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70’s Bally EM Help.

Spandangler

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10 Years
Joined
Jul 21, 2011
Messages
6,727
Location
Suffolk
Hi gang.
I’m appealing to the knowledge of the EM crowd here.
I’ve just purchased a 1974 Bally Amigo which was on eBay.
Never owned and EM and haven’t a clue about them but want to learn.

Just comparing the pictures with others on line, I notice mine is missing the chime unit and possibly some kind of line filter box (maybe)

Are these parts unobtainable/ expensive.
These missing parts weren’t mentioned on the listing so if it’s a going to be a nightmare to source and fix I’ll walk away from the deal.
I haven’t collected it yet so I’ve still got time to walk.

Any advice appreciated

Here’s mine…

IMG_4367.webpIMG_4368.webp

And here’s a pic I found online
The chime unit and metal box to the left of it.

IMG_4369.webp

Seller says they imported it from America 7 years ago but haven’t ever powered it on.
Would there need to be some work done to allow it power on 230v is there a similar thing to wpc where you can change the voltage with a jumper

Thanks
Gaz
 
It will need conversion, think this is done by rewiring the transformer. There should be a diagram near to it in the cabinet.
 
Thanks all.
It’s actually a coin meter missing not a line filter as first thought.
Have no idea on value of EM’s
It cost £370. So another £150 on a chime unit…… is the juice worth the squeeze?
 
Yes, it wont cost £150 for a chime. I'm sure I still have one tucked away in a box somewhere, but I cant find the f***** having looked a few times now.
 
I sold a lot of my EM stuff Jon when I ‘gave up’ the hobby (That didn’t last long!😉) but I do have an old chime unit that I’m waiting to restore😁. They are available new from some far off place. I can’t quite make out the picture of the item to the left of the chime box but I think it’s the play meter ie tells you how many games you’ve put on it. I can probably find one of those too.
As for @Spandangler that’s a relatively cheap Bally Pin but you haven’t said if it works. If I get a machine that’s come from the States I’ll buy a stepper transformer that drops our 240v to 110v and fit that inside the cabinet. I’ve think I’ve got 2 machines at the moment with them in or you can have one just sitting on the carpet and plug into that. I think I’ve got a spare one of those. Send me a dm and we can have a chat.


@Slingshot99 might have a stash of em parts Gaz
 
Great thanks Kieth. Seen your dm.
The machine was imported from America 7 years ago and never plugged in. Assume not working.
Sounds like it’s worth persevering with then.
Although the sellers communication is not great so no idea where and when I’m supposed to be collecting it!!!
 
Brave man starting with a 4 player game :-). Pinball Resource may help with a chime unit: -


Ebay US may also turn up some.

You will also find that the gearbox (score motor) goes slower, so bonuses and the like will take longer to count down - designed to work at 60Hz, UK is 50Hz. My Wizard is a US score motor. i manged to get a EU one of another game via Ebay, not got around to swapping it yet though.

Happy to help when you get struck in, the schematic is your friend, get it printed out full size by your local print hub.

And do read up on here: -


Get a websucker app and dL to your phone and create a doc for it.

I did the same as you, won an auction and then just tinkered ad asked Qs etc. IMHO these babies will outlast their silicon based descendants.

Have fun. Don't they smell great..

JB
 
Thanks mate. You’re not the first person to say I’m brave taking on a four player for the first one 😆.

Appreciate all the advice.

Although still radio silence from the seller!! So may not ever get it!!
 
Don’t think will be too tricky to find the Bally/williams chimes,I’m still on look out for gottlieb chimes for my jet spin repro unit €140 approx 😦 so I’m living with no chimes at mo lol need 27’ legs too if anyone has a set 😬,good luck with project my friend 👍🏻
 
It will still work without the meter but its handy to have as it helps troubleshooting start up fault finding.

If its a US market machine and was not built for export, then you'll likely need a step-down transformer - 230/115v ( not a plant type 110v. But sometimes, manufacturers made duel purpose ones so check its label if still present.

There's a very good EM repair guide here: www.pinrepair.com Take a look through it before you start work. And, don't be tempted to rip the machine apart and clean everything in sight as you will likely put more faults on it than you are trying to repair. Do it one step at a time and test your results. Yes, it takes seemingly more time but long term, will save you hours of hair pulling. Doesn't matter if its a single or multiplayer providing that you follow that rule.
 
Great thanks Doug. I have a step down Transformer so that’s cool.
Is it recommended to use that as opposed to changing the jumper wires on the transformer (if that’s even possible)?

This may all be pie in the sky until the seller actually tells me where and when to collect it. Three days and counting!

Appreciate all the advice so far. Thank you 🙏
 
Great thanks Doug. I have a step down Transformer so that’s cool.
Is it recommended to use that as opposed to changing the jumper wires on the transformer (if that’s even possible)?

This may all be pie in the sky until the seller actually tells me where and when to collect it. Three days and counting!

Appreciate all the advice so far. Thank you 🙏
No, if it allows your to choose voltage input, do that instead. As said, there is often a label on it itself, or a label stapled on the inside of the cab to tell you. 🤙
 
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