Does anyone know the real reason for the death of the "recyclers"

[p.opus]

One of the joy's of owning Nishijin model A or earlier machine is the "recycler" which automatically feeds spent balls into the jackpot queue.

While the upper jackpot supply can still be used as reserve if the user wins to much, a recycler by design allows for longer play, with fewer balls, and smaller collection trays.

What I want to know is why all of the sudden in the mid 70's they disappeared?

I have a couple of theories but would like your input as well.

Here's my theories.

1. Non-recycler units are built with a larger playing field, This is more attractive and can get more people playing a machines.

2. (As someone else mentioned) non-recyclers did not have an accurate way to count payouts, as the reward ball was always recycled to the lower tray.

3. Jackpot size increased from 10 balls to 15 balls. 15 ball payouts attracted more players, but 15 ball payout machines would require a 50 percent longer payout chute for a given number of payouts. This longer requirement could not support a recycler machine which is probably why the Kan-less models existed (recycling via electric motor) but those probably were more trouble than their worth.

4. Finally, most pachinko parlors probably already had an external ball handling system for the rows and rows of machines they had, so the manufacturers probably just went to the side of simplicity and made all dead balls exit the back of the machine and abandoned recyclers all together. Thus they left ball management to the operator.

I read an earlier thread on the death or recycler's but nothing came out as conclusive. Any trivia buffs out there who knows the real reason for the death of these beauties? I am fortunate to have an A and love it for the very reason it recycles the balls. Uses a LOT less balls than my Sankyo. My Sankyo goes through twice as many balls (400 vs 200) and still needs refilling more often.

[mxfaiman]

The death of the recyclers is very unknown. They could have gone out for a number of reasons. But I think the main reason is modernization. People wanted something new, parlor owners wanted something new. Also another reason is that there were less parts and moving parts on newer models making them cheaper to build and easier to maintain. It wasn't for play field size because newer models had smaller ones. Though you would be correct about being able to count winnings because newer models dumped the out a separate hole making it so they could have them go elsewhere.


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[Moparformances]

there is a thought that recycling balls would be could be dirty... balls would be cleaned with each cycle around

[p.opus]

Well my theory was shot to hell on at least one account.

Case in point: My Nishijiin A jackpot is indeed 15 balls. 14 from the chamber plus the recycled winning ball in the bottom tray. So jackpot size did not influence the decision.

However, I do think it was simple economics. The non-recyclers are probably easier to design and build. Since commercial machines were encased in large cabinets, then you could add a much larger feeder outside the machine within the cabinet and have a large collection tray at the bottom of the cabinet.

And, on the plus side, non-recyclers do require much much more balls, so it's a win-win as pachinko parlors have to buy more balls. Gotta keep everyone happy and give everyone a piece of the multi-billion dollar pie.

[compirate]

In the early days, the machines were fed by hand from behind. With the advent of the automated ball handling system, the recycler was no longer needed

[p.opus]

In the early days, the machines were fed by hand from behind. With the advent of the automated ball handling system, the recycler was no longer needed

Good to know. I can see why recycler's are preferred by home users. I can feed load the jackpot hopper and rarely have to reload the jackpot system, plus I rarely have balls exit the overflow into the bin.

On my non-recycler, it's just a matter of time, regardless how many balls I stuff into the machine...

[CarlW]

Loosely following your logic, would you enjoy a cyclic pachinko machine? No need to fill supply tray ever?

And if yes, would your preference be vintage or modern?

[pachiwall]

Loosely following your logic, would you enjoy a cyclic pachinko machine? No need to fill supply tray ever?

And if yes, would your preference be vintage or modern?

"Loosely" would be the operative word! I Haven't played a cyclic machine...but don't think I would like it. And of course VINTAGE!