From 1970's to late 1980's, Strippit used 2 of these Duel-Optical Vane Switches to provide No-Punch Zones to protect Workclamps from being "Punched". Usually 2 switches were used, 1 on X-axis
and 1 on Y-Axis. When a X switch was blocked, a Workclamp was near X Punch-Centerline.
If a Y switch was blocked, you had Y-Axis and Workclamps all the way in near Y Punch-Centerline.
Switches are Wired-In-Parallel, so that Only if you had BOTH Sensor Switches Blocked, would you
create a "No Punch Zone" where Machine Would Not Punch, saving Workclamps from damage.
Note, some late model FC1000/3 & FC1250 Machines used only 1 switch, on the X-Axis only.
They used a X-axis sensor and Known Y Position in Control's Software to create "No Punch" Zone.
Each sensor block is really 2 Optical (infrared light beam) switches, 1 for 3 1/2 inch Large stations, and 1 for 1 1/4 inch Small stations, so we have both Large and Small No-Punch Zones.
Sensors have Several Problems;
1 -- Clearances between the 2 Metal Workclamp Vanes and Sensors are Very Small. Make sure
that Both Workclamps Vanes go through the 2 Switch-Slots Without Touching Anywhere!
Check Weekly, or even Daily!!! If Vanes Hit, Expensive Sensor is Destroyed, Vanes are Torn-Up, Mounting Screws are Sheared off, etc. Its expensive and a real-pain to properly repair.
Loose Workclamps are a Major cause of Vane Crashes.
A Smashed No-Punch Zone Sensor is the Most Common Failure there is on Machines!
2 -- Sensors can get oily and dirty, which will Block light beams, giving a False No-Punch Zone.
Gently Clean the 4 Small Sensors Tips with Q-Tip Cotton Swabs and Rubbing-Alcohol.
Do Not use a Stronger Solvent which will Melt Sensors!
3 -- Reflected Light can Activate sensors even when blocked by Workclamp or Y-Axis Metal Vanes,
allowing you to Punch your Workclamps. Clean Metal-Vanes with Solvent, then Paint with
Flat-Black Spray Paint. Do NOT get any Paint on Sensors!
4 -- Sensors were Custom-Made by Strippit, so they are Expensive! We now Manufacture and sell them at a Lower-Price. And We Include Set-Up Notes & Information With Our Version!
We have Improved this Part as Our Sensors have .500" Wide Sensor Slots, which means you have More Clearance and are Less Likely to Hit Sensor than with Strippit's .375" Sensor Slot.
Note! Old Strippit Manuals list this Sensor as Part #102361- 000 which was Original 12 Volt Only Version. This is a Obsolete Part Number and is No Longer Made.
It was Replaced by the New #102361-100 Version which will work on Both 12 and 24 Volt Machines.
When Calling Us, ask for #102361-100 No-Punch Zone Sensor, Which We Stock!
If Both Sensors are in Good Condition (Not-Hit) & Clean, and you Still get False "No-Punch Zone" Error Messages or no Messages when you should, then you probably have a Machine or Control Signal Wiring Problem or a Control Circuit Board Problem.
Specifically a "Machine Switch Isolator" Board (Slot #9) on HECC80/1 Controls,
or "TB-230 Input Isolator Board" and "G/P I/O Board" (Slot #12) on HECC80/3 Controls.