For vintage gaming enthusiasts, restoring classic machines can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. In his latest YouTube episode, Lawton Barnes of The Metal Shop takes on a crucial task—bringing back the sound on an IGT Double Bonus draw poker machine.
After previously confirming that the speaker itself was functional, Barnes turned his attention to the MPU (Main Processing Unit) board. “The capacitors on this board are way past their expiration date,” he explains, noting that these electronic components degrade over time. The likely suspects were the capacitors surrounding the amplifier chip, which is responsible for driving audio output.
To address the issue, Barnes employed a tried-and-true method known as the shotgun approach. “I don’t know which one of them is bad, so I’m just going to change them all out and see if that fixes it,” he says. Using careful soldering techniques, he replaced five aging capacitors, ensuring correct polarity and securing them in place.
Once reinstalled in the machine, the moment of truth arrived. “Will it have sound?” Barnes wonders aloud. With a flip of the switch, the unmistakable chime of the game fills the room. “Woo hoo! We did it!” he exclaims with excitement.
This restoration showcases the importance of troubleshooting methodology, patience, and attention to detail. Whether you’re restoring arcade cabinets, pinball machines, or vintage slot machines, keeping an eye on aging electronic components can make all the difference.For more hands-on restoration content, check out The Metal Shop on YouTube. Stay tuned for the grand finale in part five, where Barnes will tackle cleaning and button functionality to complete the project.
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