New Life Games Tech Forums

I just bought a Bally Game Maker 7000 and 2 of the illuminated pushbuttons (marked "Hold/Cancel") have burnt out bulbs.  I can't figure out how to disassemble the pushbutton to access the bulb.  I'd appreciate any suggestions?   Thanks,  ...RV Doctor

the switch and bulb assembly pull out from the bottom of the button.  Use a back and forth pull down motion.

The way I change the bulb is to pop off the clear plastic button cap with an Exacto knife.  The bulb is right under the cap.  Its a #86 wedge base bulb
Pokernut

To add to the above, look in the submit a new file section for "Replace bulbs w/ LEDs 7 pages" this is the way WMS does it. Looks like it should work on a GameMaker.

Ron

After popping off the top clear plastic cover with the pointed ends of wire clippers... I put a little electric tape on the ends of  a needle nose pliers to give a little "grip"  and  pull out the bulbs with the needle nose.

This is the correct way to replace them.

I agree, that's the way I do it. WMS techs have lots of parts so if the break the lens or the housing they can replace it right away.

Ron

Some games you just can't get to it from the bottom without removing some hardware.    The Bally GM is one of them that if you have the dual row deck it's near impossible to get to the front row from the bottom.   I agree that getting it from the bottom is first choice but top would be second.

I had the same problem and this is what I did.  Someone else on the forum said that you simply pull down on the button assembly and the button body comes out.

1. I got some $3.00 latex/non-slip gloves from Home Depot so that when I slipped I would cut my self.
2. Ordered some #86 Eiko light bulbs - easy to find on internet.
3. Grabbed the button base where the little plastic ears are and pulled straight down with an even pressure - even tried a small wiggle.  Seems like it won't move and then it does.
4. The body can break - they are old and kinda semi-frozen in place.  The body insert are all the same for all the buttons and you can get replacements at Blueridge slots and probably others.  I broken one but had an 5500 slot I'm breaking down so I could salvage one.
5. Wiggle out the bulb - not that simple.  I used a paper towel to cover the bulb and used a small needle nose to grip it.  Only broke one, so you might want to try your fingers first.
6. To reinsert - push the button down and you will see three little hooks, align the three slots on the base and wiggle it in to those hooks with a firm - not hard upward pressure.  When it snaps into place make sure the base is firmly in place and button works smoothly.
Regards,
jeff

I have a really cool way to deal with #86 or 73 lamps....
Get a piece of rubber vacuum line at the auto parts store.
Pop the cap off the button and slip the hose onto the lamp.
Either suck on the hose to create a vacuum or use a "Vacuum tester"
from a auto parts store (small hand pump).
Wiggle the hose, lamp will pop right out!
No broken glass, no busted sockets,no cut fingers and its FAST!!!!...

Kirk

Good tip kirk!  :3-
Which brings up a myriad of jokes pertaining to:
"How many ( blanks ) does it take to unscrew a lightbulb?"  :96-