What Is a Board Reset on a Claw Machine? How to Restart & Restore
A board reset is the process of restarting or restoring a claw machine's main control board to clear fault states, resolve software errors, or return settings to factory defaults. It is one of the first troubleshooting steps for any claw machine that is unresponsive, displaying persistent error codes, or behaving erratically.
Types of Board Reset
| Reset Type | What It Does | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Soft reset (power cycle) | Powers machine off and on; clears temporary fault states | First response to any error or freeze |
| Fault log clear | Clears error codes without changing settings | After fixing the underlying fault |
| Settings reset | Returns all operator settings to factory defaults | After buying a used machine or misconfiguration |
| Full factory reset | Wipes all settings, counters, and fault history | Major board fault or pre-sale preparation |
How to Perform a Board Reset
Soft Reset (Power Cycle)
- Switch the machine off using the main power switch
- Wait 30 seconds for capacitors to discharge
- Switch the machine back on
- Test operation with a free play coin
Settings or Factory Reset
- Back up current settings first — photograph all operator menu screens or export via USB if supported
- Enter operator menu → navigate to System or Reset section
- Select Settings Reset or Factory Reset
- Confirm the reset when prompted
- Re-enter all operator settings manually or restore from USB
When Should You Reset vs. Replace the Board?
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Machine frozen, unresponsive | Soft reset (power cycle) first |
| Persistent error code after fixing fault | Clear fault log in operator menu |
| Settings corrupted or unknown | Factory reset, re-enter settings |
| Board doesn't power on | Check PSU output voltage before replacing board |
| Board powers on but motors don't respond | Check connectors, then consider board replacement |
| Reset doesn't resolve the fault | Replace board |
Always Back Up Settings Before a Factory Reset
A factory reset erases all configured settings including claw strength, win rate, play timer, and motor speeds. Always photograph the operator menu screens or export settings via USB before performing a factory reset. Re-entering settings from memory is a common source of misconfiguration after reset.
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Related Terms
- What Is a Sensor Error? — Common reason to clear fault log
- What Is a Main Board? — Full board overview and settings
- What Is Prize Settings? — Settings to re-enter after factory reset
- What Is Claw Strength? — Key setting to restore after reset
- What Is Preventive Maintenance? — Avoiding faults that require resets
- Full Arcade Glossary — All 70+ terms defined