Is an IGT S+ a good choice for a first slot machine?

[Simple Sam]

I have purchased a second home in Reno and think that the perfect décor would include a slot machine.  I posted a question in the S2000 forum because I think an S2000 might be best for me http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=27993.0 .  I don't want to exclude S+ though if it might make for a good choice.  I was thinking of an S2000 for a number of reasons: it's for use in a state that doesn't restrict slot machines, they are readily available refurbished and inexpensive at places like Colorado River Slots, and parts are going to be readily available.

On the other hand, I want a basic coin in/coin out machine, not a ticketless play 180 coin machine so a S+ would be suitable.  The downside of the S+ is that I can't get one from the big online retailers and I'm not sure about parts availability.  Is parts availability a problem with S+ machines?

If I got one off Craigslist that was complete, are they difficult/expensive to repair?  Thanks,

[jay]

The S+ is a great first platform. Rugged as he'll, you can backup/burn game sets with a low cost EPROM burner. Slot kits are readily available as is the rest of the parts. Spare MPUs are sub $50 .you can enhance them with progressives etc.

The bad: The bill valid actors are no longer being updated for new money. So expect this to evolve to coin only. I am sure TITO is not impossible but was never native to this platform.

The S2000 is the reinvented S+. The game kits from S+ all work in the s2000. They sport updated bill validators and support Tito,
You can get 5 reel kits and backlit reels. Stereo sound and theme specific sounds like munsters.

The bad: the S2000 kits use Simms not chips and are significantly more expensive than chips.

I am not sure what you mean the big boys but I highly recommend any of the vendors on our home page.

[cowboygames]

He wants basic coin operation, not tickets or bills, so the S+ should suit him well. Only real advantages to the S2000 are the better sound and bonus game type machines

[Simple Sam]

Thanks for the responses; you've given me more to think about.  I didn't know about the bill validators not being updated; I'll have to think about how important that is. 

One thing that makes me lean to the S2000, is I can go to Colorado River Slots website, choose from 60+ titles that they have in stock, and have it shipped to my home the following day.  How do you go about finding an S+ game?  Is there any source beyond checking Craigslist every day? 

Can you recommend a book that covers the basics of slot machines for home users?

[jay]

All of the vendors here would have S+ kits.
Not all have fancy websites to flog their wares.
Just call and ask.

eBay is a good source for kits.

With respect to home user info.
There was an industry bias to not only restrict info from public consumption but also a desire to misinform non industry.
This is where a few of us got together and established NLG 9 years ago.

If you check out RICKs FAQ we have the entire S+ game bible published along with other setup instructions.

Just to be clear - I am NOT saying DONT buy a S2000. I am just trying to provide factual information.
If I was in the market for a new slot I would probably pick up a S2000 over an S+ but if cost is at issue the S+ is going to be less money.
I would however be looking hard at a game king since these can play both poker and slot games.

[lizzo54]

I got my start on a couple Splus machine I picked up cheap.  I learned a lot from working on them and made some mistakes along the way.  This site is an amazing resource and there's plenty of good folks that can offer you a great machine and parts for excellent prices. 

A couple comments, as far as the bill updates, I have a couple machines with out dated software, I just keep a couple older 20's in the cash box and its not a problem.  Th problem I do have, is that it wasn't soon after getting the Splus machines that I wanted a Gameking, then moved to WMS 550s now BlueBirds and on and on..  I still have one Splus and I would bet that most members here have at least one in their collection.

I think there's a download for a operators manual on this site.  If not let me know and I will email you a PDF of one.

Lenny

[dnystrom]

We play our Double RWB a lot here and it does take the "Big Faced Bills" but not the colored new ones.$1-100
It's a workhorse and the only problem we have had is the battery dead twice. I like the old style real reels....
Dave

[lizzo54]

I had a double diamond that I installed a nudge chip in that made a fun and cool change.  The one I have left is a Spin to you Win that's a lot of fun.