Congrats (perhaps premature) to the new Heighway team! I have some restored optimism, and I look forward to seeing how this all plays out.

It seems pretty obvious to me the first seveal Aliens delivered were indeed cobbled together with whatever parts were on hand. The Alien I picked up at TPF has a Full Throttle serial number and sticker on the back of the cabinet, with an Alien sticker on the coindoor. While my machine does have 'production boards' (except Xeno mech) ALL of the early games used 'tower GI' lighting (small PCB with multi LED's). I have heard from Heighway that they are scrapping this idea, and going back to the RGB LED's they used on FT. Assuming we will someday get these parts, it won't be a simple 'replace a bulb' fix, as you have to remove all the boards under the playfield to access the GI.

You make it sound like all this was part of Andrews' master plan. I suspect he was grasping at straws. I talked to Andrew in person about the Alien I took home from TPF. However, in hindsight it appears he was not being completely honest. I asked specifically about the timeline for the updated xeno board (it was just a board at that time - found out later that the entire mech has to be updated, not just the board). I asked "will it be days away, weeks away, or months?" He replied "Oh, it won't be months - should be very, very soon). Honestly, he may have said "a couple weeks". ...and of course - no mention about the GI issues at that time.

Turns out they were still working to resolve all these issues. As I was waiting for the updated Xeno mechs/boards, I was also experiencing some other issues with lighting, and yes - my playfield LCD went out. I have been emailing with Helmut, and to his credit he usually does reply promply. Unfortunately, I get the impression his hands are tied, ESPECIALLY when it comes to sending out replacement parts. I have asked many times for an update on when I could expect the new xeno mech and updated GI LEDs, as I can not update the code on the game until the new hardware has been installed. ...to date, I have no idea when this may come. As for the LCD, I have checked, double checked and triple checked connections (as suggested by Helmut)...but I'm not making any progress there either.

Overall, I am still happy with the game. But to say everything is just perfect - peaches and cream - in the world of Heighway Pinball ownership is a bit of a reach.

This I agree with 100%. David and Joe have been great.

Yes, Helmut almost always replies promptly to my service related emails. However, as I stated earlier, I think his hands are tied when it comes to sending out any spare/replacement parts. ...that's when I get radio silence. Like all of you, I hope new management works to resolve these issues promptly.

Nah, make the [existing] games [work 100%] first. *I* want my pin [to work 100%] and *I* want it before any refunds are given [or new games are made]. Forget those people who have bailed [or are paid in full]. *I* bet they continue to ignore refund requests, [or] make and ship a bunch of pins....'cause it's all about me.

Thank you far taking the time to post these - very helpful.

As an owner, I can tell you the code is the least of my worries. I'm on version 0.94, which is a few releases behind what what's in the most recent machine delivered to Canada. Even at .94, the code is very good - all modes, wizard modes and multi-balls are implimented - rules, sounds and video assets are GREAT IMHO.

As for the hardware, yes, I suspect there may still be some issues. We all know the xeno mech needed work - but again - I think the most recent machine delivered to Canada DID have the imprioved mech and board (he posted pictures). There is also an issue with the GI lighting - early machines like mine have 'tower GI' which will need to be completely replaced. In fact, until I get the new hardware (xeno and GI) I am not able to update code.

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is the build time for each machine. If they want to reduce this, I suspect they may alter/simplify some of the design. For example, when I picked up my machine at TPF, the facehuggers were not installed on the slings. No biggie right? Well, I know my way around a pinball machine, and it still took me over two hours to get those installed. It's a bit complicated, as you have to remove 'C' clips from the slingshot arm, pull it out, drill some holes, mount the facehuggers, (I also had to dremmel the screws used as the ones Andrew gave to me were too long), then from the top of the machine you have to guide the slignshot arm back into place and replace the 'C' clips. It's tiedious, and it's just a cosmetic part.

This is true - it's a pretty easy fix. But yes, it should be fixed at the factory before being delivered.

That's great and all...but I sure wish Heighway would spend a little time supporting existing customers. I purchased an Alien at TPF in March, and I'm still stuck on version 0.94 of the code because I need new hardware to update. Both Heighway and Cointaker have promised updated parts many times since March...I have a long string of emails. I have even offered to PAY for new parts and shipping....but as of today - November 16 - I still have no idea when or if I will receive them.

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I heard Andrew Heighway was a vegan. For that reason alone, I'm grilling steak tonight.

Cointaker for $80,000 -ouch.