I recently acquired a variable transformer. With a 120 Vac input, I can vary the output between 0 and a bit over 130 Vac.
This reminded me of something I read somewhere a while ago: Back in the day a variable transformer could be used to cheat on a Bally bingo machine.
The Idea was that the machine first had to be surreptitiously plugged in through the variable transformer.
Then through skill or luck a winning combination had to be achieved.
Then, as the machine started adding up credits the variable transformer’s output voltage would be dropped. Enough so that the machine kept operating but just barely. In that state the replay register would keep adding up credits but the replay counter step up coil would be too weak to accurately step up the wiper. If it was done correctly the machine could rack up credits indefinitely. It it was just close enough, the replay counter would once in a while step up successfully the wiper.
That was all theory… more like a myth or an urban legend.
With my new toy I decided to test that urban legend.
Turns out it works.
a 100 replay payout went up to 247 replays. Off camera when I tested the varian I went well over 300.
As one can notice watching the video, the bingo machine’s energized relays start buzzing loudly and the lamps become dim at around 85 Vac.
Also Back in the day there were the logistics of bringing a Variac into a bar and getting the payout from the attendant without the varian being noticed. Easier said than done.
Wild! Bingo Mythbusters verdict: confirmed! I guess the cheaters wouldn't want to rack up too many credits, otherwise it could look suspect? Back in the 80s, we found a way to rack up points on a Bally Power Play at the pool hall... cradle the ball in the left flipper in a certain situation, with every hit of the right flipper, the points would go up by 100 or whatever the lowest amount was. We had to flip in irregular rhythms otherwise we'd get dirty looks from the staff. Now that I think of it, maybe it was just a switch that was too close.
ReplyDeleteha that's amazing
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