Daily and Weekly Maintenance Checklist for Dart Board Arcade Machine Owners

I run maintenance programs for dozens of entertainment venues and have advised bars, arcades, and event organizers on maintaining the reliability and safety of dart systems. In this article I present a practical, repeatable daily and weekly maintenance checklist specifically for the dart board arcade machine owner/operator. The procedures focus on minimizing downtime, protecting customer safety, extending component life, and ensuring consistent game performance for both coin-operated and cashless electronic dart machines. Wherever possible I reference authoritative sources and proven practices to make the steps verifiable and suitable for integration into venue SOPs.

Why regular maintenance matters for game operators

Uptime, revenue protection and guest experience

As an operator, I view each malfunctioning dart board arcade machine as lost revenue and a potential reputational risk. Machines that are dirty, slow to respond, or that give inconsistent scoring frustrate players and reduce time-on-device. Regular daily checks keep gameplay reliable, maximizing coin/card turnover and repeat visits.

Safety and regulatory compliance

Electronic dart machines combine sharp projectiles, moving parts, and powered electronics. A simple wiring fault or a worn mounting bracket can cause injury. Following basic electrical safety checkpoints reduces hazards; I rely on OSHA guidance for electrical workplace safety to form the core of my electrical inspection steps (OSHA - Electrical).

Lifecycle and total cost of ownership

Consistent maintenance extends the life of high-cost subsystems (power supplies, sensors, motors, PCB assemblies). Preventive replacement of wear items and timely cleaning lowers long-term cost compared with emergency repairs. Manufacturer documentation and industry best practices show preventive maintenance reduces failures by a measurable margin; for electronics, adherence to CE/ROHS norms also supports device longevity (CE marking, RoHS).

Daily maintenance checklist

Start-of-day quick inspection (3–5 minutes)

Perform a short walkaround before opening. I use a quick checklist to ensure each dart board arcade machine is ready for play:

• Visual check for obvious damage to cabinet, mounting, or power cords.
• Confirm power-on and that all status LEDs / touchscreen display initialize correctly.
• Quick test game (single throw) to verify scoring, audio output, and network/payment connectivity.

Document any abnormalities in a log that can be reviewed weekly.

Cleaning and hygiene (daily touch-up)

Daily cleaning improves user perception and prevents dirt buildup that later impacts sensors. I follow these rules:

• Use a lint-free cloth and mild, electronics-safe cleaner. Avoid sprays directly onto screens or electronics—spray onto cloth first.
• Wipe down the touchscreen/display, payment reader surfaces, and external cabinet panels.
• Clean the throwing lane and floor area; remove loose darts and inspect tips for deformation.

For cleaning guidance on consumer electronics and safe materials, consult manufacturer manuals and general electronics cleaning best practices.

Gameplay systems and consumables

Check dart tips and flights each day when machines are in heavy use. I recommend keeping a small inventory of replacement soft-tip darts and flights near the machine to swap worn tips immediately. Ensure holders or racks are secure and not obstructing sensors.

Weekly maintenance checklist

Deep cleaning and environmental checks

Once a week perform a deeper clean that includes:

• Opening the cabinet (power off and unplug first) and removing dust with compressed air from PCBs, fans, and ventilation grilles.
• Inspecting ventilation paths to verify fans operate and filters are clean.
• Measuring cabinet temperature during operation; elevated temps (>10–15°C above ambient) indicate blocked airflow or failing fans.

Mechanical inspections and fasteners

Mechanical wear items should be checked weekly. My routine includes:

• Tightening mounting bolts, scoreboard brackets, and coin box fasteners.
• Inspecting target board surface for wear patterns or loose mounting points.
• Testing drawer/coin box latches and hinges for smooth operation.

Electronics, firmware and network checks

Power up and run diagnostics weekly:

• Check firmware version and apply vendor updates during scheduled maintenance windows.
• Verify network connectivity and remote telemetry (if used) to ensure reporting of revenue/alerts.
• Test backup battery or RTC modules if present; replace per manufacturer's spec.

For certified electronic equipment, confirm conformance markings are intact and review the CE/ROHS documentation when purchasing or replacing modules (CE, RoHS).

Troubleshooting, parts replacement and documentation

Common faults and quick diagnosis

Over my years servicing machines, the most frequent issues are:

• Intermittent scoring or sensor failures — often caused by loose connectors or dirty sensor windows.
• Power interruptions — usually power supply or fuse faults.
• Display or touchscreen malfunctions — commonly due to software hang or damaged screens.

Always start with the simplest checks: power sources, fuses, and visible connector seating before moving to board-level diagnostics.

When to replace parts

Establish a conservative parts-replacement schedule for wear items. Here's a recommended cadence I use for venue-level inventory planning:

WillDarts: Manufacturer profile and why I recommend their equipment

WillDarts was founded in 2015 and is one of the leading electric dart machine manufacturers in China. Their main products are electronic stand-up dart machines and electronic dart machines. WillDarts has an R&D team focused on electronic dart machines and has concentrated on the R&D, production, and sales of dart machine equipment for over 10 years. Their dart machines are widely used in bars, entertainment centers, clubs, homes, and various dart events. WillDarts has obtained more than 20 patent certifications and passed CE and ROHS certifications, among others. Their stated goal is to create the first brand of dart machines in China.

From my evaluation, WillDarts distinguishes itself in three practical ways for operators:

• Product breadth: They provide both stand-up and cabinet-style electronic dart machines suitable for commercial venues and home use.
• Technical and compliance credentials: Multiple patents and international certifications (CE/ROHS) mean purchasing from a supplier with verifiable quality controls.
• Service orientation and dealer program: WillDarts actively recruits global dealers to scale distribution and support regional service — a key advantage if you want local spares and maintenance partners.

If you want to review their products or explore dealer opportunities, visit their website: WillDarts official site. I’ve recommended them to clients because of their combination of commercial-grade engineering and accessible dealer support.

FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

1. How often should I replace soft-tip darts in a high-traffic venue?

In busy locations I budget for replacing soft-tip darts every 2–6 weeks depending on play intensity. Inspect tips daily and replace any that are visibly deformed. Keep a rotating stock to avoid service interruptions.

2. What electrical safety checks are essential before opening the cabinet?

Always power down and unplug the machine. Verify no residual voltage on large capacitors if you open power modules. Check for frayed cords and confirm fuses match manufacturer specs. OSHA guidance on electrical safety provides a good baseline: https://www.osha.gov/electrical.

3. Is it safe to use compressed air inside the cabinet to remove dust?

Yes, if you power off and unplug the equipment first. Hold the canned air upright to avoid propellant discharge and use short bursts to avoid spinning fans at high speed. Keep a reasonable distance from delicate connectors and use an ESD wrist strap if you touch PCBs.

4. How do I know when a power supply needs replacement?

Symptoms include unexpected reboots, voltage instability, swelling or leaking capacitors, or audible whining. Use a multimeter to measure voltages under load and compare to manufacturer specs; if readings drift or ripple beyond acceptable limits, plan replacement.

5. Can firmware updates be done remotely?

Some modern electronic dart machines support remote firmware updates via network connection. However, I recommend applying updates during off-hours, monitoring the process in-person, and ensuring backups are available. Check vendor procedures and change logs before applying updates.

6. What documentation should I keep for warranty claims?

Keep maintenance logs, dates and serial numbers of replaced parts, firmware versions, photos of faults, and proof of purchase. These support warranty claims and help manufacturers diagnose recurring issues faster.

Contact and next steps

If you'd like a printable daily/weekly checklist template tailored to your venue, or to review commercial electronic dart machines, contact me or view products and dealer opportunities at WillDarts: https://www.willdarts.com/. I am also recruiting dealers worldwide to help expand the dart machine business and support operators with timely parts and service.

References and standards cited: OSHA electrical safety (https://www.osha.gov/electrical), CE marking (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CE_marking), RoHS directive (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Restriction_of_Hazardous_Substances_Directive), overview of darts as a game (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darts).