Rabu, 19 Juli 2017

Understanding Arcade Game Sensors: Switch Sensors & Infrared (IR) Technology

macam-macam switch :



aplikasi switch jarum pada game arcade seperti pada switch skor slam a winner, hole in one, etc.

aplikasi switch plat pada game arcade seperti pada toybox, baby bear, magic box, switch gun, etc.

In redemption and simulation arcade machines, sensors are the primary link between physical gameplay—such as a ball entering a target hole, a coin dropping, or a wheel hitting a peg—and the digital mainboard CPU. Understanding how switch sensors and optical infrared sensors function is essential for fast cabinet troubleshooting and preventive maintenance.

switch jarum

Applications of needle switches (whisker switches) in arcade games: Used as scoring switches in games such as Slam A Winner, Hole In One, etc.

1. What is a Sensor Switch (Microswitch)?

A sensor switch (or mechanical microswitch) is an electromechanical device designed to open or close an electrical or electronic circuit upon physical contact.

In advanced arcade hardware, switches do not merely route power directly; they act as signal triggers passed through logic buffer ICs (such as the 74HC245), relays, or solid-state electronic switches to signal state changes to the central processor.

Common Arcade Applications: Needle & Lever Switches

swith plat




Applications of plate/blade switches in arcade games: Used in machines such as ToyboxBaby BearMagic Box, gun switches (trigger switches), etc.

Arcade games heavily utilize needle switches (whisker switches) and lever-actuated microswitches in high-impact target zones. Prominent examples include:

  • Slam A Winner: Score target chutes and jackpot hole triggers.

  • Hole In One / Golf Games: Target rim sensors and ball drop chutes.

  • Ticket Dispensers & Coin Acceptors: Wire lever switches that register physical movement when a ticket notch or coin passes through.

2. Microswitch Terminal Configurations: COM, NO, and NC

switch terdiri dari NO-NC-COM

Standard arcade microswitches utilize three main connection terminals:

Terminal NameAbbreviationOperational State
CommonCOMThe shared input terminal where the signal or power line connects.
Normally OpenNOIn the default/standby state (unactuated), the internal contact is open (no current flows). Circuit closes when triggered.
Normally ClosedNCIn the default/standby state (unactuated), the internal contact is closed (current flows). Circuit opens when triggered.

3. How to Test a Microswitch Using an Ohm Meter (Multimeter)

When a target hole fails to score in games like Slam A Winner or Hole In One, the microswitch may have oxidized contacts or broken mechanical springs. You can verify its functionality using an analog or digital multimeter set to Resistance ($\Omega$) or Continuity Mode.

Step-by-Step Testing Procedure

  1. Disconnect Power: Turn off the arcade machine and disconnect at least one wire lead from the switch to avoid false resistance readings from board circuits.

  2. Connect the First Probe: Attach one multimeter probe to the COM (Common) terminal.

  3. Test the NO (Normally Open) Terminal:

    • Place the second probe on the NO terminal.

    • Standby (Resting State): The meter needle should not move (shows Infinite Resistance / Open Circuit).

    • Actuated (Pressing the Lever/Needle): Manually press the needle lever. The meter needle should move to 0 $\Omega$ (shows Zero Resistance / Closed Circuit).

  4. Test the NC (Normally Closed) Terminal:

    • Move the second probe to the NC terminal.

    • Standby (Resting State): The meter needle should sit at 0 $\Omega$ (Closed Circuit).

    • Actuated (Pressing the Lever/Needle): Manually press the needle lever. The meter needle should drop back to Infinite Resistance (Open Circuit).

Diagnostic Note: If pressing the switch lever does not drop the resistance to near $0\ \Omega$ on the NO terminal, the internal contacts are worn or burned and the microswitch must be replaced.

4. Optical Sensors: Infrared (IR) Sensors in Arcade Cabinets

While mechanical switches excel at physical impact zones, high-speed or contactless detection relies on Infrared (IR) Sensors.

How IR Sensors Work

An infrared sensor assembly consists of two primary optical components:

  1. IR Emitter (LED): Emits invisible infrared light at a specific wavelength.

  2. Phototransistor / Receiver: Detects the emitted IR light beam.

When an object—such as a basketball, puck, coin, or rolling ball—passes between the emitter and receiver, it interrupts or reflects the light beam. This interruption changes the output voltage signal sent to the CPU input buffer.

Key Applications of IR Sensors in Arcade Machines

  • Through-Beam (Photo-Interrupters): Used for score gates in HockeyZoo, ticket notch counters in ticket dispensers, and ball counting chutes.

  • Reflective IR Sensors: Used in ball lifter mechanisms and coin entry chutes to detect object presence without requiring physical contact force.

  • Advantages over Mechanical Switches: No mechanical wear and tear, instant response time, and silent operation.

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