Phonoland

HI,

I have a friend with a Wurlitzer 3300. Currently it runs on coins, however, he wants to run on free play.

How do I do this? Also, does this overheat the latch bar solenoid?

Thanks in advance.

Gordo.......

Gordo,
Simple--look at the "Playrac" ( WurliTzers term for the "pricing unit" used in that model)--observe how it works--see the large spring wound around the "credit wheel" ? It pulls the wheel in the "subtract direction", when a selection is made--watch it work--just remove it and run it the opposite way around the credit wheel so that it pulls when a credit is made. Add credits. This should take you less time to do, then it took me to write this--
The solenoid should be OK as it is a constant duty, at reduced power, type unit. This is accomplished via the switch closest to the solenoid, which, when closed (solenoid NOT energized), "shorts across" the resistor. The resistors adjacent to the solenoid will get "hot"--and can be changed from 5 watts, to 10 watts, if the heat bothers you--
Ron Rich

On those later machines the free play switch is on the credit unit (Playrak) it is a slide switch with a spring to return it to 'normal' position.

Open the playrak and push that switch to give a play. IF the credit accumulator wheel inside the playrak does not move when you do this, but you are able to select you can just remove the little spring that returns that switch to normal thus keeping it in free play mode.

Important: If the credit wheel does move you can not use this method because it will burn out the coin coil. I did this on models up to 3100 and 3200 but not sure about the 3300.

If the above method can't be used, examine the accumulator wheel and you'll see a post that sticks out from it and opens a leaf switch when all credits are used up. You can then bridge these contacts and disconnect the solenoid that cancels credit.

Overheating: The latchbar solenoid it placed in-series with a resistor that limits it's current. that resistor is slightly undersized and gets to full dissipation. I've yet to see one burn out, but I did replace some with 10watt resistors of similar impedance. The credit light also goes through a resistor that gets hot. You might try using a higher voltage lamp such as an #1815 (14volt) these should still be available at Radio Shack or through Pinball Resource. The advantage of using a higher voltage lamps is lower temp on the resistor, and longer life.

Ron/NYC

Thanks,

As always, you have given advice to allow me to fix the problem.

Thanks so much.

Gordo...........

Gordo,
Glad you got it !
Ron Rich