Author Topic: Should I leave the machine running? (Read 9189 times)

dece1416 · « **on:** November 09, 2015, 03:38:43 PM »

I don't know too much about these machines. Picked up a Game King 3.0. I was told to keep the machine running due to the internal battery. If I rarely play the machine should I still keep it running 24/7? Thanks guys

Shaggy · « **Reply #1 on:** November 09, 2015, 04:53:46 PM »

Well welcome to NLG! That has been discussed many times on here. The battery(s) on a machine should last a few months or more with the machine off. Now if the battery is already quite old, it may be better to change and then let the machine stay idle. I don't know how often rarely is but if it's only a few days at a time, probably won't hurt. They were made to be left on but it just uses up bulbs etc. They don't really cost that much to keep on.

Dave

dece1416 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 09, 2015, 06:01:25 PM »

Thanks Dave. When you mention let the machine stay idle. Mean keep it on right? machine will probably get played once week. Didn't know if keeping it on does wear and tear to the power supply. I have a Golden tee machine in my game room also and I only turn that on when i'm using it which is about once a month.

I tried to find some threads about this but couldn't. I'll be reading as much as I can about these machines. Thanks again.

rickhunter · « **Reply #3 on:** November 09, 2015, 06:48:22 PM »

Here is a link to my un-scientific experiment regarding power consumption on various types of slots. I for one, keep them off while not in use and only power them up when I'm going to use them.

http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=4499.0

Think of these things as computers (because in the end, that is all they are). How do you handle your computer? The same thing should apply to your slot machine. Granted, some of the components inside might have seen a lot of service time, but that is the reason why you should have spares of your power supply, mpu board, and possibly your monitor as these are the things that usually give issues with age. Power supplies and monitors in particular.

cowboygames · « **Reply #4 on:** November 09, 2015, 07:01:02 PM »

A GameKing 3.0 likely has a CRT monitor. Leaving it on wears ot out. Heat breaks down electronic components. As recommended earlier, have a new battery installed and turn the machine off when it will be days before it's used again. The battery should last for years. Have a socket installed so the $3 batteries are easily replaced

Shaggy · « **Reply #5 on:** November 09, 2015, 07:40:23 PM »

No when I say idle I mean turn it off. I don't leave mine on all the time. Leaving them off a short time doesn't hurt them.

Dave

rokgpsman · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2015, 08:11:32 PM »

I don't leave them on all the time, I only turn them, or the tv, or the computer, on when I want to use it. I don't like wasting the energy, or taking a chance on damage from a power outage glitch or shortening the life of the bulbs. In a casino environment they run 24 hours a day, but that's because the casino is open 24 hours a day, so the machine needs to be ready at any time for someone to play. But for the home user I think it is unneeded. By turning off the machine when you aren't using it you may need to replace a battery now and then, but that isn't any big deal.

dece1416 · « **Reply #7 on:** November 09, 2015, 08:19:01 PM »

Thank you all! It has an LCD so shouldn't worry about screen burn. I will turn it off when not in use.

dece1416 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 09, 2015, 08:34:16 PM »

Appears there are small blinking lights on still when I turn the power switch off. Should I still leave the power cord plugged in? Didn't know whats the best. Thanks

cowboygames · « **Reply #9 on:** November 09, 2015, 09:18:43 PM »

Leave ot plugged in, just turn the power switch off

dece1416 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 09, 2015, 09:31:23 PM »

Got it. thanks!

rokgpsman · « **Reply #11 on:** November 09, 2015, 10:05:30 PM »

A lot of people plug the machine into a surge protector power outlet strip, that way you can leave the power switch inside the machine turned on, and turn the machine off and on by using the power strip's switch. Saves having to open and close the machine door so much.

iramack · « **Reply #12 on:** December 05, 2015, 12:45:01 PM »

But that is what drains the battery on these games. Better to leave the game plugged in to a live power outlet and use the internal power switch for turning power on and off. That way the PSU is still supplying some power to the board and keeps it from using the battery to hold the memory.

On these I games if battery goes low/dies then upon replacement have to re-do the whole programming shebang! PITA..............

SM

Tilt · « **Reply #13 on:** December 06, 2015, 07:56:27 AM »

Quote from: iramack on December 05, 2015, 12:45:01 PM

But that is what drains the battery on these games. Better to leave the game plugged in to a live power outlet and use the internal power switch for turning power on and off. That way the PSU is still supplying some power to the board and keeps it from using the battery to hold the memory.

Not so with I-games/Game Kings. When you turn off the power switch in the cabinet it removes AC power to the main (+13/+25VDC) power supply and the MPU board is completely without power. The only thing holding the machines settings is the lithium coin cell battery which provides power to the CMOS RAM chips. That battery will hold the settings for a few years without power no power to the MPU. Some folks think that shutting off the machine with zero credits will help the battery last longer. Not so, a "0" is a bit, and it has to be stored just like a "1". Not to mention that the CMOS RAM stores much more than just the credits on the machine.

The service outlet and the comm board still have power when the cabinet AC power switch is turned off. The blinking lights the OP sees are probably a TITO board or something else that is plugged into the service outlet.

qbert · « **Reply #14 on:** December 06, 2015, 09:59:38 AM »

Tilt is correct whether you use the internal switch or external switch to turn the power off the coin battery is the only thing holding the memory on the CPU.

iramack · « **Reply #15 on:** December 06, 2015, 10:05:30 AM »

Got it..................

Apparently I was misinformed by someone.

Sorry to confuse the issue.

Happy Holidays..............

SM

sirius7 · « **Reply #16 on:** December 06, 2015, 12:37:20 PM »

Quote from: qbert on December 06, 2015, 09:59:38 AM

Tilt is correct whether you use the internal switch or external switch to turn the power off the coin battery is the only thing holding the memory on the CPU.

Does the battery still get drained while the machine is turned on?

Yoeddy1 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 06, 2015, 01:33:42 PM »

Quote from: sirius7 on December 06, 2015, 12:37:20 PM

Quote from: qbert on December 06, 2015, 09:59:38 AM
Tilt is correct whether you use the internal switch or external switch to turn the power off the coin battery is the only thing holding the memory on the CPU.

Does the battery still get drained while the machine is turned on?

I was always under the impression that the battery is always dying since it isn't rechargeable. On or off, it's always on it's way to death.

Thanks,
Jason

qbert · « **Reply #18 on:** December 06, 2015, 01:34:36 PM »

No when the machine is on the voltage is above the battery so it is not in the circuit. ( but it doesn't mean it gets recharged because it does not).
Rich

Yoeddy1 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 06, 2015, 03:08:35 PM »

Quote from: qbert on December 06, 2015, 01:34:36 PM

No when the machine is on the voltage is above the battery so it is not in the circuit. ( but it doesn't mean it gets recharged because it does not).
Rich

Good to know Rich. Thanks for the explanation.

Jason

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Author Topic: Should I leave the machine running? (Read 9189 times)