Discussion:
OT TECH: Skee Ball Model H Manual
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WBGU TV
2013-06-05 19:21:57 UTC
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I am looking for a missing page from the manual. The table of
contents lists a section beginning on page 16: "Figures/Schematics."
The first thing on the list is "Single Ball Switch Positions." This
does not seem to be included in either of these .pdf files. If you
happen to have this information, I would be grateful, if you shared
it.

http://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Misc/SkeeBall%20Model%20H%20Manual.pdf

http://arcarc.xmission.com/PDF_Misc/SkeeBall%20Model%20H%2002.pdf

Thanks,

Zap
Zap
2013-06-05 22:55:53 UTC
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I posted this at work and didn't realize I was logged in on the work
account. Sorry about that.

Zap
CactusJack
2013-06-05 23:41:18 UTC
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The Schematic and wiring diagrams for a Model H skee ball consist of
pages just like in your second link. The manual we originally wer
provided was hand typed - nothing as nice as the other link you posted

The Headings listed in the Index actually match the headings in th
header blocks of the very early Model S schematics (SBC-1) pakcage.
And, the Single Ball Switch Position is a page that doesn't exist ther
either (at least I don't have it). It looks like they did a quick edi
of the S manual to create a digital H manual. The later Model S packag
has many more pages, including some mechnical drawings. One labeled
Single Ball Assy w/o Sensor Bracket. And that wouldn't apply to a Mode
H since it has the 9 ball craddle assembly.

Is there anything in particular you are in need of?

R

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CactusJac
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Zap
2013-06-06 01:22:45 UTC
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CactusJack,

I have a Model E that I am converting into a Model H. The release
solenoid has a small arm, not the rocker arm assembly, and an extra
ball count switch just below the release arm, as if it will count how
many balls go by before is cuts power to the solenoid. My problem is
that I don't see where that switch gets wired to on the current Model
E control or on a Model H control (the current wiring harness was
damaged by the previous owner's dog), and I'm not sure how the dip
switches would be set using the single ball release vs. the rocker arm
(which doesn't need a ball count switch below it) once I convert it to
a Model H. I was hoping that "missing" page had the answers.

Can you shed some light?

Thanks,

Zap
marvin griffin
2020-10-25 21:07:58 UTC
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Post by Zap
CactusJack,
I have a Model E that I am converting into a Model H. The release
solenoid has a small arm, not the rocker arm assembly, and an extra
ball count switch just below the release arm, as if it will count how
many balls go by before is cuts power to the solenoid. My problem is
that I don't see where that switch gets wired to on the current Model
E control or on a Model H control (the current wiring harness was
damaged by the previous owner's dog), and I'm not sure how the dip
switches would be set using the single ball release vs. the rocker arm
(which doesn't need a ball count switch below it) once I convert it to
a Model H. I was hoping that "missing" page had the answers.
Can you shed some light?
Thanks,
Zap
how do you change the amount of balls played from 8 to 9 or more

Reinhard
2013-06-06 16:54:32 UTC
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I was not aware that any version of Model H software support the single ball drop system that appeared on later games. It might have first appeared on their MINI Skee Ball lanes which use different software. But I first saw it on Lightning Board system.

To my experience, Model H games have always had the 9 (or 6 which I have NEVER Seen) ball cradle assembly. When the game is started, the computer energizes the solenoid for a set amount of time to allow all 9 balls (or whatever is in the cradle) to drop. The solenoid is then turned off. As you said, there is no single ball switch AFTER the ball drop. Only at the top of the alley to register "Played Balls" both scored and gutters. With the single ball solenoid, the coil is left on until 9 balls have been served to the player. In theory, this means the game can operate with only 1 ball and, the solenoid could be energized indefinitely if there were no balls in the alley.

The single ball system was horrible when introduced on Skee Ball Lightning and Skee Ball Too! It had been used by others that made copies of Skee Ball but didn't copy the unique ball cradle assembly. The players had grown to expect 9 balls dropped on coin drop. When it didn't happen, they complained. The shorter alley allowed for only about 11 balls max. After that, any additional balls would take off played balls as the game was serving them to the player (extra balls sat above the switch after game over). Thereby shorting the player of the opportunity to play all 9 balls that were served to them.

I suppose for home use, you can just install 9 balls, let them drop, and then the balls played switch will do the rest. Other brands of lanes work this way and if there are 10 balls in a lane, they are served 10 balls. They game over when the 9th ball hits the balls played switch. This may take a few seconds so, if thrown fast, the 10th ball may still add score.

Regardless, according to the schematic, there is a Balls REL (Released) switch input at P2 Pin 9 (Balls Played is pin 11). But this switch is used for the 50 Point score switch for the 100 point bonus pocket software.

I really thought I had schematics to Model E (I had seen them and worked with repairing the boards before, like 25+ years ago). But I looked and could not find them in my files.

RB
WBGU TV
2013-06-06 20:07:30 UTC
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RB,

Thanks for the information. It is possible I have a Franken Alley; a
Model E Head and a later model lane. The reason I am replacing the E
board is that it is always feeding 120V to the release solenoid, at
least that's is what's happening on the wires that I think go to the
release solenoid. I replaced the 4 T2800B's thinking that one of them
was the issue (1 was shorted), but it didn't help. The wires are
energized any time the unit is plugged in.

Zap
Zap
2013-06-07 15:48:19 UTC
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Dang, did it again.

Zap
CactusJack
2013-06-07 16:23:54 UTC
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Hi Zap,

Is the T2800 on your board a 3 legged TO220 triac/transistor package o
a 4 legged molded module (solid state relay) like they show in th
drawings? The old Schematics document the AC driver as a module but al
the Model H boards I have ever seen use discrete components (T2800 Tria
and an opto coupler/isolator (6 Pin IC converts logic levels to AC fo
the triac gate)) to control the 120VAC devices. When the Triac short
out, it almost always takes out the opto coupler. I am pretty sure i
is an MOC3010 but an MOC3021 or 3031 will also work (they are zer
crossing versions).

On a Model H, the wire loom to the solenoid was a gray cable with
thick wires: Red, Black, and White. B and W are 120V to the coil, th
Red is the earth ground.

R

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CactusJac
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Zap
2013-06-08 02:14:07 UTC
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RB,

I replaced those on the Model E board in hopes of fixing it. They
were the three legged. I'll try to figure out if there is a MOC3010
on the board. They all look too long to be that.

Zap
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