Randy Fromm's - Slot Techslot-tech.com/members/magazine/lores/january16.pdf · Randy Fromm for details. Class Schedule 9:00am-4pm Daily This is a “fast-track” class for slot techs

Randy Fromm's

Slot Tech Magazine

EditorRandy Fromm

Technical WritersVic Fortenbach, HenryKollar, Chuck Lentine, PatPorath

Slot Tech Magazine is publishedmonthly bySlot Tech Magazine401 W. Lexington #777El Cajon, CA 92022tel.619.838.7111 fax.619.315.0410e-mail [email protected] the website at slot-techs.com

SUBSCRIPTIONSDomestic (North America)1 year - $80.002 years - $140.00International1 year - $160.002 years - $300.00

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Copyright 2016 under the UniversalCopyright Convention. All rights re-served.

Slot Tech Magazine Editorial

Page 3-EditorialPage 4-Safe Soldering for Slot TechniciansPage 10-Preventative MaintenancePage 13-Invitation to Attend TechFest 32Page 14-Subscription Information

Randy Fromm

Publisher-Slot Tech Magazine

Dear Friends of Slot Tech Magazine,

Happy new year from Slot Tech Magazine. This yearmarks our 16th year of publication. It’s some easy mathas we first published in 2001. The first issue was pub-lished in April of that year so this is actually issue #177(whew!).

Note to subscribers: This issue is extremely “light” onthe technical side of things. In fact, I’m just going to re-run some “legacy” stuff. Sorry to disappoint but due tothe holidays, I received no contributions from any ofour contributing writers. As you know, Slot Tech Maga-zine is written by YOU, the working slot techs of theinternational casino industry. We don’t make this stuffup!

As such, I will add one month to your subscription. Thisis actually a free issue so no complaints, please. We’lldo better next month, I am sure.

If you are interested in writing for Slot Tech Magazine,we’d love to have you on board. I actually pay!You can find Writer’s Guidlines at http://slot-techs.com/magazine/writers/ or http://goo.gl/E0uN67 if you want to save a few keystrokes.

I have a couple of regional slot tech classes available foranyone that wants to attend. I will be in St. Kitts Janu-ary 12-15, 2016 and (likely closer to home) in Flagstaff,Arizona April 4-7, 2016 at the Twin Arrows Casino.Also, TechFest 32 will be held May 24-26, 2016 at Mys-tic Lake Casino near Minneapolis, Minnesota. TechFestoften sells out so if you’re interested in attend-ing, please try to sign up as soon as possible.

Thanks. Happy new year. See you at the casino.

January 2016Slot Tech MagazinePage 4

Slot Tech Feature Article

Slot Technicians areconstantly faced withchanges in circuit

board technology. Thesoldering methods of thepast are not acceptable withtoday•fs state of the arttechnology. The new PCBsare heavily populated withsurface mount componentsthat are densely spaced onmultilayer boards. Thepotential of inflictingdamage has increased tothe point where manytechnicians will not evenattempt a repair. Thechallenge is to develop newsolder/desolder skills byimplementing safeaffordable methods sorepairs can become areality.

Soldering IronsSoldering IronsSoldering IronsSoldering IronsSoldering Irons

The most importantrequirement for today•fsrework is a moderntemperature controlledsoldering iron. This ironhas a sensor in the tip thatconstantly monitors andaccurately maintains a settemperature. When thesolder iron tip is insertedinto the joint to be soldered(thermal load), the settemperature will notchange. The mainadvantage is total thermaldelivery at a constanttemperature. The mostefficient method of heat

transfer is bydirectcontact asdone with asolder iron.Theadvantage iscreatingqualitysolder jointat a safelowertemperature.

Don’t Use That OldDon’t Use That OldDon’t Use That OldDon’t Use That OldDon’t Use That OldObsolete Soldering IronObsolete Soldering IronObsolete Soldering IronObsolete Soldering IronObsolete Soldering Iron

The disadvantage to usingthe old traditional iron isthe wide temperatureswings and long heatrecovery time. This can bedamaging to the pads, thechip, and adjacentcomponents. When the ironis placed into the solderjoint the temperature of theiron drops below themelting temperature andslowly recovers. During thistransition, the heat isspread to undesirableareas. The result is a poorquality solder jointaccompanied by adjacentdamage.

A Quality Solder IronA Quality Solder IronA Quality Solder IronA Quality Solder IronA Quality Solder Ironwith the Correct Tip Willwith the Correct Tip Willwith the Correct Tip Willwith the Correct Tip Willwith the Correct Tip WillMake the DifferenceMake the DifferenceMake the DifferenceMake the DifferenceMake the Difference

Now that I have convincedyou to use only atemperature controlled

iron, it is time to talk aboutthe soldering tip. In orderto transfer maximum heatto the solder joint, the tipmust be clean and properlytinned. Also lead-free PCBsuse solder that melts atapproximately 60 degreeshigher in temperature thanleaded PCBs. In order toenhance wetting, we needto use a more active flux forlead-free soldering. Thecombination of an activeflux and a highertemperature takes its tollon the tip. The best way toprevent premature tipfailure is to work with aslow a temperature aspossible. Also, manysoldering irons have a sleepposition that reduces thetemperature about 50%when the iron is placed intothe holder and instantlyrecovers to the settemperature once removed.To sum it up I recommend:

Use a temperature-controlled solderingiron that goes to sleep if not in use.

Safe Soldering for the Slot Technician

Page 5Slot Tech MagazineJanuary 2016

Regional Slot Tech TrainingTwin Arrow Casino April 4-7, 2016

Day 1-Beginning Electronics forSlot Machine TechniciansThis segment assumes that you haveno previous electronics training andtakes you through a simple, NO MATHlook at electronic components, elec-tronic circuits, schematic diagrams andmore!

Using a Digital MultimeterThe DMM is the single most importantpiece of test equipment you can use.

Electronic ComponentsAll of the individual components usedin gaming machines are introduced.Students learn how to test them forproper operation.

Day 2-Diodes, Transistors & OtherSemiconductorsHands-on Transistor Testing Lab

This part of the school takes a look atall of the different types of semiconduc-tors commonly seen in gaming ma-chines. We'll take a look at the opera-tion of each component, along with test-ing procedures to determine if the partis good or bad.

Day 3-Morning Session-SolderingGood soldering technique takespractice but there are some tricksthat can really help speed thingsalong. During this segment, eachstudent will be provided with theirown soldering supplies and a funproject kit they will assemble. Thisequipment will be theirs to keep.

Day 3-Afternoon Session-PowerSupplies (continues Thursday)This module covers all types of powersupplies, including linear power sup-plies and the Switched-Mode PowerSupply (SMPS) found in virtually ev-erything in a modern casino.

Day 4-Afternoon Session-LCDMonitor RepairLCD Monitor repair is generally prettyeasy thanks to their modular design.This segment covers the theory ofoperation of LCD monitors. There willbe a presentation on component-level repair techniques, CCFL test-ing and replacement and using LEDstrips as backlights.

Attend or Sponsor a Class Near You!

Since 2001, Slot Tech Magazine has been holding slot techtraining classes at casinos across the USA. These classeshave mostly been held at larger properties with a dozen or

more slot techs from their own slot department attending the class.In order to serve our smaller casinos (with, perhaps, just a fewtechs) I hold regional classes that are open to all slot techs thatwish to attend.

This is the full, four-day class that covers power supplyrepair and LCD monitor repair, down to the component level.

To Enroll: Download the enrollment form at slot-techs.com

If you are interested in spon-soring a regional class atyour property, please contactRandy Fromm for details.

Class Schedule 9:00am-4pm Daily

This is a “fast-track” class forslot techs who want to learnthe quick and easy way to fixmonitors and power sup-plies without having to learna lot of electronic theory ormathematics.

Includes free CCFL tester!

Cost of the ProgramTuition is $795/personIncludes:Digital MultimeterSoldering iron, tools and solderingsuppliesSample componentsSoldering Instruction KitTextbook

Students are responsible for their ownmeals and lodging.

If you’re interested, please contact RandyFromm right away. It’s first-come, first-served and there is a very limited number ofplaces available in each class.

Randy FrommSlot Tech Magazine401 W. Lexington Ave. #777El Cajon, CA 92022619.838.7111

You can fax a PO to 619.315.0410 and we’llinvoice you. Be sure to include the student’sname.

NO PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF ELECTRONICSREQUIRED!


Using a temperaturecontrolled iron A low temperaturesleep function to extend tiplife Using the lowesttemperature possible for aquality solder joint Always keep thesolder tip well tinned andclean Selecting a solder tipfor the best heat transfer

Editor’s Note: If notcontrary to regulations, Irecommend normal, leadedsolder for repair work. I useSn60 or Sn63. Honestly, Icannot tell the difference ingeneral, although Sn63seems a bit better for smallSMD components as itseems to cool and hardenfaster.

How Do I Safely RemoveHow Do I Safely RemoveHow Do I Safely RemoveHow Do I Safely RemoveHow Do I Safely Removethe SMD from the PCBthe SMD from the PCBthe SMD from the PCBthe SMD from the PCBthe SMD from the PCBwith Chip Quik?with Chip Quik?with Chip Quik?with Chip Quik?with Chip Quik?

The Chip Quik SMDremoval kit revolutionizedthe hand solderingindustry many years ago. Itis a fast, safe, easy,inexpensive method ofremoving a SMD from aPCB board. Hopefully youhave been using thisproduct but for those of youwho have not, I will gobeyond the four simplesteps included with theproduct. I will explain theprocedure in full detail.

Chip Quik SMD RemovalChip Quik SMD RemovalChip Quik SMD RemovalChip Quik SMD RemovalChip Quik SMD RemovalInstructionsInstructionsInstructionsInstructionsInstructions

First, apply tack flux to allthe pins of the SMD to beremoved. Flux is importantbecause it removesoxidation and enhanceswetting. Second, use atemperature controlledsoldering iron set at 500 to600 deg. F with a flat chiseltip. Choose a tip size thatwill provide the best heattransfer to the SMD leads.With the soldering iron,melt the Chip Quik lowtemperature removal alloy(melts at 136deg. F) alongeach side of SMD. Continuerunning the iron along the

pins until a bead is formedall around the chip.Maintain this alloy in amolten state long enoughto combine with theinterconnect solder (meltsat 361deg. F) between thepins and the pads. Oncethe applied Chip Quikremoval alloy mixes withthe interconnect solder, wenow have a resultant alloywith a low meltingtemperature below 200deg.F. At this new meltingtemperature, the pin padconnections stay in amolten state long enoughto easily remove the SMD.

Flux is the key to easy soldering


SMD Pad CleanupSMD Pad CleanupSMD Pad CleanupSMD Pad CleanupSMD Pad Cleanup

It is of the utmostimportance to thoroughlyclean all of the pads prior toinstalling the new SMD. Allremaining alloy should beremoved from the pads inorder not to allow anyforeign material to remain.This will insure theintegrity of the new solderjoint.

To clean pads, run asoldering iron with a widetip along all pads whilepolishing them with a swabdipped in tack flux. Thisprocedure will do anexcellent cleaning job. I donot recommend solderbraid because in thisapplication a highertemperature is requiredwhile applying pressure tothe pads. This will increasethe risk of lifting a pad.Clean up the remainingresidue with isopropylalcohol. You are now readyto solder on the new SMD.

How to Solder the SMDHow to Solder the SMDHow to Solder the SMDHow to Solder the SMDHow to Solder the SMDto the Circuit Boardto the Circuit Boardto the Circuit Boardto the Circuit Boardto the Circuit Board

Now that you have all of myrecommendations, you areready to make quality solderjoints. Before starting, it isimportant that the PCBpads are clean and thesolder height on eachadjacent pad is equal (co-planarity). Now apply tackflux generously on all thepads. The tack flux willimprove solder wetting and

also keep the SMD frommoving. Place the SMD onthe board using goodlighting and magnificationto insure the leads arecentered on the pads on allsides. Carefully hold theSMD in place with a pick ortweezers. With a clean,tinned tip, carefully solderin three to four spacedapart locations so the chipwill not move. At this pointcheck the SMD placementfor accuracy. Now apply

To clean pads, run a soldering iron with a wide tip along allpads while polishing them with a swab dipped in tack flux.


solder to the tip and slowly drag solderalong the pins applying more solder andflux as needed. You will find that thesolder will wick into each pin padconnection to form a perfect solder joint.

If a solder bridge is formed, it can easilybe removed with solder braid or flux.

Clean completed solder joints with an acidbrush and a good flux remover. Inspect allsolder joints for any hidden defects.

Once you have perfected this basicsoldering technique, you can try othersimilar methods and decide which worksbest for you. I will mention a few:

Different solder tips for differentapplications Different types of solder wire orsolder paste Use bottom of PCB preheat with ahot air pencil on top of PCB Use hot air in some applications Use different solder irontemperatures Use different tools: Vac Pens, Picks,tweezers, forceps, hold down tape, heatshield tape (Kapton), lighting,magnification Use a re-flow oven -STM-STM-STM-STM-STM

Visit the TechnicalDepartment atslot-tech.com

Schematic DiagramsService ManualsEducational stuffAnd much more


You are invitedto attend

Caribbean RegionalSlot Tech TrainingJanuary 12-15, 2016

See the website at slot-techs.com for acomplete schedule and an enrollment form.

LCD Monitor RepairPower Supply RepairNO PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED


Slot Tech Feature Article




Invitation to Attend TechFest 32TechFest returns to Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

May 24-26, 2016

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

9:00 am - 12:00pmElectronic Components andComponent TestingPresented by Randy Fromm

Electronics repair is actually prettyeasy, once you know how to test thecomponents. It often doesn't matter ifyou know anything at all about howsomething actually works in order tofix it. You just look for bad parts andreplace them. This seminar covers allof the discrete components commonlyfound in electronic gaming machines.We'll look at how they work, how theyfail, and how to test them as accu-rately, inexpensively and safely aspossible. Each attendee receives adigital multimeter and sample compo-nents, theirs to keep following Tech-Fest.

1:15pm - 3:15pmJCM Bill Validators

JCM is a huge player in the gamingindustry. This session covers UBAtroubleshooting and configuration aswell as iVIZION. This presentation willbe given by JCM's Dan Petersen.

3:30pm - 5:30pmFutureLogic Troubleshooting

FutureLogic printers have been amainstay of the industry since TITOwas born. They are easy to configureand to troubleshoot. This seminar willbe presented by Dan Petersen.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

9:00 am - 12:00pmLCD Monitor RepairPresented by Randy Fromm

LCD monitor repair is easy. This isthe first of two presentations on LCDmonitor repair at TechFest. Duringthis seminar, we will cover the theoryof operation of LCD monitors andyou'll see just how simple they reallyare. We will also cover circuitanalysis of the electronics with anemphasis on what fails and how itcan be repaired in any casino's techshop.

1:15pm - 3:15pmTouchscreensPresented by 3M Touch Systems

Touchscreens rule the casino world.This presentation will introduce youto touch technologies and how theywork. Troubleshooting and repairtechniques will be presented.Everyone will receive diagnosticprograms as well.

3:30pm - 8:00pmComponent Removal and ReplacementPresented by HAKKO

Soldering skills are the mostimportant skills a technician canposess. It doesn't do any good to beable to diagnose a failed componentif you can't remove it and replace itproperly and it's no good trying towork on modern, surface-mountcomponents without the properequipment. This exciting newseminar will present the latest insoldering techniques and reworkequipment. A special "Hands-OnAfter Hours" session will allowextended time for everyone to try outthe gear themselves.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

9:00 am - 12:00pmCeronix LCD Monitor RepairPresented by Ceronix

Although it can be argued that all LCDmonitors are more-or-less the same, it'snice to get the inside track on specificmonitors from the manufacturers them-selves.

This is a "hands-on" session whereeveryone will have the opportunity to tear-down and rebuild an LCD panel as well astroubleshooting actual failures on LCDmonitors in a "power-on" lab where youwill actually make repairs. This is themost fun thing we do at TechFest.

1:15pm - 3:15pmTransact Technologies Ticket Printers

Transact Technologies presents servicingand troubleshooting Transact brand,thermal ticket printers. These units aresimple to understand and troubleshoot,once you know how they're put together.We have covered these printers exten-sively in Slot Tech Magazine. This is yourchance to ask questions of the expert.

tel.619.838.7111 [email protected]

Schedule of EventsEvents subject to change

For complete details & enrollment form, visit the website at slot-techs.com

Plan now to attend.

Visit the website at slot-techs.com for “Early Bird”discount of $100/person.

Attention Slot Techs and Slot Managers!

Subscriptions & Back IssuesWhy back issues of Slot Tech Magazine areWhy back issues of Slot Tech Magazine areWhy back issues of Slot Tech Magazine areWhy back issues of Slot Tech Magazine areWhy back issues of Slot Tech Magazine areimportant to own . . .important to own . . .important to own . . .important to own . . .important to own . . .

Slot Tech Magazine is strictly technical. As such, the magazine's contents are not timecritical. The repair information and technical data contained in past issues is just as valid

today as it was the day it was published.

Additionally, current and future articles more-or-less assume that readers are already familiarwith what has been covered in past issues. This editorial policy assures that Slot TechMagazine's contributing writers are not limited to "writing down" to the level of a novicetechnician but are free to continue to produce the most comprehensive technical articles inthe gaming industry.

Randy Fromm'sSlot Tech Magazine ispublished monthly by:Slot Tech Magazine1944 Falmouth Dr.El Cajon, CA 92020-2827tel.619.838.7111fax.619.593.6132e-mail [email protected]

Subscription rates:

Domestic (USA & Canada) 1 year - $80.00 2 years - $140.00

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Printed back issues are available for onlysix monthsfrom the date of publication. All single issues of SlotTech Magazine are $10.00/ea.

For further details on the contents of each issue,please refer to the website at slot-techs.com. Toorder, fax a PO or e-mail a note listing the issues youneed.

Back Issues

Invoice me!PO Number________________________

Complete archive (2001 to present) avail-able online. Visit slot-techs.com for details.

“OK. You asked and I listened. My new tech class eliminates obsolete CRTmonitor repair and the associated monitor repair lab. In just four or five days,your slot techs can learn to repair Power Supplies, LCD Monitors, TicketPrinters, Bill Validators and more. It’s easy and it’s fun.“- Randy Fromm

“I can help you bring down thecost of casino electronics repairs”

tel.619.838.7111 fax.619.315.0410

Randy Fromm

Documents

Randy Fromm's - Slot Techslot-tech.com/members/magazine/lores/january16.pdf · Randy Fromm for details. Class Schedule 9:00am-4pm Daily This is a “fast-track” class for slot techs