Diamonds Timer Reset Solution

[Goldy]

As many of you are aware that Diamonds Timing circuit was designed for low power consumption. In that process, the circuit couldn't monitor the interrupt (Micro Switch) to start a new 30 minute cycle. Once a 30 minute cycle is commenced it will run the 30 minutes no matter what you do.

This proved havoc for tournament directors trying to utilize the timing feature and implement it into a tournament structure. The sad part, it can't be done unless somehow the circuit could be reset. (i.e.) removing power for a certain period of time before another interrupt (micro switch) could be commenced starting the 30 minutes over again no matter what the previous state or time was left.

I know that the reset cannot be on the outside of the table as someone can defeat the timing circuit and the solenoid will stay open forever. So it has to be an internal reset initiated by the coin mech..

Any Ideas?

 

[realkingcobra]

As many of you are aware that Diamonds Timing circuit was designed for low power consumption. In that process, the circuit couldn't monitor the interrupt (Micro Switch) to start a new 30 minute cycle. Once a 30 minute cycle is commenced it will run the 30 minutes no matter what you do.

This proved havoc for tournament directors trying to utilize the timing feature and implement it into a tournament structure. The sad part, it can't be done unless somehow the circuit could be reset. (i.e.) removing power for a certain period of time before another interrupt (micro switch) could be commenced starting the 30 minutes over again no matter what the previous state or time was left.

I know that the reset cannot be on the outside of the table as someone can defeat the timing circuit and the solenoid will stay open forever. So it has to be an internal reset initiated by the coin mech..

Any Ideas?

That's why there's a keyed by-pass system, so you can put the table on free play and charge a greens fee. The timer system was never designed to be reset, because if you think about it...resetting the timer means who ever payed to play for 30 minutes...didn't get the full time if the timer gets reset for the next match. The timer is a fixed timer, meaning it's going to run its course before it reverses its polarity and locks the balls back up. I know a little about this system as I designed it 10 years ago

Glen

 

[Goldy]

That's why there's a keyed by-pass system, so you can put the table on free play and charge a greens fee. The timer system was never designed to be reset, because if you think about it...resetting the timer means who ever payed to play for 30 minutes...didn't get the full time if the timer gets reset for the next match. The timer is a fixed timer, meaning it's going to run its course before it reverses its polarity and locks the balls back up. I know a little about this system as I designed it 10 years ago Glen

I'm glad I got your attention Glen. We went a step further, as we are quite aware with the bypass system. But we aren't concerned if a match doesn't utilize the full 30 minutes. They pay $4.00 for 30 minutes to complete a race to 3 8-ball or 4 9-ball depending on the tournament, and if the match ends up 3-1 after 20 minutes then the next match starts with another $4.00. The timer doesn't allow this currently.

But we are working on a solution, and if we find one I'll let you know, or if you might have some suggestions to reset the timer, that would be great.

Zach.