(Topic ID: 253300)

Hey Stern! Make some new Ghostbusters Ecto-1 topper!

By Midway-Man

4 years ago


Topic Heartbeat

Topic Stats

  • 313 posts
  • 105 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 13 hours ago by CPPinball29
  • Topic is favorited by 48 Pinsiders

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Topic poll

“Should Stern do another run of Toppers?”

  • I want one. MAKE SOME STERN! 149 votes
    65%
  • I have one. It's expensive but great. Would buy again. 20 votes
    9%
  • I have one. It's not necessary. It's to expensive for what it does. 9 votes
    4%
  • I don't have one. And don't want one. 52 votes
    23%

(230 votes)

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There are 313 posts in this topic. You are on page 3 of 7.
#101 3 years ago
Quoted from Zzap:

Been working on some 3d modelling, with a view to 3d print parts for a topper. Some other options I had thought of were using bent acrylic for the light bar lenses, but I just don't have the tools or skills to do that cleanly. So for now my I'm considering 3d printing the coloured lenses using translucent filament printed fairly thinly to allow the light to shine through - something like this:
https://www.cubictech.com.au/collections/pla-filament/products/esun-glass-pla-3d-filament
[quoted image]

Following ...

2 weeks later
#102 3 years ago
Quoted from Yelobird:

Looks good. Would strongly suggest sticking with formed plexiglass and back stray. You will never get a decent look with that Sun filament.

Thanks for the feedback. I understand it won't be crystal clear when using the transparent filament, but I feel with the brightness of the LEDs that it should still look ok, especially at a playing distance! I will be doing some test prints soon, so should get a better idea.

A few updates to the model
- vents added to front of central silver part
- rear red light attached with vertical pillar
- light boards added in to test scale

Still to do:
- Validate dimensions (including circuit boards)
- Add wire routing holes / channels
- Add pegs to mate pieces together

What are people's thoughts about leaving off the siren and red sniffer antenna? As they don't have any interactivity, I'm in two minds as to whether to add them. Also there's a bunch more stuff on the Ecto 1's roof racks that could be added, but I feel this still has enough detail to capture the essence. Any other thoughts on tweaks to the model?

Ghostbusters_Topper_2_2020-Dec-15_03-06-39AM-000_CustomizedView22140902943 (resized).pngGhostbusters_Topper_2_2020-Dec-15_03-06-39AM-000_CustomizedView22140902943 (resized).pngGhostbusters_Topper_2_2020-Dec-15_03-06-50AM-000_CustomizedView14815328118 (resized).pngGhostbusters_Topper_2_2020-Dec-15_03-06-50AM-000_CustomizedView14815328118 (resized).pngGhostbusters_Topper_2_2020-Dec-15_03-07-00AM-000_CustomizedView8477841510 (resized).pngGhostbusters_Topper_2_2020-Dec-15_03-07-00AM-000_CustomizedView8477841510 (resized).png
#103 3 years ago
Quoted from Zzap:

Thanks for the feedback. I understand it won't be crystal clear when using the transparent filament, but I feel with the brightness of the LEDs that it should still look ok, especially at a playing distance! I will be doing some test prints soon, so should get a better idea.
A few updates to the model
- vents added to front of central silver part
- rear red light attached with vertical pillar
- light boards added in to test scale
Still to do:
- Validate dimensions (including circuit boards)
- Add wire routing holes / channels
- Add pegs to mate pieces together
What are people's thoughts about leaving off the siren and red sniffer antenna? As they don't have any interactivity, I'm in two minds as to whether to add them. Also there's a bunch more stuff on the Ecto 1's roof racks that could be added, but I feel this still has enough detail to capture the essence. Any other thoughts on tweaks to the model?
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

I'm in if this comes to be, looking great so far, would like to see the red sniffer added though.

#104 3 years ago
Quoted from Zzap:

Thanks for the feedback. I understand it won't be crystal clear when using the transparent filament, but I feel with the brightness of the LEDs that it should still look ok, especially at a playing distance! I will be doing some test prints soon, so should get a better idea.
A few updates to the model
- vents added to front of central silver part
- rear red light attached with vertical pillar
- light boards added in to test scale
Still to do:
- Validate dimensions (including circuit boards)
- Add wire routing holes / channels
- Add pegs to mate pieces together
What are people's thoughts about leaving off the siren and red sniffer antenna? As they don't have any interactivity, I'm in two minds as to whether to add them. Also there's a bunch more stuff on the Ecto 1's roof racks that could be added, but I feel this still has enough detail to capture the essence. Any other thoughts on tweaks to the model?
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Following....

1 week later
#105 3 years ago

I may be interested as well if it works out. Please keep us updated.

#106 3 years ago

This is awesome! Following the progress for sure.

2 weeks later
#107 3 years ago

Any updates on how your topper worked out?

#108 3 years ago
Quoted from Utesichiban:

Any updates on how your topper worked out?

No further progress on mine I'm afraid, I've had a few malfunctions in my other machines that have taken up all my spare hobby time! I do have all the parts now to build one, so next step is some test 3d prints.

2 weeks later
12
#109 3 years ago

Making progress ony scratch built topper. Spent the day fabricating the lenses out of 3/16" blue acrylic. All put together and sanded smooth. Just need to wet sand and polish them.
IMG_20210131_215536319 (resized).jpgIMG_20210131_215536319 (resized).jpg

#110 3 years ago

They look very nice!

#111 3 years ago

Following! I'm picking up a modded-out Pro tomorrow and would love to add this.

1 week later
#112 3 years ago

Zzap - loving the progress on the model(s). Are you planning on offering the .STL files for this as a for-pay item, or are you going to print the topper parts for sale?

#113 3 years ago

Hell ya !!!!

#114 3 years ago
Quoted from EightBitWhit:

zzap - loving the progress on the model(s). Are you planning on offering the .STL files for this as a for-pay item, or are you going to print the topper parts for sale?

No plans on either at the moment, but once I get to a few test prints and finalise the base design etc, I'll see where too from there. Unfortunately life is taking more time away from hobbies at the moment!

1 week later
#115 3 years ago
Quoted from Zzap:

No plans on either at the moment, but once I get to a few test prints and finalise the base design etc, I'll see where too from there. Unfortunately life is taking more time away from hobbies at the moment!

Well, I do hope there eventually becomes a provision for those of us who could reproduce this on our side to be able to do it, so any consideration there is greatly appreciated.

It's fantastic work - no doubt about that.

#116 3 years ago

Hot off the printer are some test prints, and these look like they will work well

The round lenses were printed with a 0.8mm nozzle, adaptive layer height from 0.28 at the bottom to 0.12 towards the top. Line width of 1mm - thickness is 2mm.

The larger rectangular lens was also printed with a 0.8mm nozzle, 0.2mm layer height, 1mm line width, spiralising the outer contour (vase mode). This has a bit of blotch where the printer messed up a bit, but won't really impact things, and won't be visible when mounted.

Enough light definitely gets through these, and the shape seems good, so I'll move on with designing the rest of the parts and see how it ends up! Still need to design some cable management into the base, as well as work out a method to clip the different pieces together.

IMG_5733 (resized).jpgIMG_5733 (resized).jpgIMG_5734 (resized).jpgIMG_5734 (resized).jpgIMG_5736 (resized).jpgIMG_5736 (resized).jpgIMG_5739 (resized).jpgIMG_5739 (resized).jpg
#117 3 years ago
Quoted from Zzap:

Hot off the printer are some test prints, and these look like they will work well
The round lenses were printed with a 0.8mm nozzle, adaptive layer height from 0.28 at the bottom to 0.12 towards the top. Line width of 1mm - thickness is 2mm.
The larger rectangular lens was also printed with a 0.8mm nozzle, 0.2mm layer height, 1mm line width, spiralising the outer contour (vase mode). This has a bit of blotch where the printer messed up a bit, but won't really impact things, and won't be visible when mounted.
Enough light definitely gets through these, and the shape seems good, so I'll move on with designing the rest of the parts and see how it ends up! Still need to design some cable management into the base, as well as work out a method to clip the different pieces together.
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Looking forward to seeing how this turns out. Please keep us updated.

#118 3 years ago

I have a boxed Stern GB topper for sale. PM if your interested. Will post international.

#119 3 years ago

Spent the last two nights working on this. Trying to get as close to the original as possible. So much work in this seemingly easy part ( did I mention the $500 price tag for an OG topper is a steal...?). Couldn't resist throwing it up on the back box for a test fit.

IMG_20210226_233312106 (resized).jpgIMG_20210226_233312106 (resized).jpgIMG_20210226_233645024 (resized).jpgIMG_20210226_233645024 (resized).jpg

#120 3 years ago

duplicate post

#121 3 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

Spent the last two nights working on this. Trying to get as close to the original as possible. So much work in this seemingly easy part ( did I mention the $500 price tag for an OG topper is a steal...?). Couldn't resist throwing it up on the back box for a test fit.
[quoted image][quoted image]

Looking good! And I agree, the original 499 was a steal.

#122 3 years ago
Quoted from titanpenguin:

Looking good! And I agree, the original 499 was a steal.

Not at the time..

#123 3 years ago
Quoted from kidchrisso:

Not at the time..

Not with the code at the time that's for sure.

#124 3 years ago

This is looking good so far, do you think that your printed blue cabs will work at the end ? I made them using plexiglass and I like it

17943E60-BDBB-4974-8C0D-5F219073A580 (resized).jpeg17943E60-BDBB-4974-8C0D-5F219073A580 (resized).jpegD4A9D159-7A95-40A6-A9E1-CF98BACC4347 (resized).jpegD4A9D159-7A95-40A6-A9E1-CF98BACC4347 (resized).jpeg
3 weeks later
#125 2 years ago

Couple of progress shots. All major electronics done. Just the sniffer and siren left to make. Some observations: I may paint the light cups black inside to hide the pcbs. Also might use a frosted spray paint to coat the lenses since they turned out a little clearer than I would have liked. I took a lot of pictures during the process. I'll probably host them somewhere for a bit if anyone is interested in the fab process.

IMG_20210319_141046072_HDR (resized).jpgIMG_20210319_141046072_HDR (resized).jpgIMG_20210319_164840191 (resized).jpgIMG_20210319_164840191 (resized).jpgIMG_20210325_131134965 (resized).jpgIMG_20210325_131134965 (resized).jpgIMG_20210325_133917445 (resized).jpgIMG_20210325_133917445 (resized).jpg

#126 2 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

Couple of progress shots. All major electronics done. Just the sniffer and siren left to make. Some observations: I may paint the light cups black inside to hide the pcbs. Also might use a frosted spray paint to coat the lenses since they turned out a little clearer than I would have liked. I took a lot of pictures during the process. I'll probably host them somewhere for a bit if anyone is interested in the fab process.
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

That looks so awesome! Great work!

#127 2 years ago

Well done, looks great!

#128 2 years ago
Quoted from ArcadiusMaximus:

Couple of progress shots. All major electronics done. Just the sniffer and siren left to make. Some observations: I may paint the light cups black inside to hide the pcbs. Also might use a frosted spray paint to coat the lenses since they turned out a little clearer than I would have liked. I took a lot of pictures during the process. I'll probably host them somewhere for a bit if anyone is interested in the fab process.
[quoted image][quoted image][quoted image][quoted image]

Nice job! Was this just a personal project or would you consider making some to sell?

3 weeks later
#129 2 years ago

I just picked up a GB pro, and would be interested in a topper for sure, now that the code is more interactive.

But not for more than the $500.

C'mon Stern, make it happen!

#130 2 years ago
Quoted from Beechwood:

I just picked up a GB pro, and would be interested in a topper for sure, now that the code is more interactive.
But not for more than the $500.
C'mon Stern, make it happen!

Stern would easily say the new run would be at least 500 or even more.

#131 2 years ago

If anyone has one for sale, please DM me. Thx!

#132 2 years ago

Topper???C,mon Stern please finish the code first!!!

#133 2 years ago

I’m in for one...

#134 2 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

Topper???C,mon Stern please finish the code first!!!

Still new to GB, perhaps I haven't gotten far enough into game. What aspect of the code is not finished?

#135 2 years ago
Quoted from marioparty34:

Still new to GB, perhaps I haven't gotten far enough into game. What aspect of the code is not finished?

The code is done. It just needs some polishing especially with the multiplier rules. And some bug fixes since there are still some game breaking ones.

#136 2 years ago

Also there are currently no wizard modes!!

#137 2 years ago

would love to access God Mode without going into the menu - kids just want God Mode and I like regular games - sick of going in the menu, plus would be great for Arcades able to access God Mode

As for the topper, it still looks like it could benefit from an update

#138 2 years ago
Quoted from hawkmoon:

Also there are currently no wizard modes!!

Yes there are, there's 3, with 2 being mini wizard modes and 1 being a super wizard mode. "We came we saw we kicked it's ass", "We are ready to believe you", and "Are You A God"?

#139 2 years ago
Quoted from PanzerFreak:

Yes there are, there's 3, with 2 being mini wizard modes and 1 being a super wizard mode. "We came we saw we kicked it's ass", "We are ready to believe you", and "Are You A God"?

I tried to play a game on lunch and had We Are Ready lit but had a call and seriously had to shut the game off and run up to the office to jump on the call. So bummed, I beat 5 modes on ball 1.
Figures

#140 2 years ago

Any updates on the awesome home brewed GB topper?

4 months later
2 weeks later
#142 2 years ago

So I didn't read the whole thread and missed the parts list to make this happen. Just jumped into the deep end and ordered my parts.

Will be printing the topper on either the Elegoo Saturn or my new Elegoo Jupiter.

#143 2 years ago

comment removed due to inaccuracy of information.

3 weeks later
#144 2 years ago

For the sake of posterity, I will list the official MOLEX part number for the headers and the compatible crimp connectors.

Stern LED Expansion Board
PN 520-6831-00B

#CN1 - MOLEX 22232121
12 pin/circuits
2.54mm pitch
5v on pins 10, 11, 12

compatible crimp housing:
-MOLEX 22012121
-MOLEX 22012127 (friction ramp)
-MOLEX 22013127 (friction ramp with polarizing ribs)

#CN2 - MOLEX 22232091
9 pin/circuits
2.54mm pitch
5v on pins 8, 9

compatible crimp housing:
-MOLEX 22012091
-MOLEX 22012097 (friction ramp)
-MOLEX 22013097 (friction ramp with polarizing ribs)

#CN3 - MOLEX 22232061
6 pin/circuits
2.54mm pitch

5v on pin 6
RCK pin 5
SCK pin 4
MOSI -> pin 3
MISO pin 2
Ground pin 1

compatible crimp housing:
-MOLEX 22012061
-MOLEX 22012067 (friction ramp)
-MOLEX 22013067 (friction ramp with polarizing ribs)

#CN4 - MOLEX 22232071
7 pin/circuits
2.54mm pitch

5v on pin 7
RCK pin 5
SCK pin 4
MOSI pin 3
MISO pin 2
Ground on pin 1

compatible crimp housing:
-MOLEX 22012071
-MOLEX 22012077 (friction ramp)
-MOLEX 22013077 (friction ramp with polarizing ribs)

#145 2 years ago

Stern Node Board 12
PN 520-6976-72A

#CN1 - MOLEX 22232061
6 pin/circuits
2.54mm pitch

5v on pin 6
RCK OUT pin 5
SCK OUT pin 4
MOSI OUT pin 3
MISO IN pin 2
GROUND pin 1

compatible crimp housing:
-MOLEX 22012061
-MOLEX 22012067 (friction ramp)
-MOLEX 22013067 (friction ramp with polarizing ribs)

#CN14 - MOLEX 26604050
5 pin/circuits
3.96mm pitch

48v on pin 5
N/C pin 4
DOOR pin 3
KEY pin 2
GROUND pin 1

compatible terminal housing:
-MOLEX 09503051 (friction ramp)
-MOLEX 26033051 (trifurcon terminals)
-MOLEX 26034050 (trifurcon terminals, friction ramp)

KEY for pin #2 MOLEX 26634051

Power distribution board
PN 520-8096-00

#CN7
0.084 2-Position
Plug 50-84-1020 (2.13mm Diameter MLX Power Crimp Housing Plug, 2 Circuits, Natural)
Pin: 02-08-1001

for those not in the know, there is an ability to accidentally plug these connectors on backwards, thus the safest (idiot proof) option of these terminal housings would be those with friction ramp AND polarizing ribs. I'd also recommend the trifurcon connectors... pinrepair.com said it best "The Trifurcon design provides three distinct points of contact from the terminal pin to the header pin. This is the ideal choice where high shock or vibration exists. For low current/voltage, Gold is recommended. Phosphor Bronze recommended for higher rated current circuits. Trifurcon only available for .156" and larger pitch. Because Trifurcon connectors resist vibration, they maintain their current (power) ratings much better than single wiper connectors. For this reason Trifurcon crimped connectors are ideal for pinball applications."

For the all the CN connectors above (except for CN14), you may use:
-KK Crimp Terminals 2759, 6459, 41572, 4809, 8088
-0KK 254 Pre-Crimped Leads 797580007, 797580015.

For CN14, you may use:
-MarKK Crimp Terminals 45570
-KK Trifurcon Crimp Terminals 6838, 7258
-L1NK 396 Pre-Crimped Lead 797582145, 797582146.

#146 2 years ago

as noted above, there is a time for gold plated pins, a time for phosphor bronze, a time for trifurcon.

48v, use phosphor bronze. you will need four of these (+48v and gnd, set for each end of the cable).

5v and elsewhere, use gold. you will need about 81 of these.

-if you are going to be spending BIG money on all the tools needed to get into MOLEX connectors, this is the crimping tool needed for the 2.54mm pitch terminals (PremiumGrade Hand Crimp Tool for KK 2.54mm Crimp Terminals, 22-30 AWG 638118200)

and this is the crimping tool needed for the 3.96mm pitch terminals (Hand Crimp Tool for 3.96mm Pitch KK Crimp Terminals, 18-24 AWG 638279500).

-this is an extraction tool used to remove the 3.96 terminals if something gets screwed up (Extraction Tool for Flat Blade, 3.96mm KK, 2.00mm, 3.96mm EdgeMate, and Ultra-Fit Terminals 11030016).

same tool, but for the 2.54mm pitch (Extraction Tool for KK 2.54mm Terminals, 22-30 AWG 11030022)

the worst part in all of this is the lead time from the different distributors - if you stuck with digikey for all the components, some of these MOLEX connectors are 29 weeks out.

#147 2 years ago

If you want a more affordable crimper, this $22 tool on Amazon works perfectly.

HT-225D Full Cycle Ratchet Crimping Tool with interchangeable die set HT-225D https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007JLN93S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_HC293N4QWYZWWP3DT99K

#148 2 years ago
Quoted from Schwaggs:

If you want a more affordable crimper, this $22 tool on Amazon works perfectly.
HT-225D Full Cycle Ratchet Crimping Tool with interchangeable die set HT-225D amazon.com link »

Crap. Just bought this set ENGINEER Precision Crimping Tool kit, Orange, PAD-02 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2W9XSM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_0P614D0G5ZBV7099JSJN.

I should have everything needed within the next week. Hope to be able to work on it one of these weekends.

#149 2 years ago

This took one final destination 4 to complete.

IMG_20211024_201503.jpgIMG_20211024_201503.jpg
#150 2 years ago

Oh boy, getting closer.

IMG_20211025_211254__01.jpgIMG_20211025_211254__01.jpg
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