Doing tech work on location machines for an operator in NYC I have already had numerous and sometimes repeat Node board issues with WWE, KISS LE and Batman66 LE. Not only are the machines down due to the boards failure they dont take in money, which is why they are on location in the first place.

Another aspect that field techs have to deal with regarding Spike is that it's embarrassing to show up for a repair on location only to not be able to repair the machine due to a Mode board failure and having to explain to the angry location owner why there is a machine down in a spot that could be making money with a dinner table.

A machine is down due to a non serviceable board. Said board costs up to $300 with what a $1 transistor could have solved. So now your not only down for the loss of income but also for the huge cost of the board.

A few times already, location owners have asked the operator to take the machines out due to the down time.

If Pinball is to return to the Public eye and grow again this system is basically suicide for the industry.

Its the same old small thinking. Build something cheap and fast for the quick buck and not made well and slow for the Big Bucks.

Penny Wise, Dollar Foolish.

If Spooky , American Pinball, JJP or any new mfg catch on and create serviceable systems they may slowly take over the Operator/Location Market.

With all due respect to George Gomez one of my favorite designers and talented people.

George LOL What laboratory was that may I ask? The Spike system has not held up in 4 NYC "REAL World Bars"

Yes the Spike system has diagnostics and a Sam Based menu system how does that help when it leads you to a failed Node board and

you are still stuck not being able to repair it unless you happen to have an expensive replacement node board on hand?

How many hours of operation would it take just to recoup the expense of the Node board?

This does not solve the serviceability issue.

Maybe node boards could be made socketed and with through hole components?

Maybe Node boards could be discounted by half to Operators with some form of proof that the particular machine is on location.

Maybe failed node boards could be replaced free of charge to Operators so that they could recoup the lost downtime revenue?

Or, which is really stretching it, Node boards could be sold for around $20

Im not an operator but as a Tech that independently works for operators I understand the situation fairly well.

I understand Stern too in that hey are trying to cut costs in order to make money as well but in this particular situation it may come back to haunt them.

“Replacing them is an expensive, time-consuming nightmare” (referencing the SMT LEDs)
Response:Again, this is common technology; SMT parts are currently used in consumer, commercial and industrial products worldwide.They do require specific techniques, training and tools but years ago when pinball went to solid state, that technology seemed equally daunting at first. There are numerous YouTube video’s on SMT repair tutorials.

As for this tech being used by Commercial and Industrial products yes true but at higher Spec levels according to intended use.

Its obvious from what is happening in the feild that the specs for the Spike system were not high enough for the intended environment and use.

Hmmm maybe that is part of the answer have the Spike boards meet Mil,FAA and Nasa Specs.