I've finally completed my Metallica project.
The goal here was to take my existing Creeping Death light bars mod that mount along the ramps on each side of the PF (to provide a UV Flasher effect when Sparky goes off) and convert them to full on RGBW stadium lights while keeping the UV flasher effect.
I was waiting for some new magnetic tape to arrive after the first brand I bought failed to stick to anything for very long. I also had used some wire the first time that proved to be too heavy and cumbersome and make it difficult to keep the angle edge in place.
I covered the electrical components and wiring instructions back on post #297 (https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/poor-mans-stadium-lighting/page/6#post-4352998). The work here was to attach RGBW 12v led strips to the unused side of the plastic creeping death L bars that would point across the playfield with the existing UV flashed LED strip pointing down onto the sideblades.
I've discovered that you can use old USB cables as a suitable method to connect the RGBW strips to the LED controller module. It's a bit of work to remove the ends and existing shielding and such but it's much easier to fit/solder these small wires onto the LED strip's solder pads, and the cables are compact, flexible, and light enough. A USB cable only provides 4 wires though so I used another 20g wire as well for the + connection (five wires total, RGBW+). I did test running the lights for several hours and the little USB wires were not even warm so I think they are large enough for this application.
The replacement magnetic strips I bought off ebay did the trick. I carefully cleaned (with alcohol) the surfaces first and mounted the tape, kept it snug with a few plastic clamps and left it to set overnight.
Here is a link to the tape I used (2mm thickness): ebay.com link: 3M One Side Self Adhesive Magnetic Tape Magnet Strip Width 1 2mm
BestLitPF (resized).JPG
It turned out really well, makes the PF pop and the UV lightshow I think is even better now when sparky goes off. When Sparky is down to 1 hit remaining and it's pulsating the UV LEDs it makes the PF pulsate blue and is a really subtle and nice effect as well.
Something to note is that because the L brackets are transparent plastic the led light "shines through" the inside edges a bit past where the decals cover the top. You can see this in the picture. I don't notice this at all once I start playing, etc. but it might bother some folks.
One other large advantage in my opinion is how it allows you to remove the existing light bars that clutter the left and right sides of the game, and also the factory spotlights over the slings. With those gone it really opens up the playfield!
Geneva, IL
Wellington
I used a single 1/2" diameter by 1/16" thick rare earth magnet on each end of the angle aluminum.
Helsinki
