How do double jackpots work?

[WikiSlots]

My understanding is that there are two reserves so that when a player hits a jackpot, only one reserve is emptied and on the next play, the empty reserve is refilled by the other reserve above it giving the player the opportunity to win jackpots back-to-back. It also keeps the machine more attractive to the next player.

Here is how my War Eagle played. I filled both jackpots and then set it to hit. The bottom reserve emptied into the tray. On the next play, the top reserve released and it appeared the weight of the dimes allowed the dimes to fall down into the empty reserve. However, only about half of them fell down leaving both reserves about half full.

Is that how it's supposed to work? Or do I need to apply some oil to some of the parts?

Also, what do you do about dimes that get stuck between the glass and the frame?

Thanks!

-Dave M

[oldslotman]

There is only one jackpot and one reserve. When the jackpot is hit it empties the jackpot into the tray. On the next spin the reserved is dropped into the jackpot. On the next spin the reserve jackpot door closes. The machine then begins to refill the reserve jackpot and after it is refilled it will then top off the main jackpot. After both the reserve and main jackpot are full the coin will then go into the cash box. There is a door on the top of the jackpot that directs the coins to the reserve jackpot. Once the reserve is full the weight of the extra coins will open the door with is controlled by a spring and the coins will then go into the main jackpot or the cash box. Hope this helps.

[oldslotman]

Coins should not get stuck. Your jackpot glass maybe too thin. It should be 3/8 inch thick.

[oldslotman]

If only about half of the coins fall from the reserve into the main jackpot, then the reserve jackpot door is not opening all the way. It should stay open until the next play when it will then close. This is most likely your problem. Jackpot is hit and the jackpot door opens. On the next spin the main jackpot door closes and the reserve jackpot door opens. On the next play the reserve jackpot door closes.

[Midcoast Vintage]

speaking of your war eagle...what finally transpired with the machine you got from vca auctions that had the wrong mechanism?

[WikiSlots]

Thank you for the info. I guess I'll have to remove and inspect it to determine why it's not quite working correctly. The main frame of the jackpot doesn't appear to be a Mills part (no part number and screw holes that have no associated part).

This is the War Eagle from VCA. Peter from VCA offered to send my machine to Larry DeBaugh of Cherry Restorations (great guy) who replaced the entire mech with a dime mech. The dime mech was restored so it actually looks practically new (so new that I'm wondering if some of the parts are original). The base has a spring attached in the front that leads nowhere. Not sure what function that would have served.

So basically, I have now own an overpriced, mix-matched Mills combo. I guess I should have taken Peter up on the refund. Did I mention that it didn't have an original lock either or any sign that it was part of the Harrah's collection? Yeah. Oh well, live and learn.

Thanks again for the info.

-Dave M.

[oldslotman]

That spring on the front is most likely from the fan stop lever which are almost always removed and not needed. That spring should be about one inch long and attached to the base with a cotter key.

[WikiSlots]

That spring on the front is most likely from the fan stop lever which are almost always removed and not needed. That spring should be about one inch long and attached to the base with a cotter key.

Yep, that's the one. Cool, good to know.

May I ask about the jackpot ... on the front jackpot, there is both glass and a metal divider frame. The glass is very thick (two pieces glued together like the originals). The metal divider frame has a hole on each side as though to screw the frame to the front casting, but were no screws and no place to attach. The frame was just resting on top of the glass and was held in place by the pressure of the jackpot attachment. The left side of the frame (looking from the inside) has a small hump in it. From what I can observe, it seems the hump is designed to hold the top reserve door from coming forward towards the glass. Unfortunately, this is where the dimes are getting stuck ... between the frame and the glass. If I put the frame behind the glass so that the glass presses directly up again the jackpot and reserve windows, then the hump on the frame pushes against the glass instead (not good).

Am I missing a part? Do you have a picture or diagram of how this should be assembled?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Dave M.

[WikiSlots]

I should add ... there were two old cardboard strips between the glass and the frame. I put those on the side of the glass instead between the edge of the glass and the casting to keep the glass from sliding side-to-side and to allow the metal frame to press against the glass more firmly to avoid dimes getting stuck (which didn't work). I still left enough play that the glass can slide up-and-down with a little pressure (didn't want to crack the glass).

[oldslotman]

That spring on the front is most likely from the fan stop lever which are almost always removed and not needed. That spring should be about one inch long and attached to the base with a cotter key.

Yep, that's the one. Cool, good to know.

May I ask about the jackpot ... on the front jackpot, there is both glass and a metal divider frame. The glass is very thick (two pieces glued together like the originals). The metal divider frame has a hole on each side as though to screw the frame to the front casting, but were no screws and no place to attach. The frame was just resting on top of the glass and was held in place by the pressure of the jackpot attachment. The left side of the frame (looking from the inside) has a small hump in it. From what I can observe, it seems the hump is designed to hold the top reserve door from coming forward towards the glass. Unfortunately, this is where the dimes are getting stuck ... between the frame and the glass. If I put the frame behind the glass so that the glass presses directly up again the jackpot and reserve windows, then the hump on the frame pushes against the glass instead (not good).

Am I missing a part? Do you have a picture or diagram of how this should be assembled?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Dave M.

The metal frame goes in first against the front casting. The hump that is on the frame goes on the left side. The hump is there to keep the glass from sliding to the left and interfering with the jackpot mech. The glass goes in next and then the jackpot. The jackpot has to be installed correctly. There is one lever that MUST be in the correct position or the jackpot will not work right. The jackpot presses up against the glass and holds it in place. The lever that must be on the correct position is the one that opens and closes the reserve jackpot. I'll send you email with name of a guy who lives in Vegas and can help you out