Swap out Games on I-Game?

[SteveXKR]

Hello All,
I have two IGT I-Game slots (Little Green Men Family Reunion and Lobster Mania) and i'm trying to figure how I can swap to a different game if I wanted?
Is it possible to just buy the main boards all complete in the metal try and just slide it in? Online I sometimes see people just selling the IC Chips but not sure I want to mess with that because it seems like a headache...While nice, I don't necessarily care about having the matching glass to go with the actual game.
Is there a list of what would be compatible with my systems and what would be a good place to find the games?


Thanks!

[rickhunter]

If you swap the trays, you will still need a key chip to setup and enable validator, printer, denom, etc.  3902 games can use key 40 (latest available).

[wizeone]

the easiest way to do tray swaps is to get an extra eeprom chip(U2 on the motherboard) and change it with the tray, that way you dont have to keep keychipping every time, just swap the 8 pic chip and tray and fire it up.

[rickhunter]

It should be noted, that regardless of the swap method, you will always need a key for the initial configuration.  A while back, there was a post with a mod to install the eeprom chip on the mpu and removing the one on the backplane, so the mpu would be self contained and only the mpu board needed to be changed.  I never did it.  I kind of like doing the key and configure as part of the "fun"

[SteveXKR]

Thanks for the reply guys!


Sounds like I'll purchase the KeyChip 40 then just to be safe.
As far as the eeprom I think I found that thread - I like that self-contained idea.. just need to see if I can follow along - Do I understand correctly I'd basically be adding the eeprom on every 'game board' so to speak (based on rick's reply) - otherwise I should install a socket and replug the matching one correct?.
The Key/Config seems like a such a hassle, but on the flip side I think I get the gist as to why they did it that way


Usually for electronics parts I know I can hit up mouser/digikey assuming they have the right part - what do you guys recommend for the Key 40?
Also any hot leads on getting the gameboards from somewhere? Most I can find seems to be whole slot machines and I definitely dont have room for that!

[rickhunter]

Key40 is relatively easy to obtain, if you post a WTB ad, someone will have them for you.  I buy my parts from mouser as well.   As far as gameboards, same deal as the key40, many dealers frequent this site and they have those parts all day long for reasonable prices.  And yes, you put an eeprom in each mpu board.  There was other mods that needed to be done to the mpu, not just add the chip if I'm not mistaken.

[Tilt]

Thanks for the reply guys!


Sounds like I'll purchase the KeyChip 40 then just to be safe.
As far as the eeprom I think I found that thread - I like that self-contained idea.. just need to see if I can follow along - Do I understand correctly I'd basically be adding the eeprom on every 'game board' so to speak (based on rick's reply) - otherwise I should install a socket and replug the matching one correct?.
The Key/Config seems like a such a hassle, but on the flip side I think I get the gist as to why they did it that way


Usually for electronics parts I know I can hit up mouser/digikey assuming they have the right part - what do you guys recommend for the Key 40?
Also any hot leads on getting the gameboards from somewhere? Most I can find seems to be whole slot machines and I definitely dont have room for that!

Here's the thread for the EEPROM mod, it's a "Sticky" post on the I-game forum.

http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=251.0

There's basically two ways, one is to get a 27C16 DIP EEPROM for each 3902 board/game and swap them both at the same time.  Keeps your settings, credits etc.  Most people do this because it's easy and doesn't require modification to your 3902 board.  The other method requires some SMD soldering skills.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you probably shouldn't attempt it.  You have to remove a SMD resistor and solder in a SMD 27C16 EEPROM.  Then you remove the DIP EEPROM from the motherboard (backplane) and you can swap the 3902 boards out like a giant Atari cartridge with everything intact.  You have to do that same mod to each 3902 board you want to do be able to do that with. 


Check with any of our vendors on the home page, they may be able to help you out with additional 3902 boards and game software.

[wizeone]

hit up RB here on the site for your keychip needs 

[SteveXKR]

Thanks for the reply guys!


Sounds like I'll purchase the KeyChip 40 then just to be safe.
As far as the eeprom I think I found that thread - I like that self-contained idea.. just need to see if I can follow along - Do I understand correctly I'd basically be adding the eeprom on every 'game board' so to speak (based on rick's reply) - otherwise I should install a socket and replug the matching one correct?.
The Key/Config seems like a such a hassle, but on the flip side I think I get the gist as to why they did it that way


Usually for electronics parts I know I can hit up mouser/digikey assuming they have the right part - what do you guys recommend for the Key 40?
Also any hot leads on getting the gameboards from somewhere? Most I can find seems to be whole slot machines and I definitely dont have room for that!

Here's the thread for the EEPROM mod, it's a "Sticky" post on the I-game forum.

http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=251.0

There's basically two ways, one is to get a 27C16 DIP EEPROM for each 3902 board/game and swap them both at the same time.  Keeps your settings, credits etc.  Most people do this because it's easy and doesn't require modification to your 3902 board.  The other method requires some SMD soldering skills.  If you don't know what I'm talking about, then you probably shouldn't attempt it.  You have to remove a SMD resistor and solder in a SMD 27C16 EEPROM.  Then you remove the DIP EEPROM from the motherboard (backplane) and you can swap the 3902 boards out like a giant Atari cartridge with everything intact.  You have to do that same mod to each 3902 board you want to do be able to do that with. 


Check with any of our vendors on the home page, they may be able to help you out with additional 3902 boards and game software.

Thanks! Ive done some SMD work before so I think I'll give it a shot!

[Tilt]

Ok, you should be alright then, it's pretty simple.

[smoothgrh]

There's basically two ways, one is to get a 27C16 DIP EEPROM for each 3902 board/game and swap them both at the same time.  Keeps your settings, credits etc.  Most people do this because it's easy and doesn't require modification to your 3902 board.

I do the EEPROM method because my soldering/electronic skills are poor.

I can swap out a game in less than 3 minutes using a cheap IC removal tool for the EEPROM on the backplane—as long as I don't accidentally drop the EEPROM into the back of the machine! Otherwise, I just put the EEPROM in a sandwich bag and keep it with its 3902 tray. Easy peasy, and those EEPROMs are cheap—like 25 cents each.

But beware: once you start down this path, forever it will dominate your slot-playing destiny!