Ordered one after seeing the post. It arrived today and wow, has some size to it. I don't know if I'll launch from the skull-heads or the tail. The handle is lighter than it looks and appears antique-ish (photos without flash look represent the color well). Fun project for the weekend.

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Yeah. The storm-trooper head is really odd. I actually don't want to explain what it fells like to use it.

You know, I found orange 'dust' in the bottom-front-right side of the newer Stern cabinets. I looked the flipper coils; hmpf, I don't know? I bet its from that launcher spring.

Shucks. Last week, my hopes were lifted for both by Christmas. Must have been a rough week.

Received a message today, "Your topper is ready for pickup". Luckily the storm went south so the drive in/out was nice.

Be mindful of the head while unpacking and prepare for feather installation before placing the header on the cabinet. My feather's quill is a bit tiny for the feather-hole and lock. I rolled electrical tape around the quill to provide a firm installation.

I play HCUO (home credit use) and was surprised to find the top-knight has something to say about each coin deposited. I couldn't catch the exact call-out changes, but noticed the knight's eye-flashing-while-talking were swapped from the play-field to the topper. At game's-end; he head-bangs until the music fades. It's pretty neat. I'd have to say this topper and the R2 unit are freeaaking nice. I'm thankful and lucky to have 'em.

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The local dealers are at an advantage when driving in to Stern and picking up their machines, parts and accessories. They have quick access to information and vendor/supplier chains like Pinball Life. I wonder if a dealer search using Chicago zip codes will provide a dealer for your in-stock needs.

Very easy and identical to their other headers. The Stern machines have a wire plug and (4) screws pre-installed. Simply remove the (4) screws and plug, slip the wires thru, place the topper and re-install the screws. There's (2) connections; one for power and one for signal.

My local dealer is Hemispheres. Kurt and Mark are pretty cool; they've provided most of my Stern machines and accessories.

It looks like 7-1/2". I'd suggest 7-3/4" at a minimum and push for 8". The head is a high-point and the movement needs to be considered.

I feel bad. Perhaps I should head over there this weekend and assemble toppers. Here's one for Wolf, another for John, another for...

I love the clear upper playfields. To see the art below and actively play on both levels is an excellent feature. This machine's art, lighting and fire dance really make it pop.

Discovered a few high-spots in the wire-frame ramp while cleaning. Flattening the weld and replacing the balls provides a better future, but I wonder if a ramp replacement is best. The balls were, without a doubt, ready for a swap.

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The large feather looks great. I felt my feather was less-than-substantial too. A package should arrive today with a variety of Black, Red and Gold feathers. The plan is to mix the colors, then replicate the arrangement on the play-field knight. Should be fun.

The topper makes the machine feel 'cathedral-like'. That sensation of walking into an old church and looking up at the features above. At first, it distracts game-play. In time; it become's part of the experience and the machine will feel naked without.

Flippin' Feathers. Yeah, it's a bit excessive. Lots of room to play.

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It's an issue for me too; it's blinding. Thinking about installing tinted plastic lenses.

Hmmm. I wonder if there's room to re-purpose sun-glass-lenses into the outside eye-sockets. Perhaps a colored polarized lens. I wonder if the reflection would be a nuisance. Hmmmm.

Re-Feathered the Knight. I'm trying for something substantial while avoiding 'Vegas Showgirl'.

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It is underrated.

A player visited with his focus on Iron Maiden. After viewing and playing BKSOR; the remainder of his night was Black Knight. Iron Maiden just sat there.

A fine steel-wool or scouring-pad would remove the mirroring.
https://www.tiltgraphicsinc.com/product-page/stern-mirror-blades

Hmmm. It's surprising that manufacturers haven't created a generic fits-all Topper. Perhaps an over-sized company logo or video panel repeater showing the animations and scores.

Yes, me too; always to the player's right. I power-off, recenter the head, then power back on.

I'm not certain, but suspect the issue is turning off the machine at the same moment as the attract mode kicks-in.

Original. The updated plastic;

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Yeah, like 'em and wouldn't return to original, but I cannot tell you they're worth $70 shipped. I favored the change to the extent that time was spent looking for IMDN replacements. The factory art is blah; pops should have some pizzazz.

I was charged $499 for the BKTopper at the game's release in March 2019. The physical topper at that time was undetermined; a future item.

In February 2020, we saw the BKTopper introduced on Stern's website; the price displayed was $399. It was quickly removed. It was re-listed shortly after at $449. My distributor provided a credit for difference and there was peace in the World. Since then, it has been crazy, crazy, Crazy, Crazy, CRAZY, CRAZY CRAAAZZZZEEEEE!

This might be the one;
https://www.pinballlife.com/data-eastsegastern-hex-bumper-post-530-5679-00.html
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/530-5679-00

Perhaps after looking at Elton John's release, Stern recognized that screwing with Steve's design shot themselves in the foot.

Maybe they'll release it as Ritchie had designed it.

Page 46 in the Manual (note the use of Loctite 222 for the screw);
https://sternpinball.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/BlackKnight_LE_Pre_web.pdf

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The Pro versus Premium/LE code releases are not identical. I suspect that old 1.01 PREM/LE code on the machine may not auto-program a PRO coded topper without conflict. I'd full-install the latest BKSOR PREM/LE code.

This was 4 years ago from Moonlightfeather. Ordering bundles provided an ability to find one better than the rest. I suspected the 'perfect' feathers are used in their personal projects while 'OK' feathers are sold through their site. Many of the feathers were heavily trimmed; likely removing damaged areas. I suggest doubling the feathers and using electrical connectors to mount them.
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