Caramball

[Josephus]

Hi Everyone,

I recently picked up a new machine and I'm trying to find out some more information about it. I've searched online but I can't find a reference to it anywhere.

The machine is a 1 or 2 player air hockey game called, "Caramball'.



The playing surface is kept under glass. The table is 54 inches long and 28 inches wide.

In one player mode you play against the machine in a timed game. Initially, you are just returning the puck which bounces off of a wall at the opposite end. As you build up a rally the puck is returned with more vigour and becomes faster. If you fail to return the puck then you loose a few points and the speed returns to a slower pace before building up again. Once you have scored enough points the game changes and the wall is lit and split into sections. Now you must knock out all of the lights by accurately returning the puck to hit every section of the wall. This ust be achieved at least twice. I have yet to progress futher so I have no idea if the machine has any other levels.

Because of the built in computer the machine offers three different 2 player modes of play - Tennis, Points and Masters.

The machine is in pretty good condition but I'm having a little trouble with one of the player paddles. The paddle is built into the machine it runs along some contacts so that the computer knows where the paddle is and then returns the puck at the correct times. There is a dead spot on one of the sides. This is avoidable by keeping pressure on the paddle when you move it. Whilst this is a fix, it forces one player to play in a slightly unnatural stance.

The second fault I have is that some of the lcd lights on one of the returning walls don't come on. This is only a problem in games where players are attempting to hit each section of a wall where lights go out to keep track of where the puck has hit. The lack of lights on one section does not prevent the game from being played, it just adds an extra level of memory 

So, my main questions were:

a) Is this a rare machine?
b) How easy is it to fix my 2 faults. I can get access to where the problems are but it involves dismantling a few parts first. As the game is playable as it is, I'm hesitant to make things worse. I've replaced some damaged items in a fruit machine before with success but this cabinet is a little daunting with my limited knowledge.
c) Out of curiosity, I was wondering if anyone had seen one of these machines up for sale and what the value of the machine is?

Thanks for taking the time to read this,

Josephus

[mebronx2000]

http://carames.org/caram.htm   

[mebronx2000]

it seems to be a European arcade game !

[Josephus]

http://carames.org/caram.htm   

 


Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post - you've been a great help and I'll contact that company to check on spares etc. I can normally find most things on the internet but this machine has eluded me for nearly a year.

If anyone does come across this machine and are considering purchasing it then I can wholly recommend it. The game is really challenging as a single player and there is enough skill for longevity as a 2 player game. My machine is pretty old and has spent a lot of time in a bar and is still in great condition. The relatively small size of the machine makes it a great addition to a home arcade or a bar/cafe with minimal space.