End of an (electrical) era

[timo_gross]

View attachment 159467

Just about every HP printer has one of these slotted optical sensors. Basically a pair of LEDs. Some of the print heads have a more complex one.

That stuff is really not expensive e.g. a TCST2103. Salvaging them from old printers can be frustrating, LEDs burn ( ) with wrong current, pinout is sometimes not clear. Extracting them from an old device is extra work.
I doubt that making the light barrier mechanically work is less hassle than fitting a hall sensor The automotive people seem to have settled on the Hall sensors.

 

[BaronJ]

That stuff is really not expensive e.g. a TCST2103. Salvaging them from old printers can be frustrating, LEDs burn ( ) with wrong current, pinout is sometimes not clear. Extracting them from an old device is extra work.
I doubt that making the light barrier mechanically work is less hassle than fitting a hall sensor The automotive people seem to have settled on the Hall sensors.

Hi Timo,

I've never had any problems extracting dual or single opto devices from scrap equipment. I use a hot air paint stripper gun. Aim the hot air at the solder side !
However I have noticed that the lead free solder is a lot harder to melt.

 

[TonyM]

I've got a couple of these on the way to test. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005006704153203.html?search_direct=true&spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0

Just arrived. I hope they work as good as they look. Even come with a 1/4 32 size plug cap. Hopefully on test this week.

 

[Gordon]

I bought these a while back. I have not used one yet but they seem to be OK and the price is good. Delivery from China takes a while.

http://www.microcosm-engine.com/10x-spark-plug-protection-cap-accessories-p-330.html