New Life Games Tech Forums

Questions/answers/pictures of Slot Machine toppers.

Originally posted 1/22/2008

If I had time to work on these non-stop neither of these projects would have taken more than a couple of days, but since my tinkering time is limited, these projects took closer to a couple of months.   :5-

Needless to say, I'm very pleased with the results -- I just don't know what to do in my spare time now -- my long-term project is done!

Anyway, here are pictures (and a video of the ChamII+ meter) that I just added to my two slot machines.  I just got a hold of some window tint, so I'm going to be taking the meter out and adding a layer of tint in front of it -- other than that, though, they're done, and they look great!

(http://i28.tinypic.com/2ir42es.jpg)

(http://i31.tinypic.com/34px5ja.jpg)

(http://i31.tinypic.com/2wn0pdy.jpg)

(http://i30.tinypic.com/n9b8x.jpg)

Here's the video of the meter.  It's 1:15 in length, the first message starts at 0:20.  I re-did the programming to make the jackpot amount display longer between messages (after I took this video).
http://www.youtube.com/v/ag94RWzZF2k

(The scrolling text may be hard to read in this video from my cell phone -- after, "Play Max Coins To Win...." it scrolls, "PROGRESSIVE JACKPOT!!!"  Then, "Use your CLUB KEVIN card to earn cash back and comps!!!")   :72-

The "Hot Hot Super Jackpot" topper for my WMS game came from Jim at Blueridge, and the Drew Carey topper came from Renee in Las Vegas.  I got the ChamII+ from a friend (he had it installed in his slant top that he got for a song, and was going to sell the machine -- he let me put a different game kit in and take the kit out that had the ChamII+ before he sold it).  I had to mount the ChamII+ meter in the display window, as it was designed for a Spectrum display.

There you have it.  Please post pictures of your topper(s) in this thread -- I'd love to see what others have!   :89-

Originally posted 9/1/2008


In my personal usage, no, I have not had any problems.  The LED's don't use anything -- the only possible area of concern would be the 24v for the fluorescent light, but I haven't experienced problems on either of my machines.  Edit: I just looked at the topper, and at least on mine, the fluorescent ballast only calls for 0.62 amps, so it shouldn't be a problem at all.


One machine yes, the other no (I also have a ChamII+ display and power supply in that topper, so I have a separate plug running just for the topper lights and the progressive meter).


In the cabinet, in the top box.  Here, have a picture:

(http://i38.tinypic.com/63skg0.jpg)

I also used little bullet connectors that are detachable.  If I ever want/need to remove the topper, I can do so without cutting any wires, and be able to hook it back up again later.  I was able to do all of my wire work outside of the machine, and then just fed those wires through the machine when I was ready to install it, and then plugged in the connectors.


idesign had it -- orange is +25vdc, black with orange stripe is the negative for that.  Red is +13vdc, black with red stripe is its negative.


One of each.  It's easier to use the original candle -- just add a length of wire if needed, and you can use the original candle harness in the top of the machine to connect it (and to be able to disconnect it without cutting wires, if you ever wanted to remove the topper).  You also don't have to fudge with figuring out wires with the new candle and splicing in connections.

If you want to use the candle that came with the topper, you'll have to trace the wires to make sure that you're hooking up the correct wires from the machine to the candle, and then change the bulbs out -- the voltage on the bulbs is different enough that the S2000 bulbs will only glow dimly when powered by a S+.

The light bulb that comes in the S+ candle is a #55.  That's 7v, 0.41a, 2.87w, with a Miniature Bayonet Base.
The light bulb in a S2000 candle is a #193.  That's 14v, 0.357a, 5w, with a Wedge Base.

Since the bases are different, you can't just take your S+ bulbs and put them in the S2000 candle.  I had some #555 light bulbs for my pinball machine.  I cheated and used those on the topper where I kept the S2000 candle.  The #555 is 6.3v, 0.25a, 1.58w, Wedge Base.  They're not quite the perfect replacement for the #55, but close enough for my usage.  They probably won't last quite as long, but again, it works for me.

Here's a video of the final product (click the "play" button to see it in action) :

http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docid=8677607974289015711&hl=en&fs=true

Edit: I should mention, too, I'm pretty sure I'm using a 9vdc plug-in transformer for the LEDs.  When you measure it on the multimeter, it puts out a lot more than 9v (closer to 12-13), and it drives the lights just fine.  Using a 12vdc supply may be too much, especially since the LEDs barely require any power to run.

Originally posted by r273 on 9/1/2008

And here is yet another way to light up a topper.  Two 12V adapters are wired together for the 25V light (24V works) and the other 12V is for the chase lights.

(http://i38.tinypic.com/2yvw56d.jpg)

(http://i35.tinypic.com/2mhy0xg.jpg)

(http://i35.tinypic.com/zulbo0.jpg)

Yes, they DO look great. I put a sugggestion in the box to have a space on NLG especially for the Slot Toppers. I like them alot, and love to see all the old and new styles.  I hope Joey puts a area on the board dedicated to these devices! Think it adds much to a ordinary game. Your Drew Carey with the Progressive is awsome, nice score. Thanks for sharing! :3-

Just a note

As mentioned earlier, the LED rings do not require very much voltage,

if you are going to use a small power adapter they are not very well regulated so stick to a 9 volt supply
and pay attention to the polarity of the power adapter in relation to the topper wiring
they are very easy to blow, been their done that :25- :25-

Wes

Flexpipe,

I just saw this post and made a seperate area for it with all of the progressive stuff. I thought this may be a good location for it since it has a close relation to progressives as many toppers have meters a well. Let me know if you all think this is a good spot or not. K+ for the suggestion. Hopefully the TOPper Experts will show off things with good PICs and instructions and details. Also obviously show off pics only are welcome and encouraged!

I dare everyone to TOP THIS!!!!

CaptainHappy
NLG ADMIN

Thanks so much, CaptainHappy for allowing the space on the board for the Slot Toppers. I am sure lots of people have unique and rare toppers they would like to share with the board.  Alos tips on mounting, electrical hookup, and other tips will be posted as well. Thanks again! :3-

hears one of mine you don't see every day

Sweet...  I would love to have Toppers for my slots  :89-

  How do you guys come across these items  :103-  (how do you afford them?)  :103-

   surely not on E-Bay  :97-

I have 5 toppers most I got on flebay

The Monopoly Free Parking, a good buddy of mine gave it to me :131-

Wes

OK...Made my own... :3-

   Question..Is this classified as a topper or just a homemade progressive sign?  :103-  :79-  :97-

I would say it's both :3- :3-

Looks great!! :89- :89-

Wes

This is the ultimate cool topper!!!!  :89- :89- :89-  Some are saying this is for the pinball, but checking the back looks like it has a spot for a candle.

 Dan (tacman)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JNou1r9fVU&feature=related (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JNou1r9fVU&feature=related)

I've seen those on the twilight slots in Vegas, their are actually two versions of this topper,

Wes

It is not for the Bally Pinball machine, it is specifically for the Twilight Zone Video Slot machine manufactured by IGT. I have this topper,  and is indeed, a really nice unit.  Has several animation programs, including individual letter illumination, wipes, led sequences, etc. Great topper, kind of rare to find one these days. Wish I could get the whole game with the top box, probably mortgage the house for a working version, lol.

Indeed, I just saw that on a TZ slot machine at the Four Queens in Downtown Las Vegas.

That said, some of the pin heads have been putting them on the top of their TZ pins.  A guy who owns a local arcade mounted (and powered) one on his machine -- it's a cool addition to the pinball machine.

Hello All !!

Just wanted to share my custom topper I just finished for my WMS Big Bang Piggy Bankin machine.  Total cost was $35 for after market topper on Ebay.  And around $75 for graphic artist time and film printing.  If any one is interested I can refer you to the company that can do a reprint for you.

Looks very nice, thanks for the pic's

Wes

That's awesome!  Is that film on top of plexiglas, or is it thick enough on its own.  That really looks great!

Thanks for the compliments guys. 

Pictures do not really do it justice as it's hard to see the Royal Purple color that really ties it all together matching the belly glass.  This particular topper uses a film insert behind a 1/8" thick piece of clear Plexiglass.  But this could be reprinted onto any size or shape you wanted from the company I used.  They have several "standard" sizes already on their computer and can print onto film or Plexiglass for you.  For example if you had a more commonly found IGT topper you wanted to use they could mod the graphic to fit and print onto a spec sized piece of oval Plexiglass. Worse case you could ship your old topper insert to them and they would build match if you have something unusual like I do.  Email me privately and I will give you the contact information.

Jim

I found some real cool toppers...couldn't afford them though :96-
at slotstuff.com

Nice find there.
I doubt I could afford them as well. guessing about $1000 to $5000 each.

i sent an inquiry to them...lets see what they say :79-

Hah! You ain't getting out of it that easy, SOB! :72- :72- :72-

 How much were they??? :71- :103- :79-

I don't think that he bought any. He would have had pictures posted all over the home game room thread months ago if he had. :97- :97- :97-

I think I stumbled across that site or another one like it while doing a web search in the past. For those larger bank signs they were in the $5-8000.00 range.

 Dan (tacman)

You guys are gonna freak...the Haywire topper?...they wanted $4,000.00.
I said "thanks"....lol

There is an extremely nice wall sign /  topper with progressive available at Gambler's Paradise and has been for about 6 months now.  Pretty sure when they first listed it they wanted around $1,500 for it and they have lowered the price every month....now only $300.

http://slotsforsale.com/bally-blazing-sevens-progressive-sign-p-337.html (http://slotsforsale.com/bally-blazing-sevens-progressive-sign-p-337.html)

Wow, that'd be a heck of a deal for someone who lives close and has the controller to drive it.  It's double-sided, too.  (Or, as the ad says, it's a double sided "sighn".)   :25-  :sigh:

I agree Kev, that's at least a 1X3, maybe a 2X3 depending on the size of the sign itself. The double sided feature would be very limited for the home market, but the price is reasonable.

 Dan (tacman)

What a spectacular sign!  I would love it above my slots! 

Hello all!

Ok - I need your help.  I got a new IGT Topper (pics/story to follow) - but the LED ring around it doesn't work.  I already posted a WTB, but maybe someone here can help me fix it?  I'm pretty good with electronics, but never really done any component repair - but looking at this thing there isn't a whole lot to it.  I already checked the thing circled in red which I believe is a fuse.  Has 13V on both sides.  I assume the black thing circled in blue is a capacitor because it's labeled C1 - anyway I can check that?  When I plug it in it doesn't do anything.  Can't imagine all the LEDs are burnt out.  One thing - I checked the voltage to ground on the LEDs and each leg has a positive voltage - one is 13 V and I think the other was 8 V??  Does that make any sense?

Let me know!

Dan #2

Try replacing U2
There is a small chip with 5 pins labeled U2 that is a LP2980 +5VDC 50mA regulator.
I just replaced the U2 with a 7805.
I added 3 short wires to the 7805 to make it easy to solder the 7805 to the board.

Yes - U1 is 8 pin chip and U2 is a 5 pin - should I be checking these somehow??

Dan #2

check to see if you have 5Vdc on the output of u2

Thanks for the help Foster!!

Ok - I looked at the schematic, and it shows pin 5 of U2 as the 5 VO - I didn't know which leg on the chip was pin 5 - but on the schematic it shows it is tied to the postive leg of C2 - so I checked the positive leg of C2 to ground and I get nothing - so I assume that's the issue.

2 questions.

First - Can I apply 5V from another source to see if it makes the thing work?  Or would that not be suggested?  Maybe like like 3 AA batteries in series (ok - would only be 4.5 volts really) or a wall wart??

Second - where do I get a 7805 to replace it with?  Is this something Radio Snatch would have?  (I know - stop laughing) Or do I need to go through someplace like Digikey?  I only need 1 - lol.....

Dan #2

You can try the batteries or a adapter.
RadioShack # 276-1770

I don't freakin believe it!  I hooked 3 AAA batteries in series and connected - to ground and + to the positive leg of C2 and what do you know - the LEDs started flashing!!!  Wohoo!  Foster you rock!!  So that's the issue - U2 is not putting out 5V.  So, I am on my way to Radio Snatch right now.  Foster - what legs on the 7805 are going where on the U2?  Do I need to remove the old chip I assume??

I've soldered new switches, connectors, etc onto PCBs before - but this will be the first time I've ever diagnosed and replaced any kind of chip...lol.

Dan #2

Tab and middle pin or pin 2 of 7805 are Ground.
+13VDC to Pin 1 left pin- input of 7805
+5DC will be pin 3 output or right pin of 7805
you can leave the dead u2 in place. or carefully cut it out like channel maniac shows for removing SMD parts.

C1 and C2 make good solder points for the wires from the 7805.

Foster .. good suggestion and support. K+ to you.

thanks,
Just glad my solution I used to fix mine helps others.

I think your posts were extremely helpful Foster. :89-
These are the kinds of posts I like you putting up more often!
They are very informational and I am very receptive to posts those these! :91-

Three cheers for Foster!!!

 :3- :3- :3-

That fixed it!  Only cost me $1.49 + tax.

So, now the rest of the story - I bought this topper from eBay from our good friend iweezyiandtom.  I didn't realize until after the auction closed that it was from her.  I thought I was so screwed...so I received the topper today and what do you know - it doesn't work.  None of the LEDs light up.  There is a pic of the box too - not the way I would have packed it - but it made it here.  Everything else is good - all the parts are there - even the chrome is nice - but what a disappointment.  I paid just over $100 for this topper and to receive it not working...man!  She even stated in her auction "This Topper appears to have the wiring and should be in working condition.".  Ummm, no.  If it weren't for my soldering abilities and Foster's previous posts - this could have really sucked!  Anyway, I WILL be leaving negative feedback.

Also, I don't want/need the Freedom Stars or Double Black Jack inserts - anyone want to trade for an insert I want/need??

Dan #2

Dan #2

Dan #2

Sure a lot of folks here will want those inserts as they are good ones.  The weezy seller did not test the topper so do not bash her or them to hard.  Just my opinion.  I am not sticking up for her or them but it looks like to me it was as-is pretty much in good shape.  I may be wrong about that and the packing may have been a little better etc.. Thanks B.

K+ For a good fix-B.

K+ Foster! Thanks for posting the topper schematic as well!  :3-

Foster,
What made you suspect the regulator at the U2 position? :129-
I would have been looking for broken/loose connections instead... :25-
I'm still in the learning phase as well when it's comes to electronics troubleshooting. :91-
That's a fantastic call really! :3-

Some where in my high school electronics classes and electronic magazines that I have read to check power supply and its outputs no matter where they may be in a circuit as long it is safe to do so.
High Voltage Supplies like in Vacuum Tube Equipment can get dangerous to test with the power on and the caps charged.
 
I think I have seen others on here state it as well to some as they are troubleshooting issues.

Excellent piece of trouble shooting, K+!

Good work Foster!  :3- :3- K+ from me as well. :71-

I often buy items that haven't been tested and expect that some won't work, I wouldn't leave negative feedback in a situation like this either.  In a case like Wes or Barry had where the item was broken or said to be in good condition and was crap, well that's different. 

Thanks,
Wayne

I have been meaning to post these pictures for awhile now, mainly to thank Stout for all his hard work and effort to bring this beauty back to life.  He offered to help me get this up and running again.  I lost count but I think we shipped it back in forth at least 4 times...LOL.....it's pretty well traveled.  I would guess the topper was a Katrina victum as there was some seaweed and some other artifacts found inside.  But it seemed too unique of a topper to just let it go.  Stout rebuilt it from the inside out and now it purrs like a kitten again....a real beauty. 

So if you see Stout around please give him some Karma for me (like he needs anymore  :72- ) ...thanks again.  :131-

Also, if anyone would have any information on the machine type / game title it was originally on I would be curious to know. 

That's an awesome topper.  Thanks for sharing the pics.

Thanks for sharing the pictures Bettor Slots, and Stout, you did an awesome job. :131- :131- :3-

Stat :31-

Sometime about a year when I was working on that topper,
someone had put one up on ebae...it sold for quite a bit! :56- :148-
There was a photo floating around on the internet with
those "Welcome To Las Vegas" toppers on a few banks of machines -
I sure wish I would of kept it! :25-

I bet - that is one cool topper.  :3-

yeah....I saw that one on Ebay also....I stopped bidding at $200....I seem to remember it went for well over $300.

That topper comes from a Neon Nights I-Game...   I've been looking for one of those for years to no avail.  CONGRATS!!

You're right Simon! :3-
I just Googled it and this came up>>>

K+ for the info...thanks.  I have that game in a round top so I will create a mod for the base.

Well, I came across this today and found the topper depicted with this machine VERY interesting. Even the spec sheet has the topper on it as well. Here is the IGT game flyer in pdf and I pulled a picture from it as a tease, whatya think?

 Dan (tacman)

Ahh.. I loved the Munsters.. wish I could afford one

How about this one with a different topper

http://cgi.ebay.com/IGT-I-Munsters-Slot-Machine-with-Munsters-LED-Topper_W0QQitemZ140392939636QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20b0124074 (http://cgi.ebay.com/IGT-I-Munsters-Slot-Machine-with-Munsters-LED-Topper_W0QQitemZ140392939636QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item20b0124074)

Hey Dan (tacman)

Thanks for sharing your cool find :89-

Wes

Hi just thought i would show you a couple of my rare toppers. i got a bunch!

A couple more.

one more.