IGT S-Plus Wild Cherry / JCM DBV-45 – Bill Validator Powers Up But Will Not Take

[Kegfuel]

Hi everyone. I’m hoping someone familiar with older IGT S-Plus machines and JCM DBV-45 bill validators can help me diagnose this. I can post/send videos showing the machine settings, startup sequence, and exactly what the validator does.

Machine:

* IGT S-Plus Wild Cherry
* 25¢ denomination
* Game/software appears to be SP731
* JCM bill validator
* Exact validator model: JCM DBV-45-SS-6031-B022
* Validator label shows 117VAC, 60Hz, 30VA

Background:

I got this machine for free from an older couple. It had been in their basement for roughly 15 years. They said it used to work and then eventually stopped working.

When I first got it, the machine had several problems. The MPU backup battery was bad. I replaced the battery and went through the RAM/reset process. I also worked through the 61/61-1 and 65-1 issues.

At this point the actual slot machine is working. It accepts quarters, builds credits, spins/plays normally, and the hopper pays out. The reels and game itself appear to operate correctly.

Remaining problem: the bill validator will not accept a bill.

When I power the machine on, the JCM DBV-45 definitely has power. It goes through a mechanical startup/initialization sequence and makes the normal motor/mechanical noises. After startup, the red lights at the bill entrance remain illuminated.

However, when I insert a crisp $1 bill, absolutely nothing happens.

* It does NOT grab the bill.
* Transport motor does NOT even attempt to start.
* No twitch or click when the bill is inserted.
* It doesn’t pull the bill in and reject it—it simply doesn’t react at all.
* Red entrance lights remain illuminated.
* I’ve tried multiple bills.

Things I’ve already done:

* Removed the DBV-45 from the machine.
* Opened/disassembled the validator.
* Cleaned the bill path.
* Cleaned the optical/sensor areas.
* Cleaned/inspected rollers and belts.
* Checked the gears and transport for obvious mechanical problems.
* Reseated all internal connectors.
* Inspected the PCB on both sides.
* I don’t see any obvious burned components, corrosion, broken traces, etc.
* Reassembled and retested it with exactly the same result.
* Validator still initializes at startup but completely ignores an inserted bill.

I’ve also gone through the IGT setup/options. I believe I now have the bill acceptor options configured correctly, but I’m not 100% confident that I’m interpreting the SP731 setup screens correctly.

I can post a video showing me cycling through every setting/display on the machine. If someone familiar with SP731/S-Plus can tell me exactly what each screen should be set to for the DBV-45, that would be extremely helpful.

I can also post:

* Video of the DBV-45 initializing at power-up
* Video showing what happens when I insert a bill
* Pictures of the complete validator
* Pictures of both sides of the circuit boards
* Pictures of all connectors/components
* Pictures of the IGT MPU/setup

What I’m trying to determine:

1. Is the IGT actually enabling the DBV-45 correctly?
2. What should the SP731 bill-validator/setup options be for this machine?
3. Is there a way to determine from the solid red lights whether the DBV-45 is actually in an ENABLE/READY state?
4. If the validator is enabled, which bill-entry sensor tells the DBV-45 that a bill has been inserted?
5. Can I test that sensor with a multimeter?
6. What voltage/state change should I see when a bill interrupts that sensor?
7. Is there a common failure on these DBV-45 units that causes them to initialize normally but never start the transport when a bill is inserted?
8. Could this DBV-45 need calibration or different firmware/programming for my IGT S-Plus/SP731?
9. Is there a specific EPROM/firmware version I should have for DBV-45-SS-6031-B022 + IGT S-Plus SP731?
10. If necessary, does anyone here still repair/bench-test/reprogram these DBV-45 validators?

I’m comfortable using a multimeter and doing some troubleshooting if someone can point me to the correct test points/pins and expected readings. I’d rather diagnose the actual problem than start replacing random components.

One additional issue: I have occasionally seen 3300 in the Winner Paid display, which I understand may be related to the hopper/empty hopper condition. The machine otherwise currently plays and pays with quarters. I’m mentioning it in case that condition can inhibit the bill validator.

I’d really appreciate help from anyone who has worked specifically with IGT S-Plus/SP731 and JCM DBV-45 validators.

I have videos ready to post showing both the settings and the bill-validator problem.

Thanks!
Craig

[Stayouttadabunker]

I'm going to say two things...

1). That validator is so old it only accepts bills with small heads, such as a $1 dollar bill.
It will not accept any of the large heads we see nowadays.
You need an upgraded DBV-200 to accept some of the newer bills.

2). Because you've stated that the motors don't start, when you try to insert a bill into the head, the DBV may not even be "Enabled".
You don't really know what was done previously before you've obtained the machine.
If the battery was dead, it lost the programming for enabling the DBV.
You have to re-program/ re-enable it.
You need a SET015 chip to turn ON the bill acceptor.
Read the info in this link...>>> /spset/dbv.htm

[Kegfuel]

I followed all of those steps. Everything worked perfectly along the way following the steps. But when I put the bill in at the very end, it does not accept it. It doesn’t try to grab it. It doesn’t move or make any noise. The Bill validator does boot up when you turn on the machine but when I try to insert a bill, it does nothing.

[Sunrise Side]

You did use the BV enable SET chip 15 after battery change and reset, and changed these two settings , 90 to 91 and 0 to 25 and press white button again after these two settings and it showed 0?

[Kegfuel]

Yes. Did all that

[Sunrise Side]

I would recommend using the BV SET chip again to be sure the settings were saved. Sometimes they don't save. Unless you went through the menu and verified they are set. No credits on machine when performing this procedure.

[Kegfuel]

Does anyone have instructions and I’ll try that again

[sixcardmark]

Does anyone have instructions and I’ll try that again

/spset/dbv.htm

[Kegfuel]

Oh yes, I did all of those steps.  I thought someone was saying to redo the ram clear and do it all over from scratch.  I don't know what to do...  I can't get this thing to recognize bills.

[shortrackskater]

Oh yes, I did all of those steps.  I thought someone was saying to redo the ram clear and do it all over from scratch.  I don't know what to do...  I can't get this thing to recognize bills.

Throw it in the trash and get a DBV200

[Kegfuel]

So what should I try?

[Sunrise Side]

There is a communication board in the BV power supply. It could have failed. I offer service to test and repair DBV BV. I also have the newer model DBV-200 scanner heads for sale. If you are interested in service, send me a message.

[Kegfuel]

See the attached image.  Is there a way I can test voltage in one of the wires or connectors to see if it is sensing a bill there even?

[Sunrise Side]

Do you have a 91 in the menu? Is the yellow light on the outside of door bill entry bezel illuminated?

[Kegfuel]

The bezel is not illuminated yellow. Where would I see that in menu and how do I get to that one. All the menus confuse me.

[Stayouttadabunker]

Nothing in any menu for the bezel lamp.
It will NOT light up until the you see a [9-1] on the display, as Sunrise Side is asking you to check, and the door is in a closed state.
Download a copy of the S+ Diagnostic Cards, and that will help guide you thru the menu used for your machine.

[Kegfuel]

yes it does show 9-1.  Bill validator is enabled. What else can i see why it isn't recognizing the bills. Or can I send someone a video to see what's going on.