Not sure about the transformer thing but I think you move a few jumper cables in the metal power box connector thingy.

Regarding spareparts, there are several good online stores in Europe to order from that delivers fast and reliably. Or just order from the US but be prepared for an expensive freight fee.

If you have only pre-Spike games, that should be fine.
However, Stern has implemented a software protection to prevent from parallel importation from US to Europe. At the first boot, the game save the frequency (50Hz or 60Hz) and this cannot be changed with future firmware update.

Except if they can provide a special firmware to reset this information, the game will refuse to boot when plugged in a different frequency power.

But I'm very interested, please keep us updated !

For most solid state games, there are jumpers or jumper plugs you can change for EU electric.

For some of the newer Stern games, there is something in the firmware that prevents 60hz games being used on 50hz and visa versa. If you have newer stern games, you may have to contact support about that.

For games with a florescent blub, you might need to replace the ballast if it is a 60hz-only type, rather than a 50hz/60hz type.

https://www.pinball.co.uk/blog/converting-a-usa-stern-pinball-to-230v-50hz/

There are EU suppliers that should have most of the common parts you'll need. But if you're actively restoring games, you may still have to rely on US suppliers (they do ship internationally).

https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki/index.php?title=Pinball_Parts_Suppliers

As for buying games in the EU, from what I've heard, US games are harder to find and are more expensive. However, you may encounter older EU games that don't usually show up in the US.

I’d probably be lazy and just buy a large converter/transformer that will let you plug in multiple games at once. If this is through the army, you’ll probably end up moving again in what, 5 to 10 years depending on how long you stay in?

Machines cost an asston more in Europe. You could probably bring your games and make a ridiculous profit over there, so maybe buy some extra to sell

I'm in Belgium. Welcome !

Wpc games can be converted, but you should also replace the mov if you want to do it right.
Stern spike games are protected, don't bother bringing them..

Buying parts is no problem, many dealers in Europe.
Also official Stern dealers from which you can order.
Just keep in mind prices are more expensive, above the shipping there's 21pct vat.

Are you really going to have room for 8 machines over there, or any for that matter? My experience in Europe says no, but I didn't live on a base or anything.

Belgium is in the middle of everything in Europe and there is so much to do you shouldn't waste your time playing that much pinball.

Sell your games, put the money in the bank. Buy them for a lot less when you get back. In the mean time, if you get over there and have room, buy a machine or two and leave them there when you come back.

Dont go....we'll vote him out..........

Check the pinside map, there's a few collectors in Belgium. I don't believe I've ever seen a pinball machine on location in Belgium, just bingos.

I'll see you next year, if Americans are allowed to travel to Europe again, and if Belgium is hosting Metal festivals again.

ThierryV is in Zemst and does some good work on older solid state games. Maybe he'll chime in here.

I've played at a few location machines in Brussels.

Have lived in waterloo before. Interesting experience, but the french under 60 seemed uninviting. The flemish love everyone, except the french.

Plenty of parts in europe, just pricey.

I wonder why this is a thing? I mean, your Playstations and laptops and such they give you a second chance to change your "region" and they have region specific things probably for different laws....but something that detects frequency changes? I see those moving overseas much easier than pins.

I recall even IGT slot machines will adapt via their power supply to work just about anywhere. I run with their similar Condor power supplies at my job and they'll take anything you throw at them within reason.

First, you’ll almost certainly love Belgium!

It has some of the nicest people and most attractive cities in Europe, and as someone else mentioned it’s right in the middle of the “action” and a relatively short distance to more great stuff to explore than you’ll be able to accomplish in 10 years.

With that, I agree with the recommendation to store or sell your collection while you are abroad, as realistically you probably won’t play them often, and space will definitely be at a higher premium. If you want to play, there are several spots in Belgium, and some good places relatively close by in Rotterdam and Amsterdam too, for that matter (but you really shouldn’t waste your time on pinball when visiting either of those cities ).

Bingos are indeed found in almost every pub, pinball machines much less, but there are some.

In the centre of Brussels recently a pinball museum has started (they don't have a website, are only on facebook (Brussels pinball museum).
In Rotterdam there's a pinball museum (much bigger) and there's Free Play near the dutch border ( https://www.freeplaylanaken.com/ )
In Paris there's also a pinball museum.. so enough pinball related places to include in visits.

Stern introduced it with spike to stop grey import - there were many dealers in Europe who were importing games from the USA because it was cheaper than buying from the official dealer for the country. In the USA there are enough dealers you can select from and they buy directly from Stern, but worldwide Stern has a different model - they appointed one official dealer for each country/region and everything has to go through him, local resellers have to buy from them..

you gonna learn US buyers should not complain about prices!

none can equal marco with stuff and it is hard to find all you need in a single shop.

I moved to the Middle East last year. Threw my favorites in storage. Sold the rest. Flew two nib’s over, and bought a new stern locally. Your shipping may be free from the Army, so maybe pick 2-3 of your favorites and bring them. Sell or store the rest. Climate controlled of course... I’m used to a big lineup, but I find three is the magic number where I don’t grow bored too fast. I’m building a virtual pin to satisfy the variety itch, and give me something to do.

Off topic...lived in Nederland a few years ago. Best thing we ever did was take Celebrity’s Baltic cruise. We’re not cruise people but it covered a ton of ground by water. Copenhagen, Helsinki, St Petersburg, Tallin, others. Don’t miss the Vasa museum in Stockholm.

Have fun!

Haha! Cruises... Classic.

Welcome to Belgium!
Will you be stationed near Mons? I heard some plans were made for that area.

Your only solution is to have a frequence transformer between your machines or other hardware in them (cpu, ..). WIthout it will not operate.

Normally we have the belgian open pinball, belgischeflippercompetion and next year (if planned because of covid) the european pinball championchips.
There is a pinball museum in Brussels opening soon and otherwise we meet up with friends a lot.

Bought a Williams Stellar Wars that a guy bought in France and brought back to USA 10 years ago. Sat idle in his garage because it was wired for 220. I bought it and only had to change the jumpers on the transformer (shown on the schematic) and change the varistor to 130V. Have been enjoying it ever since. Only thing I never changed were the coin chute plastics as shown (200 LIRE), but the coin acceptors inside are 25¢.

IMG_6327 (resized).JPG

Old games can be rejumpered. New Sterns nead frequency transformers.

You also have local pinball places in
Gent - comic sans (6 machines)
Tournai - Internaute (6 machines)
Oostende - reflex arcade (6 machines)

Amazing ! I'm famous on Pinside

And to OP , welcome to Belgium ( as well too all other pinsiders )

If you are avoiding VAT, you could consider buying NIB sterns in Europe and selling when you leave. VAT is about 22% and the machines may not depreciate that much during your stay.

This board will work for the Stern SAM system.
https://www.rtbb.com.au/product/50-60hz-conversion-board/

B/W and JJP games are relatively easy to convert and would be worthwhile taking with you.

I am at the Detroit Arsenal, and would be happy to hold any of your games while your deployed OCONUS I would keep them clean, and well played at the low cost of some Cantillon beer..

Really though, check out Cantillon if you like good beer! https://www.cantillon.be

Glad to hear the move went well! I miss traveling and can't wait to get back to Belgium. Wonderful country.

Enjoy your games.

Did you do the SPIKE conversion? What did it cost you? I might be in the same situation next year.