Buying used fish tables is a common way to expand your venue on a budget, but used machines can come with pre-installed cheat devices that the previous operator may not have known about. I have inspected 30+ used fish tables purchased by new operators, and 8 of them (27%) had active cheat devices installed inside the cabinet. The devices were typically tap modules or data interceptors that had been installed by a cheater, not by the previous operator.
Before purchase inspection checklist: 1. Open the cabinet and inspect the main board area. Look for any small circuit board attached to the main board or wiring harness that is not part of the original machine. 2. Check the coin mech line for clip-on tap devices. The line should run directly from the coin mech to the main board with no intermediate modules. 3. Check the display cable for tap modules. A small device clipped onto the display cable is a common result-leak tap. 4. Look for wires that do not connect to any board terminal. 5. Check the power supply area for any device drawing power that is not part of the original machine. 6. If the machine has a USB port, check for a small USB device plugged into it — these are used as data loggers.
After purchase: Even if your inspection finds nothing, install a Gen2 device on every used machine before putting it into service. The device provides continuous monitoring that catches any pre-installed devices that your inspection may have missed.
If your used fish table is showing signs of pre-installed cheat devices, send me a message with your machine model and a photo of your setup. I will do a quick remote check for free.
WhatsApp / WeChat / Phone: +86 158 1582 1587 — Engineer Wang
To discuss the best anti-cheat strategy for your specific arcade setup, message me directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the seller be held responsible for pre-installed cheat devices?(
A: If the seller was unaware of the device, they are not responsible. Document your findings and discuss with the seller, but the cost of removal and protection is typically the buyer’s responsibility.
Q: Can a cheat device be detected without opening the cabinet?(
A: Some wireless devices are detectable with an RF spectrum analyzer. Physical inspection is the most reliable method.
Q: Should I pay less for a used machine if it has a cheat device installed?(
A: The presence of a cheat device indicates that the machine was being targeted. This does not necessarily reduce the machine’s value. The device can be removed and the machine protected.
Q: How do I remove a pre-installed cheat device safely?(
A: Photograph the device in place. Document which wires are connected where. Remove the device by disconnecting the wires or modules. If the device is soldered, a technician may be needed.