With the launch of the new pound coin, we have had quite a few calls from customers asking how this affects them and if they will need a new coin mechanism. In this article you will find a breakdown by product and manufacturer, detailing whether you will need a new coin mechanism and how you can get one.
Types of Coin Mechanisms:
Mechanical:
A traditional mechanical mechanism is the most popular type of mechanism; chances are, if you have one of these, it will be an Essex ‘Straight Six’ mechanism. They have released a new version of this mechanism to accept both new pound coins and old pound coins, to cover the transitional period. Because of this the 10p slots found on the older mechanisms have been removed. You can view a picture of the new mechanisms below. If you are in need of a replacement mechanism these are now available, so please call our sales team on 01454 413636 if you are looking for a quotation.
Electric:
Electric coin mechs can accept multiple different coins and also give you the option to ‘stack games’; for example, if you charge 50p for a game you can add five 10p coins, or two 20p coins and a 10p coin. You could also put a pound in and automatically get two games, which is something unavailable on a mechanical mechanism. Electric coin mechanisms are powered by a battery. You have two options for updating electric mechanisms: you can either purchase a programming kit - this is quite expensive so would not be cost effective for a customer with one or two tables, but would be ideal for an operator - or to send the mechanism back to the manufacturer to reprogram. This is relatively cheap, but will involve sending the mechanism away so the pool table would not be functional until the mechanism is returned. Due to demand you can currently expect a 3-4 week waiting period to have this done. For more information, please call our sales team who will be happy to direct you.
Pool:
DPT:
If you have purchased a table from DPT within the last 2-3 months, the likelihood is that it will be fitted with one of the new coin mechanisms. If you are in need of a new one please call our sales team for a quotation on a new model. The two most popular coin mechanism models from this manufacturer are the Signature Tournament or the Omega. Both of these tables have the option for either an electronic or a mechanical mechanism. The electronic mechanism would have to be sent away for reprogramming, or alternatively a replacement can be purchased. The mechanical mechanism can be purchased directly through Home Leisure Direct.
Heywood:
Heywood have been using the new coin mechanisms for a few months now, so if you purchased your table after the start of December 2016 your table should have the new mechanism. The two most popular tables in their range are the Supreme Winner and the Supreme Prince, both of which have the option for either electronic or mechanical mechanism. An electronic mechanism will have to be sent away for reprogramming, or a replacement can be purchased. The mechanical mechanism can be purchased directly through Home Leisure Direct.
Optima:
Optima have been using the new coin mechanism for the last three months, so if you purchased a coin mechanism table from January onwards you should have the new coin mechanism already. The two most popular coin mech tables from Optima are the Optima Coin Op Pool Table and the Richmond pool table. Both of these tables have the option for either electronic or mechanical mechanism. An electronic mechanism will have to be sent away for reprogramming, or a replacement can be purchased. The mechanical mechanism can be purchased directly through Home Leisure Direct.
Arcades:
If you are looking to purchase either a new or reconditioned arcade machine then all new orders from 29th March 2017 will be set up to take the new pound coin. If you have a machine already and are looking to have it reprogrammed, it will have to be sent back to the manufacturer to accomplish this. Reprogramming isn't too expensive, but please note that the machine will not be operational while it is away for reprogramming.
Pinball Machines:
Stern:
If you have a Stern Pinball machine then the current coin mechanism will need to be sent back to its manufacturer for reprogramming. The alternative is to purchase a new mechanism, which isn't terribly expensive. If the mechanism has to be sent back for reprogramming then the machine will still work, but it will have to be set to free-play only while the coin mechanism is away. For more information on how to send the mechanism back, please feel free to call our sales team. All new machines will be sent out with a mechanism that will accept the new pound coin.
Heighway:
If you have a Heighway Pinball machine then the current coin mechanism will need to be sent back to its manufacturer for reprogramming. The alternative is to purchase a new mechanism, which isn't terribly expensive. If the mechanism has to be sent back for reprogramming then the machine will still work, but it will have to be set to free-play only while the coin mechanism is away. For more information on how to send the mechanism back, please feel free to call our sales team. All new machines will be sent out with a mechanism that will accept the new pound coin.
Classic Pinball Machines:
For all of our classic and vintage pinball machines it is best to call our sales office to get the best advice, as there are different solutions based on the year, model and manufacturer.
Garlando Football Tables:
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Garlando coin-operated tables are manufactured as standard with a mechanism set at 50p per play. If you would like to charge £1 for games on the table instead, you can opt for a different coin mechanism. These mechanisms have slots for both the new and old pound coin. However, it is worth noting that only one slot will work. You will have to manually change the blanking plates inside the coin mechanism to change from the old coin to the new one. New mechanisms are available, so if you require one please call the sales team who will be happy to help.
If you require any more information, or would like to purchase a new coin mechanism through us, please give our friendly sales team a call on 01454 413636 or 0800 622 6464. Alternatively, you can e-mail [email protected].