Tiger Rag (Nuova Bell Games, 1984): Troubleshooting and Bally-Compatible Replacement Boards
Is your Tiger Rag by Nuova Bell Games not starting, has dead displays, runaway coils, or blowing fuses? These symptoms are typical of Bally-compatible microprocessor pinball machines whose original MPU board (a Bally AS-2518-35 clone) is now around 40 years old and often suffers from a leaking battery. The good news: the BallyFA replacement MPU board (Bally-35 base), Plug & Play and battery-free, brings your machine back to life.
Tiger Rag (Nuova Bell Games, 1984): Overview
Released in 1984, Tiger Rag is a rare Italian Nuova Bell Games machine sold as a conversion kit on Bally electronics (an estimated 500-700 units). It uses a Bally-compatible MPU board (AS-2518-35).
- Manufacturer: Nuova Bell Games (Italy)
- Year: 1984
- Electronic system: Bally MPU AS-2518-35 (compatible)
- Type: solid state
- Theme: tiger / jazz
Common Issues (Bally-compatible MPU)
On Bally microprocessor pinball machines and their compatibles (1977-1985), recurring failures stem from aging: leaking battery on the MPU (corrodes traces and sockets around U10/U11 — the #1 cause of dead boards), worn PIA 6821 chips (U10/U11) (oxidized pins, machine won't boot), failed 5101 RAM and sockets, oxidized or burnt MPU/power connectors (look for heat marks), displays with missing segments, and power supply/driver board (rectifier, fuses, solenoid transistors) needing attention.
Tiger Rag-Specific Issues (Forum Reports)
- Very limited production (500-700 units): Bell Games parts and ROMs are rare; keep the original ROMs when replacing a board.
- Leaking battery on MPU: corrosion around U10/U11 — treat before any power-up.
- Dead or partial displays: check the display and MPU power supply.
- Erratic or dead solenoids: driver board (transistors, fuses) needs servicing.
- Oxidized or burnt connectors: replace (re-pinning) to stabilize the machine.
- Blowing fuses: look for a shorted rectifier or solenoid coil.
Compatible Replacement Boards for Tiger Rag
- BallyFA — replacement MPU board (Bally-35 base, battery-free).
- BallyDri — power supply + driver board.
- BallyLa_60 — lamp driver board.
📚 Learn more: Guide: Which MPU board for a Bally (1977-1985)?
Bell Games ROM note: Tiger Rag runs on a Bally-compatible AS-2518-35 MPU, so the BallyFA is the right base board — but it uses Bell Games-specific ROMs. Keep your original ROMs and contact us so we can confirm the correct ROM configuration for your machine.
The BallyFA replaces the original MPU board (startup, game logic, battery-free memory) and eliminates the battery — the #1 cause of corrosion. For solenoids and power, the BallyDri takes over; lamps via the BallyLa_60. Installation is Plug & Play, battery-free, with free support. Contact us.
FAQ — Tiger Rag Nuova Bell Games
Is the BallyFA compatible with my Tiger Rag?
Yes — Tiger Rag runs on a Bally-compatible AS-2518-35 MPU. Because it uses Bell Games-specific ROMs, contact us for the correct configuration and keep your original ROMs.
How rare is Tiger Rag?
Very — an estimated 500-700 units. Bell Games parts and ROMs are scarce, so preserve the originals; a battery-free BallyFA protects the board from corrosion.
Do I need to keep the original battery?
No. The BallyFA runs without a battery and eliminates the #1 cause of corrosion.
Do I keep my original ROMs?
Yes. Keep your Bell Games-specific ROMs and contact us — we'll confirm the correct ROM configuration for your machine.
How long does installation take?
Installation is Plug & Play: just a few minutes, no soldering required, with tutorials and free support.
Does a battery-free board retain settings and high scores?
Yes. Modern replacement boards use NVRAM: no battery, no corrosion, and settings are preserved when powered off.
Step-by-Step Diagnostics
- With power off, visual inspection: look for any signs of battery leakage or corrosion on the MPU of your Tiger Rag; remove the original battery if still present.
- Power supply: measure voltages (especially 5V) and verify they reach the MPU; check the rectifier and power board fuses.
- MPU components: inspect the PIA 6821 chips (U10/U11) and the 5101 RAM, often corroded by battery leakage.
- Connectors: re-pin oxidized or burnt connectors, especially between the MPU and power supply.
- Displays: check display power supply; test with a known good display.
- Final test: verify startup, credits, solenoids, and displays; the BallyFA replaces the MPU battery-free (keep your original Bell Games ROMs); if needed, contact free support.
Useful Guides
- How much does pinball machine repair cost? A price guide
- How much is my pinball machine worth? Value and estimation
- Pinball machine leg sizes: the complete guide
- Which MPU board for a Bally (1977-1985)?
See Also
- World Defender (Nuova Bell Games, 1985)
- Saturn 2 (Nuova Bell Games, 1985)
- Spy Hunter (Bally, 1984)
- Gold Ball (Bally, 1983)
