Installation and User Guide

Installation

Follow this procedure to replace the original power-supply and controller boards with the Bally Home replacement system.

Safety and compatibility

WARNING: Switch the pinball machine off and unplug it from the wall outlet before opening the cabinet or disconnecting any wiring. Never perform installation work while the machine is energized.

IMPORTANT: The original power-supply board is not compatible with the replacement system and MUST be removed. Do not attempt to operate the replacement controller with the original power-supply board installed.

Board installation

1. Confirm that the machine is switched off and unplugged from the wall outlet.
2. Locate the original power-supply board on the lower rear wall inside the pinball cabinet.
3. Disconnect the two original wiring-harness connectors from the power-supply board, then remove the original board from the cabinet.
4. Install and securely fasten the new jumper board in place of the original power-supply board. Connect the two original wiring-harness connectors to the matching connectors on the jumper board.IMPORTANT - SYSTEM 1 TRANSFORMER CONNECTOR J2 (CONN A): Some machines use a 9-pin transformer connector instead of a 10-pin connector. With a 9-pin connector, mate the yellow-wire terminal with the bottom board pin; the top board pin will remain without a mating socket. The connector's plastic keyway plug must align with J2's missing pin at position 4. When the yellow wire is at the bottom and the keyway lines up, the connector is correctly positioned. Do not force the connector.
5. Remove the original controller board and securely install the replacement controller. Connect the original wiring as shown in the applicable System 1 or System 2 connection diagram.
6. Verify that both replacement boards are secure, every connector is fully seated, and all wiring is safely routed before closing the cabinet.

Initial power-up

1. Plug the pinball machine into the wall outlet and switch it on.
2. Observe the startup display and confirm that the controller completes its power-on checks.
3. If a 9.xx message appears, use the Power-on error chart and troubleshooting instructions in this guide to identify and correct the reported switch fault.

Game setup jumpers

JP1, JP2, and JP3 are three-pin selectors with identical functions on System 1 and System 2. Pin 1 has a board marking. The controller reads these settings only at power-up.

WARNING: Switch the machine off and unplug it before moving any jumper. Never move a shunt while the controller is powered.

How to change a setting

1. Switch the machine off and unplug it from the wall outlet.

2. Locate JP1, JP2, or JP3 on the replacement controller and identify the pin-1 end from the board marking.

3. Pull the removable shunt straight off the two pins. Do not twist or bend the header pins.

4. Install the shunt over pins 1-2 or pins 2-3 as listed below. The center pin, pin 2, must always be covered.

5. Recheck the shunt, reconnect wall power, and switch on to apply the setting. Always cover two pins.

When settings take effect

• JP1 selects Standard or Enhanced rules at power-up. That choice applies to every game until the machine is restarted.
• JP2 selects the score-based extra-ball threshold at power-up. That choice remains active until the machine is restarted.
• JP3 selects NORMAL or TEST at power-up. To enter or leave service mode, switch off, change JP3, and restart. Settings cannot change during operation.

Standard game rules

With power off, set JP1 to pins 2-3, then power on for Standard play. These rules also provide the foundation for Enhanced play, which adds the features described in the next section.

Starting a game and adding players

• The first START press immediately turns off GAME OVER, starts Player 1 on Ball 1, resets all player scores, and ejects the ball.
• Press and release START again to add Player 2, Player 3, and Player 4. A maximum of four players may be registered.
• Players may be added only until Player 1 on Ball 1 first scores or that ball drains. After scoring begins, additional START presses do not add players.
• After each player is added, every selected player lamp is lit for up to one second. The display then returns to exactly one player lamp. Scoring ends this player-count display immediately.

Reliable ball delivery

If the ball lifts out of the drain trough and falls straight back before the launch is confirmed, the controller tries again without using another ball or changing players. It allows up to five attempts, then stops and displays 10.20 if the ball still cannot be delivered.

Player and ball order

• Each selected player completes the current ball before the ball number advances. For example: Player 1/Ball 1, Player 2/Ball 1, then Player 1/Ball 2.
• Each player receives five numbered balls, plus any earned extra balls. An extra ball keeps the same player and ball number for the replacement shot.
• Outside the player-registration display, exactly one player lamp and one ball lamp remain lit.

Playfield scoring

These base awards and bonus requirements apply in both Standard and Enhanced play. Enhanced awards are added to the normal points and stored bonus.

Bonus and multiplier rules

• Stored bonus grows in 1,000-point steps beyond 19,000. The bonus lights show your progress, with upper lights marking completed 10,000-point blocks. Bonus keeps accumulating after all markers are in use.
• The four top letter lanes and three numbered targets begin lit on each new ball. Collect each top lane to turn off its matching letter light. Completing all four letters scores 25,000 points and resets the bank so you can complete it again. Lanes and targets still score when their lights are out.
• Double Bonus: Hit any numbered target that has not yet been collected on this ball to light Double Bonus.
• Triple Bonus: Collect all three numbered targets and a full four-letter bank. Letter banks reset when completed, so letters reset before the last numbered target must be collected again. A skill-shot hit counts as its normal letter hit.
• When the ball ends, your stored bonus is added in 1,000-point steps. Double Bonus counts the full bonus twice; Triple Bonus counts it three times. Standard mode counts each 1,000-point step at 250 ms; Enhanced mode uses 208 ms.

Extra-ball rules

• JP2 selects three score-based extra-ball awards per player: either 50,000/100,000/150,000 or 100,000/200,000/300,000.
• S5, S6, and S9 are the only switches that alternate which outside lane is lit for Extra Ball When Lit.
• S21 and S22 always score 500 points; entering the currently lit lane also banks an extra ball.
• L20, Same Player Shoots Again, lights while the current player has a banked extra ball. In Enhanced mode, the ball-save timer temporarily flashes this lamp.

End of game

After the last selected player's fifth ball and any earned extra balls are complete, GAME OVER lights and the four-place high-score leaderboard begins cycling.

Four-place high-score leaderboard

• At the end of a game, the controller compares each participating player's final score with the saved leaderboard and keeps the four highest scores in descending order. A player's increasing score during the game does not occupy more than one position.
• During GAME OVER, each populated rank is displayed for two seconds. The matching PLAYER lamp flashes rapidly: PLAYER 1 identifies first place, PLAYER 2 identifies second place, PLAYER 3 identifies third place, and PLAYER 4 identifies fourth place.
• The flashing PLAYER lamp identifies the leaderboard rank, not the player number from the game in which the score was earned.
• All four scores remain saved when the machine is switched off. To erase the complete leaderboard, use Test 9 as described in the Service-test chart.
• The leaderboard stores score values only. It does not store player names, initials, or the original player number.

Enhanced (advanced) game rules

With power off, set JP1 to pins 1-2, then power on for Enhanced play. All Standard scoring, stored bonus, multipliers, extra-ball rules, and player order remain active. Enhanced mode adds spoken prompts, a first-pass top-lane award on each serve, a one-use ball save, repeating standup-target challenges, and a faster bonus count.

Musical cues and enhanced speech

Musical cues mark game events, and Enhanced mode adds spoken prompts such as "Let's Play," "Double Bonus," and "Extra Ball." Both flashing-light challenges use "Shoot the flashing light" to announce an opportunity and "Big score" when you collect the extra 10,000 points. Routine scoring tones do not interrupt an active spoken instruction.

Aim for the flashing top lane

• When a ball is served into the shooter lane, one of the four top lanes is chosen at random and flashes. Listen for "Shoot the flashing light." The opportunity ends on the first top-lane hit, whether you hit the flashing lane or miss it.
• Hit the flashing lane first to earn an extra 10,000 points and hear "Big score." You also receive the normal 1,000 lane points and 1,000 stored bonus. Its light turns off and that hit counts toward the 25,000-point four-letter bank.
• If you hit another top lane first, it scores normally and its light turns off. The missed target stops flashing and returns to its normal solid light if still needed. Hitting it later earns only its normal points and stored bonus.
• After the first top-lane hit, all four lanes follow the normal letter-bank rules. Completing all four adds 25,000 points and relights all four lamps. The enhanced 10,000-point award cannot return until another ball is served.
• Each newly served ball offers a fresh random lane award, including a ball-save replacement. A saved ball keeps its existing letter-bank progress and does not receive another ball save.

Enhanced ball save

• Ball save is ready on each new ball, but its timer waits until the ball reaches a top lane. It does not run while you are lining up your shot.
• The first top-lane rollover starts the save, including a very fast first shot. Hitting other top lanes does not restart or extend the timer.
• The Same Player Shoots Again light flashes during the 10-second save window and flashes faster for the final three seconds. A further 2-second grace period allows a ball already heading into the drain to be saved.
• If the ball drains during that time, a replacement is served for the same player and ball number. Your score, stored bonus, multiplier, collected features, and earned extra balls are kept.
• Ball save can rescue only one drain per numbered ball or earned extra ball. Once used, it stays used on the replacement ball.

Flashing standup targets

• About 45 seconds after launch, one of the three numbered standup targets flashes and the voice says "Shoot the flashing light."
• You have 30 seconds to hit it for an extra 10,000 points and "Big score," in addition to its normal 500 points and 1,000 stored bonus.
• After you collect the award or time runs out, there is a 30-second pause before another target flashes. This challenge repeats while the ball stays in play and is separate from the once-per-serve top-lane award.

Bonus at the end of the ball

Enhanced mode adds your end-of-ball bonus about 20% faster than Standard mode. You still receive the full amount, including every Double or Triple Bonus pass. Flashing bonus storage lights help you track additional 10,000-point blocks during play.

How to read the display

The decimal point separates system information from ordinary scoring. The number before the decimal identifies the test or message family. The digits after it identify the item being examined.

Examples

• 2.20 means test 2 is examining trough switch S20.
• 4.03 means test 4 is operating solenoid 3.
• 9.20 means the power-on check found a problem involving S20.

Displaying the installed firmware version

During normal attract or gameplay operation, briefly press TEST ADVANCE to display the installed firmware version for about 30 seconds. The controller then returns to the current player's score or the high-score display. This does not enter service mode when JP3 was set to NORMAL at power-up.

Brownout and coil-reset messages

A startup message from 10.02 through 10.06 means the controller detected a brownout reset while the identified coil output was active. The controller switches off all controlled coils and lamps and remains latched in this safe state.

• 10.02 - Ball eject
• 10.03 - Left slingshot
• 10.04 - Right slingshot
• 10.05 - Left thumper
• 10.06 - Right thumper

Switch the machine off and unplug it. Inspect the identified mechanism, coil, driver wiring, connectors, fuses, and power supply for binding, shorts, poor connections, or voltage collapse. Correct the cause before restoring power. The event remains recorded in Test 7 until that log is cleared.

Power-on switch check

At startup, the controller checks the playfield before allowing a game to begin. This machine uses microswitches. In this guide, open and closed describe the electrical state reported to the controller: a microswitch should report open when its actuator is released and closed when the playfield mechanism presses the actuator. Every playfield microswitch should report open except S20, which should report closed because the ball is resting in the trough. Each detected fault is recorded once in the persistent error log. The controller's response depends on whether the microswitch belongs to a spinner, an ordinary point/control feature, or a coil-driving safety circuit.

Power-on error chart

There are no separate 9.15 or 9.17 messages because S14/S15 and S16/S17 are shared electrical circuits.

What to do when an error appears

1. Write down the displayed number, or review it later in Test 7.
2. If startup is halted, switch the machine off before inspecting the playfield.
3. Locate the indicated switch.
4. Look for a trapped ball, a sticking microswitch actuator, a cracked or broken solder joint, a damaged circuit-board pad or trace, shorted wiring, or a failed microswitch.
5. Correct the problem and restart the machine so the boot test can evaluate the switch again.

Startup self-test bypass

Use this procedure when troubleshooting requires the machine to enter normal game mode even though the power-on switch check would otherwise stop at a 9.xx message. The bypass does not repair, ignore, or clear the physical switch problem.

1. Switch the machine off.
2. Press and hold the TEST ADVANCE switch.
3. Switch the machine on while continuing to hold TEST ADVANCE.
4. Release TEST ADVANCE after the startup version appears. The controller skips the power-on switch self-test and proceeds to normal operation.

Important: The bypass applies only to the power-on switch self-test. If JP3 is set to TEST (pins 1-2), the controller still enters service-test mode. Always locate and correct the switch fault before returning the machine to unattended or customer operation.

Gameplay stuck-switch lockout

The controller uses an automatic two-second gameplay lockout to limit the effect of a switch that becomes stuck after play begins. This runtime protection is separate from the boot lockout and does not conceal switch states from Test 2 diagnostics.

• A normal switch closure performs its intended function when it is first detected.
• If that switch remains continuously closed for more than two seconds, its gameplay function is suppressed.
• When the switch returns to its debounced open state, the lockout clears automatically and the next closure operates normally.
• S20 is exempt because it is the ball-trough and drain-status switch required by normal game operation.
• A non-spinner, non-coil switch rejected during the power-on check remains disabled for the complete boot session, even if it later opens. Restart after correcting it so the startup test can enable it again.
• Spinner microswitches S10 and S11 score 100 points only on a debounced closure. Releasing the actuator does not score, and a microswitch that remains closed cannot score repeatedly.
• The lower slingshot circuits S14/S15 and S16/S17 score 100 points and fire their coil once, then share a 500 ms lockout that suppresses repeated scoring and coil pulses from playfield bounce.

Troubleshooting note: A feature that works once and then stops responding until its microswitch opens is a strong indication that the switch remained closed long enough to activate the runtime lockout. Inspect for a trapped ball, a sticking actuator, a cracked or broken solder joint, a damaged circuit-board pad or trace, a failed microswitch, or a shorted switch wire.

Troubleshooting

Safety first: Turn the machine off and unplug it before inspecting or replacing microswitches, resoldering connections, repairing wiring, checking coils, or replacing a fuse. Do not bypass a startup safety lockout.

Unexpected restart

The controller uses an internal two-second watchdog. If software stops servicing the watchdog, the controller restarts and repeats its startup checks. A version screen followed by startup messages can indicate a restart. Record any messages and use the power-on error chart when investigating an unexpected restart.

9.20 - Ball-trough switch fault

Error 9.20 means the controller does not see ball-trough microswitch S20 closed. Confirm that a ball is present in the trough at the drain position and is pressing the S20 actuator. If the ball is present, inspect S20 for a sticking actuator, a cracked or broken solder joint, a damaged circuit-board pad or trace, loose or broken wiring, or a failed microswitch. Repair the fault before continuing; the game will remain in the startup check until S20 reports the correct state.

A playfield switch does not score

A switch may stop scoring because of a mechanical or electrical fault or a startup lockout. If an ordinary non-spinner scoring switch is closed at startup, the display flashes its 9.xx code three times and logs the fault. The switch stays disabled until the next restart. Correct the fault, then restart to repeat the power-on check. Use Test 2 to view live switch states and Test 7 to review stored faults.

9.10 or 9.11 - Spinner resting-position warning

Error 9.10 identifies the left spinner (S10); error 9.11 identifies the right spinner (S11). A spinner microswitch should normally report open with its actuator released. These warnings are advisory, so the game may continue and the spinner may appear to work. However, a sticking or failed microswitch, broken solder joint, damaged circuit-board trace, or wiring fault can produce extra or missed pulses, causing the spinner to over-score or under-score. Confirm that the spinner mechanism presses and releases the actuator freely, then inspect the solder joints, circuit-board pads and traces, connectors, and wiring. Replace the microswitch if it does not change state cleanly.

A 9.xx error remains displayed and gameplay will not start

This is a safety halt. Startup stops if S7, S8, S14/S15, or S16/S17 is closed, or if S20 is open. The first four circuits operate coil-driven playfield mechanisms; S20 confirms that the ball is in the trough. A continuously energized coil can overheat and damage the coil, driver components, wiring, or nearby cabinet parts. Do not bypass the warning. Turn the machine off, unplug it, and repair the switch, mechanism, or wiring fault. After power is restored, the controller proceeds only when these switch states are valid.

Flippers do not operate

The most likely first cause is an open flipper fuse on the jumper board installed in the original power-supply-board location. Before replacing the fuse, turn the machine off and unplug it, then correct the cause of the failure, such as a stuck flipper mechanism, shorted wiring, or a damaged coil. Replace the fuse only with a 2.5 A slow-blow fuse, also called a time-delay fuse, of the same voltage rating and physical type. Never install a higher-current fuse or bypass the fuse. If the replacement fuse opens again, stop using the machine and diagnose the flipper circuit before making another replacement.

Service-test chart

With power off, set JP3 to TEST (pins 1-2), then power on. The controller saves this selection at startup and remains in service mode until restarted with JP3 set to NORMAL. Service mode contains ten test pages, numbered 0 through 9. The number before the decimal point is the test page; the number after it identifies the item or state currently being checked.

Navigating service mode

• Press and release TEST ADVANCE to move to the next test page.
• Tests 7, 8, and 9 distinguish a short press from a two-second hold. Follow the instructions in those test sections before holding TEST ADVANCE.
• To leave service mode, switch power off, set JP3 to NORMAL (pins 2-3), and restore power.
• Keep clear of mechanisms during Tests 4 and 6. Never leave the repeating solenoid test unattended.

Test 0 - Display test

The display first shows 0.00 for one second so the operator knows test page 0 is selected. It then cycles 000000 through 999999. All six positions participate, making missing segments, weak digits, and mismatched digits easy to see.

Test 1 - Lamp test

One lamp turns on at a time. The display shows its diagnostic number. See the chart below.

Test 2 - Switch test

The display identifies a switch while it is closed. A recently pressed switch remains visible briefly so there is time to read it. If several switches are closed, their numbers rotate on the display.

Test 2 uses the same switch numbers as the power-on chart, but begins with 2 instead of 9.

Test 3 - Sound test

The sound test cycles through the eight-note scale, a six-note rising calibration cue, and the programmed scoring and gameplay cues. The item number identifies the note or sequence currently playing, making a missing, weak, or distorted sound easier to isolate.

Use VOLUME to set the level of the test tones. The same control sets game tones and Enhanced speech.

Test 4 - Solenoid test

The solenoid test automatically pulses SOL2 through SOL6 in sequence. The display identifies the active output, each pulse is limited to 50 ms, and the sequence advances to the next output once per second.

Test 5 - All-lamps test

All matrix lamps alternate on and off once per second. The display shows 5.on while they are energized and 5.oFF while they are off. This quickly reveals a dark lamp, weak connection, or row/return problem.

Test 6 - Burn-in test

The display shows 6.burn while all matrix lamps alternate every 500 ms, SOL2 through SOL6 receive a 50 ms pulse one output per second, and the programmed gameplay sounds repeat. Switch inputs are not exercised. This is a continuous stress test; remain with the machine and press TEST ADVANCE to continue to Test 7.

Test 7 - Persistent error log

Test 7 displays the unique switch faults recorded by the power-on check and any coil-attributed brownout events. Switch faults rotate once per second as 7.xx messages; brownout events appear as 10.02 through 10.06 for coils 2 through 6. The display shows 7.00 when the log is empty. Each unique fault is stored once and remains available after power is removed.

• While in Test 7, hold TEST ADVANCE for two seconds to clear the complete switch and brownout error log and remain in Test 7. A short press advances to Test 8.

Test 8 - Manual lamp connection test

At 8.00, hold TEST ADVANCE for two seconds to enter. A short press skips the manual lamp test and advances to Test 9.

• Item 0 scans all eight lamp source rows while every lamp return remains off. Items 1 through 32 hold one lamp on continuously. Press TEST ADVANCE briefly to move to the next item; after item 32, the controller advances to Test 9.
• For items 1 through 32, the item number matches the Test 1 lamp chart: 8.01 holds the lamp listed as 1.01, through 8.32 matching 1.32. Item 0 is scan-only and does not hold a lamp on.

Test 9 - High-score reset

The display shows 9.00 when this page is selected. Hold TEST ADVANCE for two seconds to erase all four saved high-score positions. The display changes to 9.99 and a confirmation tone sounds when the reset is complete. Release TEST ADVANCE after the confirmation appears. A short press does not erase any score; it returns to Test 0.

REFERENCE - PLAYFIELD SWITCH AND COIL LOCATIONS