Pub Time Darts

by Merit Industries 1987

STATUS:Playable in the Arcade

Converted from old site content last updated 1/1/2001

Description of game:

Coin operated dart game that used to be found in many pubs and bars. It is one of the original models that did not have Cricket until upgraded in 1987. All scoring is done through LED numbers. There is not CRT monitor on this model. Later models became even more like arcade video games through the use of graphics on the CRT. It has very simplified controls (two buttons), and basic generic sounds. Most games cost $.25 each player, but some cost $.50 each player. Many of the games also support four players per game.

Different games that this cabinet plays:

This game plays 301, 301 Masters, 302 Double-in/Double-out, 501, Shanghai, Hi-Score, Baseball, and Cricket.

How I got it:

Picked this game up in Chicago near Wrigley Field from a guy who was moving and needed to get rid of a Phoenix cabinet in his garage. The Phoenix ended up being a bootleg, but the trip turned out great when I saw he also had this and wanted to sell it. I had no idea what was needed at the time, but the price was pretty good. The cabinet is nice because it comes apart in two right in the middle. Makes it really easy to move around. However, not much room in my basement for the full height of the game. Had about 1/4″ to spare!

Recent repairs:

To get this game working, I had to replace the missing power supply in the back of the cabinet. I was not sure what was actually missing for a long time, since I could not find any manual, schematics, or other information to tell me. On some advice from RGVAC, I emailed Merit and they sent a copy of the manual right to my house. Talk about good customer service! At this point I new I needed some type of power supply (it already had a normal switcher, but this was a special voltage PS). I still could not find any more information, except that they were no longer available from any sources. After a couple more months I was driving past a local operator’s shop and there was a Pub Time Darts in their front window. I stopped by and they let me pop open their machine and take some notes on what I was missing. While I was there I worked out a purchase on their cabinet for my Dad, who was bugging me to sell mine when I finally got it working.

Anyway, now I knew what I was missing but did not know what to do to get it replaced. I emailed Merit again with what I found, and they sent me some instructions on how to hack the PCB to run off of the normal power supply that was already in the cabinet. They also emailed me some schematics with the hack drawn out on them. Once again they came through with great service! Once I received these instructions I popped the game open, spent about 10 minutes rewiring and soldering, and the game came to life! All I needed to do was to replace about 6 light bulbs (which were available at any local automotive store). The game now works great!

What it still needs:

I still need to pull out the board itself and clean out any broken tips that are in the holes or fallen inside the panels. Would also love to touch up the paint to get it looking brand new!

Final thoughts:

This is a great addition to the overall gameroom. It appeals to anyone who is not a big video arcade game fan. My wife loves it and can beat me regularly. Our favorite game is Cricket, which really takes skill to play.

Pub Time Darts Links:

Merit Games