One of the simplest approaches, while not the most elegant, is a simple small push button switch hanging out the coin return. This is how many manufacturers have done it over the years at industry coin op events. It would be extremely time consuming to install "custom" credit switches on the video games. And, if they are actuated by the coin return, the general public may not know what to do on each game. But its a fairly easy and quick task to pre-make the pushbutton-heatshrink-and wire credit buttons and add them to the coin switches. Not only is a free play option missing from many older video games but in some cases, they don't even hold credits (or more than 1 past coin drop). If the start button is using an older leaf style switch, instead of a micro switch pushbutton, a second leaf switch could be stacked under the start button but causes problems if its a 1 player, 2 player start button game.

The problem with some of the older SS games was they had bad (or no) batteries and lost their settings following them being set up Friday night after the show. The problem with the Free Play Rom solution is it might be very time consuming if the MPU boards are not already modified to run 2732's instead of the original mask roms. This would require pulling each MPU board, re-jumper as well as install replacement EPROMs.

Regardless, a plan needs to be put together and then the time and cost taken to implement it.

Leave it to Steve to capture the Awesomeness of a Totally Awesome Show!

What's the old saying? "When life gives you lemons, make Lemonade!"

I totally understand and shared the disappointment to find so many (many, many EMs) not operable. Fortunately, I was fairly local (OC) so it wasn't a huge expense to show up Friday night and find games I was looking forward to play unavailable. Titles I was really looking forward to play were off, and ones that were on weren't always playing to my standards either.

But, after seeing what the future potential was and could be, and seeing the immediate need for action, myself, along with 3 others (Pete, John, and Ethan - thank you!) received our Red "helper" T-Shirts and showed up early Saturday morning and worked through the day getting some more EMs functional. Along with freeing stuck balls, adding credits etc.

Our biggest dilemma was: Where do we start?

More often then not, when attending shows, I find myself spending most of my time socializing with other Pinheads instead of playing games. I happen to also love working on games. Probably as much, if not more than actually playing them. So, for me, the time spent at the first AE was a Blast!

For the time being, I don't think anyone should expect a collection of 550 pins to play like those out of a 10 game home arcade collection. Getting games fully functional and playable should be the first goal. Fine tuning and souping them up can come later.

I am just happy to see that the overall consensus was a positive one and that we have October to look forward to!!! Again, Thanks to John, Kenny, and all the crew making any of this even possible. And right here in our own Backyard!

With as many games to be dealt with, this old school approach is probably the best plan of attack. Now that the facility is basically closed (I can only assume) to the general public, each game can have its own sheet that either contains all the awaiting service issues, or an indication of a clean bill of health which will save time so others can pass it by. Items such as burned out lights and sticky flippers can be handled by those comfortable with such tasks, again, saving the hard core repairs for the better equipped.

As was noted, there is even a great need for people to take the time to level and even re-pitch the games for better play. No one likes even a fully shopped game, that leans to the side, or the ball just floats around getting stuck on a roll over or sunken insert. The problem is not that the games will be moved, or the floor badly un-level. Its the simple fact that they had to install around 2200 legs.