Golnation

1. Mechanical Slot Machine Repair
2. How Slot Machines Work Inside
3. How Slot Machines Work Video
4. How A Mechanical Slot Machine Works Cited
5. How A Mechanical Slot Machine Works For Sale
6. How Do Slot Machines Work

Progressive slot machines build jackpots by taking a portion of each wager and adding it to the jackpot until somebody wins. Standalone progressives build at individual games; linked progressives build a jackpot shared by a number of machines within a casino; and wide-area progressives link the jackpot at machines in different casinos. The horizontal line located at the center of the slot machine's screen is called a payline. In order for a spin to win, the winning symbols must align on the payline. While slot machines first emerged, they had only one payline, positioned right in the middle of the screen. Eventually, the number increased to three, five, and more. The slot machine uses the first number to determine the position of the first reel, the second number determines the position of the second reel, and so on. To work out the position, the computer divides the random number by a set value.

• Results are determined by a random number generator, which tells the reels what to display.
• Symbols are mapped onto a virtual reel.
• The frequency with which each symbol lands on a payline is not necessarily proportionate to the number of symbols on the physical reel.
• The hit frequency, or percentage of winning spins, does not necessarily correlate to the payback percentage.
• Making the maximum bet a mechanical-reel slot allows often brings you the highest payback percentage.

For many decades after reel slot machines were invented, the number of symbols on each reel coupled with the payoff on each winner determined the game’s payback percentage.
That’s no longer the case. The random number generator and virtual reel have led to machines where the real game is being played internally, in the machine’s software. When the random numbers have been selected, the game programming tells the reels which symbols to display.

ABOUT RANDOM NUMBERS

It’s said that nothing in the universe above quantum level is truly random, but random number generators are close enough that players can’t discern any repeating patterns, and the long-term percentages are those you would expect from randomly occurring outcomes. Here are a few key points about the RNG:

• RNGs use algorithms to calculate their numbers.
• RNGs are very fast, generating dozens and sometimes hundreds of random numbers per second.
• The RNG keeps running even when the machine is not being played.
• The only function of the RNG is to generate random numbers. It doesn’t know how those numbers are used.
• The RNG works with a full set of numbers on every spin, so all results are possible on every spin.

How many random numbers are used and how they are mapped onto symbols differs from game to game. So do the entry points to start the next calculation. With more sophisticated RNGs, hitting the “Bet One Coin” button, the “Max Bet” button or pulling the handle could start the algorithm from different points. Because the RNG works so fast, if you pause slightly before your next play or stop for a few seconds to order a beverage or chat with a neighbor, your result will be different than if you kept at the same pace. That doesn’t mean your result will necessarily be better or worse, just different.

If you leave a machine and someone else takes your place and hits the jackpot, that doesn’t mean you’d have won if you’d stayed. The RNG would be at a different point in its calculations.

ABOUT THE VIRTUAL REEL

The virtual reel makes it possible to have a much larger range of outcomes than if odds were determined by the number of symbols and spaces on a mechanical reel Mechanical reels must fit inside a machine’s casing. You can increase a reel’s size from 10 symbols and 10 spaces to 20 and 20, 30 and 30 and so on up to a point, but if you want to drive odds that make a really big jackpot possible, you need more combinations than physical reels alone can handle. Mapping symbols and spaces onto a virtual reel dramatically increases the number of possible combinations.

Let’s keep the arithmetic simple, and say you have a reel with 10 symbols and 10 spaces. The symbols can be the same as the example in Chapter 2-1: Each reel has one 7, two bars, three cherries and four watermelons.

But instead, let’s map all those symbols and spaces onto a virtual reel, so there are 50 stops on each reel:

A FEW THINGS OF NOTE:

In this example, each like symbol was given the same number of stops on the virtual reel. That doesn’t have to be the case. Cherry No. 1 could be given three stops and Cherry No. 2 six stops, or any other number, if that’s what fits the desired odds of the game. Mapping does not have to be identical for each reel. Cherry No. 1 could have three random numbers on reel No. 1, four on reel No. 2 and five on reel No. 3, if that led to the desired odds. On mechanical-reel machines today, the spaces between symbols also are stops. Symbols alone were counted here to simplify the arithmetic for the same of example.

Now let’s compare what the virtual reel does to the number of combinations, compared to the physical reels alone.

Mechanical Slot Machine Repair

With odds determined by the physical reel, the chances of lining up the rarest combination, 7-7-7, are 1 in 1,000, so the jackpot can’t be very large. Even if you keep paybacks very small on other three-symbol combinations, it would be difficult to have a top jackpot of more than a couple of hundred coins. By mapping those symbols onto this simplified virtual reel, the jackpot chances become 1 in 125,000. Now the jackpot can run into thousands of coins, and there’s a lot more room for paybacks on other symbols. Let’s use physical reels and virtual reels to make up pay tables that are identical, except with the jackpot set high enough to bring the total return to 90 percent:

Both those games have odds that would lead to a 90 percent return, but letting the number of symbols on the physical reel dictate the odds leads to a jackpot of not quite 300 coins while using the virtual reel enables jackpot of more than 25,000 coins.

Everything’s easily adjustable with so many possibilities. Game designers can give you a less volatile game by making the jackpot smaller and increase paybacks on lesser winners. There’s not the same kind of wiggle room when you’re dealing with only 1,000 possible combinations.

• A combination of a random number generator and a virtual reel determine what symbols and spaces you see on a slot with mechanical reels.
• The random number generator operates continuously, even when a machine is not being played, and any change in your timing will lead to a different result.
• The virtual reel can make a physical reel behave as if it has many more symbols than it really does, and leads to more possible combinations.
• The increase in the number of combinations enables bigger jackpots and more variation in payoffs.

• Hit frequency is the proportion of spins that pay money to players.
• Payback percentage is the proportion of wagers returned to players as winnings.

Let’s start by considering two games with identical pay tables, but different hit frequencies. These are not real games; it’s just an example set up to make the arithmetic that follows easy. Reel stops include blank spaces as well as symbols, but only three of the same symbol form a winning combination. Odds are set so there are 10,000 possible combinations, so what’s listed in this table are the number three-symbol possibilities per 10,000 spins:

We can tell several things from the chart above:

• Of 10,000 combinations, Game A has 1,336 winners to only 1,005 on Game A.
• The 1,336 Game B winners give it a 13.36 percent hit percentage, to 10.05 percent on Game A.
• Both the hit frequencies and paybacks per win are the same on 7s, bars and cherries.
• The 331 extra melon winners give Game B both a higher hit frequency and higher payback percentage.

Per 10,000 coins wagered, each game pays 1,000 on 7s, 3,500 on bars and 3,000 on cherries, for a total of 7,500. But Game A pays 1,338 on melons, and game B pays 2,000. That makes the total return 8,838 on Game A, giving it an 88.8 percent payback percentage. Game B has a total payback of 9,500 coins for a 95 percent payback percentage.

If these two games were sitting side-by side in the casino, they would appear to be identical. Winning combinations and their paybacks would be displayed, and those are the same. Players would not be able to tell one machine had a higher hit frequency and payback percentage.

ADJUSTING THE PAY TABLE

What if a slots game designer wanted a machine with Game A’s hit frequency, but Game B’s payback percentage, or Game B’s hit frequency but Game A’s payback percentage? One route is by adjusting the pay table.

• The hit frequencies are still 13.36 percent on Game B and 10.5 percent on Game B.
• The payback on cherries has been changed to 120 on Game A, and down from 100 to 80 on Game B.
• Game B still has a higher hit frequency.
• Game A now has a higher payback percentage.

The larger payoffs on cherries are enough to bring Game A up to a 95.38 percent payback percentage, just a fraction more than Game B paid in the first example. Game B is now down to 88 percent, a fraction less than Game A paid earlier. So here, the game with the higher hit frequency is actually the lower payer.

WHAT YOU SEE VS. WHAT YOU GET

In the above example, it looks like you can tell which is the higher payer, because Game A both pays more on cherries and has a higher payback percentage. Can a glance at the pay table tell you which game is a higher payer?

The answer to that is no, a look at the pay table can be misleading. Let’s try one more example, in which one game pays more on every winning combination. Once again, we’re using an example with 10,000 possible reel combinations.

From the outside, Game A looks like a much higher payer, paying 1,500 vs. 1,000 for Game B on three 7s, 150 vs. 100 on 100 on bars, 20 vs. 10 on cherries and 2 vs. 1 on melons.

But internally, out of your view, the hit frequencies also have been changed. Game A now has a hit frequency of only 5.76 percent, while Game B has been increased to 25.31 percent.

Let’s look at what that does to the overall payback, adjusting for the number of winners for each three-symbol combo:

• Game A pays more on every winning combination but has a lower payback percentage, 90.5 percent vs. 92 percent on Game B.
• On 2,200 spins, the melons on Game B pay only the size as your bet.
• On Game A, there are only 400 melon winners, but they pay double your bet.

Such a large number of low-paying spins means Game B will have low volatility, which has the effect of extending your play.

Games with such a large difference in hit frequency but such a small difference in payback percentage were used to show you the kind of leeway game designers have. If 2,050 melon combinations were used instead of 2,200, the games would have identical payback percentages, but would be vastly different playing experiences.

In that case, you would have a better chance at winning big at Game A, but a better chance at extended playing time at Game B. Real games are more complex than these examples, but offer the same kinds of different playing experiences.

On real three-reel mechanical slot games, hit frequencies as low as 5.76 percent and as high as 25.31 percent are rare. Real three-reel, single-payline games have hit frequencies that cluster between about 9 and 13 percent. Games with more paylines have higher hit frequencies.

The examples above are to illustrate principles. Real mechanical slots and their math are more complex. Three-reel games usually have more than four symbols, opening more possibilities, and game programmers aren’t confined to using number sets that yield 10,000 combinations – in fact, on big jackpot games, the number sets are much, much larger.
Here are a few additional factors that add complexity, texture and fun to the mechanical-reel portion of modern slot floors:

• Many newer three-reel slots have more than one payline.
• Games with more than three mechanical reels have a niche in casinos, with five reels often used.
• Many three-reel games today also incorporate bonus events.

Games with multiple paylines open more possibilities and add complexity to the calculations. Three lines across the screen plus two diagonals take a game to five lines, and more lines can be created with Vs and zigzags, just like on video slots. In recent years, game manufacturers have produced three-reel mechanical games with as many as 27 paylines. Bonus events also add complexity to calculation. A diminishing number of games put all the focus omn the spinning reels. However, many three-reel games incorporate free spins, bonus wheels on top of the games, or secondary video screens to create a hybrid mechanical-video game. Any bonus payouts have to be accounted for in calculating the game’s overall return.

• Higher hit frequencies don’t always bring higher overall returns.
• A game that looks like a high-payer to a player could actually be a lower-paying game than one with a lower pay table.
• Game designers and programmers use a combination of hit frequency and payback per win to get to a final payback percentage.
• Additional factors in modern mechanical slots include multiple paylines, using five reels instead of three and incorporating bonus events into the games.

These games with the building prizes are progressive slot machines, and they’ve been favorites of jackpot hunters for decades. The base awards can be small, as in the $250 starting point on 25-cent Blazing 7s slot machine from Bally Technologies, or can be life-changing, with jackpots of millions of dollars in $1 Megabucks machines from International Game Technology.

On games with mechanical reels, there are three basic types of progressives:

Every player should know that on any of these, it almost always takes a maximum bet to be eligible for the jackpot. If you’re playing a dollar machine with a three-coin maximum bet and you wager only $2, you can’t win the progressive award.

How Slot Machines Work Inside

Mechanical slots sometimes are set up with multi-tiered progressives and mystery progressives, but those are more common on video slots. They also don’t usually require a max-coins wager to win the jackpot.
You can read more about them in Chapter 6: Video Slot Progressives.

STANDALONE PROGRESSIVES

How Slot Machines Work Video

Standalones have jackpots that that build at a single machine.

• The lighted jackpot display usually is within the top portion of the top box above the main reels.
• A portion of each bet players make at that machine is added to the jackpot.
• After a player wins the jackpot, it is reset to the base value to start building again.
• Standalone progressive machines usually are in a bank with several machines of the same type.
• Each machine has its own jackpot, so, each machine will display a different jackpot amount.

LINKED PROGRESSIVES

Linked progressives electronically link the jackpots at a number of machines in the same casino.

• The same jackpot is available to players at any machine in the link.
• A portion of each bet players make at any of the linked machines is added to the jackpot.
• After a player wins the jackpot, it is reset to the base value for all machines in the link.
• Machines in different parts of the casino can be on the same link.
• All machines on a progressive link will display the same jackpot.

Sometimes there will be a large lighted sign over the top boxes of several machines in the bank, displaying the jackpot award. Such a display ties the machines together visually, emphasizing that all have the same jackpot. Then ability to link games in different parts of the casino can sometimes confuse players. I was once in a riverboat casino in the State of Illinois, playing in the downstairs level, when the jackpot reset on a bank of IGT Double Diamond machines. No one at the bank had won the jackpot, and players were baffled. It turned out someone had one upstairs, on another Double Diamond bank on the same link.

WIDE-AREA PROGRESSIVES

Wide-areas are linked progressives on a bigger scale. They link jackpots at machines at different casinos. The biggest jackpots in a casino almost always are wide-area progressives. GT launched Megabucks as the first wide-area system in 1986, and IGT remains by far the biggest provider of wide-area progressives with links including Wheel of Fortune and TV Hits (with game themes based on television shows).

• Often, a big, bright jackpot stretches above several machines. Displays attract attention from all over the casino.
• The same jackpot is available to players at any machine on the link, even if at different casinos.
• The jackpot starts at a base value, then a portion of each bet players make on any machine in the link is added.
• When a player wins the jackpot, the jackpot is reset to a base value at multiple casinos
• All machines on the link display the same jackpot.

When the jackpot display resets on a linked progressive, players know someone, somewhere has struck it rich. The winner might be hundreds of miles away, but you know from the reset that there’s been a big hit. That jackpot is built by players who can be hundreds of miles apart. On the IGT’s Megabucks Nevada link, a wager made in Reno contributes to the jackpot building in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe or anywhere else in the state.

PROGRESSIVE PROS AND CONS

Should you play a progressive slot machine?
That depends on your goals as a player.
It’s important to read the machine glass and understand the conditions of the game before you play.
On three-reel mechanical games, it almost always takes a max-coins bet to be eligible for the progressive. If you don’t bet the max, some games will pay you a reduced amount if you line up the jackpot symbols. But on some, called “buy-a-pays” in the slot industry, each coin activates a set of symbols. On a three-coin Blazing 7s game, for example, the jackpot 7s are not winning symbols unless you bet the third coin.
Bottom line:
Jackpot hunting can be fun and sometimes rewarding, but if your bankroll won’t stretch to betting enough to be eligible for the progressive award, you’re better off at a non-progressive machine.

• Progressive slot machines build jackpots by taking a portion of each wager and adding it to the jackpot until somebody wins.
• Standalone progressives build at individual games; linked progressives build a jackpot shared by a number of machines within a casino; and wide-area progressives link the jackpot at machines in different casinos.
• It almost always takes a maximum-coins bet to be eligible for a progressive jackpot on a machine with mechanical reels, and if you’re not prepared to bet max coins, you should play a non-progressive machine.

TEST YOURSELF

1. What determines the combinations of symbols you see on the reels of a mechanical-reel game?
2. How can slot programmers and designers make a reel behave as through it has more symbols and spaces than it really does?
3. True or False: Increasing the number of possible reel combinations enables gamemakers to design slots that offer bigger jackpots and more variation in pay tables.
4. What is the percentage of spins that win for the player called?
5. Do slot machines with high hit frequencies have higher payback percentages than those with lower hit frequencies?
6. True or False: All three-reel slots have just one payline, as opposed to as many as 100 paylines on video slots.
7. Can you tell by looking at two machines which is the higher payer?
8. How do progressive slot machines build big jackpots?
9. What is the difference between standalone, linked and wide-area progressives?
10. When should you bet maximum coins if you play a buy-a-pay slot?

Answers

1. The combinations of symbols you see on a three-reel game are determined by a random number generator and virtual reel.
2. Slot programmers and designers make a reel behave as through it has more symbols and spaces than it really does by mapping the symbols to a virtual reel.
3. True. Increasing the number of possible reel combinations enables gamemakers to design slots that offer bigger jackpots and more variation in pay tables.
4. The percentage of spins that win for the player is called the hit frequency.
5. No, machines with high hit frequencies do not necessarily have higher payback percentages than those with lower hit frequencies. The overall payback can be higher, lower or the same with a higher hit frequency.
6. False. Not all three-reel slots have just one payline.
   That’s a common configuration, but some has as many as 27 paylines.
7. No, you can’t tell by looking at two machines which is the higher payer. They can look identical, but don’t necessarily have identical hit frequencies or payback percentages.
8. Progressive slot machines build big jackpots by adding a percentage of each bet to the jackpot until somebody wins.
9. Standalone progressives build the jackpot from bets at a single machine, linked progressives build a jackpot from bets on a number of electronically linked machines and wide-area progressives build jackpots from bets on machines linked at more than one casino.
10. If you play a buy-a-pay slot, you should bet the max when big-paying symbols become non-paying symbols without a max-coins wager.

If you have a slot machine or you have bought one old used vintage slot machine and want to have some fixes to get it work then obviously you will think you need a machine technician. Many of you will even think of taking it to some repair station to get things done. But here in the guide you will find some of the repairs that you yourself can do with your slot machine and you need not need to join machine technical repair training school.

Like any other machines Slot machines too are a blend of electronic and mechanical components, that wear with age and require routine repairs. Before you begin to repair yourself do note that every slot machine that you have purchased whether old or new comes with installation and user guide manual. You need to read that many a times until you are familiar with each components and parts of the slot machine and understand thoroughly as how the slot machine works.

In your guide to repair slot machines you will find some common repairs that can be carried out by you, some videos to watch as well. If your slot machine has some complex issue then obviously you require a qualified technician.

Changing the Top Florescent Light

The top florescent light bulb is easily changed by following these simple procedures. The replacement bulb is an F15T8/CW 18″ 15 Watt bulb which is available at most hardware and department stores or may be purchased online at Ebay or Amazon or realslotmachinesforsale under the category ‘parts of slot machine’.

• Open the main slot machine door and ensure the door is fully open. Turn off the power to the slot machine. The power switch can be found with the main door open about midway down on the right side just inside the machine.
• If the machine is equipped with a top ticket printer, you must pull the bottom of the printer out far enough to see where the ticket paper is located, and note the area large enough to place a couple of your left fingers under.

• Remove the top metal trim strip which is a cover plate to the right of the ticket printer and/or is located along the bottom of the top glass. There are a couple of clips on the back of the metal trim strip that fit into notches on metal bracket which holds the top glass. The metal trim strip should be lifted upwards and outwards to remove.
• Once the metal trim strip is removed, the next step is to remove the top glass. Note that some top metal trim strips have a slot in the top that holds the top glass and they must be removed very carefully as to not damage or drop the top glass.

• You can now see the top glass is held in place by usually two or three clips that rise above the metal bracket behind the top metal trim strip. Now slowly lift up on the top glass from both bottom edges until the top glass until it is high enough to gently pull it forward and allowing it to slide down and away from the top track and clips holding it in place.
• Once the top glass has been removed, put it somewhere where it will not get knocked over or broken. You will see the florescent bulb in the middle of the top box area of the machine. Care should be taken removing the bulb as it may be very hot. Remove the old bulb by twisting the florescent tube about a quarter to half turn allowing the two prongs on the bulb to slide out of the fixture on both sides of the bulb.

• Remove and discard the old bulb. To install the new bulb, align the two prongs on each side of the florescent tube with the slits on each fixture in the top box of the slot machine. Twist the bulb into place normally using about a quarter to half of a turn. If the bulb is not secure or aligned, repeat the procedure.
• If your slot machine is an IGT S Plus machine, it is equipped with a florescent bulb starter. Then you can replace the starter when replacing the florescent light bulb. The starter is an FS-U Universal Starter. They are available at most hardware and department stores or may be ordered online too. The starter for the top florescent bulb on an IGT S Plus machine is located directly behind the florescent bulb fixture on the left side of the slot machine in the top box area.
• It is replaced by twisting about a quarter to half a turn as it is held in place with a bayonet type mount. Remove the old starter and discard. Replace with a new FS-U Universal Starter by aligning the two pins on the bottom of the starter with the notches in the starter receptacle, pushing it up into the starter socket, and then twisting it a quarter to half a turn into place.
• Prior to re-installing the top glass, turn the power switch on the right inside of the machine on to verify the bulb works properly. If it does not, turn the power off and check that the bulb is properly installed and secure. If replacing a starter, check that it is also properly installed and secure.
• After verifying the bulb is working, it is now time to replace the top glass. If your slot machine has a top ticket printer, ensure the ticket printer is still pulled out so you can place your fingers in the opening while replacing the top glass.
• Carefully and slowly lift up the top glass placing each hand under the bottom of the top glass. Slide it into the upper edge track on the top box of the slot machine carefully lifting it so it slides into the tracks while being able to push the top glass back far enough to clear the two or three raised clips on the metal bracket where the top glass holding track is located.
• Gently and slowly lower the top glass behind the clips so as to allow them to hold the glass in place. If properly secured, the top glass will not be able to slide down or out of its position. Keep a secure hold on the top glass until you are certain it is secured in the proper position.
• Replace the top metal trim strip by aligning the two or three hooks the back through the metal bracket that supports and holds the top glass. Once the hooks on the back are in place, gently push the top metal trim strip down and it should snap into place. If you have a slot machine with a top ticket printer, close it tight into position. Close the main slot machine door and you are ready to play.

Changing the Belly Glass Florescent Light

The belly glass florescent light bulb is easily changed by following these simple procedures. The replacement bulb is an F15T8/CW 18″ 15 Watt bulb which is available at most hardware and department stores or may be bought online as spare parts of slot machine.

• Open the main slot machine door. Turn off the power to the slot machine. The power switch can be found with the main door open about midway down on the right side just inside the machine.
• Facing the slot machine door, look on the right side of the door just around from bill acceptor area. You will see a knob sticking out that is approximately the size of the end of a regular pencil. This knob when pulled out releases the slot machine belly glass assembly (belly door) to fold down so the bulb can be accessed.

• There are a couple of very important thing to remember prior to pulling this knob to release the belly door. First try pulling gently on the knob. If it does not allow you to pull out and you have a lock installed directly above it, the lock must unlocked in order to allow the release knob to pull out. When pulling out the release knob, be ready for the belly door to fold down.
• Most of the time you must lightly pull on both sides of the belly door to get it to fold down, however always place your hand under it so it does not fall down too quickly causing the belly glass to break or crack.
• Once the belly door is in the down position, you will see the access to the florescent bulb bracket that is held in place by a small Phillips screw. Remove the screw and place it the coin tray so it will be handy when you need it after replacing the bulb.

• The long metal bracket that holds the florescent bulb must be slid slightly right or left so as to be able to lift it out of the belly door. Gently lift the metal bracket with florescent bulb out of the assembly far to be able to turn it over to replace the bulb. Be cautious as the bulb could still be hot!
• Grasp the metal bracket holding the florescent bulb and remove the old bulb by twisting the florescent tube about a quarter to half turn allowing the two prongs on the bulb to slide out of the fixture on both sides of the bulb.

• Remove and discard the old bulb.To install the new bulb, align the two prongs on each side of the florescent tube with the slits on each fixture that is on each side of the new bulb. Twist the bulb into place normally using about a quarter to half of a turn. If the bulb is not secure or aligned, repeat the procedure.
• Now turn the metal bracket that holds the newly installed bulb over and back into position in the belly glass assembly. Slid the bracket slightly right or left into position and replace the small screw which holds the metal bracket in place.
• If your slot machine is an IGT S Plus machine, it is equipped with a florescent bulb starter. So you need to replace the starter a well when replacing the florescent light bulb. The starter is an FS-U Universal Starter. They are available online and you can purchase one.
• The starter for the belly glass florescent bulb is located on the back of the main slot machine door on the lower right hand corner as you face the back of the door.

• It is replaced by twisting about a quarter to half a turn as it is held in place with a bayonet type mount. Remove the old starter and discard. Replace with a new FS-U Universal Starter by aligned the two notches on the bottom of the starter, pushing it into the starter socket, and then twisting it a quarter to half a turn into place.
• Prior to closing the belly glass door, turn the power switch on the right inside of the machine on to verify the bulb works properly. If it does not, turn the power off and check that the bulb is properly installed and secure. Also check to ensure the starter is properly installed and secured.
• Lift the belly glass assembly up and push it into place in the slot machine door. Ensure the belly glass door snaps into place and the knob on the side of the door is in its normal position. It is spring loaded so as to not allow the belly glass assembly to open unless it pulled. If the belly door appears to be in place, pull on both sides of the belly door to make sure it is locked and secure.
• If you unlocked the lock above the knob, re-lock it. Close the main slot machine door and you are ready to use your slot machine.

Changing the Push Button Bulbs

How A Mechanical Slot Machine Works Cited

All of the slot machine’s push button lights such Play Max Credits, Spin Reels, Bet One Credit, etc. are easily replaced by following this simple procedure. The replacement bulbs are #161 on IGT S2000 machines and #555 on IGT S+ machines and may be purchased from online stores.

• Fully open the slot machine door. Look on the backside of the door. Each push button will extend down from the shelf on the door and will have a small wire bundle going to it. Identify which push button bulb needs to be replaced.
• Carefully pull down on the bottom of the push button area that is normally white and is where you will see wiring connected. Using your thumb and two fingers, pull straight down and the bottom portion of the push button should snap out.

• You will now be able to see the bulb in the top area of the lower push button assembly. Use caution as the bulb may be very hot. Pull the wedge bulb out and discard it. Notice the slot in which the bulb located.
• Place a new bulb in the slot noting the direction of slot ensuring the new wedge bulb is inserted so as to line up in the slot. Push the new bulb into place.

• Replace the bottom of the push button assembly by inserting it into the top portion of the push button assembly. The bottom portion will snap into position. Ensure that none of the wire connections have been accidentally knocked loose on the bottom of the push button. Note the push button light will not illuminate until the slot machine door is closed. Close the main slot machine door and you are ready to play.

Changing the Small Panel Lights

The small panel lights that illuminate the denomination amount and other areas behind the glass are easily changed. For denomination amount lights on the IGT S2000, a #73 bulb is needed and a #86 bulb is needed on the IGT S+ slot machines. They may be bought online from slot machine selling sites.

Here it is described as how to change the lights behind denomination amounts such as .25 Cents. Other small panel light bulbs are changed in the same manner.

• Fully open the slot machine door. Look on the backside of the door. Note the location where the denomination amount would be located near the center just below the slot machine’s center glass. The area will appear to be flat with a small bulb holder projecting out that is slightly larger in diameter than a regular pencil and is flat on two or four sides.

• This bulb holder is removed by simply twisting it a quarter to half a turn and then gently pulling it out of its socket. It is held in place by somewhat of a bayonet type mount.
• Once the bulb holder is removed, pull the wedge bulb out of the socket and discard the old bulb. Caution should be taken as the old bulb may be very hot. Replace the bulb by firmly inserting a new bulb into the socket of the bulb holder being careful to align the wedge bulb correctly into the slot.
• Take the bulb holder and look for two notches on each side of the opening where the bulb holder is inserted. Note there are two notches on the bulb holder. Align the notches inserting the bulb holder into the panel.
• Gently twist the bulb holder about a quarter to half a turn to lock it into place. Verify the bulb is illuminating, and if not repeat the procedure using a different new bulb. Now close the main slot machine door and ready to use.

Cleaning Your Slot Machine

This is common thing and all you need is usually nothing more than a damp cloth to clean the exterior cabinet of your slot machine. Never use any abrasive or ammonia based cleaners on the cabinet of the machine.

The slot machine top, center and belly glasses may all be cleaned on the outside by using a window cleaner. However if you own a slot machine with a frosted exterior glass or one that has any exterior decorated markings such as stars, a window cleaner should not be used as the cleaner may damage the exterior images. Care should be taken cleaning interior glass as a cleaner and cloth may damage labels or markings.

The inside of the slot machine should not require cleaning other than occasionally removing dust. This can normally be done with a damp clean cloth, however ensure the power switch has been turned off prior to cleaning.

When wiping dust inside your machine, be careful not to loosen any wires or connections. Do not use a damp cloth on the face of your reel strips as the playing symbols on the reel strips could come off or become torn. Also be very careful not to touch the back side of your reel strips with a damp cloth especially if the back sides of the reel strips are black. This can cause damage to this type reel strip.

When your Slot Machine Doesn’t Power On

When you get a slot machine and wish to locate or set up at your place, determine the household 120V AC outlet you are planning to use has power. Keep in mind some outlets are controlled on and off by a wall switch.

• With the slot machine unplugged from the outlet and surge protector, open the slot machine main door. Remove the coin tray by lifting up and pulling out the tray. Simply pull it out and down to remove the tray.

• The hopper is on the bottom floor of the machine and slides out on two base rails along two metal guides. Slide the hopper out slowly by grasping the handle with your left hand and supporting the hopper with your right hand. Do not use the black hopper bowl to pull the hopper out of the slot machine.
• On the lower right corner of the slot machine you should see the black power cord coming into the machine. The power cord plugs into the Power Distribution Unit which is located on the back wall of the slot machine.
• Verify the power cord is firmly plugged into place into the right side of the Power Distribution Unit.

• Place the hopper back into the slot machine making sure it slides in easily and completely with the base rails on hopper guides on the bottom of the machine. The hopper plugs into a receptacle toward the back of the machine. It is designed to fit in easily without using excessive force.
• The coin tray can be easily put back into place by ensuring the alignment pins on the coin tray match up to the top alignment holes on the bottom side of the machine. The tray should be pushed down into place. Make sure the tray is even when pushed into place. If the coin tray is not aligned and even, remove the coin tray, and repeat the procedure.
• Verify the power cord is firmly plugged into a good surge protector. Plug the end of surge protector into the outlet you have verified is good, and make sure the on/off switch on the surge protector is turned on.
• Now turn the power switch on the inside right of the slot machine to the on position and verify the slot machine is powered on by lights illuminating.

Jackpot Payout Reset

When your slot machine just hit a 25,000 credit Jackpot it now needs to be reset to continue playing. Depending on the model slot machine you have and the amount of the payout will determine the best course of action.

If you have an IGT S+ Slot Machine and your win is under the maximum payout amount specified on the center glass of the machine, the hopper may run out of coins or tokens. This is normally displayed by Error Code 3300. In this case it usually a simple matter of taking the coins or tokens that have been paid out and putting them back in the hopper allowing it to fully pay out. However, if you won a large jackpot that is “hand pay out”, then follow the steps below.

• First open the main slot machine door. Locate the Jackpot Key which is normally kept inside the slot machine in a plastic envelope on the side of the cash box. If you do not find it inside the machine, often times the Jackpot Key will be strapped with the main slot machine door key. It is a small key as pictured below.
• Take the key in hand and locate the jackpot reset which is a keyhole located on the right side of the slot machine. It is normally about two-thirds up from the bottom of the machine.

• Insert the Jackpot Reset Key into the keyhole. Turn the key only one quarter turn to the right. This will reset the machine, and once you close the main slot machine door, you will be ready to resume play.
• Note that if you turn the Jackpot reset key multiple times you may place your slot machine into a test mode and will thus delay your ability to continue playing.

Some of the Error Codes you get on Slot Machine

Error Code 3300 (IGT S+ Machines)

Simply put Error Code 3300 is normally telling you your hopper is low on or completely out of coins or tokens.

Open the main slot machine door. Look into the hopper. If it is empty or has just a few coins or tokens, place about 500 coins or tokens back into the hopper. Close the main slot machine door. In a few moments you should hear the sound of the hopper’s motor turning and soon the remaining coin payout will begin.

Error Code 3100 (IGT S+ Machines)

Error Code 3100 (Extra Coin Out Tilt) normally signifies either a jammed/stuck coin or token in the coin-out chute on the hopper, or the hopper coin-out sensor has detected the hopper may have paid out an extra coin.

• Open the main slot machine door. Remove the coin tray by lifting up and pulling out the tray. Simply pull it out and down to remove the tray.
• The hopper is on the bottom floor of the machine and slides out on two base rails along two metal guides. Slide the hopper out slowly by grasping the handle with your left hand and supporting the hopper with your right hand. Do not use the black hopper bowl to pull the hopper out of the slot machine.
• Inspect the hopper to determine if any coins/tokens appear to stuck or jammed in the hopper knife or the hopper coin-out channel.
• If a coin appears to be stuck or jammed, empty the hopper of coins/tokens for easier access to clearing the jammed coin/token.
• Once the stuck or jammed coin has been removed, place the hopper back into the slot machine making sure it slides in easily and completely with the base rails on hopper guides on the bottom of the machine. The hopper plugs into a receptacle toward the back of the machine. It is designed to fit in easily without using excessive force
• Refill the hopper with the proper size coins or tokens. The coin tray can be easily put back into place by ensuring the alignment pins on the coin tray match up to the top alignment holes on the bottom side of the machine. The tray should be pushed down into place. Make sure the tray is even when pushed into place. If the coin tray is not aligned and even, remove the coin tray, and repeat the procedure.
• Close the main slot machine door. The error code should be gone and the machine is ready to play.

Error Code 12 (IGT S+ Machines)

The 3.6 volt battery on the slot machine CPU Board normally lasts for years. However when an Error Code 12 is displayed, this is an indication the battery voltage has dropped below 2.9 volts and is now a low battery.

It is recommended to replace the battery as soon as possible. They can be purchased online from ebay, amazon or realslotmachinesforsale. When ordering a replacement battery, they will provide you with detailed instructions on how to change this battery which is located on the slot machine’s CPU Board.

In order to reset Error Code 12 temporarily, simply open and close the main slot machine door. It is important not to wait for a long time to replace the battery as data stored on the RAM may be lost. Replace the battery Asap.

Following are some of the other error codes that might interest you to solve your problem in repairing the slot machine

CODE	DESCRIPTION	PROBLEM
12	Low Battery	Battery voltage on processor board has dropped below 2.9 volts DC
21	Coin-In Tilt	Optic coin-in sensors were blocked
3100	Extra Coin Out	Stuck/jammed coin in hopper or optic sensor detects extra coin paid
3200	Coin-Out Tilt	Hopper coin-out sensor was blocked
3300	Hopper Empty	Hopper coin-out sensor sensor detects no coins were dispensed for 8 seconds or more. Hopper needs to be refilled with coins/tokens.
41	Reel #1	Tilt Designated reel is misaligned or malfunctioning
42	Reel # 2 Tilt	Designated reel is misaligned or malfunctioning
43	Reel #3	Tilt Designated reel is misaligned or malfunctioning
44	Reel #4	Tilt Designated reel is misaligned or malfunctioning
45	Reel #5 Tilt	Designated reel is misaligned or malfunctioning
49	Reel Mechanism Disconnected	A reel mechanism has become unplugged or the circuit is interrupted
61	CMOS RAM	Bad CMOS RAM data or data was cleared
62-0	Bad Game EPROM	Game program or data program check
62-1	Bad Data EPROM	Bad EPROM data
63	Processor Tray Open	Main processor door has been opened and closed since last game played
65-0	Bad EEPROM Device	Processor could not successfully read from or write to chip
65-1	Bad EEPROM Data	Data is invalid or corrupted
65-2	Game Type Mismatch	Game data om CMOS RAM does not match game data in EEPROM
66	Game EPROM Changed	Machine senses the game EPROM has been changed
67	Data EPROM Changed	Machine senses the data EPROM has been changed
68	Non-Compatible Data EPROM	Data EPROM is not a standard file
99-1	Bill Validator	Stacker jam
99-2	Bill Validator	Cash box removed
99-4	Bill Validator	Cash box full
99-5	Bill Validator	Hardware error
99-6	Bill Validator	Reverse bill detected

Hopper is Full and Coins Go Down a Chute to Bottom of Machine

How A Mechanical Slot Machine Works For Sale

Slot machines that accept coins were designed this way because when used constantly on the casino floor, hoppers could quickly fill. There is a coin level probe on side of the hopper that looks like a brass screw sticking inward toward the hopper bowl. This probe detects when coins/tokens are at a selected level, and will cause the subsequent coins/tokens played to go down a chute to the bottom of the slot machine.

Provided your slot machine sets on a regular casino slot machine stand with holes in the top and the holes are aligned with the slot machine, those coins which bypassed the hopper will go down the chute, through the hole in the bottom of the machine, through the hole in the top of the stand, and into the open area in the stand cabinet. As casinos have done for years, place a small plastic tub in the slot machine stand cabinet to collect these excess coins.

Retrieving Currency from the Cash Box

Though not all slot machines are equipped to accept currency in order to comply with certain laws but if your slot machine is equipped with a bill acceptor, bill transport and cash box, the bills in the cash box can easily be retrieved.

How Do Slot Machines Work

• Open the slot machine main door. The cash box door is located just under the yellow chute for the bill acceptor. Ensure the cash box door is fully open.
• On the right side of the cash box toward the top is a release level. Push release lever down and pull the cash box straight out toward you. If the cash box seems difficult or impossible to pull out, make sure you have pushed the release lever down.

• Hold the cash box in both hands and turn it upside down. Notice on the bottom of the cash box is a door which has two small finger sized holes on one side. Normally the door is held closed by a small piece of electrical tape so the bottom cash box door doesn’t come open while removing it from the cash box chassis of the slot machine.
• While holding the cash box with the bottom door up toward you, open the door and you will see where the bills are stored. The large spring expands as more and more bills are added to the cash box. Remove the bills by pulling them straight out.
• Close the bottom door of the cash box and re-secure the door using the same small piece of electrical tape. Turn the cash box around to the original position when you removed it from the slot machine.
• Align the flat top of the cash box with the flat surface at the top of the cash box chassis from which you removed it. Slide it firmly into place. Now close the cash box door and the main slot machine door and you are ready to use it for gaming.

All the content, graphics and videos in this post have been gathered by research for you from various online sources and hope this helps you as a guide to repair your slot machines. Note that many guide books and manuals too are there for you to buy from online stores which are handy to know as how to repair your slot machines. Just stay tuned at realslotmachinesforsale and know many more interesting information about slot machines.