Selenium rectifiers (diodes) were used by Genco and others in the 1940s and
early 1950s to provide crude DC operating voltage for the game. They appear
as a stack of disks (sometimes square) about 3 inches round, with 3 wires
running to them. Usually connected to a 'center-tapped' transformer,
providing full wave rectification. Beware if you get one of these games
from long-term storage. The 'diode' can be weak from disuse, and the
machine should first be 'powered-up' through a Variac, or other voltage
reducing means. Gradually increase the voltage, starting at about 25, over
a period of hours, to reach regular house currant. It helps to gently heat
the diode with a hair dryer, but don't over-do it! Don't operate the
machine during this; and keep a close watch for sparks/smoke! I've found
this successful in keeping the original diode (actually, this setup uses 2,
back-to-back; but that's getting picky about names!) Otherwise, it's better
to just replace this giant selenium unit with 2 regular diodes. If they do
burn, it smells like rotten eggs!
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