IGT S+ Lucky Sevens SP731 - Won't take bills - please help

[vintageamusement]

Hi,
Sort of a newbie to slots but I do work on video games, pinball, etc... after reading through these boards I've taken this machine from non-working to at least working now. I did have to do a ram clear. The slot is supposed to take coin (.25) and bills. I can't physically drop a coin in yet because the comparator is physically broken(get to that later). But I can coin it up and play by pushing the little button on the optic board and it plays fine. I was able to change the settings so it pays wins to credits which is what I wanted. The machine has the older 145 model validator. It does make a cycling noise when I remove the cash can but I'm not sure if it is the correct noise. When I hear other validators cycle(200s and WBAs) they seem to spin back and forth 5 or 6 times. This one sounds like it spins once or twice at most. So I'm not sure if the validator is bad or not. I also suspect the machine is not properly set for a bill validator. Can you tell me which menu to check and what numbers should be on that menu? If it needs to be changed do I need a set chip to so so? I have a set chip with a sticker on it which says S+ Set 15, is it okay to use or do I need a different version?


I know the 145 is old and would like to switch to a 200 even if the 145 is working. It appears this will plug right into the existing connections correct? Does anyone sell tested and working 200s that are updated to their maximum ability? I understand it still will not accept all the newer bills.


Thanks,
Andy

[rickhunter]

Set 15 will work.  You need to enable bill validator.  Follow instructions in this link.  You may also find other helpful information there, so look around.

http://www.newlifegames.net/spset/dbv.htm

[vintageamusement]

I enabled the validator but it still does not light up as it should and it does not even attempt to take the bill. It does seem to test itself for a few seconds when I remove the cash can, I can hear the "cycle". But I know on other slots I usually hear the validator do 5 or so different "cycles" whereas this just does one noise for a few seconds. Is there some way to confirm that the validator is the problem? And if so, any suggestions on where to buy a working replacement? I'm thinking to go with a 200 instead of the current 145 that is in it.

[Jim]

Andy, since you  can go through the menus, go to this link, http://newlifegames.com/nlg/index.php?topic=18866.0,  these are the flip cards that explain all the tests you can do on the machine.  since you are using the SP731 you can use the buttons on the panel to go forward and backwards and step through each menu.  get to the menu, 5_0,1 or 2,  once there use the service button to advance to number 9, this will tell you if the bill unit is enabled (9_1),  now use the bet one button to go to a 6 in the coins payed window, a number should be in the winner paid window (25),  now go to a 7 in the coins played window,  should have numbers in both , go to 8, should have a number in that as well  usually set all those at 1000.  if all those are set properly, go to the test 10_1. advance to 27_0, this should turn on the lamps on the door bezel (yellow)  , if they come on then some thing is wrong with you transport unit, it consists of two sections, the head and the stacker. make sure nothing is stuck in the stacker!!, you can remove the transport by loosening the two screws on the front, push down the red handle on the left, ( this disengages the cash can gear train), disconnect the two plugs on the left side and one on the right side, now remove the transport, directly behind the head there is a spring loaded bar, pull this toward you , it will allow the stacker to be opened for inspection. if nothing lights in test 27, check your bulbs, using the denomination lamp as a test socket, it has power to it as soon as the machine is turned on.

when the unit is powered on, you should hear two distinct sounds, one a heavy grinding noise, (this is the transport checking the cash can gear train meshing, the second is the head and transport gears meshing (a soft smooth sound).

I do have 200 heads available with the latest software, which will take the new  10 as well as the latest twenty, in four way acceptance, also check your power supply, on the left side, it should have vent louvers in it , if not you would need one of those as well.

Hope this helps

Jim