Cactusjack
« Reply #1 on: October 30, 2006, 08:51:40 AM »
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The answer to all your questions is probably related to where they were made and for what end use.
The S+ is made in America for the American Casinos (which for some time were basically in New Jersey and Nevada). They have Gaming commisions, which control what and WHO can do what changes to a machine.
As a Casino operator, you wouldn't want just any BOZO that had keys, changing things like Denomination, or clearing your meters. You would have Hell to pay with the commisions.
Gaming Devices, for the most part, are highly regulated in America. Your Universal, I believe, were manufactured in Japan and the US might not have been their primary market.
Perhaps all those things you like so much about them, made them a black sheep for the US casinos.
But, thanks for the photos, its always nice to see what doesn't seem to be around any longer.
CJ
diecaster
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2006, 01:38:36 PM »
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I've got a Universal series 8500 machine which is approximately the same vintage as my Bally 5000+.
I will say that the Universal is a far superior machine when compared to the Bally when you look at fit, finish, and features.
I spoke to someone earlier this year that serviced them back in the early to mid 90's and he said the biggest problem was just getting parts.
uniman
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2006, 03:31:39 PM »
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Ok, I admit it, I'm one of those BOZO's with a set of keys!
Your probably right CJ, the machines say MADE IN USA/JAPAN. I believe what was happening at Universal was just like what was happening to Volkswagen of America. In the late 80's V of A couldn't do anything without Germeny's approval. Slowed them right down. I believe Universal of America had the same problems with Japan. Parts were probably a problem as were all the non-english speaking exec's at Universal.
The casinos that had my machines used evidence tape, dated and signed, everytime they opened the main P.B.C. case to access the board. And there was a magnetic switch on the Main P.B.C. case door.
But I still say they made a nice machine.
midas
« Reply #4 on: October 30, 2006, 03:46:22 PM »
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The Universal Ultra slots are GREAT machines. Stereo Sound, Lighted reels on winning combinations, Quality made, etc. etc.
But, like a Walmart, the IGT's gooble up the smaller guy.
I hated to part with the 2 I had, but spare parts were a problem to get. I had to order the service manual from Universal in LV at a cost of $150. They sent me a photocopied one. and said that spare parts are no longer available.
You had to see and play the Ultra slot series to fully appreciate the Quality.
diecaster
« Reply #5 on: October 30, 2006, 04:18:34 PM »
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So I wonder what's going on with them now?
Aruze bought them, and still have a facility in LV which is the old Universal building. I was told that years ago this was a huge warehouse full of machines from floor to ceiling but now it's virtually empty.
Is Aruze working on placing any machines in the US market? Don't know why you'd keep a presence unless you had a plan.
I don't know how much info you get in an IGT manual, but the Universal manuals I've collected are second to none with information including FULL electrical schematics, boards and machine.
uniman
« Reply #8 on: October 30, 2006, 07:03:22 PM »
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Midas,
I recently got hold of an Ultra manual through a friend in Vegas. Had you ever played with the Memory Switches. I just added a "random nudge" feature to my Triple Crowns. It doesn't seem to work on Twin Crowns. Although I added the "3rd Reel Reach Feature" that spins the 3rd reel longer with extra sound when two 7's or higher are on lines 1 & 2.
What themes were the two machines you used to have?
Anyone else out there have any Universal Ultras?
I believe Aruze will bring back the Ultra's as I see they have approval for those machines in South Africa.
The Ultras were approved in Nevada under Universals ownership, but the only place I have seen one is at the El Cortez and that was last winter.
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