First introduced via Kickstarter, I have developed a new ball sensing system for Skee Ball machines - Skee Optical Switches for Model H and Model S! Many times my Skee Ball LED Display boards customers have asked if something can be done about the ball switches in these older games - they frequently need adjusted to prevent missed ball passes and/or multiple scoring of a single ball pass. My new optical switch system addresses this common complaint.
The original switches have a long arm extending into the ball path such that a passing ball moves the arm and triggers the switch. Because the balls are a huge mass compared to the pliable mechanical switch arms, the arms easily deform with use. This leads to the switches not properly triggering - either missing passing balls or double counting balls. Whether you are playing some "bragging rights" rounds in your home game room or you are an operator with paying customers, inaccurate scoring can really suck the air out of the "fun balloon".
I've developed the complete system consisting of a master controller board and up to 8 sensors. The small infra-red (IR) transmitter/sensor module fits in the exact footprint of each original mechanical switch. The pictures show the original mechanical switch and my replacement. These connect via CAT5 cables to my Master Board which runs custom software for monitoring the sensors and reporting activity to the Skee computer. The Master board is pictured from multiple angles - look closely and you can see the adjustment jumpers to configure for the correct computer model (model H or model S) and for both types of 100 point scoring subway systems.
This listing includes everything you need for the converstion to optical switches: