Is the SV wait similar to the LV estimated wait (1 yearish?) This is what is holding me back from making a pre-order(that and potentially having to even wait longer once someone does pay).

This making its way to TPF and perhaps even for sale?

If you get the SV, can you add in beacons after the fact?

Hello fellow eastside bro, we may just become best friends!

I may see you there! May pickup a demo unit from CT. Just have to figure out if I want to go so or lv?

I may see you there! Currently going back and forth on a sv or lv. Unsure yet.

You went LV right? Did you ever get to try the sv to compare?

thoughts?

I am an official owner of a LV!

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Yes I did! Definitely different flippers. It was the first thing I immediately notice. Softer per say? Squishy perhaps? Comparing to my SW Premium, which is pretty snappy on the flip. I didn't get to see the the xeno snatch up the ball. Ramps on the left are difficult at time to get up, but I admit I am just a filthy casual when it comes to playing. The field is MUCH brighter on the LV compared to SV. LED side lighting is cool.

I will go back and try the others just to see how the flippers feel if any difference.

By the way, rumor has it an apron similar to the HP one will be a future potential add on..

Guys at the CT booth said the PB guys are there(didn't get to meet them), so if people at the show have questions technical or otherwise, have an opportunity to ask them directly.

I wonder if the leds has a setting for brightness? If so, should be able to help.

At the show, they had a sign showing pre-orders targetted for late 2021.

LV-013 reporting in. Got the floor model from TPF. Only issue is the backbox was damaged in the shipping. Cointaker/Cato mentioned they will be sending me a replacement LV backbox when in stock.

The sound on it is amazing and couldn't truly be enjoyed fully on the TPF floor. PB/Cato went over the top in and literally went through all the switches to ensure all things were solid and not loose after 3 days of playing. I do know that with the latest release of software is priming for the next firmware version as I asked about the frequency of the as my wife likes to put it "woo-woos" on top. Sounds like that will be improved hopefully.

Modded up the buttons thanks for the custom rod/button dude at TPF.

And now to what you have been waiting for -

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When I bought which was 30 min after day 1 show opening, 1 LV sold already, 2 SV's and my LV remained.

The booting of the game is really the loudest I think I have ever heard. The initial calibration of the xeno is a surprise the first few times. Chatting with Cato, currently the Xeno is metal on metal gears which is why its loud. I guess early in the design, it was metal and plastic gears which stripped pretty quick.

Red arrow on the left is its power connect, red arrow on the right shows its plugged into the pc behind the monitor.

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I will see what I can do this evening!

I asked Cato when I was picking up my LV. Said some minor issues but nothing that wasn't fixable(loose switches). It was really their first time stress testing the LV and he seemed happy with the results. The LV is currently working well at home.

Don't have direct email, had to make a ticket through PB, then things are usually assigned over to him.

Couple of bugs I have found which may not be bugs -

- Air lock modes - this is a drain monster and some modes have the ball save SDTM and some don't, their a rhyme or reason?
- Ambush - Feels like there should be a proper ending once you are down to one ball, every other mode has a "you failed", surprised they didn't put a scene or ending on this one as it feels the easiest to do
- Combat Drop - Apone when he yells at Hudson to get over here, no voice call out, he mouths it though

I would say it happens all the time, LV, latest everything. Like you will see him say the first line, then it cuts to when he gets mad but no audio from that. Of course when it drains. It's the only scene I notice where the audio is off, but I haven't seen everything as I am terrible.

Will try to adjust the airlock because that thing magnets straight on down (which is why I thought the center post was installed by default).

I don't think so, because the line with the word shit does get said. Where Apone is supposed to say "Hudson, come here, come here", I believe is where the audio gets missed.

Funny enough, his line before, I wish they had in, here is the before that line -

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Adding to those with LV's on order, LV #12 and #13 were on hand for TPF(I have #13). So if the 35 is the ballpark #, one would assume LV's up to #48 will be in the next shipment. All guesses of course at this point.

Patch notes for 2.6!

Changed firmware update function so that if multiple updates are present on the USB device, only the latest will be installed. Filename is now irrelevant, as long it ends with .uf2.
Added firmware version to startup screen, once detected.
Fixed bug that could occur when game code could not connect to the controller board. Sometimes it did not attempt to retry the connection, which would require a reboot to continue.
Renumbered some LEDs to avoid conflict between the new backbox LEDs and the cabinet lamps/stepper motor. This fixes several issues, such as: launch button and coin door LEDs being stuck on and the stepper running during lamp test.
Fixed the "Set Location" action which was broken in 2.5.
Fixed coil commands from sometimes exceeding firmware power limits. This was usually observed when the center magnet would turn off too soon when its coil adjustment was set to pulse it stronger.
Fixed incorrect mapping/labeling of the lower/upper flipper switches on the LV.
Increased the priority of the Sentry Guns super jackpot lamp on the airlock over other multiballs. When Sentry Guns and another multiball are running together, the main arrows for the Sentry Guns shots will now blink more slowly, to help distinguish between the two.
Fixed some bugs with combo scoring. It now resets correctly after the combo sequence ends, and times out slightly faster.
Changed combo scoring to reward longer combo sequences more than shorter ones.
Fixed the double scoring insert not always blinking when 2X scoring was active.
Improved the All Out War ready lamp effect. It is now less likely to be preempted by another effect, and is much brighter.
Removed many settings from the "Modify Game" menu that didn't work properly.
Added more shaker motor calls.
Increased brightness of multiball jackpot arrows.

I can speak to the support I have received so far from PB. At the TPF, my LV's backbox was damage on shipping. They are sending new backbox, translite and a scoop as Cato also noted as I have of it draining SDTM instead of left flipper. Will have to do some transplanting from screen/backbox electric to the new box, but I have been satisfied so far. Will update as I get things.

Notes so far from 2.6 -

Shaker activating more frequently (weapon selection and at random times engaging the xeno shot)
Beacon lights staying on for longer(unknown about all the way through) during the Queen's nest mode.

What is Extra section under ball up on the screen? I see a little symbol there grayed out. What is that section for?

Aww yes, if I got extra balls, I'd probably know about that by now

Hope it's a walkout, my back hurts looking at the pic.

I am happy to report that "Assholes and Elbows" line did make it in during the combat drop mode. Just no video going with the phrase!

I am also waiting for Cato on the reply. Waiting on the shipment of backbox, translite and scoop replacement.

Question for the airlock scoop. How loose is yours? Mine since I had it always shoots SDTM. Got a video from the factory with trying to adjust but in the video and what mine is, there's has more given where mine has little.

Did you do the twist method with the pliers or the screwdriver yank method to correct? I have been yanking on this thing, still STDM.

And if you have a picture of your airlock scoop, would be appreciated.

Thanks for the link. Here is a snapshot the video from the factory sent to try to fix it. I also have the lip but still having issues.

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Yup leveling is good. With the pliers, using your photo, which direction are you twisting?

I am twisting the blue direction.

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So the red direction per the picture above? And is thats same corner?

Basically. Here are the instructions - https://pinballbrothers.freshdesk.com/support/solutions/articles/80000961821--how-to-adjust-airlock-scoop

I was given a video of what they are doing at the factory to fix and its different. Involves wedging a screwdriver and pushing left to redirect the scoop. I haven't had much luck with this method.

Tried this, the scope has about 4 different screws in the shape of a L. Didn't seem to make any difference.

Good call, checked it and its flat.

So kicking around ideas as to why the scoop would be off even after trying so many things. Would the coil have any play/anything to do with it?

Got a replacement scoop on the way. Will let everyone know how that goes. Will be checking the screw holes to see if the factory mounted it correctly.

The Texas Alien contingent is strong on here.

I have my replacement backbox and translite coming on the next ship. A few days ago Cato said it would be leaving in about two weeks or so, for those wondering when the next ship is heading out.

So what is the purpose of this? Two plastic washers with with rings behind the egg. Block against airballs?

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I am not seeing the chipping. Maybe just dust from the pic?

I will ask those to check screws at times on their games. One of my drop targets was hitting the new rubber I put in, when I went to go adjust, I noticed a screw was loose. As I go to tighten, the screw head pops off. You will note in the picture the screw head had glue. I believe it was sheared off and the factory just glued the head back on without fixing the issue.

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Could be, working with Cato on the issue. Back side of the board looks kind of nasty. This might be part of my drop target issue, currently testing. Here is a cap of both.

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Yup and it certainly was the issue. For those with Drop target issues, ensure the coil stop is proper leveled. Once leveled, my flipper has not been knocking down drop targets by pressing the flipper button. This also made the coil plunger straight which is key if you have drop targets not stay straight up. I tested the theory that the coil board was too close for EM interference by rotating the board towards the drop mech and I can say that was NOT the issue.

Airlock scoop trip report - Got a new airlock scoop from PB. Issue was SDTM no matter the adjustment. Installed new scoop, its a bit better, at least hitting the tip of the left most flipper. The target for the scoop is armpit of the left flipper. I am wondering if the screw holes weren't exactly on target when drilled.

Supposedly within the factory they tested/adjusted it from the scoop side before shipping.

Good looking out! It is flush but appreciate the keen eye, from that angle it does look goofy.

Just fixed this! Checked those bottom screws, make sure they are completely level. That one screw looks COMPLETELY angled. If angled, its possible the coil plunger is angeled and not firing off 100% straight, which would cause the issues you are having.

Yes!

They should be even steven.

So never repaired a wireform rail? Any thoughts on how best to get this back in place? Soder?

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That unfortunately isn't an option.

Yeah just added to the ticket.

So far on the LV, have replaced -

Drop Target Assembly
Subway Scoop Assembly

Adding - Wireform Rail replacement

Oh I definitely don't, they have shipped packages faster from Italy to me then I have received at Amazon at times. Its funny as I have always had troubles going up that scoope where I'd hit it with the left upper flipper right on in and it would bounce out. For all I know, its been like this awhile and I never noticed.

This is normal. Mine is this loud when the mech extends.

Definitely some harsh bugs in the code. Have had game freezes on Find Jonesy, Ambush multiball reboots and general aliens reboot of game.

Definitely. I have been reporting my bugs and feeding them to Cato for the issues I have ran into. I hope others are doing the same. Outside of the issues, machine works 95% of the time.

Also wireform right rail replacement report - Works good. I was questioned if there would be any issues as the brand new rail was bent with the left side much higher then the right. Comparing the old rail, both of these should be even. It works but I definitely would say QC in parts can be hit and miss. That seems to be a more common thing as others have received replacements that haven't worked as intended.

No worries! Glad I can help anyone and hopefully my experiences/pitfalls at times can help others at least get them to where issues may occur.

I got my LV-013 at TPF. Probably one of more played LV's out there currently as before I got it into my home, it had around 500 plays at TPF. So some of my experiences can be attributed to a machine that has been broken in so to speak.

The only thing NOT fixed since purchasing is the backbox and translite. Both were damaged on delivery at TPF but I have replacements that were shipped on the May boat that I should sometime get in the next shipment(hopefully).
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Also to add I still get the bug from time to time of the screen going black when powering up the game.

What will happen -

- Game boots, you see the linux code on the backbox and the airlock screen
- Game never boots to blue service screen before going to attraction mode

It's a known PB issue and the current work around is to power off again and power back on to see if it boots normally. My record so far is I had to do it 6 times before being on.

Looking forward to your test and results!

Good to know. Problem is we shouldn't have to unplug and replug in to get it to work let alone powerdown/up. This makes me believe it is infact a handshake issue as someone alluded to.

It would be interesting to see if there are hardware revisions between SV and LV for the computer and the monitor. I am going to assume as in any factory, they grab out of a bin of parts and go from there. Perhaps it could be something as goofy as the firmware of the monitor being different between machines? Really hard to say. It would be cool if there was an option within settings to run a debug/code version file run to see what people have and firmware.

I am on latest and greatest with 2.6 with my LV.

Another day, another game freeze. No ball search, just hit airlock scoop. Mode starts, timer doesn't move, ball doesn't eject from airlock.

Time goes down a little bit but hangs in the 25 second region. Eventually game mode ends, never does a ball search and ends ball. New ball starts but ball doesn't eject.

Can't get into service menu either during the freeze. Only way out is to reboot.

These random mode freezes are starting to become more frequent.

For whatever reason, first thing I thought of is an overheating issue. Wonder if the PC is not getting proper cooling?

Really mission dependent outside of multiball that I have found.

Another day, played a single game. Froze again during Derelict Ship mode, ball drained, timer didn't move, sound still worked. Had to hard reboot.

You'd think they would have purchased/updated firmware to fix this issue -

It have come to our attention that newer USB sticks don't work, please use old type 2.0 USB sticks

So concerning the center targets, when I talked to Cato in person, he said the biggest issue is they may get bent back and just bend them forward so the Xeno mouth doesn't hit the targets during boot. Since then, just loctite all the targets and if you need to bend, should be able to (haven't had issues). I have never had issues with my magnet strength so I checked to see if Cato configured different when this was at TPF. Everything is set to normal/factory default for magnet as well as Xeno.

Yup, Right scoop wireform shit the bed, already got replacements. The welds are just not very good.

When I talked to PB at the TPF, they are SUPER excited to get this out. I asked them specifically about the non-functioning prototype that exists and they said it is no longer non-functioning. Curious to see the layout!

I tried this, it was too soft. Need an actual weld and metal/steel solder for it.

I would donate my pinky toe for a Conan the Barbarian pin.

They are definitely reactive on the information instead of proactive. I am experiencing the same in communication.

One thing can be said for certain, PB makes good on its support. Just received(took about 4 months to get, was on the boat) a full LV Blackbox replacement plus translight as mine was damage when it got delivered to TPF. Any physical and or mechanical failures, I have received full blown replacements and I will say, their dhl shipping direct from Italy is some of the fastest international shipping I have ever seen.

Sorry to hear that.

Ratcheting down the flippers? I might be out of the loop, but can you define that?

I have had replaced so far -

- Back Box full replacement with Translight
- Right railform
- Airlock scoop
- Right Pop up mech

Everything but the top I received within a week. Now mind you, I was working with Cato directly so maybe that had something to do with it.

Question for those with the drop target issue on 2.8. Will the targets drop if by vibration or non-ball hits? If so, i'd check the screw underneath to make sure all is level.

If it makes you feel any better, the head of my LV was damaged along with translight on shipping. PB sent me a full new head and translight. It just might takes some time.

Expect this to be on the slow boat so it could be some time before you get it. I have found in my experience anything larger then a board, they will ship it with the machines.

My Alien brother, I am going to guess that PB is going to drop this new version likely only for the PB folks. I would take the initial fulfillment from PB to HW owners as the first and last thing as its "technically" two different versions of the game. Unless someone on the backend can code, I think the video assets are easy enough but coding when they popoff would be the difficult in the HW version.

Topper Info

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Make room on the couch for me. I'm a cuddler! Pre-ordered all the new addons.

It's crazy that say outside of Labyrinth, this announcement for the new Alien, pricing, extras is probably the biggest thing at the Expo(all my opinion of course).

Yes, I also installed all the beacons on my LV and the backright is the one that goes off during attract.

That bites. I met Cato, he was the man from a technical perspective(straight up made sure my demo machine was working at TPF after purchase, loctite and all).