Onward!!!...

can i please have the file as well?

Of course, send me your email.

Hello all,

Jay from IPDB has contacted me, I will send him the update files and chang logs for the ALIEN tonight.

In the future everyone can get the updates there.

An new challenge for me... these plastic parts for the Xeno.
I try to redesign them...

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In red there, the profile that I trimmed out in that void so that there could be clearance for the tongue jaw mod that I made.

Ah yes, I remember - very funny idea.
First I have to redesign matching parts.

I also relocated the jaw pivot about 4mm rearward, so that now the Xeno has more under-bite, and this mainly solves the lower jaw fouling with the S/U targets issue.

The counterweight on the jaw.
The servo saver linkage, and relocate this servo link to outside of the body. Isn't that an exo-skeleton now? (More funny ideas )
The counterweight on the back of the tounge.

I'm very happy with the way it looks and works now. Most heard comment at the State Pinball Open other weekend, on start Ambush... "THAT's Cool!".

Only thing is the jaw still looks a little out because of the broken upper tooth. I have a new head with all it's teeth for after the teardown. Actually, maybe I'll turn to dentistry, and try a bit of airbrushing!. The head on there since I got it has a big split up it from being over tightened once upon a time. I repaired with heat and pushed back together, but it would still really want a touchup or repaint to cover the split mark.

I think you can repair the head.
As you said, cleaning and glueing together, sanding and new painting.... maybe some airbrush and that's it.

News on ElFoil !!!

A first set from the manufacturer is on its way to me for testing.
If it fits , production will start and ministryofpinball.com will sell them.

I will post pictures from the advanced ElFoil. It will become more secure while screwing in the foils, no more screws through the high voltage area ...

Yes I already repaired it. Heat as well was needed, I think the whole side piece would have surely snapped off if I tried to correct the distortion (in the vice) without about 150deg.C of heat. It is very stiff/non-malleable material. It's good now!. But, the crack line remains visible, although barely noticeable. I skipped the sanding and re-painting part due to just focusing on doing what I thought was needed for sorting ALL the problems with this head. And also skipped the dentistry

Done a bit of dabbling in airbrushing, so might as well give it a crack since I have a reasonable quality airbrush.

Btw, I was reluctant at first to drill a new pair of holes for the jaw pivot, to move it back. Could not go "a little bit" very easily, it was basically a full hole diameter + a millimeter as a minimum. I am very glad I did though, now. Same goes alongside that with moving the servo back and adding the "protector" link. This has the counterweight aspect also though (which also partly cures a rare ball hangup behind head lol). Gives the jaw maybe 10-15 degrees extra rotation which means it can park properly closed and still open all the way. AND resist blowing anything when the jaw inevitably gets hung up on the tongue (if (when) it stalls extended eg.). It did this trick at least once on the show weekend, and I didn't see it happen, but a ball search or something and it had corrected itself and continued operating how it should after that, by the time I got there. I'm okay with it being on our little location here now.

Very good
Do you have any news regarding shipment of the bracket?
I have the information that all deliveries still remain at IPZ Frankfurt... I cannot believe this!
This is week four and nothing happens?

Awesome news Tom. Can't wait!

Hello all,

Jay has provided the update files on IPDB-ALIEN.

https://www.ipdb.org/machine.cgi?id=6419

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I put the number you sent me into DHL Aust. website, which gave me this message:

The item was handed over to the International Logistics Center on 26.04.2021 to be forwarded to the country of destination. Unfortunately the tracking and tracing of the destination country does not offer a data interface with the tracking and tracing of Deutsche Post AG. Further information is also provided by the website of the country of destination.
26.04.2021 02:49 Local time

My guess is that it is on it's way, but there is limited tracking offered, therefore your last update might be the last location in origin country. ie. no updates listed.

Yes, I can confirm your guess, because other deliveries to the US are same. Some were already delivered, other are still on it's way, but no indication where they really are.

Yep...my tracking didn't even update for over 2 weeks, then just showed up at my door yesterday ...crazy

so keep watching them boats float around on the internet pics people!

Just saw this, lol...fortunately I was waiting on a part from someone and knew what was coming...

Hi guys

I remember reading sometime back about a solution to fix the buzzing left flipper noise. Am I mistaken ?

Hopefully the people hear can give me some guidance.

Thanks

Alien is still my favorite of all time

In the 1.4 code there is the option to swap left sling and left flipper, as the design mix up of control circuits is the cause of the excessive buzz.

That is, you can swap the wiring of the two items, then select option to swap control of them in the options menu.

Thank you

Here's the first print of the Xeno plastic parts.
Will check next week how the gear will move in it.

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It is no good! ... the relief is not squared to accept the tongue jaw mod?!!

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Original part first... we can change that if we know the gear will fit and work properly.

It makes no difference for the original part, no disadvantage, just that tongue jaw can fit, meaning I think All (one) variant should provide the option.

Just saying.

For a Stainless jaw as I used though, also includes a linear counterweight on the back end of the tongue rack. So it wouldn't be for everyone anyway.

I found the weight of the little SS jaw added with a ball on the magnet was too close to borderline and sometimes stalled the tongue retracting. The counterweight I put in a tube behind, made it flow beautifully. Before it would occasionally over-run and extend past the normal full extension which used to cause problems sometimes too.

My stepper motor has had a hard life, and rather noisy, but it still works. Might replace it. This is the experimental hack head anyway, development. I have brand new update heads in box. I will do most of the mods the same repeat.

My experience was that the support of the gear is different.
Some ALIEN had to much space and the gear "jumps" over the teeth and then the calibration doesn't work until it's resetted.
The second ALIEN I have here works much better in that case as mine does.
There were ideas to integrate a spring support to ensure the gear always has the same distance, but not so easy due to space in the assembly.

Ahh I see. My gear has not too much clearance and doesn't jump. Although it is plastic gear that is working fine, where the new ones here are metal as per latest version.

I am using a weight not a spring too. Also not in the same way or reason as I think you are describing. I just created a counterweight, to help retract the tongue, up the slope..

I should try to take some pictures I guess (:

ElFoil proto arrived:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/heighway-alien-elfoil-replacement-is-coming#post-6323103

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The new repro ElFoil blades

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Front and back

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Original foil

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New foil

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New foil build in

I will post on vailability and prices at MinistryOfPinball.

The background: many people asked me to make a run of this ElFoil Blades since they are no longer available.
There was such a demand that it was out of my range for a Hobby project so I passed it to Bertjan from ministryofpinball.com
I did all the measuring and testing but they will be sold over him.

Very well done!!!

And here are the last two plastic parts for the Xeno - support of the gear.
The files will be added to the howto at www.flippermakt.de.
As printing material I would recommend nylon or carbon reinforced PETG.

And as mentioned by razoredge, I will change the diameter and radius to support it's JAW mod.
That modification has no effect to the function at all.

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Done...

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Nice!!!!! Think I'll order a set as we all know EL fades over time...paper, wire, whatever....thanks for doing this.....

And excellent!!!

Now if someone will source these $%#^! Xeno targets switches and the LED PCB boards there is nothing that can't be handled on our own for down the road repairs.......

Where is Mike (@timebandit)?

My right flipper assembly broke at the coil stop mount. No original parts available...what can i take as a replacement assembly?

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Use Williams parts - the entire assy is a WPC part.

Except the baseplate has a different screw pattern to the playfield*

Lower Left and Right flipper plates conflict with one another, unless you cut a chunk out. Also mounting the stupid filler block.

Hello Alien fans and fellow pin collectors, I would like to introduce myself into this small but amazingly supportive club.

As a few of you maybe aware that I just bought an OG Alien pin locally (luck out with perfect timing) in beautiful condition. I picked it up last weekend, but have been reading this thread and messaged a few of y'all about mods, parts and files a few days ago. All of them have responded back in less than a day! Extremely helpful from everyone even though some had already moved on from this pin.

Prior to buying my Alien pin, I already knew this thread is full of passionate fans and collectors. I have to admit that is one of the main reasons I decided to take a chance with the original HW Alien even in light of PB remakes. Given the infamous history and reputation of this game, I had doubts but a good feeling that I won't be feeling alone to struggle with issues and finding parts.

So far, my dealings have proved I was right about this group. The help and support I received exceeded all my expectations. Special thanks to Averell, Chipscott, Vimtoman and last but not least Mk6pin whom I'm waiting something truly special in the mail from (sorry if I forget anyone).

To anyone who is on the fence about the Heighway Alien, dive in and you will be backed by a great group. I am so glad I took the plunge. The immersion and theme integration are truly fantastic! Best sound and videos for any pin bar none.

Thanks to Averell, first thing first:

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Freeplay put the Xeno target led switchboards back up for Alien and FT as an fyi. Picked up a few, as one of mine is sticking on occasion.

Suspect very similar to what they are using all the way around ( oddly) on the VE's. At least the Xeno bracket is pretty beefy, so decent at taking a beating.

Anxious to sort a leaf switch, RGB solution, but content w replacements if needed for now.

@gprotein: A very good choice and congrats to your new Pin.

You've printed the rulesheet on letter format... you should use DIN A4, it's more user friendly to read.

Welcome to Alienland ( and one of my favorite Avatars, btw)!!!

An absolute deadly pin and totally consuming when you play it...fun awaits...mark

That's useful to know, having had a bad experience trying to get some from gameroom.no - Paypal were quick to refund me at least. I was considering making my own via JLCPCB or whatever. Freeplay still don't have the whole target though and mine are close to breaking apart.

Working on new APC-Decals...

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Got refunds on all my orders too....they never emailed once ( surprise).

My switch bodies are fine, but would be nice for an entire assembly w a leaf switch. Maybe at some point....

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The lettering isn't clear. First post earlier was better I rekon.

Black outline around the white letters would go well I think?

So is gameroom.no a fraud ?