WMS Bluebird Power Supply basics

[Yoeddy1]

Hey guys,

Forgive my igonorance here, but I have a couple of questions regarding WMS Bluebird power supplies.  Maybe others can learn from this as well.

So there are 2 power supplies right?   The first one is the long panel under the motherboard, and the other is the ATX power supply that sits under the BV.  I converted my BB1 to a BB2, so I run both the top and bottom monitors from independent power supplies. 

I guess my question from a troubleshooting perspective is, what does the ATX power supply run, and what does the panel power supply run and why are there 2 of them? 

Do the power supplies fail often in WMS BB machines?

Is the ATX power supply a specific model or is it the same as one found in a PC?  Special connectors?

Thanks,
Jason

[rickhunter]

The "ATX" power supply does 5 and 12 volts.  The other one runs the 24 volt peripherals.  A BB2 power supply has all 3 voltages.  I've never personally looked into whether or not the bb1 power supply is a standard ATX power supply.  I will look into that, but my guess best guess, is no.  And the 24 volt power supply is not the long thing under the motherboard, It is below the sound amp and on top of the MPU box (Square box with a vent).  The "panel" under the power supply is just a power distribution assembly, it does not generate or convert power, it is basically a "power strip".

Edited for the correct placement of the 24v PS.

[Yoeddy1]

Good to know Rick and thanks for the added clarification.  So who is a good source for power supply replacements?  I noticed Suzzo Happ offers the ATX power supply replacements.  I tend to stay away from Happ unless it's the only path available.  Like anything, these will burn out eventually, so I'm thinking about backup parts for this.

Thanks,
Jason

[rickhunter]

Suzo Happ gets a bad rap, but I've found their refurbished parts to be of good quality.  Sometimes you can get new stuff on sale for a very reasonable price.  Unfortunately for us home people, getting oem new parts is pretty difficult.  I wouldn't have any issues buying a power supply from a known good dealer, or a refurb from suzo happ. 

[idesign]

The 24V power supply is the box on the back wall of the cabinet below the sound amp. 

Patriot Gaming has new BB1 power supplies for $65.

http://patriotgaming.com/071-bluebird-p-s-tf.html

Happ has the for $74.80

https://na.suzohapp.com/products/power_supplies/80-0459-20

[rickhunter]

  The 24 volt is that box below the amp!!!!  What was I thinking....

[jonm287]

It's actually more of an "AT" style power supply.  Not much difference than a PC power supply other than in the harness that has a separate 5v plug for the backplane.


If you're handy with a soldering iron both the AT and the 24v power supplies aren't difficult to repair.  There's a few common capacitors that dry out or bulge that will prevent them from powering up, generally less than a few dollars in parts to fix.

[Yoeddy1]

What are the 24 volt components and what are the 12 volt/5 volt peripherals?  I'm just trying to understand if "X" isn't working, "A" or "B" power supply could be the culprit.

Thanks,
Jason

[jonm287]

24 volt powers the printer and reels  (if applicable).  5 volt is the backplane and related communication. 12 volt is bv and cpu, and smaller video display if reel. 19" monitor I honestly don't remember if it's 12 or 24 volt.