Pull-tab machines, also known as break-open ticket machines or instant bingo machines, are coin-operated gambling devices that print and dispense paper pull-tab tickets. When a player inserts money and presses a button, the machine dispenses a pull-tab ticket that the player peels open to reveal symbols or numbers. Certain winning combinations entitle the player to cash prizes that can be redeemed from the location operating the pull-tab machine.
Like any coin-operated machine, pull-tab devices occasionally require maintenance or resetting to clear error codes or account data. Resetting procedures vary slightly between different pull-tab machine models but generally involve power cycling the device and accessing diagnostic menus using the external buttons or an internal interface. Understanding how to properly reset your specific model of pull-tab machine helps minimize downtime and lost profits when technical issues arise.
Reasons for Resetting a Pull-Tab Machine
There are a few common reasons why you may need to reset a pull-tab machine:
– Clearing account data – Many pull-tab machines require regular resets to clear accounting totals for cash/coins inserted, tickets vended, prizes paid out, etc. Resetting provides a clean slate for tracking financial data.
– Fixing a frozen machine – If the pull-tab machine screen freezes or the machine stops functioning, a reset can clear any software errors.
– Resolving technical problems – Resetting is often the first step in troubleshooting issues like communication failures, printer jams, motor errors, or power supply problems.
– Changing game programs – When new pull-tab games are added to the machine’s memory, a reset may be required to activate and switch over to the new game menu.
– Updating settings – Updates to ticket costs, payout percentages, volume settings, or other programmable parameters often involve a reset procedure.
No matter the specific reason, resetting a frozen or malfunctioning pull-tab machine essentially serves as a reboot to get the device back into proper working order.
Power Cycling to Reset
The most basic way to reset many pull-tab machines is simply to power cycle the device. This involves completely cutting power to the machine for 10-20 seconds before restoring power.
Here are the general steps to power cycle a pull-tab machine:
Step 1:
Locate the power switch or power cord on the pull-tab machine cabinet. Common locations include:
– Side of the cabinet
– Back interior of the cabinet
– Underneath the cabinet
If there is no obvious power switch, the machine may have a power cord that can quickly be unplugged.
Step 2:
Shut off power to the machine by flipping the switch to off or unplugging the power cord.
Step 3:
Wait at least 10 seconds to allow components like RAM to fully reset. 20-30 seconds is ideal if the machine is frozen or unresponsive.
Step 4:
Restore power by flipping the switch back on or plugging the power cord back in.
Step 5:
The machine will boot back up. The reset clears any temporary errors and reloads the programming and account data from permanent memory.
Power cycling resets most pull-tab machines, but some models also have a small interior reset button that can be used instead. Check your machine’s manual for the preferred reset method if simply cutting power doesn’t work.
Using the Interior Reset Button
Many pull-tab machines have a reset button inside the cabinet that performs a reboot when pressed. This button may be recessed in a small hole on the main circuit board or positioned on the cash box for convenient access.
Follow these steps to reset a pull-tab machine using the interior reset button:
Step 1:
Open the front or back door of the pull-tab machine cabinet using the key provided. This exposes the interior of the machine.
Step 2:
Locate the small circular reset button on the circuit board or cash box. It is often red or green and labeled “Reset.”
Step 3:
Press and hold the reset button for 1-2 seconds until the machine reboots. Some machines have a second confirmation button to prevent accidental resets.
Step 4:
Close and lock the pull-tab machine cabinet doors when finished.
Similar to power cycling, using the reset button forces the pull-tab machine to reboot and reinitialize any hardware or software issues. Just be sure to only hold the reset button briefly to avoid over-resetting.
Performing Diagnostic Resets
More advanced pull-tab machines contain diagnostic menus that provide additional options for resetting data or running tests on components like the printer and dispenser. Accessing the diagnostics menus requires using the external keypad in a specific sequence.
Here is an overview of accessing hidden diagnostics on a generic pull-tab machine:
Step 1:
Open the pull-tab machine cabinet using the provided key.
Step 2:
Hold the “Change Game” and “Verify Game” buttons simultaneously for several seconds.
Step 3:
Enter the password using the external keypad (often 0-0-0-0 or provided in the manual).
Step 4:
Use the arrow keys and “Change Game” button to scroll through diagnostic menus. Common options are:
– Accounting reset – Clears all accounting values
– Game menu reset – Returns to factory default games
– Printer test – Prints a test ticket
– Dispenser test – Dispenses test tickets
– Error log – Check for hardware errors
Step 5:
Select the desired diagnostic test or reset function. Follow any prompts shown on screen.
Step 6:
Exit the diagnostics using the “Verify Game” button once finished. Close the machine cabinet.
Diagnostic resets are not always necessary but provide more options to troubleshoot or service malfunctioning units. Consult your owner’s manual for the proper diagnostic access instructions.
Resetting Specific Pull-Tab Machine Models
Pull-tab machine models from popular manufacturers like American Games, Arrow International, and King Products have slightly different methods for optimal resetting. Here are some model-specific resets:
American Games Pull-Tab Machines
Power cycle American Games machines by toggling the rocker power switch located on the side of the cabinet. Wait at least 20 seconds between power off and on.
Many models also have an external reset button below the keypad. Press this momentarily to reboot the device.
Use the keypad sequence 4-2-2-2 to access diagnostics like printer tests and payout resets. American Games machines use a default passcode of 6454.
Arrow International Pull-Tab Machines
Arrow pull-tab machines have a small reset hole on the main logic board. Use a straightened paperclip to press the internal reset button located inside this hole.
Power can be cycled on tabletop Arrow models by unplugging the connector cord on the side.
The diagnostic menu is accessed using keypad sequence 5-7-3-1 and passcode 0000. This menu provides resets and hopper tests.
King Products Pull-Tab Machines
Press and hold the upper left change key for 5+ seconds to reset most King Products units.
The back of the cash box also contains a reset button on older models like the King Gerry series.
For full diagnostics, power off, hold lower right change key, and power back on. Use passcode 1111 for access.
In summary, study your machine model specifics, but power cycling and using the internal reset button can recover many common pull-tab machine issues. Perform diagnostic resets for advanced troubleshooting.
Troubleshooting Common Reset Problems
Resetting a pull-tab machine is usually quick and straightforward. However, if a machine fails to respond normally after a reset attempt, here are some troubleshooting tips:
Machine completely unresponsive
– Check power connections and power cable/cord condition
– Inspect fuses or circuit breakers supplying power to the unit
– Test power outlet functionality with another device
– Try disconnecting peripherals like bill acceptors temporarily
Reset initiates but doesn’t complete
– Allow longer power-off duration before restoring power
– Replace internal battery for date/time functionality
– Check for loose wire connections or faults on circuit boards
– Clean cabinet interior and electrical component dust buildup
Intermittent operation after resetting
– Update machine firmware/software to current stable version
– Replace worn power button or faulty reset switch
– Check for short circuits – use insulation or wire splices when needed
– Ensure stable, dedicated power line for machine
– Rule out overheating – add ventilation or relocate machine if needed
Call the pull-tab machine distributor for service if hardware problems are suspected. Provide the model number, issues observed, and reset attempts tried during support.
Important Reset Precautions
While essential for resolving technical problems, resetting pull-tab machines can create issues if done incorrectly:
– Don’t power cycle or reset machines during a payout – This voids in-progress wins and dispenses no tickets.
– Avoid repeated full resets – Frequent hard resets can corrupt permanent memory.
– Don’t open machine doors before powering off – Exposed high voltage can be hazardous.
– Don’t reset during firmware updates – Corrupted firmware bricks machines.
– Don’t reset idle machines habitually – This adds unnecessary wear on components.
– Avoid static discharge when touching interior – Use anti-static wrist strap if available.
– Never reset power with interior components exposed – Risk of electric shock.
In summary, only reset machines when genuinely needed, power down completely before accessing interior, and take care to avoid static electricity or electrical hazards inside the cabinet.
Resetting for New Pull-Tab Games
Adding new pull-tab games to your machine involves both physically loading the new game tickets and digitally adding the game menu to memory. A reset procedure ensures the machine recognizes and activates the new games properly.
Here is an overview of resetting a pull-tab machine to bring on new games:
Step 1:
Obtain the new game tickets from your licensed pull-tab distributor. Carefully unpack and load into the dispenser hoppers.
Step 2:
Use the machine interface to load new game graphics and parameters into memory. Games are digitally transferred by SD card, USB, or online.
Step 3:
Power cycle the pull-tab machine or hold the reset button to fully reboot the system.
Step 4:
Check that the new pull-tab games now appear in the game selection menu once the machine resets.
Step 5:
Play test each new game to verify proper ticket dispensing, printing, and prize amounts.
Step 6:
Zero out all accounting meters through the reset menus to begin fresh data tracking on the new games added.
Be sure to follow your specific machine’s new game loading instructions provided by the manufacturer. Broadly speaking, a clean reboot helps ensure new pull-tab games are seamlessly available for play after adding them to the device.
Resetting Before Transport or Storage
If pull-tab machines need to be powered down for an extended period for transportation or storage, special reset steps prevent issues from improper shutdown.
Follow this shutdown procedure before machine transport/storage:
Step 1:
Fully reset accounting data and clear any credits remaining. Run hopper inventory reports.
Step 2:
Access diagnostic menus and execute a full system reset or factory defaults restoration.
Step 3:
Open machine and ensure no foreign debris or detached components from shipping.
Step 4:
Disconnect power source, battery, and remove any sensitive modules like PC boards temporarily.
Step 5:
Secure all doors, hoppers, and moving parts internally using shipping foam or braces.
Step 6:
Package machine in original shipping crate if possible. Label fragile parts and This Side Up arrows.
Step 7:
Carefully transport machine in climate-controlled vehicle and do not stack crates.
Step 8:
Thoroughly inspect and test machine functionality upon arrival before returning to service.
Proper shutdown avoids component damage from vibrations or power interruptions during transit. Always reset to factory conditions prior to any long distance transport or storage.
Conclusion
Resetting a pull-tab machine allows the device to clear error conditions and resume normal operation. Power cycling, internal reset buttons, and diagnostic menus provide options to reboot without powering down the entire unit. Understand your machine’s available reset procedures to quickly resolve technical problems. When in doubt, seek assistance from the equipment distributor or service company to avoid improper resets that risk permanent damage. With the right process, resets keep pull-tab machines dispensing tickets and earning profits.