(Topic ID: 174947)

Shuffle/Ball/Skee Club. Join Us!

By GPS

7 years ago


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  • Latest reply 4 hours ago by jrcmlc
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    You're currently viewing posts by Pinsider rkahr.
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    #291 6 years ago

    Fellow Pinsiders with Skee Ball,

    I've got a Kickstarter in the review process that should go live in the next couple of days for replacement score and ball count boards. My Skee had the mini-bulb displays... no longer! Now it has my new LED boards and they work great so I've decided to take them to market. Here's link where you can preview my Kickstarter campaign; I'll post an update when it gets approved and goes live!

    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/662372168?ref=433344&token=89fb157b

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Williams system 3-7 sound board potentiometer solutions

    #296 6 years ago
    Quoted from Rody:

    A well thought out and executed solution to the issues you outlined in the kickstarter description. I read through the entire presentation as well as watch the video and look through the gallery, I would definitely be interested in a set to cure my fragile and ailing score displays. I did not, however, see a price indicated anywhere for the kick starter. Can you elaborate?

    Thank you Rody ! It's been a long time in the making and I'm really pleased with the result. Creating a video that will be entertaining enough for folks to actually watch is quite challenging for me - hopefully I've succeeded with this one.

    Quoted from Rody:

    Thanks, the right side was not visible on my phone.
    So 165 bucks for a complete set.

    Yes, except for the "Front of the line" sets that will be $155. Compares pretty favorably to the resale market on eBay:

    ebay.com link: NEW Skee Ball Mini Bulb Scoring Display Board Assembly For Model H Skee Ball

    or

    ebay.com link: NEW Skee Ball Mini Bulb Scoring Display Board Only Not Ball Count Board

    My campaign passed all the reviews at Kickstarter so I was able to turn it on tonight! Here's the link to the live project:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/skee-ball-display-pcbs-redesigned?ref=e36051

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Williams system 3-7 sound board potentiometer solutions

    #298 6 years ago
    Quoted from ForceFlow:

    These would be great, especially for location games. The bulbs don't seem to last very long, and the sockets are brittle and break often.

    An LED solution would be very welcome.

    Glad you like my solution ForceFlow ... Certainly feel free to share the link with others who would be interested.

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Williams system 3-7 sound board potentiometer solutions

    #299 6 years ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    My campaign passed all the reviews at Kickstarter so I was able to turn it on tonight! Here's the link to the live project:
    https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/skee-ball-display-pcbs-redesigned?ref=e36051

    I just updated the campaign with a stand-alone display that will run without a Skee Ball machine. Hopefully expands the appeal as a display piece in game rooms. Check it out at "update 2" in my campaign...

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Williams system 3-7 sound board potentiometer solutions

    #301 6 years ago
    Quoted from big420atx:

    I like what you have done. But I still don't understand why you are going your route. Why not just do the 7 segment led display like the company made. Then you eliminate all the worry, hassle and extra parts.

    Because I don't have one and can't easily get one. I don't think I was the only one relying on the mini-bulb boards...

    UPDATE ALERT - I just posted an update to the project that includes a short video showing the Skee Score working with my bench-booted Model H controller. Enjoy!

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

    #303 6 years ago
    Quoted from lurch:

    Rob-
    This looks fantastic! So for 165 I could get both displays? When is delivery on these? Sorry on crappy phone and cant see everything. I think this is one of yoyr best business ideas yet. Prices for parts are insane and this is a cheaper more reliable option.
    Mat

    Yes, you get both displays and the Ball Count baffle for $165... or if you do the "front of the line" reward you get it for $155. "Front of the line" will ship in March (yes, next month). I'm conservatively projecting June for the "regular delivery" rewards. I think I can beat that timeline but I wanted to give myself some space considering I will be at TPF in March and Allentown in May.

    Thanks for the great compliment! I'm really proud of how these turned out.

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

    #304 6 years ago

    Hey everyone, the campaign seems to have stepped into a higher gear this weekend - we are now 66% funded! With 10 days remaining I'm feeling optimistic about reaching the goal. Just two more board set commitments would take it over the finish line! My Kickstarter dashboard says most traffic visiting the campaign is sourced from Pinside, so THANK YOU!

    -Rob
    -check out my Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/skee-ball-display-pcbs-redesigned?ref=3De36051
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Williams system 3-7 sound board potentiometer solutions

    #315 6 years ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    Hey everyone, the campaign seems to have stepped into a higher gear this weekend - we are now 66% funded! With 10 days remaining I'm feeling optimistic about reaching the goal. Just two more board set commitments would take it over the finish line! My Kickstarter dashboard says most traffic visiting the campaign is sourced from Pinside, so THANK YOU!
    -Rob
    -check out my Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/skee-ball-display-pcbs-redesigned?ref=3De36051
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Williams system 3-7 sound board potentiometer solutions

    100% !!!!!!!

    Around 3pm today the Kickstarter reached full funding 4 days ahead of the campaign's end! And it got there even with me accidentally posting broken links in a couple places (sorry - clearly not intentional).

    Thanks especially to everyone who joined in to the campaign and also to all those well-wishers cheering it along! One special note - a full 3/4 of the backers representing 95% of the campaign financial participation came from PINSIDE!!!! There are 4 days left if you still want to join the Kickstarter or, if you need these boards in the future they will be available on my website - www.kahr.us

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit
    -check out my SUCCESSFUL Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/skee-ball-display-pcbs-redesigned?ref=3De36051

    #316 6 years ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    Thanks especially to everyone who joined in to the campaign and also to all those well-wishers cheering it along! One special note - a full 3/4 of the backers representing 95% of the campaign financial participation came from PINSIDE!!!! There are 4 days left if you still want to join the Kickstarter or, if you need these boards in the future they will be available on my website - http://www.kahr.us

    There are 24 hours left in the campaign so if you are on the fence about joining in, now is the time...

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

    3 weeks later
    #318 6 years ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    100% !!!!!!!

    Around 3pm today the Kickstarter reached full funding 4 days ahead of the campaign's end! And it got there even with me accidentally posting broken links in a couple places (sorry - clearly not intentional).

    Thanks especially to everyone who joined in to the campaign and also to all those well-wishers cheering it along! One special note - a full 3/4 of the backers representing 95% of the campaign financial participation came from PINSIDE!!!! There are 4 days left if you still want to join the Kickstarter or, if you need these boards in the future they will be available on my website - http://www.kahr.us

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit
    -check out my SUCCESSFUL Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2111218102/skee-ball-display-pcbs-redesigned?ref=3De36051

    I'm proud to report that all rewards from my kickstarter campaign have either shipped or will be picked up at the Texas Pinball Festival. If you are coming to the show stop by to see the Skee Score board set running in demonstration mode and if you want to purchase a set I will have a few complete sets available in Texas. PM me if you aren't coming to the show but want to order a set.

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

    4 weeks later
    #320 5 years ago

    I posted a video over on youtube demonstrating how to install my new Display Boards in your Skee Ball machine:

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my Pinball 2000 H+V video sync combiner kit

    2 months later
    #352 5 years ago
    Quoted from dropdeadhippie:

    Love all these cool games in this thread.
    I’m super excited, tomorrow I pick up a 1955 United Venus shuffle skee! Not quite sure how it will fit in my basement height wise but I’ll figure something out

    Yup - we always figure it out somehow! Things are kinda crowded here but I'm picking up an Alien Poker this morning. Congratulations on your new acquisition!

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for my replacement display boards for model H and model S Skee Ball

    2 months later
    #356 5 years ago

    I got this picture from a customer who installed my replacement LED display boards for Skee Ball machines and I thought it was such a cool setup that I got his permission to post the photo. This is a trailer outfitted with 8 skee balls machines that travels to carnivals. I don't know if the lanes fold up or disconnect, but I'm sure the overhang folds down for simple packing. It had to be incredibly frustrating trying to keep those mini bulbs in the displays on these mobile machines. He's happy with the new displays and I'm really proud they helped him keep this trailer in service!

    Cool Skee Ball TrailerCool Skee Ball Trailer

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or for replacement LED display boards for Model H and Model S Skee Ball

    2 months later
    #415 5 years ago
    Quoted from fatality83:

    Giving you an update.... I have been talking via email with someone who knows the model S boards well and suggested I look at a section of diodes on the board. I found one bad diode in this section of the board and replaced it. Game still does not coin up with the coin switch or free play button. If I remove the switch connector J-9 from the board and manually jump pins (from left to right) 2 & 5, it credits the game up, I hear the ball solenoid energize and it plays the start up tune and all 0's on the board stop rotating and stay constantly lit.

    If I jump pins 3 & 4 with the J-9 connector removed, the score adds up 10 points each time the pins are jumped. I plugged J-9 back into the board while I was in the middle of a game to test the scoring switches. All switches register something however they appear to be giving strange values. For instance the bottom 10 point hole is registering 30 points, the 20 point hole is registering 40 points. I don't know the exact values the other ones are registering but I can check when I get home. The game appears to end after 9 balls are tossed up as the score stays lit solid and won't increase any if anymore balls are thrown. I did forget to mention I removed the ball rocker and linkage so basically the balls just rolls back down to the player all the time. I even tried thinking the game might not start without it seeing a ball activating the ball count switch but activating that switch and coining it up also did nothing.

    So my issues now are, the game won't start with either the coin switch or the free play button. The only way to start a game is to jump those pins on the pcb like I said. Also the scoring switches appear to be giving out wrong values.

    Any suggestions on what to do next?

    Lack of coin up sounds like either a continuity problem between the connector and the switch or functionality of the switch itself. Maybe the wires have a cut; maybe the header or the pins are the issue?

    The scoring switches either give 10 points or 50 points (50 points only if you have 100 point holes). The ball hits multiple 10-point switches to accumulate the 10 through 50 scores. For example throw the ball trough the 40 hole and the ball routing channel behind the playfield sends it to trigger 10 point switches for the 40, 30, 20, and 10 holes to accumulate the 40 points. A throw through a 100 hole routes past a 50 switch then all 5 10-point switches to accumulate 100 points. Elegant in the simplicity.

    Sounds like your computer is capturing the "10 points" correctly when you use jumpers and with some of the 10 point switches, so check the switches themselves and their trigger arms. Perhaps the ball rolling by pushes the trigger arm to a point where the switch oscillates between contact and no-contact which causes multiple point reads. Given what you said - 10 hole scores 30 and 20 hole scores 40 - the 10 point switch for the 20 hole is fine but the 10 point switch for the 10 hole is problematic. It gets triggered when you hit the 10 and the 20 point hole, so it is messing up the scoring for both holes. It also gets triggered for a 30, 40, and 50 hit so in the current state you should see similar "overscoring" on those holes as well. If 50 scores 70 you only have the problem with the 10 hole's switch.

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    #418 5 years ago
    Quoted from fatality83:

    I actually got it up and running 100% last night.

    Awesome! If you are hosting Thanksgiving your guests will be thankful for your perseverance!

    -Rob
    -visit http://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    1 year later
    #590 3 years ago

    Hey fellow Pinsiders - I just launched a Kickstarter for a new version of my Skee Display boards - check it out: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-ball-displays-redesigned-again . My original version will continue to be available since it so closely replicates the original look, but now this version will also be available for anyone who would prefer a more modernized look or that just doesn't have one of the original light baffles.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    #596 3 years ago
    Quoted from Pin-up:

    I've long been in the club with a Comet Shuffle Targette, Dixie Ball bowler, and multiple shuffle alleys over the years, but I just picked up 2 Skeeball Model H games.

    How are the mini bulb displays boards and baffle plastics? You may want check out my new kickstarter ( https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-ball-displays-redesigned-again ) or my existing LED display boards product.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    #601 3 years ago
    Quoted from Pin-up:

    I don't have the mini bulb boards. These machines both have the LED digit displays for the score and ball count. No need to replace those.

    Actually that version is a common reason for customers asking for my new baffle-free design - that board fails and leaves the game with no display and no baffle. In these cases my new board breaks the "find an extremely rare LED 7 segment board" or "find a rare light baffle and downgrade to mini-bulbs" conundrum that probably led to unnecessary part-outs. The good news is PinBackpacker 's support pushed the campaign over the minimum to fund so my solution will be there when the need crops up.

    -Rob
    -New product alert: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-ball-displays-redesigned-again

    2 weeks later
    #613 3 years ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    Actually that version is a common reason for customers asking for my new baffle-free design - that board fails and leaves the game with no display and no baffle. In these cases my new board breaks the "find an extremely rare LED 7 segment board" or "find a rare light baffle and downgrade to mini-bulbs" conundrum that probably led to unnecessary part-outs. The good news is pinbackpacker 's support pushed the campaign over the minimum to fund so my solution will be there when the need crops up.

    -Rob
    -New product alert: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-ball-displays-redesigned-again

    The Kickstarter campaign ends in a couple hours - last chance to get in: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-ball-displays-redesigned-again

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    4 weeks later
    #621 3 years ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    The Kickstarter campaign ends in a couple hours - last chance to get in: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-ball-displays-redesigned-again

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    Quick update - Having delivered all the rewards claimed from the campaign, I've added the new Baffle-free Skee Displays to my website (linked below) and I've posted a listing on eBay for them as well.

    Baffle-free Skee Display in my Model SBaffle-free Skee Display in my Model S

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model H & model S Skee Ball

    1 year later
    #748 2 years ago

    Hey all,

    I just launched a kickstarter for a new product that replaces the mechanical switches in model H and model S Skee Ball machines with optical sensors. If you want to check it out the link is https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-optical-sensors .

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model 78, D, E, H & S Skee Ball

    #750 2 years ago
    Quoted from justinwebb:

    just bought your display the other day and now backed this, cant wait to get rid of the switches.

    Thanks for joining in! I'm pleasantly surprised the kickstarter reached 25% funding in just the first two days. I had been holding off launching the campaign until feedback came in from an arcade owner who has model H machines. Their feedback came in while I was on a "snowbird vacation" in Florida last week. It was so positive that I launched the campaign while I was still in Florida. The campaign ends just after TPF where I'm planning to have a working demonstration in my booth - hopefully that will close this on the "goal achieved" side.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model 78, D, E, H & S Skee Ball

    1 month later
    #756 1 year ago
    Quoted from rkahr:

    Hey all,

    I just launched a kickstarter for a new product that replaces the mechanical switches in model H and model S Skee Ball machines with optical sensors. If you want to check it out the link is https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kahr-us-circuits/skee-optical-sensors .

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model 78, D, E, H & S Skee Ball

    Well, my kickstarter didn't quite reach the funding goal, but that's not stopping me from making the optical switches. I've added them to my website (https://www.kahr.us) and have some in stock. I made sure to notify the kickstarter supporters when I first put the links on my site and decided to let this thread know next. Probably right after the Allentown show I'll post them on ebay.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement LED display boards for model 78, D, E, H & S Skee Ball

    5 months later
    #797 1 year ago

    Wanna join the club? It's not my listing, but over on usedrides.com somebody posted an ICE Ball for $1350:

    https://www.usedrides.com/rides/222592

    Listed in Farmingdale, NY.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my optical sensor upgrade for model H & S Skee Ball

    1 month later
    #859 1 year ago
    Quoted from Kawasakiltd:

    I am looking at buying a shuffle alley and would like to know if it will fit in a minivan when broken down? 1990 williams shuffle alley. 3.5 hour drive one way so just need to make sure it will fit.

    Got a hitch on the rear? Uhaul trailers are cheap to rent because unlike the trucks, you don't pay for mileage.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my optical switch upgrade for model H & S Skee Ball

    5 months later
    #930 10 months ago

    If you dropped by my vendor space at Allentown you had the opportunity to see my exciting new product - the Replacement Skee Computer. This morning I added it to my website for purchase. I'm offering two versions:
    - a headers version that is plug-compatible with model H and model S lanes.
    - a screw terminal version that facilitates installing in other skee lanes (78/D/E or Extreme), other lane brands (Ice), or home-brew custom builds.
    Starting with a blank page, I've designed the hardware and software for usability and compatibility with the classic lanes that are no longer vendor supported. The result is an arcade-quality replacement that includes the game functionality, coin operations, redemption (physical ticket distribution or e-ticket interfaces), and sounds. My computer has been tested by a couple beta testers and by several of my LED Display Board commercial customers (arcades and a carnival trailer) and feedback has been great. A detailed manual explaining the extensive configuration options and detailing installation in many platforms is available in the documentation area of my website.

    I think the introductory pricing of $370 compares very favorably to what used originals fetch or what repairs to an original cost. Note that my Replacement Skee Computer is not compatible with the original Skee-branded score and ball count displays - I clearly explain this on the first page of the manual.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my Replacement Skee Computer

    9 months later
    #1013 18 days ago
    Quoted from lint:

    okay got everything plugged in on my Model S and all seems to be in the right spots. yay. one issue, the ball release solenoid is not pulling in when a new game is started. I have checked the board fuse and the inline fuse on the cord, both are still fine. I have tested continuity from the plug at the board all the way to the solenoid and that checks out fine too. Any suggestions on what to check next?

    Are you sure the solenoid is working? You can test is by energizing it directly (bypass the computer - from the solenoid's point of view the computer is just a switch that completes a circuit). Is it mechanical? The rocker mechanism has a spring-loaded locking mechanism that is supposed to release as part of the pull stroke but can need adjustment.

    If it's a computer problem you may want to consider my Replacement Skee Computer - it controls that solenoid and, if the solenoid isn't working I've got a low-voltage release that works with my computer.

    -Rob
    -visit https://www.kahr.us to get my daughterboard that helps fix WPC pinball resets or my replacement Type 1 sound board for classic Williams games

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