Powering Up Lots of Machines

[gwarzin]

These machines are not designed to have thier power switch internally kept on while they get powered up. EG, if the internal switch is in the ON position, and you repeatedly use a powerbar switch to turn them on, you will damage them.

I strongly disagree. In fact you're likely to cause many more problems by using the internal switch.

1. The switch in these power supplies generally kills all power to the supply. Surge-wise there is no difference between flipping the internal switch or using strip on a power switch.

2. The only thing more likely to break if you use the switch on the power strip is actually the switch on the power strip. Or conversely, if you always use the internal switch, the only thing more likely to break is the internal power switch (or possibly the door lock ). Now neither of these events is likely to happen, but if I was going to break a switch, I'd rather break the one on the $2.00 Walmart outlet strip because it's easier to replace the power strip than to take apart a power supply to replace the internal switch.

3. On 24v models using the internal switch would leave the transformer always live. Given the questionable pedigree of some of these transformers, I'd say the fire hazard would trump any concerns about damage due to using the internal switch - had there actually been any potential for damage.

That said, you could make a good case for using surge suppressing power strips. But, I figure that these machines have stood up to the massive abuse that must be delivered via the power lines in a pachislo parlor packed with hundreds of machines, so I don't even bother with that. The only thing that I use is noise filters that keep the noise generated by the pachislos from coming back onto the AC line and screwing up the X-10 communications.

[arbycoffee]

I rather just turn on one switch and dim the whole little burg of river city as they power up, it even stops the clocks here.

[gwarzin]

I rather just turn on one switch and dim the whole little burg of river city as they power up, it even stops the clocks here.

I thought the clocks were stopped there since about 1954.

[arbycoffee]

maybe that the problem here, we are still in 1954 ?
"an inquiring mind needs to know or I will wet my pants"http://www.users.qwest.net/~arbycoff.../Cartangry.gif

[slotter]

Heck, 1954 wasn't all that bad, now that you mention it. haha.

[Tulsa]

1954? Five years before the party for me!

[d mowery]

Now all you kiddies Dont make us ol folks feel old Flower power, Hip Hip For reborn Hippies , wanted to be one but couldn't afford it

[cwstnsko]

I do have 1 machine that shows evidence of life when the machine's main switch is turned off, and the outlet switch is turned on. It is the Soreyuke Manbou, newer Olympia with split case door. In this machine, the power supply runs horizontally across the middle of the case above the hopper and below the reels. When the outlet is made live, a green LED marked 100V AC lights up even when the machine's power switch is off. There may still be a simple series switch in there, but there is at least one LED that gets power upstream of the switch.

[TheCardMan]

I just picked up a couple more machines. Qlogo and Time Park, they both have transformers in them. With the power switch off I plugged them in and can hear the humm of the transformer, when close. I feel more comfortable using a external powerstrip to power on and off rather then have the transformers running 24 hour a day.

http://tcwozere.co.uk/smileys/smileythrowstone.gif

[LaughingJim]

I guess that I can't speak for all machines, as they are not created equally.

There is a great chance that nothing will happen. One day it will, and the main cause will be the constant turning on via the plug/kill method.

Those machines with a simple switch between the wall and the power-supply are usually just a, "Well, it works", solution. Casinos have thier own power filters and line conditioners for thier machines. Most businesses do.

It is not my job to provide proof, the manuals clearly state this as a fact and give a warning. (They wouldn't just make up warnings for fun. This is an issue that has struck several owners, and that warning was the solution derived form testing.)

This goes for any computer controlled apliance with circuit controlled voltage regulation. Many older machines do not have seporate power supplies, mine do.

All newer models are made with some form of protection power supply, becuse they are aware that this is the most direct solution to resolve poor power problems. For example, my power can be measured at 102v AC - 115v AC, depending on the time of day and month. (Kill-A-Watt reading.) When voltage is lower, your apliances draw more power, to compensate for the missing voltage. (Voltage regulation trades watt/amps for volt/amps.)

If you only turn your machines on once or twice every weekend, then you may never see an issue with power. If you turn your machines on every day... you will end up blowing a machine within a year. (With a five year life on these machines, 2 of which have already been used at the casino, you should not expect perfect operation after three years of use from purchase.)

I was only sending a word of caution. This is a seriously possible issue. Just because JOHN DOE lives in a perfect power grid area, or has a stable voltage, does not meen that every individual here does as well.


I have dug up some links on the matter...
http://www.slotimports.com/Support/i...on_manual.shtm
http://www.penlight.org/pages/faq_pgs/spds_faqs.html
http://guides.pimprig.com/modding/bu...wer_supply.php

The only other way that I see around this would be to have a mini-surge on each machine, after the x10 unit... you would unplug/tunrn off the whole surge unit, so when plugged in, it would possibly save damage. (They don't work if they are not already actively touching a ground lead.)

x10 works by introducing noise into the lines... that is how they communicate, by reading those organised noise spikes. Line filters may filter out x10 commands, and should be placed between the x10 and the unit being powered. x10 is an ancient and crude technology, only being sold by backyard sales agents. (Once listed readily in radio-shack in abundance, they have reduced thier displays to only include the devices which people still demand.)

[arbycoffee]

Giving you the benefit of the doubt, I went to the three lincs and what I found doesn’t support what you are saying. “Turning on your machine from the inside switch so you don’t burn up your machine”.

Your first linc. supports what we have been saying all along.
the second one also by using a surge switch box, that what we are saying.
third linc, using the search function. Found “No articles/reviews were found, searching for 'surges damage'.”

So I still KNOW what you are say is wrong. And I have in my game building setup and running, 4 times what you have and some have been turned on and off everyday for a couple of years.



http://www.slotimports.com/Support/i...%20Preparation

Step 2 - Getting Power & Important Information
Plug the external AC power cord into a 120 VAC outlet (standard U.S.A. outlet). UNPLUG MACHINE WHEN NOT IN USE or switch surge protector OFF.

Some machines are equipped with a power transformer that stays on all the time when the machine is plugged in. If your machine is equipped with one, it is usually located inside the cabinet near the coin hopper. It is a gold rectangular box with wires attached to terminals on both sides. DO NOT TOUCH the terminals when the machine is plugged in. This is live electric and touching the terminals is just like putting your finger in a socket/outlet.

We highly recommend the use of switched surge protector. This will protect your machine from power surges and allow you to turn the machine on/off without opening the door each time.


http://www.penlight.org/pages/faq_pg...faqs.html#what

Can surges cause damage?

Yes. Today's computerized appliances and electronics can be damaged or destroyed by over-voltage surges or spikes. This includes computer equipment and peripherals; electronic equipment such as stereos, TVs and VCRs; household appliances including washers, dryers, refrigerators, dishwashers, microwave ovens, food processors, blenders, and can openers; and other electronic devices such as fax machines, telephones, and answering machines. Any electronic device that contains a microprocessor is susceptible to damage from transient voltages.

(Back to top)

Can a surge harm my equipment if I am not using it?

Yes. Many electrical devices have electronic timers, clocks, or remote controls (TV, VCR) which remain in operation even when it is not in use. Also, some appliances cycle off and on at random like air conditioners, water heaters, pumps, or refrigerators and they could be on during a surge.

(Back to top)

Why do I need surge protection?

There are several reasons why power quality has become such an important issue: (1) Today's computer chips are far more dense than they were even a few years ago, and subsequently, much more sensitive to even slight surges. (2) Clock speeds, or operating frequencies, have increased and reached the frequency range of high-voltage transients. Slower processors ignored them, but high-speed processors may actually interpret a transient as a command sequence. (3) Most homes and offices are using more pieces of equipment than ever before. Each time an electric device is turned on, transient voltages may be generated. (4) More microprocessor technology is being used than ever before. Microprocessors are showing up in personal computers, TVs, stereos, VCRs, refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwave ovens, dishwashers, etc.


http://pimprig.com/search.php
No articles/rewiews were found, searching for 'surges damage'.

[arbycoffee]

Can you say “URBAN LEGION”

[Utopia1dc]

Alot of this jargon is getting way to technical for some of us simpletons out here. I just plug my machines into a surge protector strip and turn them off that way. If they last 3 years by turning them on and off every day...so be it! I usually don't play all of my machines every day. I probably play each one a few times a week....so that should double if not triple the life expectancy. So if each of my machine last 6 to 9 years...great! My average machine has cost me about $170 each, so over nine years that's less than $20 per year per machine. I don't know where else one could find entertainment that cheap!

[arbycoffee]

Here a good one.

"Tie your cord from your machine into a double sheep shank four inches from the plug will knock down all the peaks and knock up the valleys. This will triple the life off your machine."

And if you believe this one too! I got some great ground to sell you in Iran.

(It is a joke, don't believe this either)

[slotter]

Here a good one.

"Tie your cord from your machine into a double sheep shank four inches from the plug will knock down all the peaks and knock up the valleys. This will triple the life off your machine."

I'd say this has just about as much credibility as some of the other stuff I've been reading up above, Arby! :lmao:

[arbycoffee]

April came earlyÂ…

Â…than after I married her she never came again http://www.users.qwest.net/~arbycoff...ns/crybaby.gif


http://www.users.qwest.net/~arbycoff...ns/WORMSAW.GIF

[logicprobe]

Last time for this...
Let's review some fundamentals.

Take notes... there will be a test.

Kilowatts are not "Kill-A-Watts".


Devices do not "draw" more power when supplied with a lower voltage.
Current is directly proportional to voltage and inversely proportional to resistance... lower the voltage, and current will decrease. (I=E/R)

Power is the product of voltage and current (P=I*E)... lower both, and you will NOT "draw" (acutally consume) more power.

I could go on... but I do this for a living. I correct technical BS all day long.

Any more, and there will be tuition.

Class dismissed.


Urban legends, Arby???
Hehh... check this one out. It just might be the next item up for discussion.

http://ifaq.wap.org/science/darksucker.html

[jeffmo]

http://www.slotimports.com/Support/i...%20Preparation

The Slot Imports link (above) say's "We highly recommend the use of switched surge protector. This will protect your machine from power surges and allow you to turn the machine on/off without opening the door each time. " Did I miss something ? Can't find anything else on here saying
not too?
Thanks Jeff

[d mowery]

Can someone bring out the wupped horse , a BIG one as this is going nowhere ,use power strip or unplug them , or if you are nuts cut the d--m cord with a pocket knife or sizzors :confused:

[Lddrizzt]

LaughingJim-
I must applaud the fact that you read my post in a similar thread about checking your facts before you post. BUUUUUT there were a couple of wrinkles in your research:

1) of your 3 links only 1 has anything to do with slots, the other 2 are an electric company, and a group of computer modifiers who want to take their computers to edge just before they burn up (yup, guys I wanna listen to about safety and longevity of my machine )

2) Ok 2 of the three support one side of the argument that is being discussed. GREAT! FANTASITC! Oh, wait a minute, THEY DON'T SUPPORT YOUR SIDE! THEY SUPPORT THE SIDE OF THE USE OF A POWER/SURGE STRIP!

Keep trying, someday you might actually come across as sounding like you actually know what you are talking about, but then again.....