Can't track down 1 component for Modified Vectrex Light Pen

[jasonbar]

Howdy-

I want to build this light pen: http://www.playvectrex.com/vectech/mvlp/mvlp_f.htm

I have all of the components except for 1: "Q1 L14G3 (NTE 3202 is
another drop in replacement. L14G3 is 6 times cheaper though)"

I'm striking out on local stores & big-name catalogs--has anybody got
a lead on this component or an acceptable substitute?

Thank you very much,
-Jason

[VectrexMad!]

In terms of big name catalogues have you tried Farnell? In the UK they
are out of stock, but in the US they say they are awaiting delivery (I
thought these components were no longer made?):
http://export.farnell.com/_/dp/1021143

also the following (based in Florida) claim to have 500 in stock:
http://www.megausacomponents.com/search_components.asp?keyword=l14G3&I1.x=32&I1.y=11
wether they will sell just one and for how much is another question.

Actually, it should be possible to use a modern day equivalent even if
it requires modifying the basic circuit a little bit.
Something to add to the list of things to do :(

regards

VectrexMad!
www.vectrex.co.uk

[Peter W.]

On Nov 24, 9:21 am, "VectrexMad!" <vectrex...@fastmail.fm> wrote:
> On Nov 18, 1:17 am, jasonbar <jasonbar...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Howdy-
>
> > I want to build this light pen:http://www.playvectrex.com/vectech/mvlp/mvlp_f.htm
>
> > I have all of the components except for 1: "Q1 L14G3 (NTE 3202 is
> > another drop in replacement. L14G3 is 6 times cheaper though)"
>
> > I'm striking out on local stores & big-name catalogs--has anybody got
> > a lead on this component or an acceptable substitute?
>
> > Thank you very much,
> > -Jason
>
> In terms of big name catalogues have you tried Farnell? In the UK they
> are out of stock, but in the US they say they are awaiting delivery (I
> thought these components were no longer made?):http://export.farnell.com/_/dp/1021143
>

> also the following (based in Florida) claim to have 500 in stock:http://www.megausacomponents.com/search_components.asp?keyword=l14G3&...

> wether they will sell just one and for how much is another question.
>
> Actually, it should be possible to use a modern day equivalent even if
> it requires modifying the basic circuit a little bit.
> Something to add to the list of things to do :(
>
> regards
>
> VectrexMad!www.vectrex.co.uk

This appears to be a standard NPN phototransistor. The only tough
thing to match might be the sensing angle. It has a rather large
lens.

I found info at http://octopart.com/info/Fairchild/L14G3
and tech specs http://datasheet.octopart.com/L14G3-Fairchild-datasheet-17310.pdf

Armed with this info and some research Jason should be able to find a
drop-in replacement.

Peteski

[VectrexMad!]

> This appears to be a standard NPN phototransistor.  The only tough
> thing to match might be the sensing angle.  It has a rather large
> lens.

What is the sensing angle value for that component?
I has assumed the sensing angle should be as narrow as possible?
Otherwise the pen would end up picking stray light from areas
neighbouring the sensing point and getting false alarms about the area
the pen is located?

I have seen other phototransistors and their sensing angle is 11
degrees from the centre (if you were to plot light intensity detected
against angle) so giving 22 degrees sensing area.

I think come Christmas I might just have a go building a Vectrex pen.

VectrexMad!
www.vectrex.co.uk

[Peter W.]

According to the data sheet I posted link to earlier Reception Angle
at 1/2 Sensitivity is +/-10 degrees.

[jasonbar]

Thanks for the leads. After following up with all of them, I was able
to get one (and only one) quote for L14G3. It's from Summit
Electronics & the unit price is $7.50, while the minimun order is 20
units.

Ouch.

Thanks,
-Jason