Module 1Beginning Electronics for SlotMachine Technicians

Let's face it. When it comes tofixing slot machines, there's a lotof stuff that you just don't needto know. Why try to learn elec-tronics from an engineeringstandpoint (the way they teachin college and technical schools)when all you need is enoughelectronics training to fix things?

This segment assumes that youhave no previous electronicstraining and takes you througha simple, NO MATH look at elec-tronic components, electroniccircuits, schematic diagramsand more! Understanding elec-tronics is easy when you learnthe basics of how circuits andcomponents operate.

Using a Digital MultimeterThe DMM is the single most im-portant piece of test equipmentyou can use. The Casino Schoolprogram shows you how to usethe meter to make the tests andmeasurements necessary for fix-ing reel slots, video slots andother types of gaming machines.

Electronic ComponentsAll of the individual componentsused in gaming machines are in-troduced. Parts such as resis-tors, potentiometers and capaci-tors are covered individually.Students learn how the compo-nents function in the circuitsand how to test them for properoperation using the digital mul-timeter.

Schematic DiagramsSchematic diagrams are theblueprints for electronic circuits.Learning to interpret schematicdiagrams is a natural part of theCasino School. The schematicsymbols are used throughout

the course and students becomefamiliar with schematic dia-grams throughout the class.

Diodes, Transistors & OtherSemiconductorsHands-on Transistor TestingLab

Semiconductors are the basis forjust about everything in today'sgaming equipment. Semicon-ductor failures of all types areamong the most common ofproblems you will encounterwhen fixing power supplies andmonitors.

This part of the Casino Schooltakes a look at all of the differ-ent types of semiconductorscommonly seen in gaming ma-chines. We'll take a look at theoperation of each component,along with testing procedures todetermine if the part is good orbad. Students will have ampleopportunities to practice theirtesting skills during the hands-on transistor lab. Replacementcomponents will also be dis-cussed. Never get stuck for a re-placement part again!

Module 2Soldering

Component removal and re-placement is a better term forthis segment. Good solderingtechnique takes practice butthere are some tricks that canreally help speed things alongand minimize the chance ofdamage to the PCB. During thisshort segment, each student willbe provided with their own sol-dering station, solder anddesoldering supplies and “junk”monitor chassis so they canpractice to their heart’s contentwithout fear of damage. Thisequipment will be theirs to keep.

Module 3Power Supplies

Power supplies are at the heartof all electronic systems andpower supply failure is commonin all of them. Slot machines arecertainly not immune. It is notuncommon for a slot machine tohave a half dozen power suppliesworking together. This modulecovers all types of power sup-plies, including linear powersupplies and the Switched-ModePower Supply (SMPS) found inmonitors as well as a look at theMK5PFC power supply found inAristocrat slot machines.

Module 4CRT Monitor Repair

This segment is probably themost important part of Slot TechMagazine's Casino School. Notonly because video slots, pokerand keno games are a large partof the mix in today's casinos butbecause monitor repair rein-forces the troubleshooting tech-niques that are important to allphases of electronic repair ingeneral. In other words, if youcan troubleshoot and repairmonitors, you can fix just aboutanything else you're likely to en-counter.

This segment details the opera-tion of monitors in easy-to-un-derstand language. Each moni-tor circuit is discussed individu-ally. Where possible (and it usu-ally is) training will be on thespecific brands of monitors thatyou operate in your own casino(Ceronix, Kortek, Wells-Gardner,Kristel, etc.). We'll look at theschematic diagrams and exam-ine each circuit individually.Common monitor failures will bediscussed, along with the symp-toms that will help pinpoint thecause of the problem. Of course,

Module 0.5 Day 1 Day 2 Days 2.5 Days 3 Days

Soldering

LCD Monitor

Touch Screens

Power Supply

CRT Monitor

FutureLogic Printer

Transact Printer

JCM UBA

OASIS Hardware

Digital Electronics

Basic Electronics

Hands-on Repair Lab

Here is another way tolook at the modules thatare offered. This chartshows the modules andthe duration of each one.You can select the mod-ules you need for yourclass.

Classes can accommodate up to 15 students.Other classes can be organized by special request. Just ask and we’ll see what we cando for you. If we can’t accommodate your request, we’ll help you find someone who can.

Examples of the types of classes you can put together for your slot department

monitor safety will also be dis-cussed in this segment.

Module 5LCD Monitor Repair

LCD Monitor repair is generallypretty easy thanks to theirmodular design. This short seg-ment (just a half day at the most)covers the theory of operation ofLCD monitors. There will be apresentation on the repair tech-niques including CCFL testingand replacement.

Module 6Hands-On Monitor RepairLaboratory

It's rewarding to put all of yourtraining to work. The monitorlab puts your new-found skillsto the test by performing actualrepairs on monitors. Naturally,if a casino has defective moni-tors that already require trouble-shooting and repair, we willtackle those first. The CasinoSchool also has a library of de-fective components for use dur-ing the hands-on monitor lab.Bad components are installedand students troubleshoot andrepair the monitors down to thecomponent level

Module 7Ticket Printers

Operation and repair ofFutureLogic and/or Ithacabrand ticket printers.

Module 8JCM Bill Validator Repair

Operation, troubleshooting andrepair of JCM UBA bill valida-tors.

Module 9OASIS Hardware Level 1Workshop

The course will introduce allthe major hardwarecomponents of the OASISplayer-tracking and gameaccounting system. Studentswill have an opportunity toapply their new knowledge andskills gained through hands-onexperience with all OASISboards and wiring. Technicalcompetence of the OASIShardware system is theprimary emphasis of theprogram.

Day One: Introduction to thehardware components andhow they relate to one anotherin the OASIS system. Studentswill also learn OASIS Hardwareterminology and OASIS systemtopology.

Day Two: Presentation of themajor configurations, input/output and operationalcharacteristics of the OASISsystem. Students will gainhands-on experience withSentinel® II installation andconfiguration with a variety ofelectronic gaming devices.

Module 10Digital Electronics

While digital electronicsobviously plays a major role inthe gaming industry, digitalelectronics failures play less ofa role in the day to dayoperation of today’s casino. Inaddition, a short class isn’tgoing to make you a digitalelectronics expert. Not by along shot. Nevertheless, if youREALLY want to learnsomething about digital

electronics (it really is VERYfun) we can spend a couple ofdays on it. Heck, we can spendan entire week on digitalelectronics and cover everycircuit on the CPU if you’reinterested. It’s not terriblydifficult to learn however, it’snot the most important skillset for most slot techs. Do notconsider taking module tenunless you have a firm graspon all the material covered inmodules one through nine.

The Bottom Line

Of course, the bottom line iscost. We keep it simple. Wecharge per training day with afour day minimum. Quotedprices include all classroommaterials for up to 15students. This is your finalprice without any add-ons,extras or reimbursementsrequired. Here is how it breaksdown:

Four training days - $6495.00Additional training days -$995.00 each.

That’s all there is to it. Whenyou present your trainingbudget to the bean counters atyour casino, you can beassured of the final cost. Youcan also be assured that youwill be receiving the besttraining available in thegaming industry.

Contact us today to scheduleyour training session. Contact:Randy Fromm - PublisherSlot Tech Magazine1944 Falmouth Dr.El Cajon, CA 92020tel.619.593.6131fax.619.593.6132slot-techs.com