CDS Easy Street "SYSTEM ERROR!" ????

[TODSZX]

Hi all,

My name is Todd and I live in Arizona. Hoping someone here can help.
I've got this Casino Data Systems (CDS) Easy Street game.
The machine cost me $75 so I thought it would be a good challenge and learning experience to try and fix.
The machine looks really good. The display says, "Stratosphere Tower".
It powers up and goes through several different video screens the small orange display on the upper right says, "System Error" continuously.
I'll try and upload the sequence of displays on the main monitor.
Please forgive the poor photography.
Eventually the main monitor gives the same system error message.
If anyone has any answers/suggestions/advise, please don't hesitate and let me know.
Thanks,

Todd

[TODSZX]

Latest Update:

I went through the machine and cleaned it out (removed wires I thought served no purpose). I also reseated all the plugs and connectors.
I'm still getting the "System Error!" message on the orange Win Paid/ Credit /Coin In display when it's turned on.
The new thing it does (I'm not sure it's better than the other message). It says, "Serial Connection TimeOut". This is it's final screen display. Doesn't advance any further.
I spotted a You-Tube video of one of these machines working and it looks so cool. Am not wanting to give up.
Am I going forward or backward? Not sure?
Anyone have Ideas, please speak up.
Thanks everyone,

Todd

[CVslots]

Hi Todd. Welcome to NewLifeGames.com!


Wow, a CDS machine....fun...the machines are known for dependability unfortunately. They are lots of fun when they are up and running, but when they go down, a lot of times it's an issue with finding parts. The MOU boards go out, yet there are no replacements to be found, as there was not a jillion of these machines produced (like other IGT or Bally machines). CDS was never one of the big hitters in the industry, so it can be a challenge to find info as well.


Have you read all of the posts I the CDS forum section? That would be my first move. We have maybe 2-3 members that have any experience at all with CDS, so it is best you read all you can.


Sorry to be such a downer, but this may be a tough one.

[cyenergy]

Put the wires you ripped out back maybe they serve a purpose.

[TODSZX]

Hi, thanks for the welcome and thanks for responding.
I was worried no one would.
The wires were the ones the casino uses to tie the machine to their system.
They didn't go anywhere and were just rolled up in the box. Mostly I felt it was unnecessary clutter.
I believe the display changed when I used an anti-oxidizing compound and lightly sanded on the connections.

I'm hopeful that the "serial connection timeout" is better than a blank screen saying "System Error". I'll recheck and make sure something didn't get put back incorrectly. it appears closer to functioning than it was before.

I got this project from a furniture mover for $75. A divorcing couple kinda story. It belonged to the husband and the wife gave it to the movers cuz she didn't want him to have it so tells the mover dude.

I've perused the NewLifeGames archive. From it I learned to transfer the original IDE hard drive to a flash card boot system. This allows for a quicker load but didn't notice any other change.

The WBA-11-ss bill validator seems to function correctly. The 19" CRT monitor is good (no burn). The buttons appear functional and aren't cracked/yellowed. the MC-40 nickel coin comparator and hopper checked out good.
Previous owners might have done something to it incorrectly. My Sigma Double Smokin Sevens had tons of that done to it.
 
Also, Turning the reset key doesn't seem to alter the machine's function. 

There's mention of a "Birthing Chip" U63 & U64. Unfortunately I don't have a set of them.
Was hoping a NewLifeGames veteran with CDS experience would tell me if these apparently unavailable chips were needed to correct the malfunction. It loads up pretty close to working so I thought that wasn't an issue. The little dog even points to the fire hydrant.

This is turning into my new hobby I guess. Started collecting these things 10 months ago. Got 19 slot machines so far. Mostly IGT, 2 Bally Alphas / ProSlot / Game Maker, a WMS bluebird, oldest is a 1983 IGT Aristocrat Espirit.
Got them all working but these last 3:
CDS Easy Street
Sigma Free n Easy
VLC Winning Touch

Did the garage remote thing too. Each machine's (Max Bet) button wired to garage door remotes. Kind fun playing the them two rooms away.

Anyway, I've learned so much cool stuff from here. LED's, batteries, bill validators, coin comparators, hoppers, game programing, reel strips, IC chips, TITO, etc., etc., etc.
Thanks,

Todd

Now where did I set that soldering iron?

[Buzz]

Todd I have a working Easy Street and the reason it's a working machine is I'm afraid to ever turn it on.  Hey I've got nothing good to say about a CDS,  But the fellow you do need to talk to is paulw on this site. Paul doesn't post very much but I see he still logs on every now and then, I would send him a PM. Paul is a nice guy and he use to work on a lot of these types of machines. Another fellow that may be of some help would be raz410. ( Bob)
 
I have the manual for your machine on disc, but it's 2,223 KB I don't know if it's possible to send that large of a file. Oh and if I do a little digging I think I have the files for Birth chips for Easy Street. ( I think I'm gonna need your address.
 
That key your turning on the side of the machine, it turns in both directions. Sorry I've forgot just about everything I ever knew about these CDS machines. But I think if you turn the key CCW the machine will go into a lot of the setup.

[Mr. Dinoman]

Now Buzz...Think back!....YOU helped me with my Easy Street and we were able to get it up an running...(Just in time to sell it)...LOL...You are correct about the key...It works in two directions...Todd, are you able to get to the set-up menu?...Also what seems to be the problem with the Sigma?


Jimmy

[TODSZX]

Buzz & Jimmy, Dudes!

Thank you Sirs. The reverse key thing I've never heard of or attempted before. I ran around and this particular machine is the only one that has this feature.
By turning it and keeping it turned (it stays in this position), it brings up an undiscovered menu on the orange display. The (Collect) (Bet 1) and (Max Bet) buttons stay lit and they allow different menu options like the reel slot machines.
The Menu comes up but all options selected brings the 'System Error' message.

I've just found and downloaded the UB-1920 Upright Video Bandit II hardware manual. 67 pages total
It seems to be one of these with a few exceptions.

Page 33 says:
The game firmware/software supports serial communication to and from the
following devices:
• Bill Validator
• Progressive Controller
• Data Gathering System
• Multi-Site Progressive System
• GDD (Game display device)

There's mention of 'serial communication' so I'll explore these areas.

Page 39 says:

Problem: Serial Connection Timeout
1. Check to make sure the watchdog is blinking.
2. Check to make sure the game EPROM’s are installed correctly.
3. Check to make sure the game is configured to the correct game.
4. Check the RS-232 cable connected to com1 of the Adastra board.
5. Check to make sure the RS-232 cable is plugged into J9 of the VIG II
backplane board.
6. Check the beau plugs that connects the GDD section to the main harness, for
pins that might have be pushed out of the plug.
7. Use a known (good) RS-232 cable to make sure the original one is working
correctly.

I'll track all these items down.

The machine seems stuck on this problem from page 35 though:

In the event a serious error in program control or memory integrity occurs, the
machine will revert to a SYSTEM ERROR tilt condition that must be cleared by
an attendant. The machine will also indicate the precise source of the failure.
Clearing a system error results in a re-initialization of the RAM. Prior to re-initialization,
the attendant is given the opportunity to review and record the soft
meters, previous hand data, and game configuration information all of which will
be lost during the process.


Sadly, the machine isn't displaying the source of the failure as described. The manual has a list of potential error conditions and a 'serial connection timeout' isn't included on that particular list........
Not a mention of what the DIP switches control? Anyone have this info?

Also the manual is silent on programing. I believe pressing the (Collect) button selects the menu item. The display then asks me to deactivate the menu key. By doing this, the 'System Error' message reappears. Nothing I've selected on the menu is performed.

I'm thinking I need to correct the system error before it will tell me the cause of the system error.

Will update any further progress.
I'll PM you Buzz (very interested in the Birthing Chip data) and will try contacting Paul and Bob if I don't stumble on a solution. Most of my fixes seem to be accidental of just good/lucky guesses.
Thanks much,

Todd

[TODSZX]

Oops, forgot to answer the Sigma question Jimmy.
Let me start a new post for that one. I think/hope it's an easy fix.
Thanks,

Todd

[Buzz]

Todd  The manual I have is 95 pages and it's yours if you want it.

[TODSZX]

Thank you Buzz.
I'm most grateful.
I'll PM you with my address.
Today I posted a new topic for my Sigma Free-N-Easy machine problem.
It's listed under Reel Slots and then under Sigma Reel Games.

http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=5177.0

Any help there would be cool too.
Later,

Todd

[TODSZX]

Added a couple of photos of the Easy Street hard drive and MPU.
Looking for a Version Number.
Thanks,

Todd

[TODSZX]

Progress Update
Check the menu I've never seen before.
This is Version 1.18n     OR is it that unknown thing 

Todd

[Mr. Dinoman]

GDD I believe means it is not seeing the HD or the HD is bad...Did you convert it to Flash or is there a HD installed?...
Jimmy

[TODSZX]

Hi Jimmy,

I put back the original Hard Drive.
Here's what the "Event History Log" says.

[Mr. Dinoman]

I am betting on that the HD is bad...Maybe Buzz or Paul could chime in...I spent about a month on mine going around in circles...I don't remember what finally fixed it since I replace just about everything mult. times and finally got the right configuration...

[Buzz]

Todd Here is the sad story, I have files for three different sets of birth chips for Easy Street but the ones I have are V1.14E, V1.14G, and V1.05. ( Are you beginning to see why you can learn to hate a CDS machine )   Now I have files for Vig 2 V1.18 ( which is what you have, BUT here comes another problem, I have two different sets of files listed as V1.18 And each set has a different check sum !!!!!
 
I need to tell you this short story, a few years back I had some CDS Reel machines, the one in question was a 5 Line Big Cheese and it was playing just fine but I decided to increase the pay odds. I get out my trusty set of Birth Chips. Bottom line is I ended up burning up three MPUs and the machine ended up in my junk trailer out back. I don't know what went South, I know those were the correct Birth chips for that game.
 
OK that's all the warning you are going to get from me, if you want to take a chance on these two sets of V1.18 I'll make you a set of each set of files,  but at some later date I don't want to hear I sent you the wrong chips and you lost a board !! It's your call .

[TODSZX]

Hi Buzz,

Not a real pleasant story but I appreciate your bluntness.
I'm thinking since this machine cost me $75 and it's kinda worthless as is, let's give it a shot.
I totally wouldn't blame you for helping.
Who knows? it may actually work.
I'm a bit over-due for some good luck.
Thank you very much Buzz.   


Todd

[Buzz]

Todd Today I mailed you the manual and the two sets of birth chips. I clearly marked the chips set A and set B. Jimmy (Mr. Dinoman ) Pm me a list that he still had and I think if your going to use those birth chips Set A just might be the best choice to try.

[TODSZX]

Thank you Buzz & Jimmy,

You have been a tremendous help.
I'll let you know how it goes. Got my fingers crossed.
Later,

Todd