Yep, POTC has had 2 updates since shipping. I'm not familiar with the beta code other than what's been mentioned on Pinside and shown on recent streams (including last night or the night before on Buffalo Pinball), but it seems like the main thing in the beta is the character changes that were initially posted in this forum by the programmer around May 2019? So that means this has been the timeline:
- May 2019: The programmer posted in this forum about upcoming character changes
- Feb.-ish 2020: A beta code was released for testing
- May 2020 - Designer said he's looking forward to releasing code
- Nov 2020 - crickets

Saying that's a long timeline for an update is an understatement. And with this timeline already being the case and having a beta out there for so long, for them to comment that they'll release a code update when the final wizard mode is done is just B.S.

Yeah, I'm not not saying it's all good... and I'm definitely not trying to shut down the complaints, because the complaints are valid. When I said a 'year+', I was specifically referring to the end of the game being in production (~August 2019) and not since the last code update. Not that this makes it much more reasonable. I'm just saying that the last official word, long after production had already ended, was that it was still coming. So, I do believe it is.... though I lack scientific evidence.

Hope you are right!!

I think Keefer is still working on the best piratey music for the attract song!
I have high hopes that the next update will be AMAZING!!!
Sucks it is taking so long but JJP has to make money and keep the new pins coming out!

I wonder, Sparrow, can you live with this? ...

Keefer always comes through but I don't like speaking for him because he's a world class player and has his own pinside voice and is a colleague and friend. All I meant by GnR being more or less done is that he will not be burdened going forward fleshing out too much more on GnR that's all. Last week a customer in Europe sent in his error log concerned about an error he didn't know how to fix. I emailed Keith and he explained that it was non fatal and based on what was reported there, it exposed a bug that he had already fixed in a code update. I said great which one? He said the next one. Game was a BA Hobbit. I swore there would be no more Hobbit code updates but for bug fixes and wifi there will be. So if that's in the works despite no Hobbit production ahead, what's to stop POTC from getting it's code too? That's all I meant. This seems like drama for the sake of drama to me but hey I see the points.

Good perspective. It's not drama for the sake of drama. After 19 months you start to wonder if anything's really going to happen. That's a REALLY long time. Hobbit had its amazing, game-changing update after only EIGHT months. And that was a massive release. I hear you on Keith. Really excited to be proven wrong after all this time.

Yep! I’m good with it.

All I know is that my POTC LE is worth more than what I paid for it new and it has not had a new code update in 19 months. I can enjoy and live with the machine I have and hope for better, or sell it and not lose a dime. I feel like I am sitting in the catbird seat.

Indeed!

It has been said that the Bluetooth/wifi updates they wanted to add to each game obviously necessitated an update. I’m sure they just took the opportunity to do a little nip and tuck in on TH/ WOZ, et al. Just release it guys!!

I don’t justify anything. Hobbit is technically unfinished in that it has a known crashing bug that needs to be fixed in software. Wonka also same thing. Those games aren’t on the line just like POTC isn’t on the line.
Think what you want I’m not arguing I foolishly fall into the trap of trying to reassure the wildly insecure about their beloved POTC but even
When I offer legit insight into what happens every day, my positive post is flipped around into a negative right away. Keith is senior software man. Ask him why he doesn’t do his job in the exact order you would like and I’ll keep working on what I do and cease wasting time here.

Wait, TH has a game crashing bug? I've never experienced that. Just lucky I guess. or I suck

Well, we lost another connection to pinball manufacturers. Good work pinside!

But seriously, we do appreciate getting any updates from the inside. Don’t go!

Pinside gonna pinside.

Hear hear!

FWIW, as others have expressed, we greatly appreciate your comments as an insider on this topic. I have worked as a software developer for decades, and it baffles me that a small group of people, even those who do software themselves, seem to be able to be negative no matter what if the sequence of events, explanation, lack of explanation happen to be.

They just need to get over their control issues or OCD or whatever plagues their minds. Or we can just ignore them. (I do)

Thank you for your contributions to the various topics on this forum.

I just like smacking shiny balls. Happy to have this pin

After installing a new mod switch on my Shadow, I requested a new Maelstrom switch mod from M&M creations (Sonic ). I've always been annoyed by that big plastic thing hanging off the ramp in the middle of the game. He made one of his magnetic switches for me and it's really clean. It's a nice improvement. If you have the means, I highly recommend you get one of your own.

OLD:
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NEW:
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IMG_3643 (resized).jpg

IMG_3646 (resized).jpg

Thanks for the testimonial Keith. I'm so happy you are satisfied - it was a fun project to do. If anyone is interested in the POTC maelstrom MRS - simply PM me!

Matt & Dan
M&M Creations

Very clever I like it. Well done. Love the one I got for CFTBL.

PM Sent

Now you need a mod where that switch went..

It needs one bad.

I have one of these in my IJ and love it. Great sellers.

Went to play my pirates today and the left flipper on the BP froze in the upper position. The flipper was not moving smoothly at all and after removing the BP and checking the mech, seems like the coil sleeve (and maybe the coil) are toast. Not sure why this happened when the pin was fine the last time we played. Anyway, I'm guessing I need to replace both the coil and sleeve. Does JJP sells these parts or some other site? Any suggestions? Thanks.

I had the same problem. Was not the coil or the sleeve, but a transistor on the driver board. Very inexpensive part to replace, but had to order the transistor as was different than the Bally/Williams parts I have.

Broken flipper return spring? Pretty common.

https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/10-364

https://www.pinballlife.com/williamsbally-flipper-extension-spring.html

Post a picture of the underside of the flipper. Might help others help you diagnose.

Remove the black Pearl rocking playfield and investigate a little. Coil stop loose ? Broken return spring ?

If sleeve is misformed, then you could need a new coil, coil sleeve, and transistor that drives it.

LTG : )

The flipper plunger was binding in the sleeve. I removed the coil and could not even get the sleeve out, definitely deformed. I'm just concerned as to why this happened?

Crap happens. Transistor failed and locked coil on.

Replace transistor, coil, and coil sleeve.

LTG : )

No problem replacing the coil/sleeve.
https://www.marcospecialties.com/pinball-parts/FL-11722

Not sure how to identify the transistor? I've never actually ever opened the back of my pirates (purchased new from JJP), never had any need to. Any tips?

Manual - coil chart - Page C-54 - Q408 on the I/O board.

You can download the manual from jerseyjackpinball.com - under Support - under Downloads - Under Pirates of the Caribbean.

LTG : )

Thanks for the help. Looks like this is the transistor https://www.jameco.com/z/IRL540N-Major-Brands-Mosfet-IRL540N-TO-220AB-100V-36A_670194.html

Might I suggest GPE. Same price as your link above but the guy supports the pinball hobby and will probably give you a better deal on the shipping. Go ahead and get 10 to get the discount.

https://www.greatplainselectronics.com/search.asp

Unfortunately they don't stock the specific transistor I need. Jameco has a $20 minimum order, so not going with them either.

It let me put 10 in my cart...

irl540 (resized).JPG

The JJP BP flipper coil uses a 36 amp transistor. Finding the exact part was not easy, only Jamico and Futurlec had it in stock.

IRL540
More robust than tip122 and the like.

I would still use the 26amp all day long. That is just a peak current spec. 26 is fine.

uhg... Come one now!!! Elvira is better than POTC?!

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more bs (resized).JPG

I have them both. The hype is real. It is super fun. Not to mention (yes I'm a broken record), Elvira has been updated twice as many times as POTC. AND another one coming with 3 new modes soon.

I played a lot of elvira. It’s a good shooter. I’m not sure about top five all time. To each their own tho. Potc is legendary to me

Word. I just meant it’s a badass game, which is not obvious at first

Vira is pretty fun! I’d own it. Nothing makes me happier than playing PotC though.

Once the new code is out I’m sure many users will revisit their rating

New Elvira code is coming this month. I’m skeptical POTC will ever be revisited. But keep hoping!