How to set coin payout in Williams 550

[shakey69]

I have a Williams 550 Video Reel Machine. Swingin in the Green.  Just bought it for the basement bar, 1st machine.  It will only dispense/payout <50 tokens or nickels. Are there dip switch settings or something that I can adjust to raise that? thanks.

[rickhunter]

Yes, but you have to clear the machine and setup from scratch.  Is in the credit setup screen and it is called hopper limit.

[shakey69]

Thanks for the quick reply. I have not seen that screen? Can I get to it by turning the key outside right side? There is also a reset button inside the machine but it doesn't do anything anymore. It did go into a info screen a couple times but now does nothing.

[rokgpsman]

There is a keyswitch on the side of the machine called the Admin Key by WMS, it is also commonly called the reset switch. It is used to reset the machine after a jackpot that causes a handpay situation. It can also bring up the Attendant Menu which allows you to see bookkeeping info and lets you run some tests on the machine. But it doesn't let you change the settings you want.

Inside the machine is the Diagnostic/Configuration pushbutton, it is usually white. Pressing it brings up the Tech Menu screens needed for running advanced tests, plus configuration settings like the Hopper Limits.

If you don't have the WMS manual for the 550 I'd recommend getting one, lots of good information in it. It is available in the download area here on NLG and probably elsewhere on the web.

When you press the white pushbutton (Diag/Config) switch if nothing happens then maybe there's something going on, like you need to have zero credits on the machine for it to function, or the switch has gone bad?

[shakey69]

Thats excellent, I've contacted Williams for a manual but nothing. When I first bought the machine that button worked a couple times, I used it just to empty out some tokens but I haven't got it to work since? Not sure whether Im trying with credits or not but will try. Now all it does is set the machine back to "play" mode if I use the side key to reset.

[rokgpsman]

Thats excellent, I've contacted Williams for a manual but nothing. When I first bought the machine that button worked a couple times, I used it just to empty out some tokens but I haven't got it to work since? Not sure whether Im trying with credits or not but will try. Now all it does is set the machine back to "play" mode if I use the side key to reset.

I could be wrong, but I doubt if Williams (or any other machine manufacturer) will trouble themselves to send out a manual to an individual owner. Hopefully you will get a response from them but in the meantime you could be looking for the manual on your own.

Do you think the diagnostic switch itself is bad? Take a look and see if it is easy to get to and remove. The wires that are connected to it hopefully just push on and off, quick-connect style. If you have a continuity meter (resistance function on a normal DMM) you can check the switch to see if it works. Then you can get a replacement switch if needed. I don't know for sure if having zero credits is required for the switch to work, that was a guess I threw out there just in case, so you'd get to thinking about other possibilities for why you can't press the diag button and get into the setup screens.

Since you remember that diagnostic button working in the past but it doesn't now then I'd suspect the pushbutton switch or at least check it out. The switch could be bad internally, or the switch wire connections could be the problem. Do a good visual inspection to look for anything amiss, and check the switch itself with a meter. The seller you got it from might be helpful if they are familiar with slot machines.

I think the keyswitch on the side will just let you reset the machine, also it displays all the record keeping on the machine that is required in a casino environment. To actually change the settings like hopper limits, sounds and other things you have to press the diagnostic button inside. But once you enter the settings menu with the diagnostic button then the reset keyswitch on the side or other buttons on the machine player panel might be used to make settings changes.

[shakey69]

Thanks again! The switch will change function from reset mode back to play mode once the outer key is turned and a reset performed so the switch does work. Unless there is more than one contact on the switch. I will look again but I didn't think so.

[rokgpsman]

ok, then maybe it is an operational issue like having zero credits or something else that is keeping you from getting to the setup screens. I don't have a WMS 550, maybe someone that does and is more familiar with them can give some advice on your problem.

[shakey69]

I appreciate all your help!

[rickhunter]

Do not use the key on the side of the machine for this.  You open the door, and with the door open, hit the diagnostic switch you have pictured.  it should take you to the menu where you can select the config/test button and set the hopper limit.  I don't remember off the top of my head if that limit can only be done after a clear or not.  I know in the newer cpunxt platform, it has to be changed after a clear.  If you still can't figure it out.  I will have to convert my 550 back to legacy and see exactly the steps to help you out, but I won't be able to do that for at least a week or two.,

[shakey69]

Thanks but it does nothing. As mentioned when I first bought fooling around I hit that button and it went to the screen. Now it does nothing.??

[T]

Thanks but it does nothing. As mentioned when I first bought fooling around I hit that button and it went to the screen. Now it does nothing.??

I think for shits & Grins why not clear machine like Rick suggested and see if that helps? Worth a try for sure. I was able to get to the Diagnosis screen (BB2) by opening door, got the loud beeping sound them hit the yellow switch, it then went to the Set-Up screen. I did not attempt to change any of the game setting.
Hope you get it figured out.

[rickhunter]

Does the machine report an open door when you open the door?  You might have a faulty switch?

[rokgpsman]

Does the machine report an open door when you open the door?  You might have a faulty switch?

Good idea, a bad door switch would cause something like this.

[shakey69]

Yes, tilt. Last night for it worked for some reason?? I felt around back and was just about to grab a flashlight and see how many contacts/wires the switch had but pushed it (with credits on it) and it decided to work?? Bad connection maybe. Ill have to get it working full time, I need that screen! Excellent set up. Even turned the volume down to keep the wife happy. Thank you all!!

[rokgpsman]

Based on that I'd suspect you might have a flaky switch. It is probably many years old, humidity, smoke residue and time can tarnish the metal contacts of the switch inside and the terminals outside. You can try cleaning the switch terminals, use a pencil eraser or something to make them shiny. Make sure the wires that connect to the switch are tight, sometimes the electrical contacts are loose fitting. If that doesn't improve things I'd see about getting a replacement switch, they don't cost very much and fairly easy to replace.