Bally Gamemaker 7000/7200 differences?

[BenF]

Was hoping someone could summarize the differences of these two types of Gamemaker models that seem to be most common (if there's other models I'd be interested in hearing about those too) and/or answer some newbie questions.  Finding good info about these on the 'net, aside from the NLG board, has been hard.

Specifically I'm curious about features that might be desirable/not so desirable in these models and is there a reason to purchase one model over the other as far as functionality and features go.  (I'm looking to purchase one for my home gameroom.)  I own a WMS slot so have some basic knowledge on slots, and am capable of repairing if needed, but am a complete newbie on the Gamemakers.  The types of questions I've had while researching these:

1. Do they all have the same monitor size?
2. Do they all have touchscreens?
3. Can game roms be changed out on all models?
4. Are game roms compatible between the two (or however many) types of Gamemaker models?
5. Are they all "money in/money out" model games?  I'm not interested in ticket-style games.
6. Any potential "gotchas" as far as long term ownership?  ie: Availability of parts, reliability, repairability, etc
7. Where's a good starting place for purchasing one of these?  Craigslist, epay, sponsors, etc?  I've been watching the local CL for awhile but haven't seen one of these pop up yet. Retail sites are hit and miss as far as availability, and prices are all over the place.
8. What's the average "going rate" for a machine in good overall condition?  I know that's very subjective but just curious on guesstimates on what's a fair price.

Any and all information is greatly appreciated.

Ben
Phoenix AZ

[tacman]

Ben, hello and let me try and answer some if not all your questions.

1. The 7000 is available in a 14" and 20" monitor model. The 7200 is available in 14", 17" & 19" monitor models.
2. Yes, all models have touchscreens.
3. The MPU boards are both set up for 10 game eproms that can be changed and MPU boards can be interchanged between different models.
4. The game eproms can also be used in either model, your mains & graphics eproms will determine if a game can be used or not. These can also be changed out.
5. Yes, all models came available with coin comparitors and bill validators, but depending on casino and aftermarket needs, some may not be installed.
6. As any platform gets older, especially when not currently used by casinos anymore, parts are going to be more difficult to find. Gamemakers are still somewhat prevalent and parts are available.
7. Well, you can put a WTB in the classifieds here, or the other options are certainly open to you. One of our members here just got a great deal on a Gamemaker on CL.
8. That's a tough one. Depending on which model, features and what games are on it, the range is pretty wide. I would say between $700-1400.

I'm sure others will chime in as well, which is great for collective input. I suggest you look in the Submit New File area for the Gamemaker manual. It will give you some ideas about the different models, features and sizes. Just one other thing, in the 7200 series the machine was available in a double row bet deck for the "dedicated" slot games like Platypus, Boxcar Bonus, etc.

 Dan (tacman)

[BenF]

Thanks for the info Dan, good stuff

[StatFreak]

...
I'm sure others will chime in as well, which is great for collective input. ...

Dan, I think you covered just about everything! 
K+ on behalf of BenF

[mark805]

look in the Submit New File area for the Gamemaker manual

Am I doing something wrong? I click there and only see 2 files and neither are the gamemaker manual

[tacman]

mark805, the file submission area gets purged every so often. Unfortunately, this is one of those times.

 Dan (tacman)

[rma]

Mark 805 - Check the submit a file section again, the Gamemaker manual has been resubmitted.
Dave(rma42)

[mark805]

Got it!

Thanks