(Topic ID: 272219)

How to Light a Custom Topper from Machine?

By zeldarioid

3 years ago



Topic Stats

  • 7 posts
  • 5 Pinsiders participating
  • Latest reply 3 years ago by OLDPINGUY
  • Topic is favorited by 2 Pinsiders

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    #1 3 years ago

    I’ve seen that there are a couple of other posts similar to this, but have found most to be related to older machines. I’m curious if anybody has any tips on where to pull power from in the game to light a couple LEDs in a custom made topper for newer Stern SPIKE 2 games, specifically Star Wars (new-ish) and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2020)?

    #2 3 years ago

    I used the LED strips from Comet pinball that plug into your GI (alligator clips or special bulb adapter) for my homemade Star Wars topper. Used both a red and blue strip to get effects. Red flashes when hit an asteroid and blue for light speed. Both lit in normal gameplay under a model Millennium falcon. I had previously bought the DIY topper lighting kit from Cointaker. I do not recommend it.

    #3 3 years ago

    Mezel Mods

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    #4 3 years ago

    Thank you both for your suggestions! I'll look into those I am curious, though, from a more low-level perspective, how one would determine where they could source power without the need for extraneous purchases, like the splitter from Mezel? And while I'm sure it's much more complicated, hell, even how you would go about designing your own splitter, for example! I've seen GI sourcing to be a common theme; is that pretty much the go-to, fairly safe place to tap for power for lower requirement/draw mods, like a couple LEDs? Just find any ol' GI, clip onto it, and boom, you're good to go? I know you wouldn't want to do that with too much, but for one or two small mods? I know this is a complex field, and I'm only just starting to learn about pins and electronics in general, but I'm very curious and would love to learn more! Any suggestions with poking around using a multimeter to find a preferred source, or anything like that?

    #5 3 years ago

    The leds draw such little current that it wouldn't be an issue just clipping on a couple sockets to power up a mod using led's. If your playfield has led's installed and/or the backbox they you have eliminated 90% of the original current draw, therefore extending the life of your transformer so you have ample current available for mods.

    #6 3 years ago

    I am using an LED strip light kit from comet to light the back strip. It is tied to GI on the playfield with the red and black clips. It goes on and off with the GI. You could do something similar with your lights and even have different lights in your topper linked to different lights in your playfield with no programming.

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    #7 3 years ago

    Jurrasic Park Light with 6 SMD Pad, 36", I think, extension Wire, and a Matrix bulb with splitter.
    Done in 5 minutes.

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