Fix or Scrap?

[randyjaco]

I picked up a non functioning Jennings Standard 400 as part of a trade. I didn't realize, until I got it home and the back off, that it was and electronic machine and not a manual. I checked the price guide but the machine is not listed. Is this machine worth fixing or should I write it of as a stupid mistake due to ignorance? Does it have any value as is? What is the approximate value in working condition?
It is not in bad shape and some of the electrics come on. Surprisingly I have found a lot of info and parts on line, but I am more mechanically inclined than electrically.

Thanks
Randy

[RameGoom]

I have restored a few of them, and have dozens of the same machine that I plan on getting into. There are a few things you need to go thru to make it work, but mostly electrical connections - and the dreaded acid damage to the big logic board.

If yours doesn't have the acid damage, you have a pretty good shot at it functioning normally. There is a lot of information on the web regarding the service and repair, along with some stuff I have been contributing as well.

If you plan to go forward, I can help.

[randyjaco]

Thanks RameGoom,
I think I will give it a try. I am kind of a "Magic Smoke" grade electrician and I have the basic tools. I need to figure out what components work and which don't. Then I will shop the components and see if it is worth the trouble. I am retired, so the labor is free. Any suggestions on trouble shooting?

Thanks
Randy

[mechanic]

There someone on Ebay that has the diagnostics to check the motherboard. He offers the repair for $100. If you cannot find him currently you may want to try the completed listings option. I am currently working on a 700 series when I get time.

[randyjaco]

Thanks Mechanic,
I found him. If my board is bad , that is where it will probably go
There really is a surprising amount of info on the Jennings 400 on the Net. So far I have a manual, some kind of service manual, and lost of talk and hints from other boards . I am still wondering what a functioning model is worth. That will determine how much time and money I will put into this project.

Randy

[RameGoom]

I have restored three J400's and two J700's so far. Then, I snagged a storage unit full of them from a slot dealer in Chicago, brought them to Colorado, and I am getting ready to delve into the restoration of them. Here's three pallet loads full. Value-wise, a fully functioning machine should sell between $300 and $800. The beauty of these machines is that they're fairly lightweight and can sit on a bar top or table.

[tsparts4u]

It looks like you have your work cut out for you. I'll bet that you got the machines from a guy named Alan, right? I bought and sold a number of those machines over the years. I still have a couple of them. They are fun to play and payouts were pretty liberal on the ones that I had. Good luck with your project.
Jerry

[RameGoom]

It looks like you have your work cut out for you. I'll bet that you got the machines from a guy named Alan, right? Jerry

You bet right!

[randyjaco]

That value guarantees that I will have to do the work myself.
It looks like you are going to be busy. When you are through you will be THE expert.

Randy