How do i find out?

Hello all!  well I gave the machine a wash ( could not find any Banjo music lolo sorry) and gave it it's rightful place in the garage.  Since I do not have a coin mech I placed in a free play button as layed out in the coin mech forum.  It does not seam to work  '>  So my question is;  what is the best way to find out what may be at fault ........the vend switch or maybe the vend solenoid?  Or maybe I'm lookin in the wrong place?   Is there a way to test each part?..........Murray

[BryanH]

Murray the vending mechanics can get gummed up after 40 - 50 years of use.  When you push the free-vend button do you hear the snap or clink of the solenoid?  If you don't hear anything then it's an electrical problem.  If you do hear it then it's mechanical.

Hey thanks!  I do understand it's electrical,  I was hoping that somebody here could tell me how to isolate just what part in the system is the problem?

Just my two cents, on my Vendo 90 there is a small sheet metal cover in the lower left side that covers the rack vend sol.  I just unpluged the vend sol and used wire to hold the rack release open.  Therefore all you have to do is open the bottle door and pick a drink.

[BryanH]

Murray - first of all make sure that you've got the free vend pins in the right slot.  Assuming they are then you need to start checking the circuits for continuity.  There are connections inside the Jones plug box, connectors from the door to the machine and connections on the solenoid and switches.  Here's a VMC56 wiring diagram that may help.  There may also be a way to check to to see if the solenoid itself is blown but I don't know the safe way to do that... maybe someone else here can tell you if it's as simple as applying 120V to the solenoid or if it needs to be stepped down.

Thanks Bryan!  I will start by trackin down all my wires and ensuring that the all have good grounds and contacts.

Anybody have any ideas on the amp draw on some of the idems in the system?

That is also a great Idea on wiring the gate open (dummy me) with that I can at least use the machine in the mean time, or untill I can replace the problem parts.  Thanks all!  I'll get back to you later on this, and some noew pics.

OK It works!!!!! '>  I double checked all my conections and wow it works!  My neighbour just built the bracket to hold the free play for me


as you can see it just works by pressing the coin return.  Its now clean and I have ordered a new balast for the front desplay light.  A coat of wax and I pick up the beer tomorrow  
 

[BryanH]

Congrats... time to looks for machine #2!

[Creighton]

Hey Charlie,
Welcome to the board! Thanks for the input!!
Creighton