical sensors rely on an infrared (IR) beam emitted to a phototransistor receiver. When a physical object passes through the gap, it interrupts the light beam, sending a signal to the mainboard.

These sensors typically fail or misfire due to two primary reasons:

  1. Dust and Accumulation (Dirty Sensor): Arcade environments collect airborne dust, ticket paper lint, and grease from moving mechanical parts. Over time, a thick layer of grime covers the optical lens, blocking the IR beam even when no puck or ball is present.

  2. Component Degradation (Damaged Sensor): Physical impacts from heavy play, power surges, or simple aging can degrade the IR LED inside the Yenox housing, resulting in weak or completely non-existent signals.

Step-by-Step Fix: Repairing HockeyZoo & Slam A Winner

Follow this maintenance process to restore both machines to smooth, optimal performance.

Step 1: Safety First & Inspection

  1. Power Down: Turn off the main power switch and unplug the machine from the wall outlet to prevent electrical shorts or injuries.

  2. Access the Module:

    • For HockeyZoo, open the goal access panel near the net assembly.

    • For Slam A Winner, remove the rear service door or lower mechanism cover to reach the gear train and central scoring wheel motor.

Step 2: Cleaning the Yenox Sensor

Before replacing any parts, attempt a thorough cleaning:

  1. Locate the Yenox sensor board (usually a small PCB with a U-shaped or slot-type plastic housing).

  2. Use a micro-brush or cotton swab lightly moistened with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).

  3. Gently wipe the interior channel of the sensor where the optical emitter and receiver lenses are located.

  4. Clean the surrounding encoder wheel or score gap mechanisms to ensure free physical clearance.

  5. Allow 5 minutes to dry completely before powering on the unit to test.

Step 3: Testing & Replacing a Faulty Yenox Sensor

If cleaning the sensor does not resolve the issue, the sensor itself may need replacement:

  1. Multimeter Check: With the machine powered on, measure the voltage across the output pin of the Yenox sensor while triggering it manually. If the voltage signal does not change cleanly (typically toggling between 0V and 5V), the sensor is defective.

  2. Desolder/Unplug: Disconnect the wiring harness or desolder the damaged Yenox sensor board.

  3. Install Replacement: Solder or mount a genuine replacement Yenox sensor module into position. Ensure correct pin orientation (VCC, GND, and Signal).

  4. Alignment: Double-check that the physical scoring wheel or puck detection path passes precisely through the center of the sensor slot without scraping the edges.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Arcade Operators

To minimize downtime and avoid lost revenue:

  • Monthly Cleaning Schedule: Inspect and clean optical Yenox sensors at least once a month using compressed air and isopropyl alcohol.

  • Keep Debris Clear: Regularly vacuum ticket dust and loose dirt from inside the bottom cabinet of Slam A Winner.

  • Monitor Mechanical Friction: Lubricate gears near the Slam A Winner score wheel with plastic-safe grease so motor drag does not place unnecessary strain on the positioning sensors.

Conclusion

A malfunctioning score display on HockeyZoo or a jerky score wheel on Slam A Winner can hurt player satisfaction and reduce earnings. Fortunately, you don't need to replace entire mechanical assemblies—cleaning or replacing the Yenox sensor usually resolves the issue instantly. By adding routine optical sensor checks to your maintenance routine, you can keep your machines running smoothly for years to come.

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