Looking to buy

[Wesley910]

I would like to add one of these machines to my collection, any tips on what to looks for? What’s a good price to plan on?

[sccarlso]

Get one that has an SMLD primary display.

It should have a PCIE video card in the brainbox.  If it doesn't, but it's a really good price and it functions, you can get the best brainbox, a 660 with the video card for about $165 and it's a relatively easy swap.

Prices vary, but at just a guess, around $1500 for one in relly good shape and fully operational.

Just remember, to be able to do ANYTHING with it.  You'll need to purchase an IGT ekey7 ($300-$400), and a diagnostic usb flash key (about $30).
You can get game loaders, OS loaders, show boot chips (they are often already installed on used AVP's), the ekey7, and diag key from many trustworthy folks that sell them here on NLG.

Stick with a Fam14 OS, there are the most games available for that OS and it's an easy system to manage.  As long as you have everything.

[Wesley910]

How do you identify a SMLD display?

[sccarlso]

They would tell you, it's a big selling point.  It's a 3D display.  MLD = Multi Layer Display.

Really hard to miss.   If you look at the back of it, there is a Y cable connecting two VGA connectors on the same display, and a seperate VGA cable next to that Y cable going from the video card to the display.

A standard screen isn't "bad" either though.  But the MLD display is good to get from the start, as it's expensive and a real hassle to "upgrade" a standard main screen to an MLD main screen.   

[Tilt]

I wish I could find a G23 is really good working condition for $1500.  For that around here you may get a parts complete unit, and maybe boots up, but hasn't been cleaned etc.  $2000 - $2500 is more the going price for a nice shopped working machine in my neck of the woods.

Speaking of that, make sure you ask about the buttons and get pictures of them if you can't see the machine in person.  If the display has dimmed out a new button will run ya $70 - $80 for a new one.  There's 14 of them so you do the math.

Make sure the validator is the correct one for a G23.  It should accept a bill ticket face up with a TITO board installed.  If it only accepts them face down then someone has put a bill validator that is a "down stacker" instead of an "up stacker" that he G23 should have.  Make sure the validator firmware is updated to accept all the bills presently in circulation too. 

Make sure it has "show" boots installed.  Most do, but ask just to be sure.

The MLD monitor is nice for 3D effects, but the inner monitor seems to be the one that will fail first.  Make sure it's bright and doesn't have any bad spots on it.  Depending on where it is they aren't always visible on all games, so try different games and look closely. 

If you do find one and don't know the seller don't be afraid to ask here if anyone here has experience with them.  There are some unscrupulous people out there who will screw you, so better to ask before than ask later and have others tell you, oh yeah, you shouldn't buy anything from them.

You'll need the Ekey 7 sccarlso mentioned for sure, and also need a diag key, the game OS software, and the loaders for the games installed on the machine.  The seller should be able to provide you with the OS and loaders.  The Ekey 7 and diag you'll probably need to purchase separately.

Good luck in your search.  They are fun machines. 

[RB]

Make sure the validator is the correct one for a G23.  It should accept a bill face up.  If it only accepts them face down then someone has put a bill validator that is a "down stacker" instead of an "up stacker" that he G23 should have.  Make sure the validator firmware is updated to accept all the bills presently in circulation too. 

Bills should have 4 way acceptance. It's only tickets you have to worry about. It should accept tickets face up if equipped with a TITO.

[Tilt]

Thanks RB, that's correct and what I meant, but not what I said 

[sftechgeek]

I've been talking to:

Kyle Knerr
Slot Machines LTD
https://slotmachinesltd.com
Lake Havasu, AZ
937-510-3494

For the exact same thing you're looking for, a G23 with a MLD. He's been really helpful and they are sponsors of this BBS. You can give him a call I'm about to order the same thing. You can drop my name too.

PM if you need more info.
John

[sccarlso]

BBS, lol

That’s a term I haven’t heard since 1986.

Ah the old days of 56k dial up.  😁