WMS - Starting from the basics (Newbie)

[jagroups]

Hi gang,

I was doing some research and came across this site. I've read through a lot of the threads to get an idea of what I'm up against.
I am a huge fan of the "Classic" WMS games: Keepin Up With The Joneses, Pegasus, Jackpot Party, Instant Winner, Rich Little Piggies,
Rakin' It In, etc.

I have found a lot of the software for these pop up on ebay from time to time. I want to be able to play these games at home and
I'm willing to make the investment. This is for enjoyment only. No need for TITO system, unless that's part of it.

I would love some guidance on how to make this happen. I know it's most likely not that easy of an answer.
My main request is to be able to change from game to game easily. I don't know if they will all have to be played
on different systems.

If someone is willing to let me know where to being and walk me throught some of this, I would greatly appreciate it.
I don't know if PM-ing me would be better, or unless you want to keep this open for others who have the same questions.

I never owned a machine. I only play in casinos and have all the slot machine PC games. That's it.

Thanks again    

[tacman]

Well jagroups, first let me start off with saying welcome to NLG! I am sure you will enjoy coming here and absorbing everything you can. All the games you listed are WMS video slots, but you have actually listed 2 different platforms. The 550 platform is eprom based and the games Jackpot Party and Instant Winner are included in this platform series. The other games you listed are for the NXT-CPU/Bluebird platform and are compact flash based. WMS also has released several of their older titles (I believe JP and IW are in this group) to play on the CPU-NXT platform. You basically have 3 options, you can invest in just a WMS 550 or 360 (slant) machine and play the older games, or you can get the 550 or 360 and also get a CPU-NXT upgrade board and play most of the earlier and current basic NXT games or finally get an actual Bluebird machine that will play all the CPU-NXT games and can be converted to bonus button games (Goldfish) or NXT2.
Now we get to prices:
WMS 550 upright is between $1400-1800 (this is IF you can find one, the South American market has been depleting these stocks for a while now)
CPU-NXT conversion board will run $1600-2200 depending on used or new and of course supply/demand.
Finally a basic Bluebird video will proabably run you between $4700-5700.

If anyone can think of anything I missed or am in error of, please jump in.

 Dan (tacman)

[PWRSTROKE]

Well,  Welcome aboard-!.  I am still "researching " some of the real williams classics I have.  Some of your titles you listed would not be classics in my mind.  But anyway they are excellent machines and very fun to play. What is your location-?  And welcome to NLG again.  B.

[jagroups]

tacman & PWRSTROKE,

Thanks so much for such a quick response and warm welcome.

tacman - I read my 3 options. I would probably want to go with the easier of the 3, if "easy" is even possible, LOL
I start to sweat when you mention "upgrade". Sounds out of my league, however if guided, I can make it happen.

It's the earlier games I would love to play at home, especially Keepin Up With The Joneses. Luckily, GoldFish is in the
top 3 WMS favorite slots in the casinos, so I don't anticipate them disappearing anytime soon.

Can you tell me, if I buy a "550 or 360" (don't know which is better for more options), can I easily change the game chips in them?
I don't know how many you can put into a machine at once?

Thanks again, this is really helpful being that I have zero experience in this.

[rickhunter]

The titles you mention are mostly CPUNXT titles, which would require a CPUNXT upgrade board if you buy a 360/550 machine.  They will work on a bluebird cabinet.

Jackpot Party and Instant Winner have versions in the older "legacy" platform which would not require the CPUNXT upgrade.  Though, at this time, I would just buy a bluebird.  Jackpot Party and Instant Winner are also available in the cpunxt platform.

[jagroups]

The titles you mention are mostly CPUNXT titles, which would require a CPUNXT upgrade board if you buy a 360/550 machine.  They will work on a bluebird cabinet.

Jackpot Party and Instant Winner have versions in the older "legacy" platform which would not require the CPUNXT upgrade.  Though, at this time, I would just buy a bluebird.  Jackpot Party and Instant Winner are also available in the cpunxt platform.

Hey Rick, thanks for your imput. BTW, where does one find a Bluebird?