Scoring sensor for Air-Hockey Table

[PBS]

Hi:

Got the kids an air-hockey table for Christmas. The Table itself seems
first rate for a home unit, but I'm disappointed in the scoring sensors.
These consist of a micro-switch with a spring steel arm/actuator which the
puck is supposed to close each time it passes through the drop chute from
the goal.

There have been several problems, but the biggest is inconsistent scoring,
that is the switch doesn't close some of the times. I've tried adjusting
this by bending the arm a bit, but it seems that merely by passing through
the chute the puck re-forms the arm to the old inconsistent position.

So I was wondering how involved it might be to replace this switch with a
photodetector sensor?
Any ideas, or suggestions of where to look?

Thanks, Paul

 

[Ross Mac]

"PBS" <pbs@allwave.com> wrote in message
news:3VaRb.15$pd1.22042@news.uswest.net...

Hi:

Got the kids an air-hockey table for Christmas. The Table itself seems
first rate for a home unit, but I'm disappointed in the scoring sensors.
These consist of a micro-switch with a spring steel arm/actuator which the
puck is supposed to close each time it passes through the drop chute from
the goal.

There have been several problems, but the biggest is inconsistent scoring,
that is the switch doesn't close some of the times. I've tried adjusting
this by bending the arm a bit, but it seems that merely by passing through
the chute the puck re-forms the arm to the old inconsistent position.

So I was wondering how involved it might be to replace this switch with a
photodetector sensor?
Any ideas, or suggestions of where to look?

Thanks, Paul


Omron makes some nice sensors...

http://oeiweb.omron.com/Products-Photoelectrics2.shtm
The distribute these just about everywhere so just google around to find a
distributor after you have made your selection......