Reprogram / Modify old Bally EPROM Based S + External Card Reader

[DB26]

Hello everyone. I had previously tried to reply an old topic in the S / S+ forum, but the thread was too old. User knagl sent me this way...


http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=4481.0


I have an old external card reader just like what’s posted in the topic above. Currently the scrolling message says “Welcome to Resorts Casino Hotel..... Please insert your card or see a slot attendant for details”


I would like to change that to a custom Message. I know it’s eprom based, and am getting a eprom programmer very soon.


My question is, would it be fairly easy to read the eprom file, modify it, and reburn the modified file back the eprom? My main concern is that it’s going to be in some sort of computer code and I won’t be able to figure out how to decode and modify it. Thank you!

[Tilt]

After you get your programmer read and save the original file.  Make sure to keep an unmodified copy so you can revert back to the original if something goes wrong.  Then use a hex editor to open the file, find the text that you know in the file ("welcome to...") change it to what you want, save it, then write it to a blank EPROM and see if it works in the reader.  It works for some Mastercom units, but no guarantee it will work for yours.  Won't know until you try.

[GOS]

there may be some cksum issues as bally eproms used that feature.  What I would do is when you read the eprom get the cksum from your burner - make your mods - store the updated file - if the cksum changed - try the new file and see if you get any errors - if you do you will need to do some hex math to figure how to add/subtract data from your file - adding - find 00 areas of file and change to the needed computed figure - if less - then you have to find some FF area and deduct - all while trying to get cksum to match original

[DB26]

Thank you both.


Tilt, I will try it as you stated. Seems straight forward enough.


GOS, I’m going to have to do some reading up on cksum. This is where I am lacking in knowledge. Thank you for bringing it up.


I am thinking about getting the ever-common TL866II eprom programmer. I would like to use it for this project and possibly future use on game Eproms for IGT.


Would anyone here recommend this or any other unit?


I have an old windows XP computer from approximately 2004. And a MAC laptop from 2006.

[jay]

Using a hex editor to change bytes of the file is pretty straight forward but, you might also be limited by the length of the message.
If it says welcome to resorts casino, making this longer might prove some challenges without having the original source code to recompile and burn.


With regards to the burner. Some newer PCs have had issues with USB to serial cables. Not sure about Mac support.

[DB26]

Thank you for the additional info, Jay.

[GOS]

i have used both the GQ-4 and the TL866II and found the TL866 a better machine for the money - quick and less errors - only issue is it cannot handle 2716 eprom programming voltages - have to use 12.5

[DB26]

i have used both the GQ-4 and the TL866II and found the TL866 a better machine for the money - quick and less errors - only issue is it cannot handle 2716 eprom programming voltages - have to use 12.5

So if I’m dealing mainly in IGT S S+ and S2000 machines the TL866 should be sufficient enough?

[Tilt]

Yes, it works fine for them.  Pretty much any slot EPROM you'll run across that has 40 or less pins.  I say that because Aristrcrat, Atronic, or something like that does have a 42pin EPROM, and this won't program them.

I did something with 2716's using mine, seems I had to change one of the default voltage settings in the Minipro software for it.  It was for an old pinball machine EPROM and so long ago I don't remember exactly what I was doing.  I think reading it to combine two 2716's into one 2732.
 

[DB26]

Yes, it works fine for them.  Pretty much any slot EPROM you'll run across that has 40 or less pins.  I say that because Aristrcrat, Atronic, or something like that does have a 42pin EPROM, and this won't program them.

I did something with 2716's using mine, seems I had to change one of the default voltage settings in the Minipro software for it.  It was for an old pinball machine EPROM and so long ago I don't remember exactly what I was doing.  I think reading it to combine two 2716's into one 2732.

Great. Now the issue on wether to buy from amazon, eBay or ALiExpress. Haha

[jay]

1 day, 1 week, 1 month......

[DB26]

1 day, 1 week, 1 month......

Good point

[DB26]

Well I finally got around to trying to dump the data on the eprom. It’s an old 8 bit eprom that my Eprom reader will not read. It is a Motorola mc68705p5s. Requires 20 volts to program.

[DB26]

After an extremely helpful conversation and advice from Tony (Trisail) I learned that the chip I posted about is the CPU. Whoops. Haha  I have another chip to look at this weekend. That one should be the eprom.