How to Change Game On GK/I-Game

[Hustle365247]

Hello, new guy here from Mississippi. I have about a million questions, but before I start can someone tell me what type IGT machine I have? I think it is an IGT I-Game.

[sixcardmark]

Yes that is a 19" 3902 based GK/I-Game

[Hustle365247]

Thank you for your reply!!!

[Hustle365247]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to change the game on a 19" 3902 based GK/I-Game? Also is this something a novice can handle, or should I leave this to the pro's? I have a machine that has Mystical Mermaid Glass, and the game is actually Stinkin Rich. I would like to install the Mystical Mermaid game if possible. Thanks for any advice.

[Tilt]

It's pretty easy.  You change the Base Chip, GME's, and SIMM cards from the old game to the new.  You'll need a keychip to setup the new software, but you should really have one anyhow as it's also needed if when you have to replace the MPU battery.  I'm sure there's a few people here who can help you with the software and provide some help getting it installed and working if you need it. 

[Hustle365247]

Thank you, appreciate the advice.

[smoothgrh]

Also, load up on EEPROMs for your backplane so you don't have to keep setting up the denominations, payback %, etc. They're cheap!

Check out this thread: http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=25675.0

[Disgruntledc0w]

@smoothgrn - great idea about the E2 proms....I may get a few just to have some backups...

[T]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone could tell me how to change the game on a 19" 3902 based GK/I-Game? Also is this something a novice can handle, or should I leave this to the pro's? I have a machine that has Mystical Mermaid Glass, and the game is actually Stinkin Rich. I would like to install the Mystical Mermaid game if possible. Thanks for any advice.

I have over 20 games for my 3902. Each game is on its own board along with the small eprom for the backplane. Slide out MPU board (turn machine off first), replace small eprom on backplane slide in game board turn machine on and what do you know, game is all ready to play. No set up or messing around just ready to roll...now, some will say that is an expensive way to go and they could be right to some degree. I don't want to mess around with it so going this route works very well for me

[gameking6]

If you can put a ZIF socket on your backplane it would be even easier.

[T]

If you can put a ZIF socket on your backplane it would be even easier.

I like that idea. What does that entail?

[Hustle365247]

I really like the idea  about changing the eeprom on the backplane when swapping games. Thank you for the great advice. I have a couple questions about this..
Where is the backplane?
Coul you post a link to the exact eeprom I will need?

Thanks again for all the info. I know this stuff is common knowledge for you guys/gals, but prior to joining this site I had never even heard the word eeprom. Needless to say I am about is clueless as you can get. 

[Tilt]

The backplane is the board the MPU plugs into.  If you remove the MPU board (do not remove or install components with the power on) you'll see an 8 pin IC, almost in the center of the motherboard.  It's the only socketed component on it and is a 24C16.  I find it easiest to put the 24C16 EEPROM in a socket and then plug that into the socket.  So you have a socket plugging into another socket.  It makes it easy to remove by hand instead of trying to pry it out with a screwdriver and bending pins.  That will eventually lead to the pins breaking. 

[Hustle365247]

You folks are the best. I really appreciate all the information.

[Tilt]

Digikey or Mouser should have them.  You can probably also pick up some from members here who have extras. 

[T]

The backplane is the board the MPU plugs into.  If you remove the MPU board (do not remove or install components with the power on) you'll see an 8 pin IC, almost in the center of the motherboard.  It's the only socketed component on it and is a 24C16.  I find it easiest to put the 24C16 EEPROM in a socket and then plug that into the socket.  So you have a socket plugging into another socket.  It makes it easy to remove by hand instead of trying to pry it out with a screwdriver and bending pins.  That will eventually lead to the pins breaking.

Got a picture of the socket or more info? That would surly make it easier changing out the EEPROM. I use needle nose pliers to pull out the EEPROM then of course use my hand to install the next one

[lookes]

I put an eeprom on each of my 3902 boards. Then you don't have to keep changing the one on the motherboard. It's like a giant Atari cartridge. Shut it off - change MPU's - turn it on and play. 

[Tilt]

The backplane is the board the MPU plugs into.  If you remove the MPU board (do not remove or install components with the power on) you'll see an 8 pin IC, almost in the center of the motherboard.  It's the only socketed component on it and is a 24C16.  I find it easiest to put the 24C16 EEPROM in a socket and then plug that into the socket.  So you have a socket plugging into another socket.  It makes it easy to remove by hand instead of trying to pry it out with a screwdriver and bending pins.  That will eventually lead to the pins breaking.

Got a picture of the socket or more info? That would surly make it easier changing out the EEPROM. I use needle nose pliers to pull out the EEPROM then of course use my hand to install the next one

EERPOM

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/microchip-technology/AT24C16C-PUM/3046489

SOCKET

https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/te-connectivity-amp-connectors/1-2199298-2/5022039

[Tilt]

I put an eeprom on each of my 3902 boards. Then you don't have to keep changing the one on the motherboard. It's like a giant Atari cartridge. Shut it off - change MPU's - turn it on and play. 

That's what I've done too.  I just the use socketed EEPROM for 044 games since there's no easy was of installing an I2C EEPROM on a 044 MPU like there is with the 3902 MPU.  Modifying the 3902 MPU board with surface mount components isn't something that people without the correct equipment and skills should attempt though.