Skee-ball Resuscitation

[thezapguy]

I just bought two skee-ball machines hoping to have enough good parts to make one.  It doesn't appear that it is possible to do so.  Right now, I am looking for a CPU and display for a model "H" and a wiring harness for a model "D."

If I can't find those, I was thinking about building my own scoring and display system.  I read in a forum here that "RandyT" developed some software to do what I want, but I've never tackled such a complex project. 

Does this sound like it would be easy for a newbie to attempt or should I just stick to trying to find replacement parts.

I'm not afraid to solder and disassemble things, but the last programming I did was on my Commodore 64.  Still skee-ball seems like it is fairly straight forward.

If somebody out there has been in my shoes and can offer assistance, please let me know.

Thanks,

thezapguy

[RichSorr]

a Model H board and display should be fairly easy to find on Ebay or somewhere. As for wiring, you could just make it yourself if you have the correct connectors and a pair of crimpers. Skee Balls wiring on the Classic alleys are very straight foward.

[Ken Layton]

And don't forget the manufacturer:

http://www.skeeball.com/

[thezapguy]

Thanks for the suggestions!  For some reason, Skee-ball won't reply to any of my emails though.

[unclet]

I just PM'd you some information on who I contacted directly at Skeeball when I was needed some answers ......

[RichSorr]

I would call them. 215-997-8900 and ask for tech support.  There has been a significant change in staff over there, and most of the top tech guys are gone. Someone over there should be able to fax or email you wiring diagrams, or you can ask for the parts department and tell them exactly which cables you need and get prices for them. I also sent you a PM

[Ken Layton]

I don't think any of them reply to emails on the weekend anyway. Always best to telephone them during normal business hours.

[unclet]

Ok, I forgot     ....... I have a Deltronics wiring diagram for my Skeeball Model-H at my website.  I believe that Deltronics made the main PCB board which is mounted in the Skeeball header/marquee area which controls all the functions (scoring, options, etc..).   

Just click on the Skeeball machine and click on the "Deltronics Manual" link

http://unclet.arcadecontrols.com/

I also have an Operating/Installation manual there as well.....

Hope it helps

[Kevin Mullins]

Anyone here ever put one of the optical switch kits in one of these?

I'm actually looking for a part number for a replacement optical switch.

I have a machine that's not counting the balls correctly, but otherwise works fine.
 
(no, I haven't called Skeeball yet, just figured I'd throw it out here)

[unclet]

My machine uses the thin metal arm switches instead of the optical switches.   I was told you can convert a machine to use optical switches but never did it since the older switches seem to work fine for me.

Happ Controls has some skeeball parts and lists one of which is an optical switch (although it is expensive):

http://www.happcontrols.com/accessories/skee_parts.htm

[RichSorr]

happs skee ball parts are way too overpriced. I have installed optic sensors on literally hundreds of new lanes and old lanes (used to work for skee ball). they are pretty easy to put in. its one big harness and the sensors are mounted on metal brackets. I dont remember the cost though

[Kevin Mullins]

My machine uses the thin metal arm switches instead of the optical switches.   I was told you can convert a machine to use optical switches but never did it since the older switches seem to work fine for me.

For private use..... no real need for them. The mechanical switches are fine.

But on location somewhere..... absolutely, other you'll chase switch problems constantly.
They take a beating.

In the case of the machine I'm looking at, someone decided it would be a good idea to grab ALL the balls from the other 5 machines and run them up into this particular machine. So I'm thinking the sensor got whacked pretty good once all the balls started to stack up inside. The ball gate had already closed, so the balls just kept stacking up on eachother. It was too busy in there to try just swapping the sensor from another machine to verify and I didn't find any spares in their parts room.

(I don't work there, I'm just trying to help them out as they don't have a tech right now)

[thatpurplestuff]

I saw that you purchased 2 Skeeball machines and are hoping to part one out in order to make one fully working unit.  If you'd be interested in selling any extra parts you might have from the extra unit (ball release solenoid, metal coin / ticket dispenser covers, etc) let me know.  I'm in the process of making my own Skeeball machine and there are some parts that I just can't fake. 

[IMMark]

I may be able to help with some Skee Ball parts, let me know where you are located and what you are looking for?
Mark

[thatpurplestuff]

Hey there, sorry I didn't respond sooner but I didn't see your reply until now.  I'm about halfway through building my own Skeeball machine... here's the link if you're interested -> http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=91011.0 

If you've got extra of the curved metal areas on both sides of the front (the area with the coin slot) I would love to take them off your hands.  I live in Chico, California and can't seem to find any places to buy individual Skeeball parts that don't charge an arm and a leg.  If you're interested in selling, I'm interested in buying!

[thezapguy]

Sorry, I haven't checked the forum for awhile.  Here's where I'm at.

I moved both machines down the basement from the garage.  I got really tired of parking outside.

I was able to reach RandyT and got the software and some hardware to interface with a PC.  I did a test and it looks like it will work.  The one thing I'm worried about is switch bounce affecting scoring.  I read that another guy had that problem, and I don't know if the software addresses that issue or even if it can address that issue.

In the mean time, I found the parts I needed to get the "H" model working.  The CPU and Power Supply arrived today, and I put them in.  I did run into a snag though.  The rocker arm that releases the balls had been removed.  I reattached it, but the linkage between the solenoid and the center of the rocker arm is missing.  A spring is attached to the end of the solenoid, but I don't know if a cable or a stiff wire or something else connected to the center of the rocker arm.  If anybody knows, please post!

I finally got a call from Skee-ball, and I sent a guy there pictures of my mystery machine.  It turns out it is a model "E" not a "D."  He told me Deltronics can still service the boards.

The biggest problem with the "E" is the wiring harness is mostly missing underneath the machine.  The previous owner's dog got under there and tore it up.

My next step is to try and figure out which wires go where, and rebuild the wiring harness on the "E" once the "H" is running.  Instead of having just one, I'll have two machines working.  If the boards are shot in the "E" I will install the PC solution. 

Right now, I am not selling any parts, but it looks like you found somebody who is.

Why keep both?  Well, the "H" is in better condition than the "E" but it is also shorter.  I'm not sure how I will like using the shorter alley yet, but I'll try it and let you know.

A big thanks to everybody who helped me along so far! 

thezapguy