Aristocrat 540 3 Reel Identification and Help Needed

[tsum21]

Hi all,

I inherited the machine pictured in subsequent posts and am looking for help identifying the actual machine and help in getting past the error messages. From researching this board I believe the it is an Aristrocrat 540 Mark IV US machine. The machine was in storage for a few years but I was told it worked fine prior to being put away. Overall the machine looks clean, everything powers up, the reels spin and lock, door alarm alerts when started and stops when door is shut, and I'm able to get into the Audit mode with the key.

However, the following messages flash across the display "Cash Opens" and "Access Opens." I've checked everything I could find posts on (clean door optics, coin optics, etc.) and it looks fine. The lower battery did leak on the board which, also from reading other posts, may be the issue. I removed the battery and tried to clean the area as best as I could - still get the errors.

So, looking for help with:
- Verifying the machine and board,
- Is there anything else I can check for the error or verify the board is bad?
- Are replacement boards even available for these machines (I can't find  anything?)
- If so, roughly what would be the cost? Not sure if spending the money is worth it since I can't really see what retail value there is for these machines (don't see any for sale). I do plan on keeping for myself though (not selling.)

Thanks in advance for the help!
Tom

[tsum21]

Error messages

[tsum21]

Board Pics

[Heihachi_73]

Yeah, those traces look pretty nasty, how's the continuity on them?

[tsum21]

Agree, I think the board is toast. I have a multimeter - not really sure how to test continuity on a PCB.

[tsum21]

Looks like I am in search of a replacement board for my machine. Does anyone know exactly what specifically I should be looking for (MK 4, MK2.5 stepper, etc.) I really don't know much about the Aristocrat machines. Thanks!.

[Sunrise Side]

I believe from my past search for one of these boards , it's a MK2.5 stepper. I never did find one. Still need one as well. Might be referred to as a 540 stepper also.

[Chris-socal]

You need to make a mix of baking soda and water and gently rub all those green traces with a toothbrush and the mix. You can use vinegar too, or alternate. That green corrosion is active and needs to be neutralized. Its ok if your mix bets under ICs or components, when you are done flush it with alcohol then let it dry.

We can talk through testing continuity when that is clean. It isn’t rocket science but you cannot test until those traces are all neutralized. Consider it homework! LOL

If there is a battery on the board get it off. Cut it off un-solder it….anything.

Chris

[tsum21]

I finally got around to cleaning the board and with some help from google and youtube was able to test continuity. Unfortunately, the small traces in the area directly under the battery are broken in multiple places (visable and tested.) So, I guess the hunt for a new board goes on (doesn't sound promising.) I may see if I can find someone who can fix the traces and any other damaged components. Not sure it would be worth the expense though.

[Chris-socal]

Thats too bad, you always hope the corrosion is found before the traces burn all the way through.
There is a NLG member Channelmaniac.
He does miracles with boards. Yes, it would cost you so look for a replacement board.

Best of luck, and please post an update.

Chris

[Heihachi_73]

Broken traces can be patched with fine wires or even solder bridging the trace itself if the break is small (be careful not to short another trace if patching with solder). With the worst sections, you might need to solder a wire directly to a via or component leg and bypass the trace entirely. Just make sure to triple check where the traces are meant to go first, as the board really will be toast if you get it wrong. The board isn't in too bad condition considering the battery leakage, and everything else seems to be intact e.g. the magic smoke is still tightly packed inside the chips where it belongs.