Letters to the Editor

Hi Randy,

Just wanted send a quick email.. I bought your Arcade School DVD set a couple weeks ago.. and
wanted to share a comment.

Dude, these are FRICKING AWESOME!

I've only watched two so far. The first was basic game troubleshooting. That was very good. I was in the
"biz" (repairing) during the 80's boom so I know my way around a game a bit. But I picked up some
seriously good nuggets from that.

And now I just watched the Oscilloscope one. I picked that out because I've always wanted to know how
those things work. My background, in addition to working on games for a few years, is a BS in Comp
Sci. Suffice it to say that I've had all the theory, and even engineering physics labs.. so I know what a lot
of this stuff is--in "Theory". But the dvd was like turning on a light--heck a whole light fixture! I feel like Neo
from the Matrix after he just downloaded a new course: "I know Oscilloscope now". (and without all the
convulsions and that nasty long probe into your head)

Thanks again Randy, great vids even if they are a little "bitchin" old. They're still a great (and timeless)
resource!

-k

Hi Randy,

The DVD's are great. I have only watched a little bit so far, but 
you do a great job explaining how everything works and the 
relationship between all the parts. Great for both new people 
to the field and experienced people who need just need a 
little refresher course.

Thanks again,

Alain

Subject:           my success story is randyfromm
    Date:           Fri, 2 Sep 2005 12:04:05 -0700 (PDT)
   From:           wael fathe <king_waeel@yahoo.com>
 

hi   mr  randy   my  great  technican man   i  am   wael  fathe  from libya  24 years old   a 
recently  gradauted  engineer   i  was  so  disappointed  because  of what  i  study  in  my 
institute      .... it  is not   enabling me  to  do  any  thing  armed  with this  knowledge about 
electronics .......... i entered   a  repair  shop  and   there was  alot of    uneducated 
people   who  knows  alot  of things  about  monitors  tvs   smps   receivers  digital 
satalites   etc  etc   and  always  they   try to  escape  from  my  questions  when i  do   ask 
and  they  were  always  giving me the wronge  answer  because  they want to maintain
knowledge to themselfs  only   i was  so  disappointed  until  the  appearance  of  the super 
man of  electronics  randy fromm      coincidentely   i  find your  website  and  i  began  learning
about  electronics   especially  the monitors   sooner  i  discover  that i was   misleaded 
by  those  selfish technican  and their   false answers  i   left them   and  dedicated  great deal 
of  my time  studying  your  technical  websites   articles   i   actually learned  alot  alot 
of valuable infromation  from B+  measurements  to  vedio  to synchron ization  to horizontal 
faliures  and the our  friends  switching supply  how great was  that   and  now  after  one  year 
here  i am  working  in   electronics  hot shot (as  you call   it when  you were talking  about 
osciliscope)   and aslo i  have  a  contract  with  computer   servicing 
company  and conditions  became  better   all  of god  and your  your  assistant    i  would like 
to say to you thank  you very much  randy for you pacience   in  presenting  this  interesting 
articles  and  your  valuable  information  i  appreciate that    and hope  from you  to   response 
my   message  with  the answer to this  simple  question  do   you think that  the  crt  technology
will  vanish soon   and do you think that the knowledge about  monitors  repair  will open 
doors   to another  paths in technology        thanks  randy 

Randy,

I just wanted to say thank-you for providing a great school where
operators like me can send entry level employees with promise to
develop. I'm sure you have had a gazillion letters about how much
everyone has learned about video games so I won't even go into it.
Kudo's to you Randy, you have definitely carved yourself a perfect
nitch in an industry where the technician will be the "rising star". If
you think about it with less and less new product coming out and
manufacturers going out of business there will be even more of a
calling for good technicians. The older video games will have to
constantly be refurbished and kept going with the lack of new
product. 

California Coins own Matt Kerschke attended your class and not
only got a good dose of knowledge but also it proved to be a good
boost for his morale. Matt returned with much more confidence than
when he left which made him want to get to work and try out his new
skills. As an employer this is not only rewarded with a raise but I
have always looked for ways to promote morale among the troops.
This was a benefit I never thought of being associated with your
class but boy I know it now. 
Thanx once again,
**************************************************
Gary L. Spencer
C.E.O.
California Coin, Inc.
*************************************************
check out our website at calcoin.com

Once again thanks for sharing your knowledge.
 

The Kenya Power & Lighting Co. Ltd. 
P.O. Box 30099, Nairobi, Kenya 
Telephone: (254-2) 243366, Telegrams 'ELECTRIC' 
FAX: (254-2) 337351 
Stima Plaza, Kolobot Road 

I stumbled into your website via a websearch....

Just started reading some of the tech articles...
The page on isolation transformers (techdept/isoxfmr.htm) was the best explanation on that subject that I have seen....(I understand it now!  Eureka!...)  I dont know why the the instructors at the Navy tech schools and ITT tech kept blowing smoke up my kilt about the "whys" of a isolation transformer....( I suspect they really didnt know either...)

Anyway, thanks for the great website.....

Bruce L. Miles

FTB2SS    (ballistic missile fire control tech/submarine qualified)

RANDY,I TOOK YOUR COURSE A FEW YEARS AGO IN SEASIDE HEIGHTS,NJ.I NEVER
REALIZED HOW MUCH I HAD ACTUALLY LEARNED UNTIL BEING BACK ON THE JOB!
STILL HAVE MY BIG BLUE BOOK,ALTHOUGH A BIT TATTERED.JUST WANTED TO THANK
YOU!
MIKE HASTINGS,                                       TIMMONS AMUSEMENTS
 
 

Hi Randy:

Although I only attended your monitor class and followng lab I was really
impressed with your school.

After twenty years fixing avionics in the Navy and then three years with Dale
Williams at Disney, the two days with you were the most educational.  If the
military would have been training techs to actually fix things (like you do)
instead of some kind of ersatz engineers, my life and career would have most
certainly been more enjoyable.

Kudos, keep cranking out good techs.

Joe Malinchalk

Re: Help - how do I learn to fix?
Email:         david121@gte.net
Date:         1998/10/22
Forums:      rec.games.pinball

Alex,

Bar none the best source I've seen to learn how to fix a pin or video
game is from Randy Fromm (www.randyfromm.com).

He teaches an Arcade School (which I'm attending Nov 2-6 in Chicago)
and has an outstanding set of videos.

I have the videos, and they have already paid for themselves in things
they taught me to fix.

Randy teaches you electronics from a pinball point of view. None of
the theory BS, just what you need to know to fix a pin or video.

They cover everything from video game monitors to pinball logic board
repair, basic electronics, power supplies, how to use a multimeter,
etc.

They aren't cheap, but they are worth it if they help you fix a few
things. He has a deal if you buy both the videos and register for the
class (at least he used to).

I don't work for Randy so this is just my unsolicited opinion. I'm
just passing along info for something that is worth while. E-mail me
if you have any other questions about them.

David
david121@gte.net

On Thu, 22 Oct 1998 22:18:57 +0100, "AlexM" <xzb32@dial.pipex.com>
wrote:

>Hi everyone,
>
>A few days experience with my first (broken) table has taught me I have a
>lot to teach myself about basic electronics, electro-mechanics, circuit
>boards, testing for voltages, signals etc etc
>
>Basically, can anyone recommened some good reading to teach myself my way
>around the inside of a pinball, how to diagnose faults etc etc
>
>I feel there is a whole lot of stuff I really need to know and really WANT
>to know, it's frustrating to read the (excellent) articles on "LED always on
>Bally MPUs" and get lost in the terms and procedures.
>
>I have already ordered my second (working!!) table and want to be in a
>better position to troubleshoot when a problem occurs with it. I am a pretty
>intelligent guy who's hungry to learn, but I do need a good lesson in the
>basics of these things (which I assume are more generalised than the realms
>of pinball). There seems to be a vast repository of knowledge on RGP and
>pinball sites, but I can't interpret it due to my limited understanding of
>the basics,
>
>in short, please tell me how I can start making steps towards getting that
>understanding!
>
>And recommended books, articles, web sites, courses etc etc would be much
>appreciated.
>
>Thanks in advance
>
>Alex
 

Dear Randy Fromm,
I am sorry i have not been back intouch with you. I had to take a short leave
of absense but I am back at Eygo.
I read your last article in Playmeter magazine and would like to tell you that
I believe your information regarding the understanding of monitors to be a
very useful information for the market. I also would like to congratulate you
on your explanations between the differences of monitor products available.
Your summarization and indepth look into components, helps the layman
technician have better understanding of the products they use.
The industry does lack in the education department for new products and as the
new PC platform begans to take form, the distributors and operators will
require more education. I feel that your service and articles is one of the
major pathways in educating them. So keep up the good work!
I also would like to extend to you, any information they you may require
regarding Eygo monitor products which you would find useful.
We have just recently returned our web site "www.eygo.com" to its full
operation and I will be updating it weekly with technical bulletins. Please
check it out when you have the opportunity.
Again, keep up the good work!

Sincerely,
 

James W. Brewer
Director of Sales
Eygo of America
email:JasBrewer@aol.com
 

Mike Grap Great Games mgrap@sprynet.com

Subject: DEC computer monitor

Date: Sun, 18 Jan 1998 00:55:51 -0500

From: Eric Konizer <ekonizer@dcm.ml.org>

To: randy@randyfromm.com

Hello!!! I thought you would like to know that I put your expert training to good use today. Remember that DEC 17" computer monitor I brought with me to the school in Charlotte? You know, the one with fifty million shielding panels...... Anyway, I traced the problem to a shorted output diode in the monitor's switching power supply. It took a few hours to hunt ut down, though, because I still don't have a schematic diagram of the thing. But, with a little help from a friend in getting a replacement part, she fired right up! As a matter of fact, I'm using it to send you this message right now! Thanks again for the wonderful opportunity, I really learned a lot (obviously!).

Take care!

Eric D. Konizer

Subject: BAD DAY TURNS TO GOOD!!

Date: Thu, 8 Jan 1998 09:57:58 -0500

From: "MIKE GRAP" <mgrap@sprynet.com>

To: <randy@randyfromm.com>

Hi Randy, I went on a service call for a game without a picture. When I arrived I noticed two of the games had been broken into. We both know what kind of mood that puts you in. I repaired the doors on the games and went to put a power supply in the game that did not have a picture or sound. I removed the old power supply and noticed writing on the side of it, REPAIRED 1/28/92 MIKE GRAP. I don't recall when I went to your school but this had to be one of the first power supplies I repaired. It is amazing what a repair made almost 6 years ago can do for your frame of mind. Once again I realized how valuable your school was.

Mike Grap Great Games mgrap@sprynet.com

• Subject: Thanks
• Date: Wed, 16 Jul 1997
• From: John Andrew Metza 
• Organization:Sheldahl

JAM 

• Subject: Great page
• Date: Sat, 12 Jul 1997
• From: Jimisback@aol.com
• To: randy@randyfromm.com

• Subject: Great Web Page!
• Date: Wed, 2 Apr 1997
• From: Larry Hodgson <lhodgson@itsgames.com>
• To: "'randy@randyfromm.com'" 

Keep up the wonderful work!!!
Thanks,
Larry Hodgson
Incredible Technologies

Congrats! - At last someone is putting the industry together on the Net the way it should be. You folks are doing service beyond the call - so happy to finally see it take form the way it should. We would be delighted and honored to become a link from your page. 'We' are the New Brunswick Coin Machine Owner's Association. We invite you to visit our home page and hopefully conclude that our inclusion on your link page would be of value to the industry. Visit our site at: http://nbcoin.info.ca

David Attis - President
New Brunswick Coin Machine Owner's Association Inc.

e-mail: nbcoin@nbnet.nb.ca

Editor's response - Thanks, David. Your fine site has been reviewed and approved for linkage. Pleased be advised that the normal monthly fee of USD$5.00 is, by editorial policy, waived for trade associations. I hartily encourage all interested parties to check out what the NBCOMA has to offer its members. 

Randy Fromm -
Your technical explanations on your 'net page are excellent! They are simple and clear, and break electronics into understandable units. Well done!

Ron Hayhurst
hayhurst@teleport.com

Randy....I want to thank you for the opportunity to run [my] ad on your home page. Its the best I have seen in the amusement industry. Also I have really enjoyed you fine articles over the past few years. (I've learned alot!)

Sincerely,
Gene Riddell 

Organization: I. F. LaFleur and Sons

It is great to see the industry continue to lead with its creativity.

This is another reason why it feels so good to be a part it. Keep up the good work

• Rick LaFleur
• I. F. LaFleur & Son, Inc.
• Devils Lake, ND

---

Date: Sun, 10 Dec 95 From: "Wayne Preston Sr."
Organization: Diamond Jim's
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Subject: Excellent page
I am throughly impressed with your excellent page. It is a pleasure tosee the work you have done and the service provided. I am the manager ofa Diamond Jim's video arcade (McClinton Amusement Centers, Inc.) and the current author of The latest Video Arcade Home page on the Internet.Check us out at:http://www.1eagle1.com/commercial/diamondjims/

Your page is a mandatory hotlink in my home page. Again thanks for allthe work, My games work because of you and your freely accessable knowledge.

---

From: Jim Pietrangelo
Organization: AMA Distributors, Inc.
Subject: Congratulations!
Randy,
I just wanted to take a moment to congratulate you on your fantastic on-line magazine. It's absolutely inspiring. I hope to speak with you soon about listing our company in your Coin-Op Yellow Pages.

Keep up the good work.

• Jim Pietrangelo
• General Manager
• AMA DISTRIBUTORS, INC., Metairie, LA

---

Organization: UMass-Lowell Computer Science
By the way, nice magazine. I happened upon it a few weeks agoas I was poking around in Netscape. I especially liked the ads, founda lot of new sources there.

Ralph A. Barbagallo III --- rbarbaga@cs.uml.edu

---

Randy,
So this is what you were telling me about a few months ago. I've been on line only a few days. This is remarkable. What possibilities!

Congratulations to you for your progressive thinking. Keep it up.

Sincerely,
Randy Chilton
Chilton Vending and Billiards
Wichita, Ks

---

From: MrRichard@aol.com
Date: Sat, 8 Jul 1995 02:48:12 -0400
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Subject: Lazer-Tron

Dear Randy,
I had the opportunity, finally, to browse through your magazine . . . andI loved it. The best part was the yellow pages. I really didn't know whosome of those companies were until reading that. I also like the jobpostings section. You have really got something great started, here. I willdefinately be checking in when I am on line! Thanks a million!

Kelley McDonald
Marketing Administrator
Lazer-Tron

---

From: YORKCSSK@aol.com
To: randy@randyfromm.com

You have a fantastic concept!
I am looking for the ultimate source of information for repair concepts. Allthese magazines, manuals, after market mailings, company notices,publications....everyone trying to put out the word. No one place.

Watch for my check for your software. I'll give it a look.

Chuck Martin
CSSK Amusements 

---

From: ERIC_SCHULTE@odp.tamu.edu
Randy, Just viewed the new addition - Collecting Antique Coin-Op - and I must say that I'm very impressed! If this doesn't stimulate interest in my area nothing will. Thank you so much. I'm currently waiting on some photos to scan in of my colletion to provide a walk through tour of my personal gameroom. Keep you posted. -Eric.

---

From: UPBV14A@prodigy.com (MR JOHN R RIDGWAY)
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Randy:
Thank you for all the hard work you are putting into our industry's Web site! I periodically check it and can't believe the progress you continue to make. I hope to see more and more industry support for this wave of the future. We will contiune to supply you with editorial content for our Betson Bullet Magazine site each month and hope other participants will find information from the "Left Coast" informative and interesting to read.

Thank you again.
John Ridgway
Sales Manager/Editor
Betson Pacific Distributing
Betson Bullet Magazine

---

From: MicroVP@aol.com
Date: Tue, 20 Jun 1995 19:51:26 -0400
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Subject: Coin Op Yellow Pages

Randy,
I really am impressed with the work you have done on the Yellow Pagesentry for Micro Manufacturing, Inc. The pictures come through clearly, aswell as the logo's and text, and it doesn't take forever to load on mycomputer. It is very easy to navigate and there are plenty of places tocheck out to keep people interested.

We think your magazine is the thing of the future, and we're glad to beone of the first one's in! My check for a year's worth of ads is in themail! I'm inviting all of my customers and friends to check it out, but Ihope that my competitors pass on the chance you are offering them.

Sincerely,
Mike Rose
Vice President / General Manager
Micro Manufacturing, Inc.

---

From: msmythe@in.net (MIKE SMYTHE)
Subject: Web Pages
Cc: playmeter@aol.com

Randy,
You have really out done yourself with this project. I have been watchingyour progress and must compliment you on the speed in which you havemastered this technology. I am encouraged by the support you have gottenwithin our industry and especially interested in the page sponsored by PlayMeter magazine. I will soon be sending you tournament and league informationto be posted for all the world to see. Keep up the "Good" work!

Mike Smythe
Executive Director
AMOA National Dart Association

---

From: Edmund1476@aol.com
Date: Tue, 13 Jun 1995 15:17:19 -0400
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Subject: Your Site Page!

Randy,
Very professional looking! We were impressed with the completeness of itspresentation and ease of use. We will be looking forward to the continuedexpansion of its capabilities relative to our business. We imagine you, as wedo, feel the 'net' is the future for many business (read $$$) opportunities.It's nice to know someone personally who has tapped into this fast growingmarket.

Warm Regards,
Ed, Gary, Mark

---

Date: Thu, 1 Jun 1995 13:27:14 +1000
To: randy@randyfromm.com
From: casbox@ozemail.com.au (jack rodios)
Subject: AIM

Hi Randy,
Congratulations on AIM, we start Cash Box On-Line magazine in July August,directed at promoting coin-op games to players, not people within theindustry, maybe we can do a bit of cross promotion together.

Meanwhile, best of luck with AIM
Regards JACK

---

Date: Wed, 31 May 95 09:08:56 -0700
From: Joe Hinderer <50coinop@aloha.com>
Organization: 50th State Coin-Op
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Subject: Aloha

Hi Randy!
Nice page. I've just added you to my most important bookmark list. I'm glad to see some industry stuff here. I am working on my own page as well. www.aloha.com/~50coinopLaters,Joe.

---

From: /etc/passwd 
Subject: WWW Magazine
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Date: Tue, 23 May 1995 10:40:38 PDT

Randy -
Just visited your site. It looks very nice. Thanks for providing usaccess to your vast knowledge.

Thanks, and best regards,
Jim Ranlett

---

Date: Sun, 04 Jun 95 20:34:32 0700
From: George Farris (GB.Farris@capmac.org)
To: randy@randyfromm.com
I have downloaded some of the info on monitor repair. I can never seem to find that article that I saw a few months back in Replay, so it is great ot have it on the computer to look back at when I need the info. Thanks

George Farris
Farris Family Amusements
Austin, Tx

---

Date: Mon, 12 Jun 1995 17:48:31 -0700
From: killshot@ix.netcom.com (Rich Santercola)
To: randy@randyfromm.com

Randy,
I checked out your page on the web.
It looks great!
The Wico page looks great!
Rich Santercola

---

Date: Thu, 25 May 95 12:49:28 PDT
From: jtrucano@wave.sheridan.wy.us (Jim Trucano)
To: randy@randyfromm.com
Subject: re:AIM
Randy Fromm:
Congratulations on Amusement International Magazine. Looks very good, indeed.
Regards:
Jim Trucano

---

 

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