Anyone heard of a STATUS brand Video Poker slot? CAN'T get it to do much!

[shortrackskater]

I bought this today. All that comes on is the fan and there's a CLICK near the coin acceptor.  Nothing else... no video, screen is dead. Fuses are good...checked continuity and cleaned sockets. Checked all the connections/plugs. There is no battery on the MPU that I can see.

[CVslots]

Inside pics please...

[CVslots]

But here's a twin...fully working...

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/clt/4065895287.html

[shortrackskater]

The power supply is behind the hopper. I removed it and didn't see anything obviously wrong, which doesn't really mean much. Checked all molex plugs, etc... There IS power going to the florescent light in the door - bulb is out. The CRT doesn't light up at the plug. I'm not an expert at CRT's so I don't really know what to look for there. I think I need to test the power out of the power supply but I have no idea what voltages are supposed to be coming out of where!

[shortrackskater]

more...

[jay]

Might not be the lamp in the door. Could be the starter. They usually are the first to go.
Look for a round can, push down turn left. Can get replacements at Home depot in a package of 2 for <$5

Any fuses ? check those for continuity with a multi meter.

[shortrackskater]

Thanks Jay!

[jay]

Is there static on the CRT.
ON a TV that is ON but no picture if you run your finger around the edges you can feel the static.

I noticed there is a big plunger switch. Sometimes these cut power when a door is opened. This is a safety.
The ones on video games are designed to be pulled out when the door is open so the service tech can have power when doing diags.
Check this out. The switch may be faulty.... (with the power off) use a multimeter to check the switch function.

Generally on the motherboard there is a 3.5v cell soldered on. Possibly the big blue thing on the front of the board.
You can check for any voltage on that...... (with the machine off).
I am not sure if this would stop you from booting - my PE+ gives me a visual message that says battery low.

[proten]

The battery is the black box on the MPU marked something "Sentry".
Look it over for the voltage or Google the part # to see if a replacement is available.

[shortrackskater]

Thanks Jay and Proten!
No static on the screen. I thought the blue can was a capacitor. Soon as I get home I'll check the "sentry" ... thought that was a filter! I'm not sure where the plunger is Jay? There's three small push button switches on the right but they are clear of the door. I think those might be for set up procedures.
Hmmmm...just looked at my own picture again noticed that "data sentry" looks like it's corroded from the inside.

[shortrackskater]

Ok I just de-soldered out a Data Sentry DS-2GT 2.4v nicad battery which is DEAD. Found one on ebay but I'm wondering if anyone knows a comparable replacement? I may pry the cap off and see what's inside... I have this feeling there's going to be two 1.2 volt nicads in series! Let's see if I'm correct... I'll be back.

[shortrackskater]

Well looky here! I carefully popped off the cap to find what I suspected! Two (dead) 1.2v nicads in series, using just two prongs of the four. I think I can fabricate a replacement easily.

[shortrackskater]

I'm just replying to myself in case this comes up for someone else. Highly unlikely but you never know!
Here's my solution: These cells don't fit like the old ones,  but I think I can solder them side by side and fit them back on the base.
Final pics coming...but I have to go to work!

[shortrackskater]

I made a nice battery pack for the MPU. Powered it up. There is static on the screen but it's dark. No sounds...just the same click near the CC on the door. Heat is coming from the heat sinks on the MPU so power is getting there as well. I think it's beyond my capabilities...

[proten]

Congrats on the good start!!!!

There are three buttons on the right side of the machine.
Try holding them down when turning on the lot.
Start by holding the top one, then the 2nd and so forth.
And it could be a combo of any three buttons.

[shortrackskater]

Nothing...tried all combinations.
There's no static on the screen anymore either. It's a little dry here - maybe it was just "regular" static!

[proten]

Well then the next thing I'd try is to check your power.
Start at the plug and use a DVOM to follow the power.

[shortrackskater]

I hate AC !  
Well it's getting power to the door, and the MPU. There are two output plugs on the power supply but I have no idea what voltages should be where...

UPDATE: Okay I pulled out the CRT again, looked for anything obvious...nothing.
Checked the plug to the CRT with my meter: it IS getting 110VAC but not lighting up...

[shortrackskater]

Anyone??
Can't seem to get any replies anymore. If anyone want's this machine, it's going back on Craigslist I guess. I'm rapidly losing interest since it seems to be a CRT problem...I think.
I'm just going to go on a five mile jog now. 

[shortrackskater]

SEVEN DAYS since any reply! Did everyone go on vacation??? 
Well if anyone's ALIVE out there...
there now IS static on the CRT but still no picture. I know power is getting to everything else but there is no sound or anything indication a boot up sequence. I replaced the dead battery on the MPU but I don't know if that would have made any difference in the CRT turning on. It should come on regardless, I think.
 

[SolidSilver]

Yes, sir, there is at least one living person watching your posts, and feeling the frustration.
I haven't chimed in before because I have nothing helpful to offer. Have done some on-line
searching for the manufacturer or former employees thereof, but no luck yet.
And I'd buy the darn thing from you just for fun, but I just moved from N. San Diego county
to Portland.

[shortrackskater]

Yes, sir, there is at least one living person watching your posts, and feeling the frustration.
I haven't chimed in before because I have nothing helpful to offer. Have done some on-line
searching for the manufacturer or former employees thereof, but no luck yet.
And I'd buy the darn thing from you just for fun, but I just moved from N. San Diego county
to Portland.

Well good to know someone is reading!! The only thing I have found is that there is a completely different company at their address!
I said this on another thread... I think some of these machines are definitely becoming a dying breed and those who used to work on them, or know them are either gone or have no interest anymore. It's very frustrating...this machine still appears to be in great condition but all it does is make a nice humming sound from the fan!
Maybe I can use it as a white noise generator??? 

[SolidSilver]

On obsolete equipment, I often find it useful to track down former officers or employees of the defunct company. As a retired engineer myself, I've got a garage full of parts from every
product I ever worked on; and love chatting with people about the old products.
So, here's what I found doing corporate searches:
1. Company founded in 1981. Co-founder & COO was Larry Dunn. He is now Sr VP & CFO for Kaman Music Corp. Bloomfield Ct. 860 509 8888. He may be able to get you in contact with a technical person.
2. They produced a whole line of arcade games up through the 1990's; many based on proprietary technology using laser disks to provide multiple game choices, and apparently video choices within a game. They licensed some of their games to other makers; I have the name of one coming to me: they might be able to provide info for you.
3.Status was a Delaware corporation, always based in New Jersey or Ct (I found 7 different addresses!), the Las Vegas address was a common ploy to permit legal "manufacture" of gaming equipment. The SEC revoked their stock-trading registration in 1993 after they ceased reporting. Most recent address was 336 Stamm Rd, Newington, CT 06111; 203 666 1960, now disco. Local company records might be able to give you some local employee names.
4. If there is a patent number on anything in the machine, I can look up the patent for the name(s) of inventor(s), who may also be of help.

Anyway, don't give up yet. This is a rare one, and well worth saving if possible. Good luck!

[shortrackskater]

WOW...Thank You very much! I'll look and see if I can find a number...

[SolidSilver]

The name of the outfit that licensed some games from Status Corp was Wood Place Inc, in the mid tio latge 80's.
I know nothing about them, or if they are still in business.

And here's a flyer of your rig, made as an arcade game.