New Life Games LLC
**Video Poker, Keno, Slots, 21** Gaming machines => CEI and Cal Omega Video Poker Games => Topic started by: Chris-socal on June 07, 2019, 10:39:20 PM
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Hello friends, I could use some help identifying a problem with a game I recently acquired. I understand these are somewhat rare and schematics or manuals even more rare. This unit is in overall good condition and I am impressed with the construction. The circuit boards are well made and in great condition for 40 years. All wrapped up in a box that weighs under 500 pounds! Barely
However, I cannot get past blowing the 14v AC fuse immediately upon startup.
The general format is this: The power supply distributes AC to the main board. There is an onboard rectifier/regulator (12/5v), from there I have no idea where it goes. I originally assumed there was a shorted diode in the rectifier circuit but after pulling several diodes and finding them good I have my doubts. They are tough to pull because most are soldered top and bottom.
I pulled the battery and am in the process of cleaning off the corrosion but the traces all check out.
Also, does anyone know what a reed relay is doing on here?
Here are some pics, thanks in advance for any advice. Do any repair shops work on older stuff like this?
Chris
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I wanted to follow up and call this issue solved. Turns out it was one of the tantalum capacitors on the power supply board that was the short. I learned from researching that they were often used because they were smaller back then. I replaced it with an equivalent electrolytic I had and the game booted right up. From what I read you can, in most instances, replace the epoxy dipped caps with electrolytic. The tantalum has a tendency to fail in short. They are also very sensitive to over voltage and literally pop their cap, which is how I found this one. There are dozens of them on the board so pulling them was not realistic...yet!
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That's great to hear! Thanks for the update. We used to have more CEI people here but they've gone silent, or died sadly. I have a CEI video poker machine, works perfect.
Add a photo your machine powered up, if you can.
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Will do. I have it partially disassembled to access the lower fluorescent light right now. They sure use a lot of screws on these!
BTW any idea what the starter device is called on this bulb? The one in the top box uses a traditional can starter, the lower one looks like a rubber plug across hot and neutral.
Chris
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Can you post a photo of the top light/starter?
I've never seen a rubber plug like that. Odd. I'll get someone else on this too. Hang on!
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I have never seen anything like that either 🧐. You have two choices.. Keep it as it is if it’s working, or convert it to the standard type can style starter.
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Doesn’t work, I will likely convert.
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Doesn’t work, I will likely convert.
The bulb pictured looks to have a burnt. Are you sure the bulbs good?
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Yes, I opened the top box and plugged it in there, it started right up.
I’m stumped about what started this bulb, that little device looks a filter or something. The other side of that socket is a C9 light bulb. What acted as the starter?
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If the bulb lights in a different socket, then you either have a bad starter or a bad ballast..
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That's great to hear! Thanks for the update. We used to have more CEI people here but they've gone silent, or died sadly. I have a CEI video poker machine, works perfect.
Add a photo your machine powered up, if you can.
My shop still works on the older CEI boards and even has a CEI tester to work on the boards.
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That is great to know! Rare Im sure!
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Hello friends, here is a picture of the game. It’s a little rough but it sure is fun to play.
I found out what the little rubber thing was, I guess they soldered a starter component directly to the wires. I opened a fs5 starter and removed the bulb and soldered it direct like they did, it started right up. Very strange for sure.
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Here’s a better picture hopefully upside right. Definitely a cool looking game.
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I want one! :hissyfit:
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Remember you don’t have the room...
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Wow, beautiful! It uses the 1980s Pac Man font! I love that lettering.
Thanks for sharing. If you have time, we'd also love to see a YouTube video of the game in action!
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Remember you don’t have the room...
:no:
I know... I have to keep the jeep exposed and not encased by slot machines.
Still that CEI looks great! Glad it's working.
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I’m thrilled that this machine stands out. I tend to like eclectic machines that most people consider outdated. My previous favorite machine was my 1977-ish Summit Coin poker. It plays poker like a newer machine but there is something special about how it deals a little slower and the artwork is more appealing than newer units.
Is this CEI that rare? Any idea how many are in private collections?
YouTube video coming soon.
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As promised here is a video of the machine in play. Sorry my cat made for a few shaky moments and was in the reflection.
https://youtu.be/_mAMwVRM53s (http://youtu.be/_mAMwVRM53s)
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Nice game! :yes:
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That's great!!!! :propeller:
Thanks for posting the video.
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Thanks for posting that! Looks like a great showpiece for guests and parties!