Anyone install the Cointaker RED laser upgrade? With the blackout mod? Would love to see a short video of the red laser upgrade ...

Got mine today. The impact on "full blackout" is simply awesome!! The darkness presents an incremental challenge too. Just an awesome mod. I too had trouble as bpeed99 above did. Tom, you might want to check your connectors vs the male end on the machines. Something is not quite right.

I too cut off the little "legs" but still no luck getting connector on (without breaking something). I had spare trifurcon housing connectors so I dremeled off the original and added my own. After that, it went right on no issues. Worked perfect after mounting it to bottom of playfield, then adding the supplied power cable. This is a must have mod ... makes a huge difference in play feel and look. Nice job Tom!

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Thanks Tom. I'm just not sure it's the correct connector. ... when I replaced it with my own, I could connect/disconnect with ease. Connection was firm and locking tab engaged as it should. FWIW

Tom and team -

First, for the folks that are getting this mod - you will NOT be disappointed!
It is amazing and I am thrilled that Tom is making it for us!

THANK YOU TOM ... seriously. It's a great mod and you can't get it anywhere else!

This issue is minor and I'm only sharing this info in case Stern or one of Tom's suppliers has made a change or whatever …

Here is what I know (or think I know!). I cut off the supplied connector using a Dremel tool (careful or you'll cut into the pinned pin connectors in the board)

Had to use my fine "pick tool" (super pointy) to push in the retainer pins on Toms board even after cutting housing mostly off.

Once off, it was simple to slide on the new part (make sure you "re-extend" the retainer pins so they grab the new housing)

Three things that I noticed that may be part/all of the issue: (I think #4 is most likely as many, many folks are installing these are with no issues other than mine)
1. There are 4 extra "tabs" that are on the original part from Tom - they can be cut off
2. Look at the "top-down" image of the connectors- "Dremeled off" one on right is the original. There seems to be more material from the pin holes to the face of the connector where it engages with the stern locking tab
3. The face of the original connector also does not have any "relief" area for the locking tab (Stern side) to drop into - . The face of it is completely flat. This would force the locking tab on the Stern board to stay hyperextended and never locks into anything. (See image of my new connector and the "hook")
4. My guess is that if you "force it" that it would actually connect but would (over time) leave the original locking tab stretched into a permanently extended state - huge guess on my part

Below is the part I used but you can use any that you have on hand that are 8 or more pinholes (just cut off the extra)
This part IS TALLER than Toms part and will require you to add some length to Tom's supplied circuit board stand-offs. I added 1/4" more to mine. This ensures the board mounts "level" to the bottom of the playfield.

http://www.greatplainselectronics.com/products.asp?cat=81

Part Number: CS156-08-LR

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