https://go.twitch.tv/dead_flip

FYI - Stern has not directly confirmed anything about .92 killing the the motor ... that post in Star Wars problems thread was not from Stern but rather a blast email from a re-seller to their Star Wars customers. .91 and .92 code both seem to be exploiting something in certain machines that is killing the node board that controls the motor BUT Stern has not stepped up and officially stated the cause.

solid advice - hopefully we will see a fix soon.

Thank you for taking the time out to do this ... very interesting to see.

I've had my hopes up ever since the week of expo but I'm prepared to be disappointed. again.

beautiful indeed. ENJOY!

not necessarily BM66 specific I prefer to put play-field protectors on all my machines before I play the first ball... the trick is to have the protector there before the machine arrives so you are not tempted to play it before hand. You'll never know it's there but it will keep you premium play-field looking brand new.

Yes, the need for the capacitor update as well as the node board stabilization update is not solely for those with shaker motors. it is recommended for all.

yes. make sure USB is formatted FAT32 and there are no other files on it.

awesome thanks for the heads up!

Code .87 is available!

V0.87.0 - Jan. 30, 2018
=======================

- Fixed an issue where the minor villain modes that had been completed
could not be played again after all had been played.
- Fixed an issue where the BOOKWORM mode would be stuck on the last shot
and would not end sometimes.
- Added "BATUSI" multiball mode for completing one TV mode from SEASON 1,
one TV mode from SEASON 2, and one TV mode from SEASON 3.
- Implemented "MINOR VILLAIN AWARDS PERSIST UNTIL END OF GAME" for
completing the BOOKWORM mode.
- Implemented "ALLOW REPLAY FAILED MODES" and "ALLOW REPLAY ANY MODES"
for completing the MAD HATTER modes.
- Frozen timers for completing the MR. FREEZE mode were lasting until
the end of the game (always). This has been corrected.
- Misc. tweaks and volume adjustments to sounds and music.
- The MULTIBALL award from MYSTERY is not allowed when VILLAIN ESCAPE or
BATUSI modes are ready to start.
- Sequenced BATUSI with VILLAIN ESCAPE so they can both run at the same
time.
- Added a mode for KING TUT (Episode #117).
- Fixed a problem where if the adjustment "SHOT MULT. CARRY BALL/BALL"
was set, the shots would not be initialized correctly and shooting a
shot would often result in a 0 (zero) score.

Best news ever. So happy for you and your family bro.

Do you know what time?

Many thanks my friend.

Mine is EXACT same way. looks like a bunch of tiny bubbles in most of the inserts. i have had no other issues with the play filed over the last year and it does not seem to have gotten any worse.

I also have them a bit in my Ghost Busters but Guardians and Star Wars are Crystal clear.

Looks like new code is up.

Edit: Or maybe not... there is an entry just added today but the code version is still .88 ... maybe they are updating the site right now.

see my updated post.

If you go here: http://www.sternpinball.com/game-code

Stern always bumps the latest code up to the top. Until today it was Aerosmith at the top with the latest update being 4/4 ... now Batman66 has moved from 2/22 up to the top showing today's date so I suspect it will update soon with new code version for download.

Still hoping for a nice surprise but you are probably right.

V0.90.0 - Apr. 12, 2018
=======================

- Added additional modes for Catwoman ("Catwoman's Dressed To Kill"),
Joker ("Surf's Up! Joker's Under!"), Penguin ("Enter Batgirl, Exit
Penguin"), and Riddler ("Ring Around The Riddler").
These can be accessed by:
1) Holding in the right flipper button when the ball is in the shooter
lane with no major villain mode running, pressing the left flipper
button will change the mode that starts next. Repeatedly pressing
the right flipper button cycles through the major villains.
2) Playing through the major villain modes normally. The next mode
to start will be the one that hasn't been played already.
- Added new High Score tables for the new major villain modes.
- The Penguin VUK will now kick a few extra times (consecutively) before
it is flagged with "OPERATOR ALERT".
- Fixed an issue where some player scores for certain villain champions
would not be considered properly for High Score To Date.
- Super Skill Shot is now stopped by the Top Lanes and the Top Eject.
- Improved throughput of node communication for better lamp performance.
- Fixed pricing text alignment in previous games scores screen in attract
mode.
- Added completion (jailed) effects for the minor villains.
- Added logic to be able to start the game using the lockdown button.

Does this clip bother anyone else as much as it does me? ... it the only clip that is pillar boxed (black bars on left/right) or at least the only that I have seen. Being in the video / post production industry its like nails on a chalkboard every time I see it.

Typically this is cause by incorrectly processing the aspect ratio of the source clip. A simple fix that I mistakenly assumed that would have been on Stern's to-do list from the get go. After a year+ of owning the machine a considerable amount of updates I'm guessing they are unaware or uninterested in remedying.

IMG_1831 (resized).jpg

It was a great feed with Lyman taking notes the whole time which is a good indication of continued code updates. Maybe not the at the pace we have been used to but doesn't sound like he done by any means.

Hey guys, need some guidance on on issue I am having with a new BM66 (fresh out of the box as of this AM) ...

About every other ball, the auto plunger will send the ball airborne and it actually will hit the right wire ramp vs passing underneath. I've never had this issue with any of my pins so was looking for some advice as to what to adjust. Looking at everything from up top, nothing in noticeably our of wack.

I was dealing with the crane / opto flag issues as well... mine would be centered of the inserts when moving out to the left but on the way back they were misaligned. no amount of adjustment on the bracket or through the menu delay settings could dial it in.

I ended up using a small strip of aluminum duct HVAC tape and widening the opto flag by a couple of mm on each side. works perfectly now. at first I was not thrilled about having to do this on a brand new machine but it works. I may fabricate something more permanent down the road but at least its not driving me crazy while i play.

I think the metal bat symbol from Chrome Candy is an absolute for this pin. far superior to the vinyl decal that stern uses or any of the 3D printed option that are out there.

https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1029-chrome-candy/01719-batman-emblem

Catwoman in the house...
IMG_3271 (resized).jpgIMG_3272 (resized).jpgIMG_3273 (resized).jpg

IMG_3275 (resized).jpg

completely agree - I had assumed it would be a catwoman card but I'm not too worried about it, I'm happy with what I have.

could always get this: ebay.com link: 1966 Topps Batman card 27 Catwoman Signed by JULIE NEWMAR PSA DNA

For any Catwoman owners, I am making a custom badge for mine and will likely have a few extras made... these will be reverse printed on lexan and laser cut to match the original one. easy swap.

Still playing around with the layout... artwork has all been re-created @ high-re but here is a low-res preview of what I've put together so far.
badge_v2 (resized).jpg

I'm still waiting on the proof of the final plastic version but I went ahead and did a test print as just a vinyl decal to make sure I have size correct etc. I think it turned out well and honestly the decal would probably be just fine but it does lack that shine a plastic one will give. For those that reached out, I will circle back once I see the first one off.
IMG_3287 (resized).jpg

IMG_3280 (resized).jpg

I had thought about that so I figured I’d create a CATWOMAN Premium Edition version as well.

I'm not usually one for putting a lot figures on the playfield but I thought the Hallmark one would be a nice touch to round out the Catwoman motif. I shaped a piece of 16awg multi purpose wire and fit it to a small hole I drilled in her caboose (of course this is also when my wife decides to walk in and see what I'm up to) ... covered wire with heat shrink and secured to the post in the pop-bumper plastic. I know this has been done before so thank you for the idea.
IMG_3303 (resized).jpgIMG_3302 (resized).jpg

all of my NIB sterns have been painted black on the inside (even my previous BM66) but my Catwoman edition is the first I've seen with the raw wood bottom on the inside.

So my catwoman that was built two weeks ago does NOT have interlock.

Custom Catwoman badges came in today. They turned out great and perfect fit. I had sent my art files over to Joe @ Szabos Arcades wo did the printing and laser cutting, he always comes through for me anytime I have one of these custom projects. He does some really amazing things in the video game restoration side if you get a chance to check out his site. (https://www.szabosarcades.com/)

First batch of 10 went super fast so we have another in the works now. PM me if you would like one. $25 shipped (CONUS) which covers my cost. not looking to get rich on these, just want to help out some fellow BM66/Catwoman owners.
IMG_3266 (resized).JPEGIMG_3267 (resized).JPEGIMG_3345 (resized).jpg
IMG_3348 (resized).jpgIMG_3349 (resized).jpg

Nice!

i dont see a PM from you but no worries, i got on for you. send me a PM

Check out chrome candy metal bat emblem for the bat gadget button. Such a nice upgrade from the vinyl decal

https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1029-chrome-candy/by-game/2431-batman-66

This happened to me with my Catwoman as well ... i stayed home that day only to get a call from the freight company telling me the driver was in a wreck and they would have to re-deliver the following Monday (not a wreck in the truck but on his way to work. Driver was not hurt.)... I went and got the company truck and picked it up myself because I am impatient as hell.

I pulled off my original sticker as I didn't want to see any of the original sticker protruding from underneath. Although as I recall, it was very minimal so may not bother everyone. The Chrome Candy emblem is so good there is NEVER a reason (for me) to go back.

I have installed (3) of these now and never had to do any adjustments for the bat-gadget button or switch. If anything were needed it would likely just be a small adjustment to leaf switch but again, I never encounter a need to do so.

No need. The button holds it tightly in place.

In the service menu you can advance to each of the stops on the turret. I don't think there is a way to disengage it to spin freely.

Not bad at all ... man, i need to start playing more. I haven't gotten anywhere near that.

I have not seen any difference other than the ball plays smooth all the time without having to wax or clean the play-field. I have installed one on every pin I've owned.

https://www.playfield-protectors.com/28/Sales-Promotion

Depends on if your distributor had in stock or if they are waiting on Stern to build it / ship it. I ordered my Catwoman on day one and it was just under 3 weeks total for stern to build it, Gameroom guys to retrieve it and the ship to me in ATL. My original BM66 machine they had in stock and it was to my door in 3 days.

I would call your distributor, they should be able to contact Stern and get a better idea of schedule.

ah, well hang in there. I know its sucks waiting.

me too - i told my distributor to get order me a set as soon as they are available but they have not officially gone on sale.

Awesome. Thanks!!

It's just cosmetic changes so in theory one could be made, BUT i dont think you would be able to get the parts from Stern. You would need:

1. Back Box side decals
2. Collectible card singed by Julie Newmar
3. Catwoman Translight

For any current or future Catwoman owners, I have one badge left from the last batch ($25)... PM me if interested.

IMG_3350 (resized).jpg

very nice. i think i will update my screws as well

ChromeCandy Metal Bat-Symbol for lock down bar...

I wasn't happy with the Julie Newmar card that came with my Catwoman (since it didn't actually have Catwoman on it)... so I 'lifted' her signature from my original card and made a few stand-ins that I can alternate... I will keep the original in a protective cover in the coin box (for the next owner) but nothing wrong with having something that looks more appropriate in the meantime.
IMG_3477 (resized).jpg

It’s all Photoshop, I bought the alternate cards on eBay and then scanned them along with my original signed card. Isolated the signature from my original card to then be able to place wherever I wanted on the new ones. Color corrected everything for print and then output on heavy card stock. Under the plexi protector in the game they are quite convincing.

The other thing I was thinking of trying is printing the appropriately positioned signature on clear film and then cutting it to the same size as its associated card. That way I can have the original card in there with signature overlay. Under the game plexi I doubt you would be able to tell. However, what I currently have looks great so I think i can put the paintbrush down for now.

One thing you can do is stick a wooden toothpick in the hole and then reinstall the screw / break off the extra toothpick protruding. This little trick has helped me out numerous times in the arcade restoration world. I know it's not ideally what you want to be doing on a 7K+ machine but it should allow you to properly snug the screw and keep if from coming out any more.

Question: Does everyones Ball Lock Diverter Flap hit the back metal rail when it's open? It does this on my Catwoman and since it's metal on metal its rather noisy. I dont recall this grabbing my attention on my previous BM66 machine but who knows. You can see a vertical, shiny / polished line on the back rail from where it makes contact. I don't think it's really going to harm anything but just curious if this is how they all are.

Thanks for the quick reply / confirmation!

You have put up with far more than I would have my friend. You are well within your rights to have your distributor get with Stern and remedy most if not all these issues. Perhaps they will send you and entirely new, populated play field that should solve all your issues in one fail swoop... or at the very least, they should be able to resolve all the mechanical/electrical issues you agree having. The cosmetic issues might be a tougher fight but I would ask that it all be addressed. In either case, the machine is under warranty for a full year. Be firm about your expectations but polite in you plea for help.

In the past for some cases, Stern has sent new, fully populated play-fields, meaning all of the parts are already there and connected. All you have to do is unplug the main harness on your current and switch with the new. Hopefully eliminating both your cosmetic and electrical issues. That is what I would push for.

Just came here to read / discuss anything other than Star Wars home pin...

Congratulations - ENJOY!

Welcome to the club! Batman 66 playfield protector is one of the simpler playfields to do but if you have any specific questions let us know...

My suggestion would be to put it on right away and preserve your brand new playfield. Nothing wrong if you want to play a game or two to make sure everything is in working order before you start taking things apart but point being that every ball played produces some sort of wear on you playfield so the sooner the better.

Some suggestions:

1. Wear some powder-less latex or nitrile gloves for the install. This helps to not cloudy up all your plastics and parts with finger prints but also prevents you from getting any prints on the underside of the playfild protector once you peel off the protective layer.

2. Make sure you take the balls out of the machine. The install will have you raising the playfield up and down more than once and you don't want the balls crashing down when you lift it up. (most people only make this mistake once) ... I also like to drape a towel over the top of the backbox so that the playfield doesn't mar up the top of the backbox trim when lifted.

3. Take your time and go section by section with disassembly. I use sandwich bags and label them to hold the various screws in and posts etc from each section. For example "Left Sling Shot" or "Right Ramp" ... it also helps to take photos of these areas before you start disassembling. Often time when people first start it all seems straight forward and easy to remember but once you get to the point of re-assembly you can sometimes start question where a certain washer or post went. I would do this with the flippers as well... before you remove them, pay attention to their position and orientation to the small hole in the playfield at the tip of each flipper bat. This will help you put them back to their original location. Same for the underside when you disconnect things. the few harnesses you have to disconnect have unique connectors so you shouldn't have any issue in reconnecting but if you want save yourself from second guessing it never hurts to snap a few photos as you are pulling things apart.

4. Penguin Crane --- this is really the only thing that can ruin you day with this install. I personally have never taken the crane out to install a protector. You can use the service menu to move the crane out from its resting place so that you can maneuver the crane through its associated hole in the protector. HOWEVER, before you even get close to this step, take a minute to feel the bottom of the wrecking ball on the crane with your finger. You will see that the wrecking ball can actually slide up a bit and whats hiding underneath is the end of the cable assembly which is sharp like a nail head. this will scratch the hell out of the protector during install if not properly dealt with. I'm sure others have their own way of dealing with this but what i do is take a small strip of thin, dense plastic and put it under the crane ball and then use painters tape that you wrap upwards around the crane itself to pull this piece of material snugly up again the sharp cable end. I usually do a couple passes of tape to make sure it doesn't pop loose while installing. What I used was actually a small strip of plastic i cut from an old damaged playfield proctor but really you are just looking for the thinnest piece of material that the sharp edge wont penetrate. Im sure there are more ways to deal with this issue and perhaps other members may have a simpler suggestion but I just wanted you to be aware so you don't find out the hard way.

5. If you have an air compressor it is handy have to blow away any debris from the stripped down playfield before you lay the protector in there. I usually clean the playfield with a good streak free window cleaner and microfiber. There can be fingerprints and smudges on the playfield from the factory or even oil trails from the balls themselves. You don't want any of that staring at you from underneath the protector after you have put everything back together. Whatever you use to clean it, just make sure it is fully dry and no moisture is present when you finally set the protector in.

6. Laying in the protector... once you have everything removed that's in the way of dropping the protector in, peel off the underside protective layer but leave the top layer on all until you have everything in place. Once you have confirmed that the protector is laying flat and in its final place you can peel off the top film.

7. Once you have everything back together and you are ready to drop the balls in, I like to clean them off to make sure they don't leave any unnecessary oil trails on the fresh playfield.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head... it may sound intimidating but it's really not that bad and (in my opinion) well worth the effort. They are not for everyone but I like the fact that i can play as many games as I want and underneath is still a brand new playfield.

Enjoy!

... if you get stuck on anything shoot me a PM

That does sound like a more elegant solution... I don't think I eve bothers to see how far back it would bend.

I've never owned the atomic pile mod but from the looks of it, I do not think it would interfere with a playfield protector install.

Ah, gotcha... no, no need to do anything to the turntable.

I think in most instances a full playfield protector renders cliffy's unnecessary. You definitely don't want to lay over the top of any. I have playfield protectors on all my machines and the only cliffy that I still have in place is on my TRON (the scoop under the mini tron cabinet) but it is installed OVER the playfield protector and not the other way around. The only reason I reinstalled it was because there was already some minor cosmetic damage to that area before the cliffy was installed and putting it back helped hide that where the clear playfield protector alone would not.

here is a link to the protector I have, might help to see what areas it does and does not cover...

https://www.playfield-protectors.com/Home/Details/d0FenT3A9kWPyOqX7bJ0SA?catgoryid=22&name=Batman%2066%20(Premium)%20%7C%202016%20%7C%20Playfield%20Protector

FYI - Looks like the new art blades are available on Stern site...
https://shop.sternpinball.com/collections/accessories/products/limited-batman-crime-fighter-inside-art-blades

If you just got your machine then it's definitely a warranty item and Stern will send you the correct screws you need. If you send your pictures and serial number to your distributor, they will be able to open a ticket for you.

welcome to the club ... looks like lots of love for the Catwoman edition...

first washer (and screw) i have had come off on two separate BM66 machines was the screws on top of the bat cave spinner.

Very nice. Did you order right from stern site or through your distributor?

I had a few more requests so I made another batch of Catwoman Badges if anyone else is interested.
IMG_3638 (resized).jpg

I have an extra set of the new Crime Fighter Art Blades from Stern if anyone is interested... https://pinside.com/pinball/market/classifieds/ad/82760

I had the exact same issue... first time I popped it in it was off center and tilted to the left... bugged the heck out of me. I pulled it out, removed original 3M tape and used the 3M black double sided tape (stronger) ... I also cut the wire tires off entirely which allowed me to tuck the wires up and over the crane mod.

My "Bat-Tube" was also loose and dangling upon delivery but I was able to put it back on the metal brackets and slide the original zip ties back in place. Here is what it should look like.
IMG_3451 (resized).jpg

yeah, my previous BM66 did not have... honestly the decal doesn't stick very well to the smooth PVC but a cool little bonus detail that they definitely did not have to add.

off topic, but anyone interested in the Stern Translight LED Displays? (the ones for modern translite size like BM66) .. I have two brand new that I was going to display but decided not to hang up. They are usually $99 each but was thinking $75 each for display (free shipping) AND if you want a new BM66 translite to go in one, I have and extra I can sell for good price.

My new "Shooter Rod" came in...
IMG_3838 (resized).JPG

Seriously though... who thought this was a good idea?

I made a set of graphics for mine to help hide this very issue. I’ll post a pic in a few...

So here is the set I made... its a decal for the Left, Right and Back side of the scoop. vinyl printed decal with poly-carbonate overlay just like graphics on the apron. I actually added a purple scoop illumination to my machine and having that area lit up really highlighted the wear from the ball. I had to come up with something to cover it so it wasn't staring me in the face while I play.
BM66_Crane (resized).jpgPenguinCrane_2.0 (resized).jpg

↑ This ↑

It’s a pretty common material in the vinyl sign world. My sign shop guy who prints all my art always has it. I’m sure 3M and Avery offer it but I’ve never personally bought any.

I'm sure I can get them down to $10 shipped if you all are interested... could get them made during this week and ship by next if not sooner.

Sure thing!

Anyone who would like, just send me a pm and I’ll get you my PayPal info.

I’ll get a new batch printed this week.

Sure - just send me a PM (if you haven't already)

For those that wanted a decal, they are all shipping out tomorrow. I only did a batch of 30 and they are all spoken for. May do another batch in the future if needed.

I’m sure she will look great. Should be same scale as the other hallmark figures which fit nicely. I added the Hallmark Catwoman to mine a while ago...

I hadn't heard this... what was the deal?

I had this problem on my first BM66 ... a little foam pad stuck to the back of the scoop solved this. I think I used a small square piece of self adhesive weather stripping from Home Depot. Interestingly enough my Catwoman does not have this issue but I know it is common.

Same here - no issues at all on my catwoman and I even have the sewer decal and a play-field protector in place.

Is this by default with latest code or do you have the enable it in a settings menu?

Anyone interested in a Flipper Fidelity Animated Back Box LED Panel for their CATWOMAN edition? I have a brand new one for $100 shipped (normally $140 + Shipping)

Comes with new, original, mounting hardware / wiring harness / instructions (it's 100% plug and play and non-destructive install) Also has remote so you can change speed and brightness.

Here are a couple of vids of the panel in action:

IMG_6339 (resized).jpg