Author Topic: Initialization issues after storage & move (Read 1024 times)

eatch682 · « **on:** February 15, 2021, 05:28:24 PM »

All,
I am seeking some guidance on an S2000 that worked fine when I disconnected the power and it was put into storage. Machine was dormant for 3 years in a dry, climate controlled location with the button battery removed. When the machine was delivered today, it would not power up at all. This was diagnosed as an issue with the PDU which was re-seated and it now powers up (partially).
- Reel/cab lights come on- Printer lights up- (3) yellow / (1) green lights on MPU
I have no light/activity from bill validator, jackpot board, reels and screen on the front door is dark. I have tried the clear & key chips, but nothing seems to make a difference. With the PDU issue, I went over all of the connections just to be sure, but I've not found anything else loose/disconnected.
So, I'm wondering if there is any other troubleshooting guidance the group might be able to provide, or if I am missing a step somewhere, or if the MPU is possibly shot?
Thank you for any assistance you may be able to provide!

therockinelvis · « **Reply #1 on:** February 15, 2021, 05:50:08 PM »

Is the VFD blank? No messages? Check the 2 connections on back of VFD. Check the door I/O card also

eatch682 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 15, 2021, 06:26:01 PM »

@therockinelvis
Yes, nothing on the VFD and I've checked the connections. Checked all of the connections or the i/o door card, everything seems to be seated well. Also, I thought maybe the board just needed to be cleared, so I attempted that again. The board does not clear, just gives me the same 3 amber / 1 green light. Bad board maybe?

therockinelvis · « **Reply #3 on:** February 15, 2021, 06:35:25 PM »

If you have a spare board great. 500 series boards are running 150.00

eatch682 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 15, 2021, 06:37:56 PM »

@therockinelvis
Sadly, that is what I thought. I believe the board is a Super Stepper based on what I have compared it to online, so I guess I will start my question for a replacement board next. Thanks!

therockinelvis · « **Reply #5 on:** February 15, 2021, 06:42:11 PM »

There is a member here LOOKES try him

eatch682 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 15, 2021, 06:43:40 PM »

Will do, thanks again!

therockinelvis · « **Reply #7 on:** February 15, 2021, 06:57:00 PM »

You did check the legs on your SB chip? And lined up the notch

Stayouttadabunker · « **Reply #8 on:** February 15, 2021, 07:14:27 PM »

Is there a green Varta battery soldered onto the board with circuit traces around it looking like car battery posts on a farm tractor?
If you post a clear photo of the MPU board here, we might be able to spot something.

For kicks, loosen the power supply behind the reel shelf and tighten it back up.....might be just a loose power supply connection?

The knurled nut is on the left side of the power supply.....turn it counter-clock-wise to loosen, clock-wise to tighten.

eatch682 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 15, 2021, 07:24:17 PM »

See attached. I did notice a bit of what appeared to be corrosion around the varta battery, but after a bit of brushing with soft bristle brush, it seem to clean-up without any issues.

eatch682 · « **Reply #10 on:** February 15, 2021, 07:26:16 PM »

Quote from: therockinelvis on February 15, 2021, 06:57:00 PM

You did check the legs on your SB chip? And lined up the notch

Yes, the legs look fine. Again, this machine was working without any issues when it was powered down and put into storage.

Stayouttadabunker · « **Reply #11 on:** February 15, 2021, 07:34:14 PM »

The problem is when it was in storage....the battery got older and older and the traces were eaten away.

That Varta battery doesn't need to be in there.

Underneath that green battery are traces that are so small you would not believe how easy it is for battery acid to eat right thru them.

If you send it out for repair by Lookes, I can just about guarantee he will remove that and try to repair the broken traces.

It may be salvageable...I don't know from here looking at 640x480 sized photos.

That chip on a small circuit board next to the Varta battery is NOT OEM....I'd be questioning that chip as well.

I understand that the MPU worked before shutting it down....but these type of problems arise from storage...especially with batteries that are known to leak.

If you have small pointy dikes, you can cut off that one single leg one of that Varta battery and work the other two off by rocking the Varta back and forth without doing further damage.....however, that board will still need to be looked at by a professional board repair guy like Lookes.

eatch682 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 15, 2021, 07:36:17 PM »

Quote from: Stayouttadabunker on February 15, 2021, 07:14:27 PM

Is there a green Varta battery soldered onto the board with circuit traces around it looking like car battery posts on a farm tractor?
If you post a clear photo of the MPU board here, we might be able to spot something.

For kicks, loosen the power supply behind the reel shelf and tighten it back up.....might be just a loose power supply connection?

The knurled nut is on the left side of the power supply.....turn it counter-clock-wise to loosen, clock-wise to tighten.

So, I attempted to loosen the power supply and the nut just clicks. It will not loosen and without some sort of right-angle tool, I'm not sure it will loosen up. Seems to be as tight as it will possibly get.

eatch682 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 15, 2021, 07:41:15 PM »

Quote from: Stayouttadabunker on February 15, 2021, 07:34:14 PM

The problem is when it was in storage....the battery got older and older and the traces were eaten away.

That Varta battery doesn't need to be in there.

Underneath that green battery are traces that are so small you would not believe how easy it is for battery acid to eat right thru them.

If you send it out for repair by Lookes, I can just about guarantee he will remove that and try to repair the broken traces.

It may be salvageable...I don't know from here looking at 640x480 sized photos.

Sorry about the photos... And I completely understand the issue with the batteries aging. But, to be honest I didn't think anything about the possibility of corrosion between the board/tray and the fact that traces may have been eaten away. The only concern I have about completely removing the varta though is I have seen other posts where the enhanced board appears to require the varta battery or it has issues. I mean, if the varta battery is not required and it's nothing but a hassle, why was it ever part of the board?
Not sure if it would be worth my while getting repaired or just get a different board?

Stayouttadabunker · « **Reply #14 on:** February 15, 2021, 08:16:14 PM »

You may be right and I'm mistaken but as far as I know off-hand, that Varta battery is just for casino use.
My guess is backroom data collection or player tracking stuff....not needed for us at home.

Let me leave this answer for the enhanced boards guys...there are fellas that know much more than I do about which MPU's need that corroding thing replaced or not.

qbert · « **Reply #15 on:** February 15, 2021, 09:14:51 PM »

From what I see in your pictures time for a new board.
You will want the 504 style board so you won't have to deal with sound/hum issues.

Now to answer the question why have the Varta battery at all. Bunker you are correct it was for casino use. It is known as a tattletale battery. Even if the machine was unplugged the mpu would record the exact date/time that the main door was opened, the cash box door was opened and/or removed. This coupled with the casino's surveillance system would tag any wana be crook or casino worker.

Absolutely not needed for home use, all the Varta does is destroy boards. They should even be removed from enhanced boards also but you must remove the U16 regulator chip along with the battery on a 1270 board

Rich

Stayouttadabunker · « **Reply #16 on:** February 15, 2021, 09:35:54 PM »

Excellent explanation Qbert.....excellent.

qbert · « **Reply #17 on:** February 15, 2021, 09:46:43 PM »

Thanks Bunker
One more thing use a stubby Phillips screwdriver to loosen the power supply knurled nut.

eatch682 · « **Reply #18 on:** February 15, 2021, 10:46:29 PM »

Excellent suggestion, I will give the stubby phillips head a try.

Based on your explanation of the varta battery, do you think there is any point in attempting to try and salvage this board? Again, it doesn't look bad and from what I have seen online (depending on your shopping preference), the boards can run between $80-$150.

nglayton · « **Reply #19 on:** February 15, 2021, 11:01:16 PM »

You said the button battery was removed, Which button battery are you referring to? The one in the pic looks soldered? I could be wrong. The 1st Pic, upper right corner, silver circle.

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Author Topic: Initialization issues after storage & move (Read 1024 times)