SG-32 (Maybe) Error

[Davros]

I have what I believe is a Sigma SG-32 3 Reel Machine. (Data Tag is missing, just two rivets left)

It has spent the last 10 years in my garage, and has always worked flawlessly.

Last week on startup I received a "DRP Error" that was resolved by turning the reset key.

Today, the error came back and could not be cleared either by key, switch or power cycling the machine.
Does someone with a manual, or knowledge on this error have any info on correcting this?

Pics attached, as we all like those! I can get better details if needed.

Thanks for your help!
Marc

[Chris-socal]

Hi Mark
Those are fun machines and very robust.

First off, the manuals for Sigma SG series are in the NLG file system and they cover all of the error codes. You need to be a contributing member, even just once, to have access. If there isn’t an SG32 specific manual you can use the SG50, I don’t think error codes changed.

It is also important to note that the backup capacitor on those is not meant for long term storage and if they go completely dead the machine will either not start or will have reset while in storage and you need to do the reset steps covered in the manual. Its something like starting the machine while the reset key is turned while pressing the button inside.
Then you need to activate the BV if it has one.
Let the machine run for an hour or so first to start charging the capacitor or you will have to do this again.
As for that that specific error code, lets address that if it still exists after charging and resetting.

Please post an update either way.

Chris

[Davros]

Thanks Chris, best $10 I spent this week!

So the DRP Error was not listed anywhere in the SG-50/32 Manual.
There was a DRP Timeout error. It identified an error with coins going through the coin drop sensor.

So I shut it down, shot a quick blast of canned air into the coin slot, and it started right up, no error.
I figure some dust or other foreign matter got in the coin sensor.
I dropped my weeks worth of change into the coin slot, and promptly hit 3 bar for a 30 payout.
It work on all fronts.

I'm going to go over the manuals pretty thoroughly, there a few things I'd like to address, and have not wanted to touch for fear of "fixing it until its broke"


If you don't mind though, I have a few questions.

The reels don't line up with the payout line, they land about 1/4 inch too high.
Is that something worth tackling (risk vs reward?)

The sound crackles when it makes any sound (Volume just makes it softer or louder)
I figure the capacitors for the amp circuit are shot and need replaced.
Is there any advantage to recapping the whole board?
If I changed the memory Capacitor would that cause issues?

I'd also love to adjust the payout odds, but that seems to be dependent on the E-Prom. (Any chance anyone programs those anymore?)
I have done it a few times at work, but my programmer is for a different style eprom, and I've never had much luck saving and writing to a new E-Prom.
Probably 2 successes out of every 10. (My programmer is very selective on the E-Proms it will read and write too)
Definitely not something I'm willing to risk without a backup E-Prom.
I might be convinced to get an e-prom reader, but it would have to be user friendly.

And Finally, if I wanted to get a few spare parts (Main Board, Coin Comparator, Reel units) would they be simple swaps?
Is another machines main board going to work in my machine if it was from a similar unit?

Sorry there's so many questions, but this machine is going to go in my "Man Cave" and I want it to work right and last.
I'm also looking to maybe get 2 more machines, and am trying to decide if I should get various models (IGT/Bally) or get 3 Sigmas and just learn to repair one type VS learning them all. I also like the idea of them being somewhat "Uniform"

Thanks again for your help, and again in advance for any questions you answer for me!

Marc

[Chris-socal]

Glad you worked through that. The DRP error might be addressed in tne coin mech section. Not sure.

1. Reel alignment: is it possible your reel tack isn’t sitting all the way down? Are the screws in place? The only option I know of is to pull the reel strips and re-align them. I do not suggest this because the reel strips are old and fragile. I have never found any replacements. Is the glass maybe too high or low?
2. Sound crackle might be the potentiometer. Mine was scratchy so I sprayed electronics cleaner on the pot and swiped it back and forth. Problem solved for me. Could be caps. I checked my caps and they were amazingly good.
3. Payout odds follow the eeprom and the jumpers need to match (odds jumper matrix is in the manual). I don’t know of anyone who has a comprehensive list of par sheets or erprom files. Im interested if they are found. Maybe we can start archiving files, writing erproms is very simple. GQ4x4 is a common burner. I just sold a Sigma machine recently, now I regret not copying the files.
4. All the SG32 through 150 use the same board…I think. K-Lar or Midwest slots might have boards or misc.parts. Its really easy to replace almost everything on these, except the bill validator!
5. Regarding the backup capacitor, you can replace it…probably not necessary though. You can put a small NiCad or NiMh battery pack for longer backup…but it must be rechargeable.

Chris

[Davros]

I am too, it was pretty simple once I knew what it was.

So the reels are screwed in and completely down, and I see nothing to make me think the glass is out of position.
I think I'll leave them be, not worth the headache.

I have already cleaned the Pot, but the sound stayed the same. That will have to be addressed at some point.

I may get a burner. Since I want more machines, it makes sense to have a way to program e-proms.
e-proms don't last forever. Getting new replacements may be a challenge though.

I'll have to keep an eye out for a board. Very interested in a spare, and maybe getting a few different programs for odds. I'm not sure what else is programed into the eprom to be honest.

I'll leave the capacitor alone, as it seems to be working fine. What info does it actually save if clearing the ram is a solution to so many issues?

The thing that does attract me to the Sigma's is the size and the build, as you said they are robust, and it's evident in the build.
Do any other machines have the same lifespan and build quality as Sigmas? (I'm new to slots other than this machine.)

I also don't see many available, as they all appear to be long retired.

Thanks for all of the help!

Marc

[Davros]

Hey Chris, my drp error came back, and again a shot of air cleared it up.
This time it happened after the machine had already been powered on and played. I left it powered on for about an hour, and when I came back there was the error.
I read a little on the coin comparator board and everyone talked about the sample coin. My unit has never had a coin in the sample slot. Is that normal on a Sigma?

Thanks!
Marc

[Chris-socal]

It has nothing to do with it being a Sigma, you have a coin comparator, if there is no sample coin it will not accept a coin.

[Davros]

That IS interesting.

I am 100% positive there has not been a coin in the comparator in the last 10 years I have owned the machine, and it has had many thousands of coins successfully run through it. Come to think of it I am not sure it has ever even once rejected a coin, so that may be a factor.

I will attempt to get a video of it working, and will see what was done to make it work this way. This may be the cause of my issues. The previous owner may have done something to it.

I may put a coin in to see what happens, but will hold off on that as a last resort in case it stops the comparator from working.

Marc

[Chris-socal]

Sometimes if you turn the screw all the way to one side it will allow a significant variance, possibly enough to where it doesn’t need a coin? Not sure, I have owned a few machines with comparitors, one had a sample coin that was so worn it rejected a lot of coins. I put a newer (but not perfect) quarter in and it worked great. Are you sure the sample coin didn’t just fall out? Why not just put a coin in and be done with it? Are you saying it doesn’t work with a sample coin either?

Chris

[Davros]

Thank You for your continued help with this.

The comparator has what looks like hot glue over the adjusting screw.
The slot for the sample coin needs the screw removed to insert a coin, but the screw is seized, I put a drop of penetrating oil on it, but I don't want to get carried away as I'm not sure if the plastic will get damaged. I attached a few pics for reference.

[63mini]

Davros,

 You do not need to remove the screw!  The cradle holding the sample coin simply slides back to allow the sample coin to be installed.  Below is a helpful resource on installing a sample coin.

 /nlg/index.php?topic=32601.0

 Now, with that being said.  In your original posting your 2nd. photo showing the coin comparator.  The coin comparator harness is not plugged in.  Also, the comparator is missing the coin counterbalance you can still use it that way, but it may reject more coins.  Lastly, someone probably glued the adjustment screw to the least sensitive setting to avoid someone adjusting it.