Keep your board up to date through our Atmel / ATmega processor chip update program.
Send your original processor for reprogramming, or choose Advanced Exchange to have an updated chip sent first. All requests go directly to Doug Barger.
Software downloads are not available at this time. The processor chip must be flashed with the software and programmed with specific fuse settings. Incorrect fuse settings can prevent the board from operating properly.
Please use the Standard Update or Advanced Exchange service so your processor is programmed with the correct software and fuse settings.
Before requesting an update
Find the version on your board.
Use normal operation, with JP3 set to NORMAL (pins 2–3). Switch power off and unplug the machine before moving any jumper.
With the machine on and in normal attract or gameplay mode, briefly press and release TEST ADVANCE.
The score display briefly shows the installed version, such as 2.21, then returns to its normal display. This does not enter service mode when JP3 is set to NORMAL.
If you cannot read the version, enter unknown in the form. If you already have the latest version, no software update is needed.
Questions and answers
Do System 1 and System 2 use the same firmware?
Yes. System 1 and System 2 use the same firmware and have identical electronic circuitry. Their board sizes and connector pin configurations differ to match the physical fit and wiring of each system.
Choose the replacement board that matches your machine’s system, even though the firmware is shared.
Software update / chip exchange program
Choose how you want to update.
Within the first 90 days
Standard Update
Free
The standard reprogramming service is free within 90 days of the actual delivery date reported by the shipping carrier through Shippo, matching the start of your warranty. We verify eligibility using your board serial number and delivery record.
You ship your original processor IC to us. We reprogram it and return the same chip.
You are responsible for shipping your chip to us for either Standard Update option. Doug will review your request and personally email the mailing address, shipping instructions, and any PayPal payment instructions. Please wait for those instructions before shipping or paying.
Contact Doug directly
Request your chip update.
Enter your board’s serial number and choose the service you want. Doug will check eligibility and reply with the next steps. Submitting this form does not charge you or create a paid order.
All paid updates use PayPal. Payment instructions are sent after your request is reviewed.
Your request is saved for Doug’s private review and an email notification is sent to info@ballyhomeboards.com. Your contact and address details are used to handle this service request and, if a paid service is approved, its PayPal invoice.
Before removing the chip: switch the machine off and unplug it. Follow the instructions you receive, preserve the chip’s orientation, and use suitable antistatic packaging that protects its pins.
Software changes from 2.21 onward
Running changelog.
Every published release keeps its own dated notes here. The current available version is 2.21.
Version 2.21 Current version
The enhanced top-lane opportunity ends on the first top-lane hit after each serve, whether the flashing lane or another lane is hit.
Hit the flashing lane first to collect an extra 10,000 points, plus the normal 1,000 points and 1,000 stored bonus. The hit also counts toward the normal 25,000-point four-lane bank.
If another top lane is hit first, the extra opportunity ends. All lane lamps return to normal progress: a missed lane remains lit and a completed lane turns off. Later hits score normally.
Completing all four lanes still awards 25,000 points and resets all four lane lamps normally.
Each new serve, including a saved-ball re-serve, gets one opportunity. A saved ball keeps its existing normal lane progress.
Enhanced spoken instructions and the Big Score call remain active. Normal base scoring is unchanged.
