Editorial Page 3-Editorial Page 4-New Class Offered Page 6-Slot Tech Class at Blue Lake Casino Page 7-Subscriptions Dear Friends of, Regretfully, this issue of is really a non-issue (if I might bastardize the expression just a little). As you know, s contributing writers are working slot techs from around the world. We like to cover real-world repairs in a modern casino environment. I depend on contributions to fill the editorial content of the magazine with articles that cover the latest issues on the slot floor. I have received no contributions in the past month. Rather than fill the void with a theoretical discussion of power supplies or another article on BV maintenance or (GASP!) reprints of previously published articles, I have opted to not publish a print edition for October. If you re reading this, you re reading it online. We ve published an edition every month since 2001. This is the first time this has happened. If you have any sort of repair tips or techniques that you can share with the slot tech community, I d sure appreciate it if you d consider taking the time to write about it. I pay ten cents/word and ten bucks per illustration such as a photograph, chart or schematic diagram. Please feel free to contact me to discuss. Hopefully, I ll be able to resume publication next month. Please note that this has no effect on my current training schedule nor anything moving forward. If you re interested in slot tech training at your casino, contact me to discuss your requirements. See you at the casino. Publisher- Randy Fromm Randy Fromm's Editor Randy Fromm Technical Writers James Borg, Nathan Galloway, Chuck Lentine, Jerome Mayard, Pat Porath is published monthly by 401 W. Lexington #777 El Cajon, CA 92022 tel.619.838.7111 fax.619.315.0410 e-mail editor@slot-techs.com Visit the website at slot-techs.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Domestic (North America) 1 year - $80.00 2 years - $140.00 International 1 year - $160.00 2 years - $300.00 Subscribe online at slot-techs.com Copyright 2016 under the Universal Copyright Convention. All rights reserved. Slot Tech Class Blue Lake Casino Blue Lake, California December 6-9, 2016 To enroll, visit the website at slot-techs.com
ANNOUNCEMENT! A New Class From 100% New Program D ear Friends, Since 2001, s training programs have taught hundreds of slot techs how to repair sub-assemblies such as power supplies and monitors down to the component level. We now offer an entirely new program that takes a closer look at the gaming devices themselves and how they all work together in the casino environment. Class Schedule Class times: 9:00am-4:00pm Day One Slot Machine Anatomy 101 A section by section overview of the internal components that make up a modern Slot Machine, starting with the power supply all the way to the candle lights. Common failures, diagnosing issues on the floor and simple tricks and fixes to get the machine back up and running. This will cover the following parts: Tools of the Trade, Common tools every tech should have in their daily kit Power Supplies Back Planes CPU, Brain Boxes LCD Monitors Buttons Smart Button Decks Touchscreens Reel Controllers Reels Motors, Strips, and Baskets Sound Systems Bells and Whistles - Light Controllers, motion chairs, bass thumpers, etc Toppers and Candles All about the Bases TiTo Systems-Printers and BVs 401 W. Lexington #777 El Cajon, CA. 92022 tel.619.838.7111 fax.619.315.0410 slot-techs.com
Day Two Machine Communications 101 How machines communicate with each other, players tracking systems, player reward systems, and regulator monitoring. Diagnostic troubleshooting, cable connector creation, and fiber optic networking do s and don ts. Player Tracking Systems Progressive Systems State Regulator Monitoring Communications Basic Networking, Ethernet and Fiber Switches, Routers Diagnosing common Networking issues Power Protection, UPS Systems Day Three Machine Settings A look behind the screens of a slot machine. Setting general options, percentages, checking selfdiagnostics, error logs and reports. Determining if a RAM Clear is required, finding Coin-in and Out values. Upgrading machine BIOS and OS. Checking current versions. Navigating the attendant screens Vs. the Tech screens. Backscreens Error Logs Self Diagnostics Settings Common lockups Option Settings Coin In/Coin Out Reporting Ram Clears BIOS Upgrades MMR (Machine Maintenance Requests) Forms Day Four Preventative Maintenance Keeping the slot floor up and running is the number one priority for a Tech. Doing preventative maintenance is the best way to avoid costly repairs and maintain peak slot performance. A downed machine is not making money for anyone. Importance of PMing machines General PM Procedure PM Checklists Suggested PM Timetables Shop set-up, information resources, and quality parts and service suppliers. Hands-on training for anyone that is technically oriented tends to have the greatest effect. Getting down and dirty drives the point home with most students. Best of all, if they make a mistake, they will learn from it and improve. Hands on labs include (but not limited to) making network cables, swapping a bad touchscreen, diagnosing basic LCD faults, Setting Options, Ram Clearing machines, setting up a Player Tracking System and, most importantly, performing PMs on machines. Comments: Some of the training options will vary and will be discussed with the property beforehand. Having a non-live machine for demonstration would be ideal for most of the class. Having a small bank to actually have the students perform PMs would be great. Many casino floors have an out-of-the-way bank that could be used and the floor would have some nicely PM d machines once the class is over. The slot techs you have working on the floor will likely already know some of this material. However, class instructor Greg Agostini is a well-known and experienced slot tech with a broad range of experiences and capabilities. For a novice tech, this is a great way to begin your new career as a slot tech. For the experienced tech, this program is less about learning new things than it is about doing your job better and faster with fewer mistakes. Sometimes just a few little tricks can make all the difference. The cost of the class is the same as my Bench Tech class, $8995 for up to 15 people. That includes all classroom materials. To reserve dates for your class, please contact: Randy Fromm-Publisher 401 W. Lexington Ave. #777 El Cajon, CA 92022 mobile.619.838.7111 editor@slot-techs.com
Regional Slot Tech Training Attend or Sponsor a Class Near You! Blue Lake, California December 6-9, 2016 Blue Lake Casino This is a fast-track class for slot techs who want to learn the quick and easy way to fix monitors and power supplies without having to learn a lot of electronic theory or mathematics. If you are interested in sponsoring a regional class at your property, please contact Randy Fromm for details. Since 2001, has been holding slot tech training classes at casinos across the USA. These classes have mostly been held at larger properties with a dozen or more slot techs from their own slot department attending the class. In order to serve our smaller cainos (with, perhaps, just a few techs) we are now holding regional classes that are open to all slot techs that wish to attend. This is the full, four-day class that covers power supply repair and LCD monitor repair, down to the component level. To Enroll: Download the enrollment form at slot-techs.com Day 1-Beginning Electronics for Slot Machine Technicians This segment assumes that you have no previous electronics training and takes you through a simple, NO MATH look at electronic components, electronic circuits, schematic diagrams and more! Using a Digital Multimeter The DMM is the single most important piece of test equipment you can use. Electronic Components All of the individual components used in gaming machines are introduced. Students learn how to test them for proper operation. Day 2-Diodes, Transistors & Other Semiconductors Hands-on Transistor Testing Lab This part of the school takes a look at all of the different types of semiconductors commonly seen in gaming machines. We'll take a look at the operation of each component, along with testing procedures to determine if the part is good or bad. Class Schedule 9:00am-4pm Daily Day 3-Soldering Good soldering technique takes practice but there are some tricks that can really help speed things along. During this segment, each student will be provided with their own soldering supplies and some fun project kits they will assemble. Current kits include a versitile component tester that can be used alongside the DMM to test electrolytiuc capacitors, semiconductors, resistors and other components. This equipment will be theirs to keep. This is a VALUABLE shop tool. Day 4-Morning Session-Power Supplies This module covers all types of power supplies, including linear power supplies and the Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) found in virtually everything in a modern casino. Day 4-Afternoon Session-LCD Monitor Repair LCD Monitor repair is generally pretty easy thanks to their modular design. This segment covers the theory of operation of LCD monitors. There will be a presentation on componentlevel repair techniques, CCFL testing and replacement and using LED strips as backlights. Includes free CCFL tester! Includes free component tester! Cost of the Program Tuition is $795/person Includes: Digital Multimeter Soldering iron, tools and soldering supplies Sample components Soldering Instruction Kit Textbook Students are responsible for their own meals and lodging. If you re interested, please contact Randy Fromm right away. It s first-come, firstserved and there is a limited number of places available in each class. Randy Fromm 401 W. Lexington Ave. #777 El Cajon, CA 92022 619.838.7111 You can fax a PO to 619.315.0410 and we ll invoice you. Be sure to include the student s name. NO PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRONICS IS REQUIRED
Subscriptions & Back Issues Why back issues of are important to own... is strictly technical. As such, the magazine's contents are not time critical. The repair information and technical data contained in past issues is just as valid today as it was the day it was published. Additionally, current and future articles more-or-less assume that readers are already familiar with what has been covered in past issues. This editorial policy assures that Slot Tech Magazine's contributing writers are not limited to "writing down" to the level of a novice technician but are free to continue to produce the most comprehensive technical articles in the gaming industry. Randy Fromm's is published monthly by: 1944 Falmouth Dr. El Cajon, CA 92020-2827 tel.619.838.7111 fax.619.593.6132 e-mail editor@slot-techs.com Subscription rates: Domestic (USA & Canada) 1 year - $80.00 2 years - $140.00 International 1 year - $160.00 2 years - $300.00 Back Issues Printed back issues are available for onlysix months from the date of publication. All single issues of Slot Tech Magazine are $10.00/ea. For further details on the contents of each issue, please refer to the website at slot-techs.com. To order, fax a PO or e-mail a note listing the issues you need. Complete archive (2001 to present) available online. Visit slot-techs.com for details. Invoice me! PO Number Company Name Contact Address Address City State/Prov. Country Zip/Postal Code Telephone Type of card: [ ] American Express E-mail [ ] Discover [ ] MasterCard [ ] 1 year subscription, domestic [ ] Visa [ ] 1 year subscription, international Account Number: [ ] 2 year subscription, domestic [ ] 2 year subscription, international Expiration Date:
I can help you bring down the cost of casino electronics repairs Randy Fromm OK. You asked and I listened. My new tech class eliminates obsolete CRT monitor repair and the associated monitor repair lab. In just four or five days, your slot techs can learn to repair Power Supplies, LCD Monitors, Ticket Printers, Bill Validators and more. It s easy and it s fun. - Randy Fromm tel.619.838.7111 fax.619.315.0410