(Topic ID: 152634)
Linked Games
Metallica (Premium)
Stern, 2013
Topic Gallery
Oviedo, FL
This shouldn't be difficult to make get a VU meter like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UL5MIP4
and use the input and output connectors to pass your backbox speakers through it.
Edit: Maybe this one is better http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00UL5LOS6
Nice mod! This looks like the one used. I'd be all over this if I didn't already have a mod on the sneeze guard.
http://www.amazon.com/Generic-Console-Frequency-Divider-Equipment/dp/B00UMJA2WK/ref=sr_1_8
Quoted from snyper2099:Cool, how did you make it?
Very cool indeed!
In fact, I just received a little VU meter kit (http://www.vellemanusa.com/products/view/?country=us&lang=enu&id=350543) of my own just two days ago, with the intent of modding my Met in this same way. I wasn't sure where to mount it until I saw this thread; from the OP's pics it looks like it was factory installed - well done!
As far as how to make it work, simply wire the meter in parallel with the cabinet speaker. The VU kit has a speaker-level input (470k impedance), so it's just a simple connection to the speaker terminals. The meter requires 12VDC, which is readily available in the auxiliary 12V cabinet harness. Given the high input impedance compared with speaker impedance (for parallel resistances, 1/R1+1/R2=1/Rtotal), the additional load presented to the game's audio amp is miniscule and won't cause any stress, damage, or audible distortion.
Some meter kits might provide only a high-sensitivity line-level connection. In that case, a resistive voltage divider could be used to pad down the speaker-level voltage to line-level, with the individual resistances being determined by a couple of Ohm's Law calculations (the same circuit some audio equipment manufacturers use to add headphone jacks to power amps/receivers).
Quoted from yzfguy:Sudsy, are ya gonna jump on this and wire some up to sell?
Nah, I'm too lazy. Beside, it's easy enough for anyone to do for themselves.
Mind spelling it out for a simpleton? I have no idea what to buy or where to get it. I would order now 
. The Amazon one above? I like the line that kinda lingers on top after the level goes down.
Quoted from yzfguy:Mind spelling it out for a simpleton? I have no idea what to buy or where to get it. I would order now
I think any of the ones above would work. I don't have a P/N for you - it was a loose one I pulled out of a junk bin. The feature you are referring to is called a "peak hold" - some meters have it and some don't - look at the details when you order. It's just 4 wires - low and hi audio inputs (which you can use alligator clips to the cab speaker but don't tell Black Knight about the roach clips or he will preach to you at length - glad he's gone), power and ground. Mine was 5vdc, but I'm sure they come in 12vdc too.
I'll make up a couple if people want them. Should work in any music pin I guess. Ordered 5 parts to start, will order as many as needed after we get something working and looking good. Will make a case or front for it when I get it. Probably put one of these into my Iron Maiden Project .
Quoted from MnHotRod:Looks like they come in 57mm, 87mm, 117mm and 147mm versions.
Forget about the mm, somebody make a giant VU meter backbox topper, and let's really rock!
(not responsible for any photosensitive epileptic seizures
Someone made that topper in a thread about a year ago. I like this because it fits in an unused space and covers an ugly plastic guard
Ok- Happy to get this one rolling for everyone. Will add on once markmon sells his.... thanks for the suggestion all!
Quoted from mrs_mezelmods:Ok- Happy to get this one rolling for everyone. Will add on once markmon sells his.... thanks for the suggestion all!
I want to put 2 of these symmetrically placed on AC/DC but it will require some sort of mounting brackets. Any help, advice, links would be appreciated.
would be cool to have it like an equailzer bar. have a bunch of small ones in a row each set to different freq. Nice little idea
For all those who have PM'd asking me to build a kit for you, I appreciate the compliments and the interest. Honestly, there would not be much to the kit beside the VU meter, which is readily available for about $30. Some wire and mounting screws that everyone has laying around the house and you're done. It's about as DIY as it gets! But if you don't feel comfortable with it, it looks like some folks are ready to jump in and sell ready-made kits. Like I said in an earlier post, I don't intend to make kits - I'm more of an idea man (and I really am lazy, you can ask my wife!)
Quoted from yzfguy:Someone made that topper in a thread about a year ago.
I can't find this - can you provide a link?
BTW, Florida APE show rocks! The hotel WIFI in this particular Miami hotel - not so much.
This may be the one he's talking about: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/new-metallica-mod-that-i-made
Quoted from RGman:This may be the one he's talking about: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/new-metallica-mod-that-i-made
That's it! Thanks.
Quoted from sadler28:Nice work! On another note, is that a piece of metal covering the shooter lane? I have occasional issues where the ball jumps the shooter lane into the right outlane. Thinking this cover could help with that?
I think you are seeing the metal on the bottom of the shooter lane?
Quoted from sudsy7:Check out this mod I made to jazz up the sneeze guard a little bit.
» YouTube video
DSCN2035_(resized).JPG
I like it but I already have one on my Met....a little bigger too. 
Quoted from MustangPaul:I like it but I already have one on my Met....a little bigger too.
I think all us guys just got meter envy! (ladies continue insisting size doesn't matter - thank you).
Nice find, MustangPaul. They even have them in about 18" x 4" size which might suit a pinball backbox better, and setup for 12v for just over 10 bucks. Ordered & out!
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