It's cool to see so many posts lately about my favorite Lawlor pin, CSI. Let's use this thread to share discussions about strategy, tweaks, mods, gripes and brags. I've done a playfield swap on mine; I need to post pics!

Here are a few suggested topics to start:
- orbit posts: friend or foe?
- common problems and fixes (e.g. ball hangs)

I had a ball hang on the magnet in the Microscope shot. I started by trying to adjust the magnet under the playfield, but then decided that job was over my head. So instead, I built up layers of mylar on the magnet until the problem went away.

I also had a ball hang at the DNA drop targets. This one was really easy to fix: there are 2 screws for adjusting the height of the targets.

Have you done any tweaking to make CSI more fun (like TFA's orbit trick)? I adjusted the metal guide at the bottom of the right orbit, so that the ball doesn't bounce off the slingshot when it comes down the right side.

I have some small gripes about CSI, and was wondering if anyone had workarounds for these.

1. When I shoot the left spinner, the up-post often comes up just in time to launch the ball into the glass and on top of the centrifuge. It's rather alarming.

2. The DNA lab scoop has a lot of bounce-outs when shot with the right flipper. Pretty much the only way to stick it is from the left flipper.

3. I wish the centrifuge drained in some other direction. It's not too bad though, maybe one SDTM for every 10 centrifuge drains. Definitely a risk/reward thing.

4. The right orbit is just about impossible to hit on purpose.

I'm guessing the answer to 3 and 4 is "play better".

The "deeper layers" of CSI are definitely the MBs. I've never completed Skull MB or Microscope MB. Microscope MB is pretty much a wizard mode in itself. I've been within a few shots of finishing, but never completed it. It takes really good aim and planning (priming the Centrifuge and DNA for add-a-balls).

I've started using MindMaps to create simple schematics of pinball rules, and I think CSI may be as complex as IM, just not as easy to access. Not many people get to hear "Bullet Jackpot!", for example.

CSI fans are also welcome on this thread. Good luck with the hunt!

From http://www.pinballnews.com/games/csi/index6.html:

"When you've got to the required levels in the three multiballs and all three multiball inserts are lit, the inserts in front of the bullet scoop strobe to indicate something good is available there. Shoot the scoop and you'll get a wizard points award of 50M"

TFA, I think you posted in another thread that you'd gotten some scores near 100M. Was that on 5-ball or 3-ball? I don't think I've cracked 50M yet.

Here's a link to TFA's thread:

http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/csi-better

Yeah, I will definitely try this. And I LOVE the blood in the test tube effect!

Oh yeah, another gripe...the "blue" inserts are more purple on my game. I tried blue NoFlix Plus LEDs, which fixed that problem but ruined the attract mode fade effects.

The original TL isn't bad, but I'm planning to make my own alternate. Love the city scene, hate the girl and the crime tape.

I think an alternate translite gives you the biggest bang for the buck, as far as cosmetic mods go. The actors are already on the playfield, so they're a little redundant on the backglass. I just can't do tits in my gameroom (unless they come with the game).

Yeah, I've experienced the add-a-ball bug. I don't mind this since it doesn't go to the bonus countdown until both balls drain. I consider it a feature. I never noticed the right orbit bug, because I hate that shot!

The audio bugs are the ones that annoy me. I've seen them in other people's videos too, so I'm pretty sure they're common:

1. Volume level suddenly goes up, but then goes back down.
2. Music randomly changes to "ball in shooter lane" for a few seconds.
3. "Pre-echo" when ball is stopped at the microscope magnet.

David Thiel created some original music, but also pulled heavily from the series. I can't seem to find his site anymore; he explained it there.

If you haven't seen the skull test rig video yet, definitely check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=zXIQKSdhFjA#t=22s

Yes, it should hold the ball in until you hit the post with another ball. It does sound like you may have flaky optos.

There's a separate problem that I assume is common: if the ball hits the wire guide running along the right side of the centrifuge, it can push the opto out of alignment and register a switch closure. I think this kit is supposed to fix it:

http://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/502-6005-00

And of course 2 balls in the 'fuge is incredibly fun...

Wow. 500,000 / 250 points per switch hit = 2000 switch hits, about 100 per second. How is this possible? You must have been great at Atari Track and Field!

[EDIT] I forgot about the 100k base jackpot. But still, that's 1600 switch hits in 20 seconds. I suppose this could be possible if you had another MB going already...

Ha, funny - I just ordered it moments ago from Marco. Ah well, it was just $7. I'll definitely email Patrick next time!

Mine is only a crime scene when I play.

Hey, we're both in Duluth! Fun fact: Duluth GA got its name because the founders wanted to recognize their sister city, at the other end of the railroad tracks.

"The town was renamed Duluth in 1871 after Congress approved funding for a north-south railroad connecting it with the better known Duluth, Minnesota. Or, according to the Duluth, Minnesota, Untold Delights of Duluth Wiki-page, Duluth, Georgia, was renamed by Evan P. Howell in humorous reference to Representative J. Proctor Knott's speech to Congress. Originally called Howell's Crossroads in honor of his grandfather, Evan Howell, the town had just finished getting a railroad to the town in 1871 and the "Delights of Duluth" speech was still popular."

The plunger it comes with is already pretty cool - it has a fingerprint. As a player I hate shooter mods that change the way the shooter feels in my hand. May as well add flipper button mods while you're at it...those buttons are so boring!

/rant

Yep, that was me. I did it for selfish reasons - I wanted to protect the brand new PF I installed last year. No signs of wear so far.

I have my CSI for sale locally, but now I'm thinking I may keep it and P-ROC it. I would add a real wizard mode, and have the multiballs store progress so that the goals are attainable.

That's true.

?? CSI does support a shaker. If you mean a board that will let the user program when the shaker goes off, that would be awesome.

Yeah, CSI is a lot of fun to shoot. I miss the sounds and music most of all, very unique for pinball. It was just a few modes shy of being a keeper for me.