Great big thanks to all plus 2 questions

[KdoginIndy]

Greetings All!
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
First and foremost I wanted to thank all of the posters and creators of this fabulous forum!  You see I'm a brand new owner of a CV-168.  This might be my first post, but I've probally ready 50% of this knowledge warehouse, allready -and I'm hooked!!
I wanted to especially thank Jasmine64, The first person I PM'd who set me down the path of the search tool etc.  I also wanted to personally thank JIM and of course, JOHNIEG.  There are so many other folks to thank- but not enough space! Kudos to you all!
Currently, I'm working on my CV-168 which is much like KEVINC's 299. Which leds me to my last 2 remaining questions.

KEVINC -group.  KevinC, I noticed for your lights that you simply by-passed the original light equipment with some modern homestore versions.  I know that my orginal light did work, however the transformer(?) went out. (It "puffed"
 and smelled burnt and hasn't worked since)  Is the "replace the whole thing" option the best route, or can simply find and replace the "transformer" ?  Question 2 is a dumb one but I gotta ask.  (I only contracted the "Soda Machine Fever" a few weeks ago!) ;-) The only other thing not working is the threaded lock -I've replace the vend lock, (I didn't have a key for the orig. but luckily the door can't lock) but no matter how tight I close the door, the threaded lock doesn't engage it's female partner. I've looked for a replacement -probably just not in the right spot. -any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Again, a sincere thanks to everyone! -Heck, I'm allready planning on some "Scouting trips" insearch of another "project"!  
-Hooked in Indy,  Kdog

[dr galaga]

Welcome aboard.  It's great to see another Hoosier here '> .

The transformer that you are talking about is probably the ballast.  Pull it out and get the specs from it and go down to Menards or Home Depot.  They should have a new one (this is the route I went last year with my Vendo).  Or, yes, you can just put a little under the counter light in there.

Have any pics of your machine?

[MoonDawg]

Concerning the threaded lock. Is there an adjustment that will allow the nut to move closer to the door?

[jasmine64]

Post lots of pics. Especially before, during and after your work on the 168.

Any bits of info helps those of us that have a 168.

[KdoginIndy]

Thanks Dr. G!  I took your advice and removed the part in question, it is stamped with the verbage "Keystone Tranformer Co. Phila PA" but it is a Ballast. -Heading to Lowes later today.  As for some pictures, please see below..

[KdoginIndy]

And another...

[KdoginIndy]

In the previous pic you might make out a wire and a bottle opener.  The wire coming out of the coin return is rigged with rubberbands and is attached to the coinmech (temporarly for testing).  I just give it a tug and then select my beverage.  As for the bottle opener, I bought a cav. bottle opener from the soda jerks and it fits just fine in the area ment for pull tabs.  (I plan to have cans and bottles in this machine)  as for the next pics, they are of the threaded bolt and nut I was talking about. the bolt doesn't seem long enough.  (The wire behind the Nut is to a wireless thermometer I'm using to test the temp.)  Again, Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated!  '>

[dr galaga]

Just thinking out loud here:

Does the "nut" part look like it is pushed back or is it real close to the plate?

Could the "nut" part be stripped?

[sodaworks]

Welcome aboard KdoginIndy,
  I like your "Hawaian Punch" avatar. '>

[BrianB]

Welcome to the boards, Kdog! Great to have another Hoosier onboard! Myself and a few others live down in Bloomington and a few others live up north in the South Bend area I believe.

Let us know how thing go with your repairs.

[dprat1]

Welcome Kdog.....Columbus, IN. here '>

doug

[Kevin C]

Hello

Just checking in.

The T-handle may just be stripped. Take the female part off & check to see if it works on the male part. If it does then you just have an adjustment issue. If you need a new one you can order it from Happ.

As far as the key you may get the run around but take it a locksmith to cut a new key. It may be $25.

Can you post some pictures of the inside of your machine?

Kevin

[KdoginIndy]

Thank you all to those that have read and/or responded. -Been a little under the weather so my grand plans of fixing the light and t-handle have been put on hold, but as soon as I have time (sat?) I will do as you wise folks suggest.  In the meantime here are some more photos.. (per request)  Thanks again.  (p.s. BrainB, Go Hoosiers!)

[KdoginIndy]

Note the duct tape holding back the empty sensors in the previous pics and the rubberband contraption on the below pics for test vending with the door closed.  '>

[Pixel]

Hi, KdoginIndy. Welcome aboard. (Would it be okay if I called you Indy?)

As for your ballast. Does it say something like-

18-22-25 watts
118V 60Hz, etc.

-with a Cat No. of G125N and a part number of 852048?

[KdoginIndy]

My ballast says "15-20 watt, 118v 60sy (?)27 amp.."
At that point the it gets unreadable.  I took a gamble and bought a 5$ ballast at the local hardware store.  A MB1x20/120 PH/TP from sylvania.  Its for lamp types: 1xf20t12, 1xf15t12, 1xf14t12.  I conected it to the exisiting conector wires and plugged it in, but no light either. -Not sure if the guy I got it from really knew it was a ballast problem or not.  I plan to seriously troubleshoot this weekend, thanks!

[Kevin C]

Hello

The lights could just be the little white starter up by the bulbs.

Changing to a new under the counter light is simple if your existing light rig does not come around.

I have my machine pretty much good to go for now.  I just have to figure out the vending issue or lack of proper vending on one stack.

If you need any help let me know since I just plowed this ground.

Kevin

[Pixel]

I had a burnt out Keystone Transformer ballast in my Choice Vend as well. Best I could tell, it powered a 25 watt bulb though. I went through a lot of trouble to find a suitable replacement ballast, and had one on order. Decided to cancel though, and worry about other issues in the machine.

Sounds like your original ballast may be different from mine. You've managed to help settle a curiosity in my mind though. I'd wondered if Keystone Transformer was the OEM ballast for Choice Vend. Since we both have their ballasts, seems more likely they are original. Unfortunately, they seem prone to burning out as well.

[KdoginIndy]

Ok..now for a General Choice Vend question -I've searched for the answer but haven't seen a discussion regarding the "security flaps" - for a lack of a better term.  

Looking at a CV 168 (and 299's for that matter) internally there are 6 double-fill slots for sodas. [approx. 150 can capacity for my 168] Number 5-6 are "chained" so
5 augers and 5 internal "shoots".
These 5 shoots feed 4 "secuirty flaps" that then lead to 3 vending windows.
Going from Left to right, my flap 2,and 3 are small (one flavor, servicing flavors 3 and 4),while flap 4 (for flavor 5-6) is long.
Flap ONE (serving flavor 1 &2) is 2 small flaps stuck together.
My question:  (about time I asked, right?  '>  )
Why is Flap 1 2 small ones, and flap4 a long one? Is there something special about slots 1&2?  Did someone just weld mine together? It's a silly question, but it's been bugging me for a while now.  Again, Serious thanks all around, -new avid member.
Humble Kdog, in Indy

[KdoginIndy]

Ok.  Here's an update.
Regarding my T-handle and locking thread shaft,  The Recieving female thread mounted inside the tall stack is indeed striped beyond repair.

Question: I've scoured the intranet for a replacement, -I assume they don't exist. Is my best option to find a nut that fits and weld it to the bracket?  

As for the light, my ballast didn't work so I bought a under cabinet one that I plan to install tomorrow.  I've also got a switch that i'm putting in for free play. (My rubberband contraption lasted about 1 hr during my superbowl party)

Question 2: I'm going insane because I know I've seen a site that sells choice vend sold out light replacements.. but now I can't find it..  Ideas?

And lastly, I'm still puzzled by my "security flaps" mention in the previous post.  here's a picture, (not a very good one) sorry!  Thanks again!  -KdoginIndy

[Kevin C]

Hello

I just won a CV299 & it is located here in the Charleston area so I may be able to help with some parts.

I will get it picked up Monday-Tuesday.  Let me know what you may need.

Kevin

[timsmore]

How can scratches be removed and the plastice brought back on the push button selectors?  Is it easier to just replace them and if so where could I find them for my choice Vend Behemuth?  Thanks

[KdoginIndy]

I've found some selection buttons at www.veii.com
the trick is searching with the right criteria.  I'd try "button selection", "Push button" .. I THINK this part number is the right size. VE643B, if so, it's a steal at $3.60.  I've been meaning to measure mine, myself, for there is one button that I have that is overly scracthed.  
Speaking of Selection buttons, I have 4 buttons that allow for Flavor strips and one -the pepsi, that is all plastic -built only for pepsi.  Are there other "OME" buttons out there, like the Pesi one I have, or is it the sole standout in an otherwise " insert flavor-strip in the blank button" world?
(Speaking of home built flavor strips, I've found that photo paper run through your printer is a close equivalant, so I've started to make my own with a word template and some choice images via google searches of images.)

Working on my slug reject -Free Vend switch right now! -Cheers!