my X-Mag is blind

[trashcollector]

I can't get the eyes to work on my X-Mag. AGD 3.2. ACE 0, 1, or 2. I understand that 0 is off. I have inspected both boards and all connections with nothing obvious (amateur eyes). What are common failure points? Is there any hope of getting my eyes back without going full Sci-Fi?
I don't mind going full Sci-Fi but I'd like to keep it original.

[superman]

Is the eye itself damaged?

[trashcollector]

No breaks in the wires. I still consider it a possibility.

[trashcollector]

Can the eye itself be replaced?

[XEMON]

replacing it is easy (its just an LED) sourcing it might be a bit tougher ...

[tunaman5]

I can certainly take a look at it. Some can be fixed...some can not. You have to be aware of something frying the main board if not careful. Let me know

[trashcollector]

I might be sending it up to you soon. I’ll give you an email when I’m ready.

[trashcollector]

For those who can see what I can’t.

[Grendel]

From the images, I do not see anything particularly troubling. The ACE eye is not particularly sensitive, and the wiring looks okay. That does not mean something has not given up the ghost. This is not made with super high-quality electronics, so EOS could have any of the parts. Pull the ACE board and inspect the back for any corrosion. If I were troubleshooting it at this point, I would pull all the electronics, give them a good cleaning with a stiff-bristle acid brush and 91% Isopropyl Alcohol, and let them air dry. Install the main board without the ACE board, and verify that it functions. Then add the ACE board and see if it affects the main board's functionality; then test the ACE functionality. I'm looking up all the documentation I can find. I have been thinking about setting up my shop to rebuild Paintball Electronics anyway By profession, I have been doing electronic failure analysis since 1984, but never really got into paintball electronic markers until the last 5-6 years.

[trashcollector]

It'll take me some time but I'll get all that done and report back. Thank you

[trashcollector]

No luck with the isopropyl alcohol cleaning and basic diag. I think this will be sent off to be fixed. I don't have the knowledge, tools, time, or patience.

[superman]

Grendel

Also post a pic of the bottom side of the eye board.

[trashcollector]

I can rub my nail across the one eye wire and feel it grab but it’s not broken.

[XEMON]

thats an easy solder job 👍
Do you have the replacement eye or spec for the emitter/collector package?

[Grendel]

That is not a great bend on the red wire really do not want to bend wires like that. Is that abrasive wear next to the red wire on the PCB or has someone overheated the PCB when soldering on that wire? As Xemon says, replacing the eye itself is easy. There should be markings on the side of the eye so to decode to get the correct package.

[trashcollector]

I’m not sure what it was. It came right off with a few swipes of my nail.
I’ll get to cleaning when I can.

[Grendel]

Maybe old flux residue. A good cleaning can not hurt.

[tunaman5]

And just remember one thing. This eye is no longer needed since the invention of Level 10. Works better than any eye ever could. I have removed many an ace board with 100% perfect results.

[trashcollector]

but then it's just an E-Mag 😞

[tunaman5]

And just remember one thing. This eye is no longer needed since the invention of Level 10. Works better than any eye ever could. I have removed many an ace board with 100% perfect results.

I also noticed you almost ripped the lower button off when taking out the mainboard. Be careful putting it back in. I have those switches here if you break it.

[trashcollector]

I also noticed you almost ripped the lower button off when taking out the mainboard. Be careful putting it back in. I have those switches here if you break it.

I ripped it all the way out during cleaning. It's been placed back in and works normally, for now.

[tunaman5]

I ripped it all the way out during cleaning. It's been placed back in and works normally, for now.