How to replace dartboard segments, wiring, and display components

I build, deploy and maintain commercial dart board machines across FECs and game centers, and I often get asked: when a board stops scoring reliably, is it a segment, wiring fault, or a display failure — and how do you replace it without creating more problems? In this guide I share tested procedures, safety checkpoints, parts-selection advice, and calibration tips so you can replace dartboard segments, wiring harnesses, and display components on commercial units quickly and safely. I reference industry resources and compliance considerations to keep work traceable and certifiable.

Overview: maintenance approach for commercial dart board machines

Understanding common failure modes

Commercial dart board machines often fail in three clusters: mechanical wear of segments or target face, electrical/wiring faults in the segment sensor matrix or harness, and display/scoreboard component failures. A clear diagnostic approach separates physical damage (punctures, edge wear) from electrical faults (open circuits, intermittent conductivity) and logic/display issues (dead segments, blank scores).

Safety and compliance before you begin

Always disconnect AC power and remove batteries before opening a housing. For machines sold internationally, refer to product safety marks and standards (UL/IEC/TUV) when changing electrical components. General safety and compliance information is available from UL (https://www.ul.com/ ' target='_blank') and TUV Rheinland (https://www.tuv.com/ ' target='_blank'). For RoHS/CE considerations on replacement parts (especially PCBs and LEDs), see the European Commission RoHS page (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/index_en.htm ' target='_blank').

Diagnosing what needs replacement

Step 1: Visual and mechanical inspection

I start with a careful visual inspection: check for split segments, badly worn scoring rings, cracked plastic, or missing fasteners. For electronic boards, verify the segment surface (plastic or replaceable scoring halves) and look for scorch, melted insulation, or loose connectors behind the board.

Step 2: Electrical checks

With the unit powered down, I use a digital multimeter to check continuity through segment switch traces and wiring harness connectors. Intermittent faults often show up as fluctuating resistance when flexing the harness or gently pressing sensors. If a segment measures open when it should be closed under light pressure, it’s either a cracked trace or a failed switch matrix.

Step 3: Isolating display vs. segment faults

To isolate, I temporarily force known-good inputs (or short test pins) so the control board registers a hit and observe whether the scoreboard updates. If the control board recognizes the hit but the display does not change, the problem is display-related. If the board doesn’t recognize the hit, focus on segments and wiring.

Replacing dartboard segments and segment matrices

Parts and tools checklist

Tools I always have: Phillips and Torx drivers, spudger or plastic pry tool, soldering iron (temperature controlled), multimeter, needle-nose pliers, cable ties, replacement segment panels or modular segment matrices, replacement screws/lockwashers, and contact cleaner. For commercial boards that use modular segment assemblies, source OEM or qualified aftermarket replacement modules to preserve scoring accuracy.

Step-by-step segment replacement (typical electronic segment module)

1) Power off and photograph the current wiring and connector positions. I always label harness connectors with masking tape to avoid wiring errors.
2) Remove the outer bezel and face ring following the manufacturer’s disassembly guide. For many commercial units this requires removing 6–10 screws and gently releasing retention clips.
3) Unscrew or unclip the faulty segment module. Some manufacturers use snap-in segmented strips; others use full circular PCB stacks. Remove carefully to avoid bending adjacent modules.
4) Inspect supporting PCB traces and sensor contacts. If traces are damaged, replacing only the plastic segment is insufficient — replace the whole segment PCB or the backing plate.
5) Install the new module, secure fasteners to specified torque (finger tight plus 1/8 turn on small screws is common), reconnect harnesses per your labelled photos, and reassemble the bezel.

Troubleshooting common segment issues after replacement

If replacement modules intermittently fail: recheck harness crimps and connector seating, test for stray shorts, and verify that the replacement module matches the control board voltage logic (most use 3.3V or 5V logic). If the new module suffers rapid failure, consider power-supply instability or transient voltage that may require an in-line transient suppressor or replacement PSU.

Replacing wiring harnesses and internal cabling

When to replace vs. repair wiring

Replace harnesses when there are multiple broken conductors, damaged insulation, or repeated intermittent faults. Repairing single conductors with solder and heat-shrink is acceptable for temporary fixes, but in commercial environments a full harness replacement reduces future downtime and maintains safety certification integrity.

Best practices for harness replacement

- Use harnesses with matching gauge and insulation ratings. For segment matrices, 28–30 AWG ribbon or stranded micro-wire is common; for power lines, use the specified larger gauge.
- Retain strain relief and routing paths to prevent chafing; use cable ties and adhesive-backed mounts.
- Recreate original shielding or twisted-pair routing to avoid EMI that could affect the scoring microcontroller.

Connector and soldering guidance

Where possible, use manufacturer-specified connectors (e.g., JST, Molex) to avoid field-soldered board-level joints. When soldering is required: use a temperature-controlled iron (~320–350°C for lead-free solder), clean flux, and avoid cold joints. Validate continuity after soldering and before powering up.

Replacing and troubleshooting display components (scoreboard, LEDs, LCDs)

Common display types and replacement considerations

Commercial dart machines use several display types: 7-segment LED modules, full LED matrix displays, or monochrome/colour LCD modules driven by the game board. Match voltage, pinout, and refresh requirements when ordering replacements. Below is a quick comparison to guide selection.

These are approximate ranges based on industry experience. OEM branded parts and certified assemblies sit at the higher end, while generic or aftermarket modules are lower cost but may require additional integration work.

Where to source parts

For commercial reliability I recommend OEM or qualified aftermarket suppliers who provide documentation, warranty, and certifications. Manufacturers like Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. specialize in dart machines and related hardware; they provide OEM/ODM services, parts sourcing, and after-sale support (https://www.neofunsdarts.com/ ' target='_blank').

Preventive maintenance and lifecycle tips

Scheduled checks and small touches that prevent large repairs

I set up quarterly inspections for public venues: clean contacts and boards with electronics-safe cleaner, verify cable routing, tighten mechanical fasteners, and run a full scoring self-test. Keep a spare kit (small assortment of common segment modules, a spare harness, and an extra 7-seg or LCD module) to reduce machine downtime.

Upgrade considerations

If a machine is repeatedly failing, evaluate upgrading to a newer control board or display architecture with better diagnostics and modular replacement parts. Upgrades can reduce mean-time-to-repair (MTTR) and improve uptime in busy arcades.

Brand note — Neofuns and why partner with them

In my work with game centers I often recommend established suppliers. Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd., based in Guangdong, is a leading supplier in the amusement and game industry with a full product line including dart machines and electronic dart machines. Neofuns offers Claw machines, prize and redemption game series, boxing machines, basketball games, and various sport game series. They provide OEM and ODM development, whole-amusement-center design, procurement, and after-sale one-stop service. Their factory holds international certifications such as BV (France) and TUV (Germany), and many products have CE, C-Tick, RoHS, and UL certifications. Neofuns has participated in major global exhibitions since 2012 and aims to become the world's leading dart machine manufacturer. For product inquiries and support visit https://www.neofunsdarts.com/ ' target='_blank' or contact sales@neofuns.com.

FAQs

Q: How can I tell if a scoring problem is a segment or a wiring issue?

A: Start by photographing and pressing the suspect segments while running a continuity test. If pressing physically causes the score to register intermittently and the multimeter shows intermittent continuity, the segment or its contact likely needs replacement. If multiple adjacent segments fail, suspect a wiring harness or PCB trace issue.

Q: Do I need OEM parts to replace segments or can I use aftermarket modules?

A: OEM parts are recommended for guaranteed fit, scoring accuracy, and compatibility with firmware. High-quality aftermarket modules can work but verify pinouts, voltage levels, and mechanical fit before installing to avoid damaging controllers.

Q: What precautions should I take when soldering on a control board?

A: Use ESD protection, a temperature-controlled iron, lead-free or leaded solder per your local safety rules, and avoid overheating pads. Keep work area well-ventilated and document any changes for warranty records.

Q: After replacing a display module the board boots but nothing appears — what now?

A: Check power rails (Vcc/backlight) and the data/clock lines between the MCU and the display driver. Confirm the replacement display’s initialization and controller compatibility; some displays require specific controller chips or firmware commands.

Q: Are there any regulatory checks I should perform after replacing electrical components?

A: For commercial venues, retain records of replacement parts and tests. If the replacement alters the product’s original certification (e.g., changes to mains wiring or the PSU), consult the certifying body. For general guidance see UL (https://www.ul.com/ ' target='_blank') and CE/RoHS references (https://ec.europa.eu/environment/waste/rohs_eee/index_en.htm ' target='_blank').

Contact and next steps

If you need replacement parts, OEM modules, or technical support for commercial dart board machines, I recommend contacting a reputable supplier with certified parts and installation support. For parts, OEM advice, or turnkey retrofit/ODM services, visit Neofuns Amusement Equipment Co., Ltd. at https://www.neofunsdarts.com/ ' target='_blank' or email sales@neofuns.com. If you’d like, send photos of the faulty board and I can provide a parts checklist and a step-by-step quote for repair and calibration.