Of course. The term “Fruit Bonus 96” doesn’t refer to a single, specific machine model from a major manufacturer like IGT or Bally. Instead, it’s a **common generic name used for a whole category of multi-game, “skill stop” slot machines** popular in home game rooms, private clubs, and some international markets.
These machines are often built around a standardized set of parts and a specific platform. Here’s a breakdown of the key parts and components you’d typically find in a “Fruit Bonus 96” style slot machine.
### Core System & Main Parts
1. **Main Board / CPU Board:** This is the brain. For the “96” in the name, this often refers to a **”96-in-1″ or similar multi-game board**. It’s a compact circuit board that contains the software for dozens of slot game variations (Classic 3-reel, poker, keno, etc.). It connects to everything else.
* *Common Chips:* Winbond W27C512 EEPROM (holds the game data), a main processor (often a PIC microcontroller), and RAM.
2. **Power Supply Unit (PSU):** Converts wall outlet power (110V/220V AC) to the low-voltage DC power needed by the boards and lights (e.g., +5V, +12V). A failing PSU is a common source of problems (no boot, resets).
3. **Mechatronic Reels or Simulated Reels:**
* **”Skill Stop” Buttons:** The defining feature. Each reel has its own button. When pressed, it triggers a solenoid/brake to stop that specific reel, simulating skill.
* **Stepper Motors:** Most use precise stepper motors (one per reel) to spin the physical reels. They are controlled by a **driver board** that receives signals from the main board.
* **Optical Sensor / Indexer:** A small PCB on each reel that reads a pattern on the reel shaft to tell the main board exactly which symbol (e.g., cherry, BAR, 7) is in the “payline” window.
4. **Display & Interface:**
* **Credit/Point Display:** Usually a **7-segment LED display** (red or green) showing credits, bet, and win amounts.
* **Button Panel:** Contains the skill stop buttons, bet buttons, cash-out, select, etc. These connect via a ribbon cable to the main board.
* **Game Selection Menu:** Often a separate small LCD screen or a series of LEDs to choose from the 96+ games.
5. **Coin & Bill Handling Systems (if equipped):**
* **Coin Acceptor/Mech:** Validates and counts inserted coins. Can be mechanical or electronic.
* **Bill Validator (Note Acceptor):** A more advanced add-on. Common models are ICT, Pyramid, or JCM.
* **Hopper:** The coin payout device. When you cash out, the main board signals the hopper motor to spin and dispense coins through the tray.
6. **Cabinet & Structural Parts:**
* **Wooden or Metal Cabinet:** The outer shell.
* **Door with Lock & Glass:** The main access door.
* **Reel Glass:** The plastic or glass panel with the game graphics and paytable, placed directly in front of the reels.
* **Lighting:** Backlight for the reels (often fluorescent tubes or LED strips), marquee top light, and button lights.
### Common Replacement Parts & Troubleshooting Items
When these machines fail, these are the most frequently replaced components:
* **Stepper Motors:** Common part numbers like **M35-401** or similar. They wear out or get stuck.
* **Optical Sensor Boards:** Get dirty or fail. Often cleaned or replaced.
* **Power Supply:** Capacitors dry out, leading to unstable voltage.
* **Electrolytic Capacitors:** On all boards, especially the main board and PSU. Leaking/bulging capacitors are the #1 cause of logic failures and resets.
* **”Skill Stop” Solenoids/Brakes:** The electromagnets that stop the reels. Can become weak or stick.
* **Buttons & Microswitches:** Wear out from physical use.
* **Game Program EPROM Chip:** The Winbond chip. Can be re-burned or replaced to change games or fix corruption.
### Important Considerations & Cautions
* **Legality:** In most jurisdictions, these machines are legal for **private, non-commercial use only**. Operating them for profit in a business typically requires a license and often must be on an approved, tamper-proof platform.
* **”Kit” Machines:** Many “Fruit Bonus 96” machines are assembled from aftermarket kits installed into older cabinet shells. Quality can vary widely.
* **Documentation is Key:** It’s crucial to identify the actual manufacturer of your **main board** and **stepper motor driver board**. Searching for the numbers printed on those boards (e.g., “Micon-2”, “Lucky Boy PCB”, “Mega Joy”) will yield more specific repair information than the generic “Fruit Bonus 96” name.
* **Voltage Warning:** Always disconnect power before working inside the machine. The PSU and tube lighting (if present) carry hazardous voltages.
**In summary, a “Fruit Bonus 96” slot is a generic multi-game skill-stop machine. Its key parts are the multi-game CPU board, stepper motors with optical sensors, skill-stop solenoids, a power supply, and display interfaces. Most repairs involve replacing these modular electromechanical components.**
