Hi everyone! Hopefully I'll be joining the club soon Can someone answer a quick question? Are the aprons in the new Stern machines (guardians in particular) made of plastic or metal? If they are plastic, can they be replaced with a metal one?

Well, nuts..... I'll have to see about a metal replacement. I'm planning on doing some powder coating as soon as I get mine, and I like the aprons to match the rails/legs.

Thanks for the Info. I assume once I have those, I'd need a newer style metal apron that would be on the premium/le? An older style stern apron still wouldnt work?

I think I will order one of these Subs from Monoprice and give it a try. Has anyone else used these?

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I have some art blades from pinball life ready to install on mine. Once they're on, I assume they're permanent huh? I was expecting metal blades. Like mirrors, but with artwork. What I recieved was a very thick durable "sticker" for lack of a better term. So, I assume, once they're on, you can never go back to plain black sides?

Same here. Looks like the Polk from Amazon is about $20 more once I factor in tax/shipping from each seller. Hmmmm... the Polk is a 10" and more powerful... decisions...

I just ordered a complete set in dark blue. The titan purple is very light purple so I ruled that one out

Also, I posted a few days ago about this 8" sub from Monoprice. Looks like they're offering 20% off today only. I buckled and bought one. $67 shipped to my doorstep. I'll let everyone know how it performs.

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I just installed one a few days ago. I have yet to get some real time in with it. There are settings in the game adjustments for how often the shaker activates. There is a setting for minimal, normal, and maximum. The max setting was too much for me. I put it on normal and it still seems to activate with every major shot. I have yet to try minimal because I have parts shipped out for powder coat and the game is non operational at the moment. Its wel worth the $99 in my opinion. Hope that helps

I'm pretty new to this game (pro model). What's normal behavior for the magnet under the playfield. On my machine, whenever the orb releases the ball the magnet sort of "bumps" the ball and redirects it straight down the middle. Most of the time. The magnet wont catch the ball, or randomly throw the ball. Just a slight bump every time. Is that normal?

Thanks, so how is it supposed to behave? A full catch? Or sort of a random spin? Or something else totally?

Cool, I'm working on it now. Mine definitely does not catch at all...

Thanks for all the advice! I spaced up my magnet, and coincidentally put some purple superbands on my posts while I had the machine open, and it seems to be doing great now. Not sure which one was the solution, maybe a combo of both. But, I'm up and running. Thanks again

There are dealers here on pinside with ads saying they have them in Stock ready to ship. After 2 months, I'd cancel my order and get one from another dealer

Totally dumb question, but I cant seem to find the answer. Do these spike 2 systems have batteries or do they come equipped with nvram now?
I always put nvram in my machines, but this is my first jump into modern pins.
Thanks!

Awesome. So much less likely to cause leaking issues than the old AA batteries And is there an Nvram available for guardians?

The powered 8" sub I posted about in #3440 arrived and I got it hooked up. I used the alligator clips on the bottom speaker method. Ran the wire out to the speaker inputs on the sub. SO.... I'll start by saying, I'm used to the sound systems on dmd era Stern machines. When I first played my GOTG, I thought, man, this thing sounds way better than my older Sterns. Well, after adding the subwoofer I'm completely blown away!!! This thing rocks! Now, if I disable the sub, the game sounds awful to my ears....lol. I'd recommend this sub to anyone looking. The price is hard to beat. I can't say how it compares to the Polk 10" everyone mentions here since I've never heard the polk. But, I'm one happy customer with the Monoprice 8"

As long as the sub has speaker level inputs, it's that easy, yes. If the sub only accepts RCA style inputs, you need a line out converter

Lol, how about that. I saw that on my machine a few days ago. But, since it's a new machine for me, I had no clue it was abnormal. I'm running Cleland 1.06 on mine.

Not sure about #1. The screw issue is probably from underneath the orb from what I have read here. I found a screw as well just like that one. I haven't replaced it. But, i seem to recall reading that the screws under the orb are known to come loose. Perhaps someone with more ownership time will have more specific knowledge.

Swapped out my plastic apron for an older Stern metal apron to get some powder coating done. I'm thrilled with the results so far. Rails should be ready next week

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Thanks!! The pictures dont do the color justice though. It's got lots of metallic flake and looks darker/lighter depending on how the light in the room hits it. I couldn't be happier.

Almost a straight swap. You have to drill holes for the 2 brackets that secure the apron in front, but it's no big deal. The only other mod is on the left lower corner of the metal apron (left side towards the start button) you will need to notch out the new metal apron to keep it from bumping the back of the start button. Do that before painting/coating. I found out after the fact.....lol

Legs are on. I'm just waiting on the side rails. They didn't turn out well and are being redone

A local company a few miles from my house does it. This is the 3rd machine they've done for me. You'll think I'm lying about the price........
To do 4 legs, lock down bar, apron, and 2 rails, as long as I'm using a color they have on hand, they're charging me $140.
Thus far I've brought them a mix of new bare metal parts, and used standard black parts. That price has included sand blasting and stripping of the parts. Thats an insanely low price, but who am i to argue. And, the quality of the work is amazing. Very few if any imperfections.
My ripleys is a hammered bronze finish, RCT is a bright red, and now Guarsians is metallic royal blue.

I'll be talking to them Monday. I can certainly ask them if they're interested in mail order business. I bet they say no way though, due to liability and the fact that they stay covered up with business. They do lots of work for auto dealers on wheels, and lots of suspension stuff for lifted 4x4s. I am in the southeast ya' know.....lol. But seriously, I'll ask them.

I picked up a pro second hand, then added the features that were most important me. Those being service rails for $50, shaker motor for $100, and since I was doing powder coating and had a spare metal apron, I did the apron swap. I'm pleased as can be. If I had the spare cash, and the trade was right, i may have went for a premium. BUT, when trading, we all know, better jump if the deal is right.

Got mine from pinball life also. Have fun getting to it to do the install. Its not too bad actually. Just take pictures first.

FINALLY got my rails back from powder coat and got my machine back together. Here's how it turned out. The last pic is to show the metallic

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Yeah, I have some darker blue T on hand. I just haven't messed with it yet

I have absolutely no idea how the multipliers work. Is there anywhere I can read up on the more in depth rules?

Thanks for the info guys! I'll read up on it! I always hear the game say "you got a multiplier!" But I have no idea what its doing... lol

I installed one as well. It's not as bad as it looks. Just take some pictures before you start. I had it done in under 30 minutes. It looks great once it's in place.

Powder coat

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The color is called " Illusion Blueberry ". It has a nice metallic flake in it that caught my eye.

The fan is totally normal on spike systems. So normal in fact there's a "quiet fan" kit you can buy. But that seems silly to me.

Gotta share this with the group. I was at a local pinball/arcade bar last night and a couple was playing Gotg next to me and my fiancee. They obviously didn't know any of the rules and were saying things like "what do I do, where should I hit it, why is that flashing?". So, my fiancee, being very outgoing and friendly gave them a few quick tips and said "I only know because we actually own this game". The guy instantly became an ass and was dead set on convincing me that Stern games were generally garbage and could sometimes be fun if they were working. He said the main problem with Stern is that they only make 200 of each title and then abandon the title and move on to the next. I asked, "do you mean 200 limited editions?" He says no, 200 total, that's why they never work right. At that point, we both finished our game and just walked away. Where the hell do people come up with this stuff?

You will love it, and you will hate it!! Such a challenge.

They're thin stainless metal guards that protect areas of the playfield. Usually scoop entrances, and ramps. There are a few different manufacturers, but Cliffys is kind of the go to for these things.

https://www.passionforpinball.com

One of my flippers was actually touching the playfield just a hair. Adjusting it from underneath didn't help much. Then I realized they sell tiny nylon bushings that go between the bottom of the flipper and the playfield for this very problem. 1 bushing solved my issue

I agree, it should. But it didn't when the flipper was at rest, it ever so slightly touched. I tried adjusting it multiple times with differing results. In the end, all it needed was that tiny extra nylon bushing. Not sure why.

Thats what it's all about man! Having fun. Scores are secondary. Unless of course you're competing for a cash prize.... then to hell with fun...

Does anyone know if GoTG pro has a subwoofer output anywhere? Either 3.5mm or Rca style jacks?

Thanks!

Nice powder coat job! I like the color. In fact.......lol...

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I was just looking at the features matrix chart from Stern, and they list a "CPU mounted line out audio Jack for external amplification" on all models including Pro. Can someone explain to me where this is? And would it be suitable for providing signal to a powered subwoofer? I currently have an adapter from pinnovators on my machine, but if there's a built in Jack for it....

Lol, right?! It sure would be nice to have a 3.5mm output or Rca style output right on the board. My JP pro will arrive next week, and I'll look it over thoroughly. I also have a call in to pinnovators to pick their brain about it. They're calling me back this evening after hours.

Exact same color here. Prismatic powders illusion blueberry

I wouldn't worry about it 1 bit. I have a pro with ever so slight pooling. I bought it used before I even knew what pooling was. Mine hasn't worsened or chipped either. Hell, I never ever would have even noticed it, had I not inspected it like a madman after reading some threads. Don't let it stop you from playing.

I'm not sure of the part #, but I purchased one from Pinball life and it does have the button hole.

I had both on a Simpsons pinball party. It was a TIGHT squeeze, but worked. Had to be very precise raising the playfield. No experience with the hovers.

Holy shit....lol

I went with a dark blue T mold. I'll see if I can remember to snap a picture when I get home. Yes, the light blue looks awful with that color powder.

3 of those pins appear to have zero solder on them?!

Left outlane FOR SURE!

Looks like the other wire is about to come loose also. Just heat it up and it should reflow. I promise, it's easy

No, no, no, no.... unless you dont want to use your hand for a few months....

I dont think I've ever seen a pro as cheap as 4300. I believe 4600 is about as low as I've seen, but I'm just 1 dude

My GOTG had this same issue on the right flipper. They do actually sell those clear nylon spacers for a few cents. I believe I ordered mine from Pinballlife.com
1 washer, and I was back in business

Here ya go! 25 cents each.
https://www.pinballlife.com/nylon-flipper-shaft-spacer.html

Yup, its funny that mine had the exact same issue. Bushing fixed it right up. There was no way to fix it without the bushing. I tried....

Just heard in another thread that we can change the choose mode at beginning of play setting? How do the modes work if that is disabled? Just curious if i might like that way better than choosing at start.

Gotcha. So having it set to select a mode at start gives the player a free scoop shot in essence. I think I'll leave it set to factory. I have enough trouble hitting the scoop as is

If they could just code in some pauses on the timer for pop bumpers, video sequences, scoop, etc. I'd be 100% satisfied. Sometimes that scoop takes 5 or 6 seconds!

HELL NO
Change the rubbers and pinballs when needed, keep the playfield clean and waxed and play the game. You'll be fine. Congratulations on the find!

I would consider the Pinwoofer super kit. It sounds great, replaces all 3 speakers, gives you separate bass, treble, gain control, and eliminates the need for an external sub.

I'm not seeing them in the store. I need some good apron cards for my GOTG, JP, and RBION. I know I could print them myself, but I'll admit, I'm not terribly computer savvy with these type things, and I'm just lazy.

I was just about to say "I've never played a premium, but I dont feel like I'm missing out on anything with my pro. The light show looks more than adequate ".

Stern only used the studs for a couple years, and most everyone hated them. So, Stern switched back to the rails. Definitely not the new norm, thank goodness.

Yes, again, Stern only put pegs on pros for a few years/titles. People pretty much hated them, rightly so. Stern now puts rails on all models, pro, premium, Le. Not sure why people are still debating this, those are the facts.

Personally, I'm in love with the rails on my JJP GnR. I wish all games came with these bad boys....

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That is pretty crappy. Youd think new builds would have rails. I guess they stick with the original build specs come hell or high water.

Congrats Kermit, you'll love it. I've not heard anything personally about bad motors on Groot, and I've been in this thread for over a year. Biggest issues are airballs when hitting the orb drop target, the drop target not functioning properly, and magnets under the playfield not catching the ball as they should. Pretty solid game mechanically.

I think theres something else that needs to be on the wall first??

I'd bet money they're all from around the orb area. There's lots of tiny upside down screws there that love to come loose. And yes, I was cracking a joke about the lack of a finished wall, lol. Priorities, right!

Pro is an excellent choice

Along with pausing the timer while ball is in the pops or scoop. Pretty please....

This. Buy a set. They're nice and durable, good product.

Before you go too crazy testing, make sure your balls aren't magnetized. And the owners thread is a great place to post tech questions. Welcome to pinside!!

If you havnt already, lift the playfield and visually inspect anything mechanical and/or electrical related to groots jaw. I'm not suggesting you start ripping things apart. Just look for obvious problems like wires unplugged, bolts missing, etc. Is there any foam in place from shipping? Etc... Sometimes it's an easy fix.

Awww, man... sorry Cleland. On the bright side, I don't see one damn thing in that update that interests me. I for one will not be updating and keeping my current Cleland code.

No brainer, keep current code. Unless insider connect is a big deal for ya.

My target is straight, but yeah, that would drive me batshit crazy if it were crooked. Very nice fix!!

Eventually, you'll get enough dimples that the playfield looks nice and uniform

I drilled the rivets out of mine, then picked up some very small stainless steel torx screws from the hardware store to put back on. The screws actually look pretty sharp. Color is illusion blueberry from Prismatic Powders. Coating was done locally. Sorry for the low quality pic. It's all I had in my phone atm....

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That's pretty sweet! Where did you find the larger Milano?

Someone mentioned it earlier, but I'm mentioning it again. The GOTG Holiday special streaming on Disney+ is pretty awesome! The first few minutes are animated and a bit "cringy", but I promise, it gets really funny and good. You just have to make it through the first 10 minutes or so. After that, its live action with original actors and pretty great stuff! My whole family enjoyed it thoroughly.

Asking out of ignorance and curiosity here. Are you referring to the same AMD that maker computer processors? They're a source for Stern node boards?

Ahhhhhh, thank you. That makes MUCH more sense

Interesting! I learned something new today!!

Question.... I have an early build GoTG pro model. Not sure what code version, but it came with Cleland sound package installed. I'm wanting to possibly buy the insider connect retrofit kit for it. If I install that, and update to the latest code, will I lose the Cleland sound? If so, can the Cleland sound be installed on the newest code? Thanks!

I'm trying to take my Guardians Pro back to stock everything temporarily so I can add insider connect, and update to 1.11. Currently has no insider, has 1.07 code, and Cleland sound. Am I correct in thinking if I update to 1.11 via USB, my Cleland SD card will have to be swapped out? I don't have the original. Game came to me w Cleland already installed. Yes, I plan on going back to Cleland once 1.11 is available. Question cross posted in the sound mod thread already. Thanks!

Ahhhhh!!! Awesome!! That makes this sooo much easier. Thank you both!!! I've done USB updates plenty of times (on other Stern machines), but never messed with the SD.

That's a spotlight bulb retainer Clip. Check your spotlights and make sure they are all secure. Not sure how that would have come loose unless a spotlight screw backed out.

I'll also add that the lollipop rails I've been getting from Pinballlife.com lately don't even have the three screw holes around the flipper area. Looks much cleaner and you're right, they're unnecessary.