My board sensor question (yes, another board sensor question)

[Don Butler]

Here's the data om ,y machine:
s/n - B X.505.411
Firmware revision: 1.187.10870
secondary Rev. 3
Firmware build 0417:090305

I haven't used the machine since early last summer (2012). Cleaned it up and started to go through the prelims.
Error message: clear board sensor.
Checked and cleaned carefully. No change.
Checked the sensor under Options. Best reading 73.

Is the sensor kaput?

Don

[Digitalwoodshop]

I made a post on Board Sensors last night too.

Since you joined in 2008 you might have a older "A" unit.

The Board Sensors circuit board was not glued to the black holder in the early years. This let the vibration from a worn out QC with BB Marks in the bit holders cause vibration that snapped off the LED's. See Pictures.... Plus it let dust get inside the lens...

The standard test is to crank down the board with a sheet of white paper on it. A 156 is perfect. A 76 would be a dirty lens or a broken LED.

The Signal passes through the FSC Cable so it can also be broken.... Gently moving the cable while doing the paper test can show the numbers change for a bad cable. Know if you have a 18 or 14 pin FSC Cable.... Plugging a new 14 pin cable into a 18 pin socket will short out your computer a $300.00 plus fix. They sell a A907 Kit to replace the old 18 pin cable. A 14 pin cable and 2 circuit boards.

The wires to the board sensor can pinch too...

Let us know what you find.

Remove the board sensor and CUT down the back removing the back flap to get easy access to the window and see if the LED's are broken. Use Tape to seal the back side of the sensor.

AL

[Don Butler]

OK, I got the sensor out, and I can see both LEDs through the window (lens).
When you say CUT, what exactly am I cutting? The plastic part that covers the back? Or the glue line around it?
I think I have a B machine because that's what my serial no. is.
I doubt the cable is bad because I can see the numbers change as I increase the distance to the paper.
Maybe I would be just as well off to buy a new sensor instead of monkeying with this one?
don

[aokweld101]

I had a similar problem yesterday my board sensor was reading 48 so replaced the board sensor and its up and running, listening to people here on the forum I had extra parts.... thank gosh I listened !!!!

[bergerud]

I have two board sensors (from old B machines) which are down to 70 -80 as well. They are not dusty and I do not think they are broken. Could it be that the signal strength simply deceases in time? A five year life span on the infrared emitter? Anybody else have old "weak" sensors?

[Don Butler]

Well, I have a job waiting for this so I just ordered a new sensor.

Here's me, hoping that fixes it!

don

[Digitalwoodshop]

Sounds like a plan.... I just saw you had a "B" machine listed in your first post... sorry...

Good Luck,

AL

[aokweld101]

on my second machine I wanted the rubber belts it wasn't 10 minutes into using my new machine that the bit broke and tore the sand paper belt I replaced it with rubber belts and don't regret the choice I think for economic reasons going with the rubber belts is better for the long haul...

[Don Butler]

Hmmmmmmmmmm.
I'll think upon it!

d

[bergerud]

It sounds like the sensor is fine and the computer is reading it fine. I am stumped on this one. Did you try to refomat the card and reinstall the firmware? This sometimes solves unexplained behavior.