DBV-200 programming version 2.70 for Bally 5500

[Amechanic]

I have a Bally Pro 5500 with a DBV-145 bill validator... I want to upgrade to the DBV-200, and I need to know what software version they run? Do they usually a sticker on the bill head? I know where there might be a couple, but I don't know what they might be programmed for, Bally, IGT? Is there a way to tell? I'm use to working with the WBA-12/13, but when it comes to the DBV units I'm like a fish out of water..

Gary

[rokgpsman]

Here is my take on it, others can probably expand on this.

The DBV-200 heads usually have a sticker right on the top near the front edge showing the software that was installed when the DBV-200 was new. But often over the years the software is changed or updated but the original sticker is left on there so it doesn't always tell you what is actually installed. If you turn the DBV-200 upside down you will see either an eprom in a socket or a flash memory chip soldered to the circuit board. Many times there is a sticker on the eprom that says what version software has been loaded and this may be a better way to know what is actually in it.

Each DBV-200 software is written for a specific slot machine brand or model and that is identified by what is called the ID Protocol. This is a 3 digit number like ID-003 or ID-045, etc. So you would need to get a DBV-200 with the correct software for the machine you are installing it into, and you would want the latest/newest/last version of that software so your DBV-200 would accept as many bills currently in circulation as possible. Or you can get a working DBV-200 and replace the software eprom in a socket yourself or have it done for you. This isn't hard if the DBV-200 has an eprom, many people can make the eprom for you and you just pop out the old eprom and replace it. If the DBV-200 is the type with a soldered flash memory then it has to be programmed with a special setup. JCM no longer supports these old DBV units and they won't let ordinary folks like us download the software files to burn the eprom ourself. So you have to seek out someone that already has the correct software, or get it done by an authorized place.

Someone familiar with the Bally 5500 can probably say what DBV id protocol software is needed. I think Bally machines used ID-044p/045p for DBV bill validators, but you'd want to verify that. See the partial JCM document below but keep in mind it is from an old document and things may have changed. The guys at Ohio Gaming (and maybe others as well) can likely give you expert guidance on this but they specialize in IGT stuff so they may not have software for Bally. See the note on their website, bottom half of screen:

http://www.ohiogaming.com/jcmdbvhead.htm

...
Note: there was a writeup years ago by an NLG hobbyist about how to convert a DBV-200 from the flash memory style to an eprom style. You remove the flash memory and solder in socket strips to the DBV circuit board, then install the eprom. This isn't a simple task but can be done by someone handy.

[Badbaud]

Count the pins on the long brown connector on the right of the 200 BV.
If it has 12 pins it is made for a IGT machine.
If it has 11 pins it is made for Bally and Sigma games.

We do have a flasher for the 200 if you buy one without a EPROM socket.
Can also rejuvenate the belts and calibrate it, but any reputable vendor would have done that before they sold it.

[Amechanic]

Thank you for the information on the pins. I'll also remember that you can flash the 200 if I need to. I have a couple feelers out, just waiting to hear back.

[Amechanic]

Well good news, I found a DBV-200 for my Bally 5500 Super Continental.. The Bad thing is that the software is not current. I think the sticker said 2.12. It did take a one dollar bill but that was it. I would like to locate the last update available for the DBV-200. I believe it's Bally 044-045 version 2.70. My bill head is a EPROM setup. What is the number and type of EPROM used to program the DBV-200? It's like I said earlier, I don't know much about these bill validators,   but I think I've come a long way in the past couple days..    There still might be hope for me yet..?


Thanks again, Gary

[rokgpsman]

Below is the JCM software information sheet for that version 2.70 DBV-200 software, it lists the eprom as a ST Microelectronics 27c4001 or equivalent, 90 nsec speed. (not sure it has to be that fast, I've seen 120nsec eproms used in DBV-200, JCM may just be playing it extra safe). That software release is dated December 2007, so any bills in use at that time that are still in circulation today should work.

If you have the DBV-200 you can remove the eprom in it, erase and reprogram it since it is an eprom, don't necessarily have to buy another eprom, and the one that's already in there is the correct type. You can see what type/part number of eprom it is, the part number is written on the top of the chip, may need to remove a label to see the chip markings. The only difficulty might be coming up with the .bin file for the software, perhaps Badbaud or someone can help with that?

[Amechanic]

I was I such a big hurry to test the DBV-200 when I got home that I forgot to pull it and get the information. Now its buried under the mounting plate. 

[rokgpsman]

well, I guess it was good to get it installed and test it, that way you know you got a good working one, so it wasn't wasted time. They should always accept at least a $1 bill. Did you try a $20 in it?

 

[rokgpsman]

never mind on the $20 question, I looked up the ver 2.12 software and it is pretty old, don't think it will take any bills currently in circulation except the $1.

If you or someone you know has another Bally slot that has a DBV-200 in it that could be a way to get the software you need for this setup. If you decide to buy a blank 27c4001 or equivalent eprom it is easy to find for under $5. I (and probably others here) can help make the eprom for you, would be happy to do it no charge, but I don't have the 2.70 software file to load, would need to get that. This would be for making what I'd call a *backup* eprom, can't imagine anyone being sticky about this on such old equipment that isn't supported by manufacturer anymore but you never know. 

[Amechanic]

Thanks for the help and information.. I have the equipment to do the job, its find the new piece to finsh the upgrade.

[rokgpsman]

ok, that's good, I was thinking you were setup to program chips but wasn't sure. Hopefully someone will send you a pm or email with what you need. Folks that have ever done this typically save the file in case they need it in the future. Also, since Badbaud said they have a flash programmer setup to load software into DBV's with flash style memory then they may have the software release you need. The software is the same whether it goes into eprom or flash memory. Maybe he could program an eprom for you, could try contacting him to see if that is an option.

In the meantime you can use the DBV by inserting a bunch of $1 bills and maybe hit a good win to rack up some credits. Was the Bally 5500 working fairly well when you got it or were there other things you had to fix on it?

[Badbaud]

Ya, got it but you need to do a full calibration whenever software is changed. I can do that also plus test it in a Bally game. PM me.

[rokgpsman]

Ya, got it but you need to do a full calibration whenever software is changed. I can do that also plus test it in a Bally game. PM me.

 

[Amechanic]

Time to close this topic. With the help Sunrise Side and Tilt, I now have my DBV-200 taking the bills I wanted it to. I am now running the DBV-200-SH Verson 2.70 ID-044P/045P.. Thanks for everyone's help.


Gary