(Topic ID: 158288)

Ghostbuster Issue Thread

By exflexer

8 years ago


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55 key posts have been marked in this topic, showing the first 10 items.

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Post #1 Opening post with OP's index of topics Posted by exflexer (8 years ago)

Post #11 Photos of original slimer design Posted by exflexer (7 years ago)

Post #426 Images showing the redesigned Slimer mech Posted by kpg (7 years ago)

Post #430 Pro manual updated to reflect the new slimer mech Posted by kpg (7 years ago)

Post #528 Photos of the Pinball Universe kit installed on GB Posted by sirlonzelot (7 years ago)

Post #565 Link to Pinball Universe Upgrade kit (Germany) Posted by sirlonzelot (7 years ago)

Post #630 GB 1.05 code posted and readme details! Posted by PinB (7 years ago)

Post #662 Link to Pinballlife's alt springs for the Scoleri brothers targets Posted by exflexer (7 years ago)


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#2377 7 years ago

did a road trip and finally picked up a new GB Pro. beautiful looking game...

I haven't played yet and noticed already probably 100 dimples (to be expected from a play test but still surprising having not played it yet). My question to those having bought new sterns, on inspecting the playfield I noticed 6-7 raised bumps in the clear where it must of had crap / dust on the playfield when curing and never buffed off. What is going to happen to these spots as that are in the main front to middle of the playfield. Will they level off or will the clear possibly crack / chip? I can't put a mylar piece on it as it will just bubble.

is this just a normal thing and will the raised bumps level out?

#2379 7 years ago
Quoted from Who-Dey:

I'm interested to hear what people say here. I don't think a new game should have any dimples? I'm not sure what you mean by raised bumps either. Are they over top of an insert by any chance? If so that could mean your inserts in the playfield are lifting? Hopefully that's not the case.

no it looks like after it has been cleared some larger dust particles landing in the clear in a number of spots, almost like a mini pimple, just thought it would of been caught or buffed out. Also the bumps are not over any inserts

#2383 7 years ago
Quoted from Pinballlew:

Could you take pictures of these raised bumps and post them. I really would like to see these raised imperfections...also your dimples...never seen those on a NIB game. You yourself was the first person to set up the game..or did your distributor set it up and play test it? Stern I believe has a ball on a stick to test the pops and the rest I thought was just testing switches with their fingers.

here are some pictures, shipment only arrived in Aus mid Jan, so probably left beginning to mid Dec. Distributor play tested as they said they put in the latest code and it has some random code of 54(random numbered) score. They also broke the rule and repacked and left balls in the game and didn't realise until I heard so rolling and then crashing when I lifted from flat to vertical out of the van. Here are some of the photos of the raised bits, I didn't take photos of the dimples at this stage as knew they were inevitable.

playfield number
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I tried to line up the raised point in the fluro reflection
just above the flipper
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just behind the drop
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just above one of the inserts
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there are others but this gives you the idea.
will these wear down?

or chip?

and does anyone know if this is one of the problem playfields or one of the better ones and which company would of made this? just curious

2 weeks later
#2489 7 years ago

just my experience, I had a vinyl type insert protectors from a CFTBL set I bought a while back and cut up 2 to fit to the drop targets and one peeled over at a corner after a few days - probably an application issue from myself. So peeled off and cleaned up with Novus 1 to then plan to redo but noticed that where the front edge of the vinyl protector was left a residue that can't be removed with Novus 1 or has etched the clearcoat.

I don't know what has happened but removed the other one as well and has the same issue.

#2491 7 years ago
Quoted from gweempose:

Try a little Goo Gone. It's my go to product for getting rid of sticky residue.

so it safe to use on new playfields - can you post a picture of the product as I am in Aus so might not be available.

2 weeks later
#2555 7 years ago

Mine was a late November playfield and early December build and arrived in Aus early Feb. So far put up about 400 games.

Positives
- haven't had to play with the slimer mech / switch at all.
- had zero ball hops on the outlanes.

Minor Issues
- right to left orbit doesn't always register as a pass around and seems to be on the hard and fast shots.
- put in a 2-3mm think padded tape behind the x2 and x3 targets which has brought down the air balls but still get a few good ones when clipping the blue block rubbers
- pop up stand-ups doesn't always drop and starting to see a couple of mild impressions on the holes from the standups pushing back on to the rear edge.
- lots and lots of dimples (standard)
- had about 6 inclusions - dust in the clear raising the clear to little mini raised points but hoping they wear down over time - can't see them when playing.

Overall pretty good and so much fun - got some mod ideas.

#2559 7 years ago
Quoted from embryon:

interested to see what you come up with Swinksy

gotta a few ideas and improvements and a sticker ready to go with them for a bit of fun

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#2566 7 years ago
Quoted from thall17:

Having an issue with the left hole where you activate extra ball with it not registering the ball being there 50% of the time and then the machine goes in to ball search and eventually kicks it out though not awarding an extra ball....

it could be possible that you switch is at the point of engaging or not.

when it doesn't award and is kicked out is it during a ball search where you hear all the mechs pop?

#2570 7 years ago
Quoted from gweempose:

Is the left scoop bug only on the pro? I haven't noticed a problem on my premium.

haven't a problem with my pro, was very dialed in from unboxing and now in the 400 game range and no out lane hop

#2575 7 years ago
Quoted from ngoett:

Just got our replacement playfield a few days ago. Looks great! Plastic on the ramp got broke in shipping but no biggie can just have Stern sent us a new one. But the metal rail that the playfield slides on... apparently couldnt get it around the playfield so just stuck it on and hammered away. You dont see it so its not a big deal but come on.

that is bad, still shows their work and QA isn't great - come on Stern

1 week later
#2591 7 years ago
Quoted from gweempose:

I'm surprised this doesn't happen on more people's games. Those targets really take a beating. Because of this, I recently decided to disable both of them in the menu, and I now only turn them on when guests are over. I found that they weren't adding to my enjoyment of the game that much, and this will put less wear and tear on the playfield over time.

know the feeling.

#2632 7 years ago

nice work on the score and your new adjusted angle is almost the same as factory how my game came from a November build

#2640 7 years ago
Quoted from Allibaster:

The tip of the flipper was moved up 3/16". It's pretty close to parallel with the ball guides. It doesn't look like much from the photos, though.
My game is a February 2017 build.

yeah mine is almost the same as that, must be when the improved playfields started late half of 2016

#2641 7 years ago
Quoted from Gunnder:

Can someone post a photo and arrow with which screw I am suppose to adjust the flippers with. I tried with what I thought was the right screw (allen key type) but no matter how hard I turned it won't budge. Sorry first game, so noobie question.

as per Allibaster stated, with just one extra thing ensure you maintain the same height of the bat off the playfield otherwise you will lose art quickly.

2 weeks later
#2727 7 years ago

my game has been working really well and then after about 450 games the left scoop just sudden snapped the spot welds - I removed and on inspection noticed the spot welds aren't penetrating and bonding well through both pieces = weld intensity not correct or spot welded time frame too short. So I dare say this will occur to others in time.

bracket drops down
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then lifted up
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to remove - remove the plastic which will then expose 2 x 5/64 allen headed bolts and remove those first
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lift the playfield up and remove the hex head wood screw so the assembly can drop out
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the broken spot welds
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will look to see if I can drill and tap and report back unless someone else can recommend another solution. I could get a work mate to SS weld but then would have to wait until Tuesday next week......

#2754 7 years ago

great info chucksmith and totally agree ad people should not be nervous or frustrated as now there are some specific solutions and help for the issues and saves 50 other threads being created for one off issues. I think it is valuable.

I got the pro and apart from the scoop it has been awesome out of the box and not a issue at all but even the scoop issue was fixable and now bullet proof.

I do recommend cliffy's shooter lane and drain hole protectors as security to protect those areas.
I did not have to calibrate a thing - slimer has been great.

The airballs is a target issue and even though the air protector is controlling the issue, the issue is really the target design has changed as the Bally / WMS have an angle of less than 90 degrees (roughly 85-86 degrees) so when a ball impacts the target it stays low and to the playfield more. The Stern ones are 90 degrees and when the ball it impacts it, the flexible target can bend beyond 90 degrees which then in turn means the ball is then more likely to be made airborne. This will be an issue on any straight on impacts at high speed. I am in the midst of testing the target with a small insert able wedge and it is working well as it is leaning the target approximately 4 degrees forward and practically removed all airballs. I will open this up very soon - just wanted to test with a shapeways version wedge and then people can use these or the airball protectors.

#2755 7 years ago
Quoted from pinden007:

I was able to install my support rails today. Thanks to the many folks who gave me advise and posted their pictures. I ended up reusing a hole on the left side and it fit very nicely.

could you post a few pictures with the playfield lifted up looking square on showing both support rails and then close up of the installation points as this will help others.

#2758 7 years ago

thanks the pics, will help me and others.

#2811 7 years ago

as mentioned in post #2727 (page 55) my scoop bracket on the lhs broke after about 2 months (450 plays) and clear that the spot welds did not penetrate well.

I removed and thought to post here as a guide for others if there game falls out of warranty.

tools needed
- I used a 4.2mm drill (for 4mm bolts)
- a cordless drill
- 2 x M4 x 10 bolts
- 2 x M4 nyloc nuts

remove the mech from the game - post #2727 explains to take the top plastic off first and then remove 2 of the allen headed bolts top side, then lift the playfield up and remove one screw and disconnect the solenoid and switch at a plug (no soldering to worried about).
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for safety remove the switches and solenoid and good to go for drilling.

the top scoop bracket has 2 holes already in it - simply drill these out to 4.2mm or the equivalent imperial and the with the solenoid bracket will be 2 small pressed indents as on the other side these indents locate into the top scoop part. Drill out the indents from the recessed side right through with the same drill size as above. Since the design already has indents and holes, everything lines up well though when drilling the indents out pre-drill with a 2mm (half the final size) and clamp or vice your job and take it easy as stainless can grab your drill. Some people can may want to get it welded but the drill and bolt is super strong and won't warp the bracket.

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then I used stainless 4mm button allen headed screws on the ball side and then nyloc nuts on the backside - this way no ball interference's.

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then re-assemble the switch and solenoid and it is now rock solid and will never break and the modification took all of 10 minutes once the mech was removed from the game - hope this helps a few people that get the same issue in the future.

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#2845 7 years ago

George Gomez said on a recent Kaneda interview that the clearcoat could be either thick, hard, glossy but at risk of cracking or thinner with a more flexible nature to stretch with movement (dimples)..... apparently went with the second

1 week later
#2977 7 years ago

Ghostbusters Target Wedges

Finally got the parts back and did some final testing for a solution to the air balls off the X2 & X3 targets on the Ghostbusters pinball.

Basically the Stern targets are dead vertical and when hit bend back beyond the vertical which then allows the ball to go into the air. Bally / WMS targets leaned forward, so I devised a simple wedge that can be inserted into the existing Stern target assembly. This wedge now leans the target 4 degress forward from vertical and has been effective in stopping the massive airballs. I still get the random minor ball hop but has improved the design of the target and decreased the problem alot.

You will need 1 wedge per target. You will also have to source 1 x 1/8" longer bolt for the target assembly as there just isn't enough thread once the wedge is installed.

single and twin pack which will save you $2.15 in total
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=swinkstarget&type=

you will need 1 wedge and one 1/8" longer bolt / screw per target

IMG_1215 (resized).JPGIMG_1215 (resized).JPG

wedge installed
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wedge installed bolt view
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top side view with targets learning forward
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#2992 7 years ago
Quoted from imharrow:

These look great, and shapeways is a reasonable service, but really expensive to ship something that that fits in lettermail.
I wish there was some kind of encrypted one time use stl file that could be sent. The model of centralised printing and shipping instead of on demand at location printing is just wrong. Oh well, just venting, good job on the design.

best I can offer is wait for a free shipping sale as happen a few times a year - become a member and then you will be notified. Not much I can do and since I am in Australia this has served well for the US guys to get parts at a reasonable postage rate for us it is $15USD regardless of size. can always bulk up the order
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=swinks&sort=newest
https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=pinball&sort=newest

Quoted from toibs:

swinks - Any chance of a complete kit at all please?? Would be good to order a kit of all the parts up upgrade in one go.... (including the side targets also, since these also seem to launch the ball on Mine...)

there is the single and then a twin pack option already...
the problem is finding the fine line of processing fee and then volume as they combine both, I can try to see if making a larger branch will be cost effective. How many do you need 4 or 6?

#3021 7 years ago
Quoted from Aquapin:

Everybody will have an opinion but a 3 pack for the main three targets would be my suggestion. Both sides of the ramp and the ghost target. I do not get much air off the side ones, but the upper 3 send it flying.

Shapeways wanted me to strengthen up the sprue to link the 2 wedges so now it has 2 sprues which needed to be beefed up (their request). 3 doesn't work and 4 ended up costing the same as 2 x twin packs due to the volume of space they use up as there is 5-6mm of nothing between the 2 sets and they charge you for the volume including the gaps - so 2 pack kit is final - sorry but think it is still affordable and is worthwhile to cut down on the airballs and resulting dimples.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/ULXAHMCWL/stern-pinball-target-wedge-4-degree-twin-pack?optionId=62462025

enjoy

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trim the 2 branches off to look like this
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#3024 7 years ago
Quoted from bent98:

Does this mean you can eliminate art's airball protector or it works in conjunction with it? I still get airball that richot off the airball protector.

with all respect to Art and his air ball protector or other peoples possible protectors, I merely looked at the issue from a different perspective - trying to solve the the cause and not controlling the wild air balls. So in doing so I turned the target into a bally style and put some angle back into it to keep the ball lower. As stated before I still get a minor hop every now and then but no massive air balls anymore. It is a cheap part so affordable to try and you can also add a small bit of foam double sided tape to the back of the target to keep a forward position if desired.

Quoted from chucksmith:

I'm hoping the first person that buys one of these items will do a quick review on it and show either a video or just let us know how well it works.

hopefully some reviews come soon as a few have already sent out

#3035 7 years ago
Quoted from delt31:

Can someone confirm if there auto plunger ever shoots the ball so it completes the loop to left flipper? Mine RARELY does. I've already changed the spring which def makes it less strong but still not sure if trajectory is accurate.

mine seems to remember what the initial ball launch skill shot was during the ball save time period
- if I plunged around to the left flipper and then I lost the ball it would remember this shot and shoot the ball right around to the left flipper
- if I plunged to the top lanes and drained it would plunge to the top in lanes - so I assuming that it is controlling a gate or the power of the launch
- if I plunged short so the ball doesn't go to the top in lanes but just exited out of the shooter lane and then dropped down to the right flipper it would just sit the ball in the shooter lane and then waits for me to manual launch

during a multiball all balls go to the top in lanes only.

#3042 7 years ago
Quoted from CosmoJoe:

Greetings! Struggling with an odd flipper issue on our Ghostbusters LE. Basically, the left and right flipper both act a bit 'sticky' and it is worse with the left flipper than the right. If you press the flipper buttons and let go, they stay raised up for a half second or so before falling back down. If you rapidly press the flipper buttons, the left flipper will actually just stay raised instead of the rapid flipping you should get with nice crisp flippers.
When you manually raise the flipper it immediately falls when you let go; there is no indication of binding or anything of that nature. I have worked with Chas from Stern and we tried different springs and even swapping the node boards but there was no difference. This is becoming very frustrating; the only thing I have not done is a complete flipper rebuild. Ghostbusters sits between a MMR and Monster Bash; all pins are played quite a bit as they are in freeplay in our company break room. MMR and Monster Bash have been absolute champs. With the exception of a cracked stop on MMR (a 5 minute swap) they have held up well and required only minor maintenance compared to GB which has been a headache
Any advice would be appreciated! Anyone else have this symptom with flippers on GB? I have applied the latest code update; just wanted to toss that out there. Let me tell you, I didn't know about the scream/scare mode... that was fun the first time it happened

I only just started get this last night as well on the left flipper only - interested to hear what the solution is?

2 weeks later
#3100 6 years ago

double check the spot welds on the scoop to ensure nothing has loosened and dropped - happened to me on the lhs scoop.

#3115 6 years ago

this is a drawing that I just quickly found of a Sega flipper mech with the relevant naming on it so the design will be slightly different but the general parts are correct.

Basically loosened the Socket head (Sckt. Hd.) which in turn will loosen the grip on the Flipper Shaft - though take note it will have a tight grip probably already locked into a position. Once this is loose the flipper bat can and will possibly drop down closer to the playfield and it's angle change so before loosening any bolts take note of the angle of the flipper - cut a small cardboard template or use the hole reference in your playfield. Then use possibly 2 credit cards under the flipper to set the height of the flipper. Do a pre swing test to make sure the flipper bat can not swing around and touch the playfield as it needs some clearance (2 credit cards or your preference) - if the bat can touch it is set too low and will wreck your playfield in no time.

hope that helps

deflip1 (resized).pngdeflip1 (resized).png

#3119 6 years ago
Quoted from Sinestro:

My original screws worked just fine on the wedges. I found no need for replacement ones.

thanks for sharing, must be marginal - original bolt is ok on some and on other s slightly longer needed

#3129 6 years ago

I edited a picture that hopefully helps those that need it. I do admit that during the time waiting for refined wedges I installed 1/16" thick white double sided tape (near my thumb) behind the target to firm up the target and reduce the bend back and possible launch of the ball. Then when the wedges came I installed and didn't think to share that minor detail - sorry.

basically 2 install locations

Location 1 - brings the backing plate closer to the switch making it a little more sensitive. Adding the small piece of double sided tape will firm the switch up and reduce the effect of the ball getting airborne. I am playing with this set up and still get the odd minor air ball but not shooting over plastics and lanes etc and the switch is not as sensitive as original so not a given shot.

Location 2 - keeps the switch standard sensitivity but will still allow the target to tilt forward and when hit to bend back to a 90 degree position and possibly allow the ball to get airborne. Adding the tape will firm up and keep the ball / target at less than 90 degrees when hit and should be a improvement on airborne balls.

wedge notes (resized).jpgwedge notes (resized).jpg

#3135 6 years ago
Quoted from CaptainNeo:

You have your wedge installed upside down. You want to the target aimed more towards the playfield, not leaning back. Leaning back is why the ball flies in the air. If it's aimed more towards the ground, it keeps it on the field when being hit.

gweempose is correct, I am holding the target upside down as the angle between the mounting bracket and front face of the target is now 86 degrees (as opposed to 90 degrees before being hit) - check out adjusted photo.

Quoted from Jarbyjibbo:

Logic would indicate to me that this would need to be installed between the bracket and the playfield to pitch the entire switch assembly forward. Have you tried something like that? I would think that just moving the back support wouldn't have any affect on the angle of the switch face therefore the deflection of the ball.

I started at this point first but struck 3 problems:
1 - shapeways requires a minimum of 1mm thick so the thinnest part of the wedge is 1mm and this is a contributing factor to point 2
2 - one of the targets mounting brackets sits underneath a led circuit board (on the Pro at least) and it was getting too close for my liking so opted not to.
3 - main reason is it lowers the target and then the ball hits slightly higher on the target and re-introduces the air-ball issue so cancels out any gain as the target has more leverage to tilt the target back and go beyond the 90 degrees = more airballs again - hence the approach I decided to go with.

Also I checked out bally targets say from pinball life and they have about a 5 degree pitch forward compared to Stern's now vertical targets, and the reason I went for 4 degrees is that I am at the limit with 4 degrees before the bolting assembly and angled bolts does a few inconsistent things at 5 degrees with a 5 degree wedge.

wedge notes (resized).jpgwedge notes (resized).jpg

#3138 6 years ago
Quoted from CaptainNeo:

i'm looking at it correct. The fat part of the wedge should be closest to the plastic face of the target. So it's spaced thinner at the bottom most section. Tilting the target forward towards the mounting screw holes. Actually the wedge should be on the front between the target and the mounting screws. So it leans it forward. This way, it's only leaning the back bracer forward. That isn't going to do much.

agree there is 2 different ways to assembly the wedge and Position 1 probably needs the extra padding to avoid the switch being too sensitive, but whether the wedge goes in front (Position 2) or at the back (Position 1) it tilts the target forward as per the photo.

Your suggestion of turning the wedge 180 degrees so the wider part of the wedge is towards the target that gets hit is wrong ,and will make the angle greater than 90 degrees and increase the chance of air balls.

Lastly Bally / Williams targets are designed with a 5 degree bend tilting the target / switch forward so it does work.

3 weeks later
#3247 6 years ago
Quoted from DruTheFu:

....so this opens up the debate............Left to right, or left to left?
On GB, I assumed each scoop kicks to the opposite side flipper.

it does on my pro - kicks to the opposite flipper from the left scoop to the right flipper and with enough power to dead flip to the left flipper and catch and hold if I want.

#3314 6 years ago
Quoted from ecto1a2003:

WTF! one of my inserts is proud of the playfield, several others are cracking! i'm afraid to even play this thing now.

how old is your game and game count?

it does look like ghosting or delaminating of the clear coat off the insert

#3341 6 years ago

that's no good, I would definitely hit them (Stern) up as apparently it would of been QA'd when assembled and it shouldn't delaminate in 100 plays.

1 month later
#3408 6 years ago

about 6-8 weeks ago on facebook someone asked would there be any more code updates for GB, they did not say no and implied that in the future we would get a update - sorry can't remember the wording

#3410 6 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

I would hope so. There's still a lot of bugs in it.

I agree and hope so as well

3 months later
#3568 6 years ago

what cpr9999 says does cover it but also play the game and see what the issues are from his list of things as I would not hit the ball guides if it does not need it or alternatively go for cliffy made / TaylorVA designed ball guides. I also would not install the cliffy's on the drops as they cause airballs.

2 weeks later
#3595 6 years ago
Quoted from chucksmith:

Hey everyone, Q: Where is the ghostbusters owners club topic /thread ? I cannot find it. Link please?

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/ghostbusters-club-we-got-one

#3600 6 years ago
Quoted from flipordie:

Hi have a pro i wondering how much slimer should bob up and down. Mine does drop down but has a little bob. is the arm suppose to move up and down causing you to miss slimer?

no, he drops down to the playfield level and then like yours bobs up and down and still being able to be hit in both limits of the bobbing.

2 months later
#3728 6 years ago
Quoted from hocuslocus:

anyone have any suggestions about premium airball deflectors. I've had 5 of them crack so far from front end impacts.

I designed these brackets and for me a couple others that gave me feedback have said that they have made a large improvement.

https://www.shapeways.com/product/GRBNG4DQK/stern-target-bracket-v2-5deg2mm?optionId=63971960&li=marketplace

I believe it is to do with the angle of the bracket and the deflectors are just taming the air balls as the ball has already gone airborne and they are not made of polycarb so will break, where I had a theory and for me it has proven correct to cut airballs down by 90-95% with the small remaining amount still occuring but tiny in comparison hops. Now with a power shot to those targets it fires it right back at lightning speed and not in the air and I am no longer nervous of hitting those targets.

I believe the problem is that Stern have taken the lean forward out of the design and make it now vertical and the rivot is too low so with that combination encourages the ball to follow a upwards trajectory = airballs.

My apologies on the price but it is made at Shapeways so you guys in the US avoid the heavy postage fees (from Aus) and it is made of stainless steel.

screen-capture-4 (resized).pngscreen-capture-4 (resized).png

I had designed and made available plastic wedge prior to this design which was an improvement compared to the standard but needed additional target foam to be a little more effective, but the above is a much better option.

1 week later
#3763 6 years ago

I can design a metal version if people want it?

1 week later
#3808 6 years ago
Quoted from billrz:

So this just happened. . Just over a year, hopefully warranty still covers it. I read about this issue early on. Thought they rectified it

yes happened to me and even though out of warranty our local distributor replaced but I am still using my beefed up version - check out my post on this link
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/ghostbuster-issue-thread/page/57#post-3694640

#3810 6 years ago

awesome, glad it worked for you, back to playing the game quickly

#3814 6 years ago
Quoted from GoDFaDDa:

Was there ever a better solution proposed to the super-stiff targets next to the ramps (that rocket the ball back so hard it jumps over the flippers)? The last I saw, in the early days of this thread, it was adding a bit of weatherstripping behind them. I'm on a Premium, FWIW.

Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

One User created target wedges to pitch the targets forward. The same user i believe designed a new target bracket with the pitch built in AND also raised the target off the field a bit more to keep the ball from striking the rivet. Both of these parts are available via shapeways. I have never really seen anything documenting how these solutions have worked out over time. I would love to know before dropping $30 on 2 brackets.

yes that would be me with the wedges and then the re-designed target brackets, feedback to me has been positive but none posted on pinside yet and very very rarely get ball hop but that is me and hopefully has helped others. I ask other people that purchased to share their feedback as well - positive, negative, constructive...

https://www.shapeways.com/product/GRBNG4DQK/stern-target-bracket-v2-5deg2mm?optionId=63971960&li=marketplace

#3816 6 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

It would help if you had installation "before" and "after" pictures on the product page to demonstrate what it looks like installed.

yes I have been a bit slack there.

#3817 6 years ago

thanks for the push PinMonk , the shapeways listing has been updated and I thought I showed it on one of the threads but didn't, my apologies

photo 1 - shows the difference from the side between the stern bracket and the new angled Swinks bracket on the left
IMG_3532 (resized).JPGIMG_3532 (resized).JPG

photo 2 - shows the difference from above between the stern bracket and the new angled Swinks bracket on the right - the slot is moved 2mm closer to the corner which effectively raises the target
IMG_3533 (resized).jpgIMG_3533 (resized).jpg

photo 3 - shows the 2 brackets to be swapped out in which the light board has to be loosened to remove one for swapping
IMG_3530 (resized).JPGIMG_3530 (resized).JPG

photo 4 - shows the Stern bracket before swapping the base bracket
IMG_1210 (resized).JPGIMG_1210 (resized).JPG

photo 5 - remove the bolts while keeping the parts of the target together and then assemble the new Swinks bracket like the original
IMG_1211 (resized).JPGIMG_1211 (resized).JPG

photo 6 - this shows the ball next to the target rivet with Stern's base bracket
IMG_3521 (resized).jpgIMG_3521 (resized).jpg

photo 7 - this shows the ball next to the target rivet with the new Swinks bracket
IMG_3538 (resized).JPGIMG_3538 (resized).JPG

photo 8 - this shows the comparison between the 2 targets with the height difference - left is original and sitting lower and right higher due to the drop of 2mm in the slot on the swinks bracket.
IMG_3535 (resized).jpgIMG_3535 (resized).jpg
Once finished both targets they will both sit higher.

Note: the brackets now on sale do not have the web in the corner as this was un-necessary in a casting so photos 1 & 2 are of v1, v2 are the ones now available.

I hope that helps

#3822 6 years ago

thanks for the support PinMonk and others

for me and others it heavily reduces from a big airball (half the playfield and high) every 1-2 games to
now
1 little ball hope off the side of the left hand target if you hit the side sometimes once in every 15-20 games

so not a total "elimination" and much more than a mere "minimise" but the little hops are very small maybe an inch and rare and the 1 in 15-20 games is probably worse case, very rarely get them. BUT a square on power shot will return the ball back to you fast which tells me that the angle of the bracket is making a big difference.

1 week later
#3826 6 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

So to clarify this design is meant to raise the target to match the height and pitch of Bally / Williams targets, right? That being said if you were to raise them even higher, say and additional 1-2mm, could that potentially eliminate the air balls all together?

you can't go any further as you are limited but the stern target design with the slot as the slot is already at it's maximum near the bracket bend,

and it almost eliminates the airballs but it is a big statement to say this or any other guard stops airballs totally, but for me a few others that have reported back say it is a big difference.

1 week later
#3895 6 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

So last night after a few scotches and a frustrating night at my GB, I got to thinking about the possibility of elongating the holes (essentially making a slot) for the flippers so that the mechs could be dropped lower to an acceptable flipper gap. Then on the under side rotate the mech slightly so that you have 2 sets of hole patterns ( 1 stock, 1 modified). This way you could use the original flippers and not those embarrassing carrots. Even if I decided to revert back to the original gap, the flipper bats would cover the larger hole for the most part. Anyone thought of or attempted to do this before? Were talking what a 1/8" notch on both sides max? I know I know #playbetter....

I came up with swappable flippable bats 2 years ago, avoiding carrot flipper bats but within 5 minutes I can swap out a set of bats turning it from 3" to 3 1/8" to even 2 7/8" for a comp or kids etc. the shaft is installed and then the bats screw down from the top side on to the square drive and nothing needs to be adjusted and you are good to play. Sadly people don't like DIY kits or the screw in the top.

I personally wouldn't be changing the playfield or brackets.

1 week later
#3910 6 years ago
Quoted from PinMonk:

Oh, yeah. Sorry, I completely forgot to follow up. Yes, it stopped all the huge ball jumpbacks (like ones that would go over the flippers, etc) and the ball is nowhere near as wild hitting the targets. I removed the protector and it's working fine.
The only real negative (which is not related to the targets) is that protector kept the ball down longer as it started up the ramp, so without it, you sometimes get rocket-launched balls that go off the ramp and into the area behind Gozer. That ramp really needs a clear half-funnel on it to keep the ball on the ramp.
They're expensive, but they do work for the most part. A substantial improvement, and as such, I expect Stern will rip it off soon enough.

thanks heaps for chiming in and giving your honest feedback PinMonk and am glad that they made an improvement which I was getting worried that no one was reporting back, thanks heaps for the feedback but also what you do on pinside as often see you offer alot of help for people especially the noobs.

as for my theory and results show it is the target design that is the issue, so the ball protectors never sat well with me as they are taming the problem instead of solving the target / air ball problem

as for the price, yeah I am sorry as shapeways makes up a huge part of the cost and it is a little dearer because these are 3d printed in metal

#3911 6 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

Decided to pull the trigger and purchase the Swinks standup target brackets. Can't watch to try them out !

thanks for the support

1 week later
#3924 6 years ago

I think the only advantage of the newer targets is they keep the target straight and the disadvantage of the older ones are they tend to then learn over after multiple hits, but the angle is the key, hence the re-work on the base bracket that I pursued.

#3929 6 years ago
Quoted from conserx:

Yeah the older style target brackets are prone to drifting & leaning over to one side, The slot on the newer targets prevent that.
Dumbfounded as to why these newer Stern target brackets are set to 90 degrees & not 85.
How can I get a couple of your target brackets Swinks? I'm based in Australia also.

hey conserx check out the link below
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinksgb&sort=newest
everything is made at Shapeways and charge $15USD to Aus

#3936 6 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

So installed my Swinks brackets the other day. And had plenty of shots ( bricks mostly ) to the stand ups. Not even a hop from the ball ! Trust in Swinks. Put those brackets in and get that ugly piece of plastic out ! Best "mod" you can buy.

Awesome, I appreciate the feedback and glad others are getting the same results

#3938 5 years ago
Quoted from Psw757:

Did you buy just the brackets or wedges as well?

would be the bracket as it tilts the target 5 degrees and lifts the target up 2mm which then keeps the ball under the target rivet

#3942 5 years ago
Quoted from NeilMcRae:

me too, they are brilliant - taking that annoying plastic airball protector off makes the game flow so much better.

great to hear, thanks for the feedback.

#3945 5 years ago
Quoted from Who-Dey:

Sounds like a good product, may pick a couple up myself. Is the install pretty easy?

yes, just undo a few screws and swap the new bracket for the old and re tighten and you are back to business.

pg 77 post # 3817 has a few photos of the steps.

#3948 5 years ago
Quoted from gweempose:

swinks
Would you consider making these brackets for Bally/WMS games? There are some targets on my Demo Man that I still get crazy airballs from even after I installed brand new reinforced target brackets.

it is doable but just need to know what ones as currently only have 2 running game GB and CFTBL so don't have much to go to. send me a pm.

2 months later
#4007 5 years ago

Schwaggs - did you buy the game new, or did you buy it possibly upgraded as a couple of people said they were going to put older stern targets in from say Iron Man era but did not have the slot so they would tend to then lean.

#4013 5 years ago
Quoted from ScreaminSauce:

Just replaced a set of Stern target brackets using swinks design - immediate improvement on airballs. This is on a brand new GB from the factory (June 2018). Using this and setting coils to soft, the game play is much more solid. Thanks for making those available!
https://www.shapeways.com/product/GRBNG4DQK/stern-target-bracket-v2-5deg2mm?optionId=63971960&li=marketplace

thanks for the feedback and great to hear

#4014 5 years ago

where does this go????

I had the hood (playfield) up today and then did a test game and the ball got stuck just after the launch lane up near marsh mellow man and the ball was stuck on a post laying in the orbit.

I have had a look around and can't work out where it is from - as not sure if it fell from a different location and rested in the orbit after the playfield was vertical

anyone know where this might be from - it is a grey hard plastic post with a screw going through the centre at with the grey post 32mm / 1 1/4" long

any help would be much appreciated.

cheers

IMG_4335 (resized).JPGIMG_4335 (resized).JPG

1 week later
#4023 5 years ago
Quoted from HookedonPinonics:

When I said "mech" on my above post, I am talking about the metal protector that is on that left scoop. This seems to be the issue. Looks like it is popping up a little. Any tips on removing this metal protector so that I can bend it a little to make it flat again?

can you post a picture of the scoop area?

#4034 5 years ago

sometimes you get a multiball and then can add a ball into the mix so definitely put in 6 balls

#4037 5 years ago

yeah the scoop protector is lifting, flip up the playfield and see how the retainers that keep it snug are fitting, maybe they can bent and holding tight.

2 months later
#4160 5 years ago
Quoted from 3pinballs:

so Swinks instead of Marco's 515-7581-04 target used on WOF? Someone mentioned they use this target replacement with success. I'd like to get rid of my airball protector which broke on the left side to eliminate airballs.
Thx, Tony

Hi Tony (@3pinballs)

That marco part is pretty much the same as what is in the game, the issue lays with the bracket connecting the target to the playfield

Check out the link - 3rd one along

https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinksgb&sort=newest

the wedges are cheaper but not as effective as the height of the target is a contributing factor that the wedges do not solve.

Basically my theory is that Stern changed the target design so it wouldn't roll side to side with a built in splint keeping the target vertical but cheapened out on the angle of the bracket going vertical and lowering it as well. This will not 100% remove air balls as the other factor is the pan angle of the hole machined in the playfield as a glancing blow to the side of the target will still create the odd hop but for me and many others greatly reduced air balls overall.

cheers

Jady

#4163 5 years ago
Quoted from RJL:

I just installed the shapeways brackets on my GBLE today and they work as advertised. I had put dead drop foam on the targets which helps, but these are much more effective. Fairly easy to put in. Hard to believe something this simple makes such a big difference.

Great to hear and thanks for the feedback

Quoted from 3pinballs:

Thx Jady.....so with your brackets I can just toss out the airball protector then?

I never had the air all protectors on a game so for you it is a personal choice, try the brackets and go from there

3 months later
#4213 5 years ago

thanks for sharing 3pinballs

I am not sure how old your game is but it looks like Stern tried to fix the issue with bending the brackets to roughly 5 degrees - see below my v1 of the bracket on the lhs with the only difference with what is now available is the web as it was more to copy but since it is not pressed manufactured it isn't required.

As you can see with yours the angle is very similar to the swinks one which makes a small difference but the other major difference is the target slot height which I lowered by 2mm which effectively raises the target up 2mm. So when the ball hits the target the ball is now hitting below the target rivet and the stronger part of the target keeping the ball down. You will never remove totally the airballs as the target pan angle comes into play and that is cut into the game but it greatly removes them.

Thanks for support and giving them a try and glad it improved the game play.

target bracket (resized).jpgtarget bracket (resized).jpg
2 months later
#4264 5 years ago
Quoted from gunstarhero:

Does swinks still sell his air ball mod? I have it on my game, works great and no big plastic shield to look at.

yes these will always be available Shapeways operates, check out the link brandonx76

https://www.shapeways.com/product/GRBNG4DQK/stern-target-bracket-v2-5deg2mm?optionId=63971960&li=marketplace

people have also been using on a few targets on Munsters with success as well.

#4266 5 years ago
Quoted from brandonx76:

Wow swinks, that's pretty cool...i'm a little confused on the installation although it will probably make sense as I install..do you happen to have a video showing the install?
Also, I see you have different colors etc, but is this part even visible on the playfield?
Thanks,

sorry no video, did you check out the 7-8 photos on that strip as the others show underneath the playfield.

basically the bracket replaces the existing but raises the target 2mm and tilts it forward 5 degrees, it will make sense when you lift the playfield and dis-assemble and then re-assemble the target with the new bracket.

as for different colours, just different metal finish options, some people want them to look like there other brackets but the cheapest is fine and no it isn't visible from the top

3 weeks later
#4273 4 years ago
Quoted from brandonx76:

Yeah, just installed them...very minor rebound this time, pretty cool actually. Definitely no glass or side of playfield wall hits...man I cannot believe they ship the factory GB like that.
On the swink install, was a little concerning getting the left target bracket installed working around the black-light board, but was able to work around it with some patience. anyway Love the swink fix!!

glad they worked and understand the nerves in lifting the light board but all good, thanks for the support in trying

#4275 4 years ago
Quoted from brandonx76:

Yeah a little, but worked through it -
I have to clarify / say that I still have some rebound - the left target still fly's a ball to the far left wall...it's livable and it slides down. Nothing's hitting the glass tho - or going into a place where you need to lift the glass to correct/fix. Assume that's normal.

Yes that is normally as the big air balls are due to stern target design change where my approach returned the targets to a 90’s Bally Williams type lifting up and adding angle. Unfortunately the pan angle of the target still contributes to a few smaller air ball’s if you glance the side with some power / speed.

1 week later
#4282 4 years ago
Quoted from cpr9999:

Just a follow-up folks - stop all airballs! 4d0c37446c68d18903c879530b9f3fc15b6d11b5 (resized).jpeg4d0c37446c68d18903c879530b9f3fc15b6d11b5 (resized).jpeg

so you just wanted to share publicly that yours are better than mine, I am happy for you but a bit of poor form, and wonder if Brandon approved the comments to go up on pinside.

Just so others know the airballs come from the design of the targets and the cpr9999 option is an airball "retainer" as it is just keeping the airballs down and these should be made out of PETG instead of acrylic so they don't crack, as airballs will just now impact the retainer and the retainer will crack in time. Not very clear if these are acrylic or PETG and no mention of “these will not crack”

sorry brandonx76 that the brackets did not work to your expectation, I highly doubt the stainless wall / guide will break and crack over time, though putting a retainer on will still let the ball hit the side just a little higher.

9 months later
#4399 4 years ago

I had a similar one do the same thing and it came from a mounting point under the ramp to stop the ball getting caught on the plastic. Still haven't fixed it as the whole ramp needs to come out.

#4402 4 years ago
Quoted from Supersquid:

Looked at my pro and think this is where your post came from. Actually goes upside down on ramp, not on play field. Kinda hard to find.[quoted image][quoted image]

thats the one, sorry for the poor explanation

#4407 4 years ago
Quoted from Supersquid:

No need for beer money. Just glad I could help a fellow pinballer.

yep totally agree, great to help others

just the other day I needed help with something a few people and donated 10minutes of there time to give some advice - it is what makes the pinsider community great

as for the plastic, what it does is if a ball can get up there it steers it to another location to then fall into the shooter lane

6 months later
#4458 3 years ago

that post to the underside of the ramp on the rhs next to the rhs up ramp piece - stops balls getting ontop of the plastic under the ramp

mine has been off for 2 years and waiting for a break to remove the ramp

see the upside mounted post behind the hex post

screen-capture-1 (resized).pngscreen-capture-1 (resized).png
2 months later
#4472 3 years ago

This is a simple mod - calling it the - Library Steps Mod that sits on the plastic a little higher than the library on the left side using an available screw.

The ball is known to get a little bit of air and can go up onto this plastic and can occasionally get stuck in a small valley behind the library in which you then have to remove the glass to free up.

The library came stock on the Premium and LE's and those that were lucky to get a library as a part and installed onto their Pro will have it as well.
The Library Steps - v1 is for the Pro where the library is installed a little lower as it is adjustable to a degree and should suit your positioned install
The Library Steps - v2 is for the Permium and LE and possibly the Pro (but depends where you installed the library).

For me I installed the library so the 3 arches are centred over the 3 targets = which is a little lower than the Premium and LE so the Library Steps v1 which is adjustable suits my game and should fit onto to others as well.

Search - swinksgb - on Shapeways for all GB mods and the other Library Step Option.
https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace?q=swinksgb&sort=newest

I have also made this mod design FREE to download and print for yourself if you have a 3d printer - but it strictly not to be on-sold. You need to login into Shapeways to see the download button.

Hope it helps.

Library Steps - V1
IMG_4731 (resized).JPGIMG_4731 (resized).JPG
IMG_4732 (resized).JPGIMG_4732 (resized).JPG

Library Steps - V2 - which looks odd due to my lower library install
IMG_4729 (resized).jpgIMG_4729 (resized).jpg

#4474 3 years ago

ideally the library should of come with it shaped better to not have the problem but it is also a area that you can not see from the players perspective and a splash of colour could blend it in a bit better. There are only 2 lions in the front but steps alot in the front and a little at the sides.

- and it is FREE if you want to print your own -
main-qimg-70f0cc5a9d7263efec90c4b221738a5b (resized).jpgmain-qimg-70f0cc5a9d7263efec90c4b221738a5b (resized).jpg

2 years later
#4525 1 year ago
Quoted from rwh143:

Seems like something there but not as pictured in service bulletin
[quoted image][quoted image]

still looks like it serves the same purpose. The original released game - the contacts shorted out on the mech

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