Stern STAR WARS club...May The Force Be With You

Wonder where the sensor is for the ball in that lane. Video makes it seem like it's right behind the ramp. If it was in the beginning of the loop, the ramp could respond faster...maybe a mute point though, as I haven't personally seen the premium

Looks good! Where did you get these?

PinFever What's used to mount those. I'm thinking about getting some x-wing game fighters and mounting them, but not sure how. I really like how yours look.

Thanks!

It's here!!!
Plays perfect out-of-the-box. All I did was level it and go. Justin was awesome to work with. Anyone need a distro near Omaha, he's the one!

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Here's some shots of the minor mods I did to my premium (sorry, didn't take the glass off). Mirror blades, blue lighted flipper buttons, and blue and red rubbers on the flipper bats.

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I am not a mirror blade fan usually...would rather have cool art blades. But, this looks so awesome with the chrome ramps and the incredible light show. When you hit the hyperspace loop, with the ball cruising around it, the adrenaline will start running.

I would like to add a tournament button to my SW premium. The hole is round instead of square...is the button not supossed to be recessed? Did Stern change this to a round recessed button? Has anyone played it in tournament? If so, what was the button like?

Thanks! It's just a standard tournament button that's not recessed. The picture really helped. My wife and I usually have a tournament going (just us). She's VERY competitive.

fosaisu I installed the nudie shooter lane protector. Not that easy, but certainly doable. I pushed it back from the edge of the lane as far as I could, but it hangs over very slightly. Gives great protection, but sometimes the ball will get hung on the end of it after kick out (hope this wears slightly and it won't do it, and it makes the ball drag slightly at the beginning of the plunge. If your used to plunging at a certain strength, it may take a little more to get that golden skill shot. It does protect the edge well. Hopefully the idiosyncrasies work out as the plastics slightly wears. And whoever made the new cards...THANKS! Printed on photo paper and they look awesome!

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Both are good ideas...you really have to install it to see. The razor shaving is the best option. I will try that tomorrow. I'll let you know.

Yep. Best to go a little work than to screw up something permanent.

Well, after a few games it settled in nicely and the ball no longer gets hung up and the added drag has significantly improved. It looks to be holding up well too...have about 50 games on it.

Remove the apron, loosen the screws to the drain/kick-out lane (so you can maneuver around this and get the nudie in the right spot. Don't have to take it out, or empty the balls, just unscrew the screws about half-way), and remove the divider between the shooter lane and the right drain lane (it's the short 2 screw one just above the kick-out hole). Then you have to remove the 2 spikes that sit flush with the playfield on either side of the kick-out hole. You remove the nut under the playfield on each of these, and then use a ratchet extender to gently pound out these spikes from the playfield...use the heel of your hand to strike the ratchet extender and have someone hold pressure on the top of the playfield to get these out. (note the wings near the heads of these, as you'll have to line these up with the hole that they go in when reinstalling them). You'll have to do some of this under the playfield, but don't have to lift the field completely, just rest in on the service rails and that will work. Don't over-tighten the fasteners to install the nudie or it will warp the nudie slightly and make the ball more likely to catch. Sorry so long winded. More work that I thought, but does a good job protecting the shooter lane and seems to be holding up.

Good...good...let the hate flow through you!

Wish there was a hole already drilled on the premium playfield.

Sorry if covered already...what's midnight madness? It's a high score and I noticed it in the service menu (mines off).

Yup. Not every time, so I just figure part of pinball. This game is so fast, that I'm not allowed to play it around children (to many expletives)

I did the left...but gonna do the right tomorrow. Sometimes it drains so bad I quit for awhile, other times I can play an long game...the randomness is why I love pinball. My best is almost 700 million...I'm not a freak player that get 1-2+ billion a game...but it's a blast!

Working on the multipliers...getting much better at that. Still suck at persistently getting hyperspace hurry-up. I'm really digging this pin, and the update codes will only make it better.

Tournament button installed! Very easy. 4 connectors, no soldering.

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It slightly changes the gameplay to make it more even, player to player. You can specify the type of tournament in the service menu. My wife and I usually do 2 week tournaments with high score being the winner (a small pot of money...like $20). The game will keep track of the tournament stats until it's finished. If you just want to play a normal game you just hit the "start" button. Tournament games usually don't go towards the high score, etc...so if you have an amazing game in tournament, it won't be stored permanently. Just a little added fun and competition. If you have the family/friends over, it can keep track of who is doing best over the others, without affecting the permanent scores. I got mine at Pinball Life. The buttons are really cheap, but shipping is more than the button, so order it with some other stuff you need. For SW, all you need is the button, not the button and harness/wires. There are four connectors ready to go on the inside of the cab, by the left side. Just plug them in to the correct places and you're set.

Lower back of your cab should have manufacture date. I think the rubber plugs you are referring to are just bumpers/cushions when you put the backbox down.

Wife had the first billion+ point game, and I had 2 going in hyperspace multiball...the 3rd entered just as the first two where released. The multiball then continued, but I was unable to get anymore in there and eventually it dumped this ball onto the playfield..what a rush!

Premium. 6.5 degrees. Perfectly level side to side.

I'll pay closer attention. This last time, I had 2 in...got a third as the first two were being dumped (at the last second of the multiball), it kicked out a fourth, because it thought I now had 3 in hyperspace (when I actually had 1 with 2 on the playfield), but during the chaos, i think I ended with 5...but tie fighter multiball kicked in too...not sure how many I was suppose to have, but it was an adrenaline blast.

Those rails are gonna be sweet...makes me wish I had the LE...any plans on laser-cut rails (lightsabers, etc) that are lighted like you plan? If so, ready to order for my premium.

Lighted Star Destoryer? Where can I get this...balances the field.

Thanks. But after searching, I don't see it. Maybe they are out temporarily...or is this a custom mod?

My guess is they have taken it down until they figure out if the v0.92 code is killing some peoples fork ramps, or if the fork ramp problems are just a fluke hardware issue.

I would...I'm going through withdrawal.

How did you "adjust" the switch. I looked at the same menu, and when I would test them, through the service menu, they all said "failed". I lifted the playfield and the switches all looked ok. I even manually moved the fork to activate one of the switches, and went back to the service menu and it showed it as activated, (I think it was 56), but they still all failed. Is there something else I missed (did you do something manually to the switch(s))?

Thanks for the info. Checked mine and all is good, but forks still won't move

I like the shaker motor. I don't feel it's over done, but well integrated...that said, I love shakers in general. Adds that additional sense element to the game. Haven't added my external sub yet, but will...I don't think upgraded speakers are necessary in this game...unless your an audiophile.

I had to downgrade to .89...I'd gladly take the asteroids.

Talked to Chas and was very helpful. Sent new board and motor free of charge. They are working on the problems. So far, I have full faith they will fix the problems.

Looks great! I installed the lighted Star Destroyer mod from you and it looks awesome! How much for SW? PM me if that works better.

On this game, set up is everything. And yes, it's a blast! One. More. Play.

I am not nearly as good as you...but I've been into pinball for awhile now. I have played some good pins, and this is a grail theme for me (so, maybe biased), but I think this will go down in time as one of the best pins. The more you play...the more you want to play. To me, the definition of a great pinball...even theme set aside.

That sucks. Call the number on Sterns site...not 1-800. Chas answered for me (spent some time on hold). He sent the stuff immediately to remedy the problem. They do care, and want you happy, but realize you are one of many...that said, I'm not a distro, or an operator...just a normal smuck, but was still treated well.

I can backhand my premium Death Star. Make sure your game is at 6.5 degrees and perfectly level side to side. This is a very picky game to be set up properly. Poor set up will definitely kill game play.

I think what you're referring to are the key chains...best use is for the keys to the machine...IMO.

I am having a blast with my SW premium. I am in the process of installing a few mods (I hope tasteful). A couple x-wing miniatures, the lighted Star Destroyer and a plasma bumper by lightedpinballmods.com, and a frame around the mini screen. I'm trying not to overdo it, but I like making my games mine. Once I get the plasma bumper installed I'll post some pics or a video. I can't stop playing it! Just one more time.

Too soon, too soon...

I think so. I have only a couple pins and have about 1000 plays on SW premium. Not even close to tired of it, and have not seen all modes yet...I'm not a great player though.

The haters will move on, and this game will show its true colors. This is a great pin...one. more. play.

After each increase in rank the jedi targets increase in value. Once you become a jedi master each target it worth quite-a-bit...but I'm blanking on how much (2.5 million?)

I, personally, don't think it's a problem. This game can be so fast, that it helps temper the speed a little. I also don't think it's a problem with the ball hitting it. I think it's a lot stronger than people think.

I suspect just before the release of the new Star Wars movie.

Agreed. I think it will be around the release of the new Star Wars movie.

Actually, cointaker has both. Just go to game specific mods under Stern Star Wars.

I'm guessing near the release of the new SW movie.

Any Star Wars hype is free advertising hype. I suspect once the new movie gets closer, and all the hype surrounding it, Stern will release the SW add-ons and topper. I suspect they are hoping for increased sales during this time. It's only a few weeks away.

2,093,959,370. My high score! Escaped Bobofet and hit every shot with my multiplier on that shot. I got over 500,000,000 just for that. Has been a good Thanksgiving. . My wife isn’t too happy. Now I have the high scores on both Metallica (over 179,000,00) and Star Wars for our tournament.

Agreed! The multiplier is the key to awesome scores. I did the same last week...and hit the last shot. Got over 500 million for my efforts...intense fun!

Done with my mods...for now. I know, some hate mods, but I try to keep it as an enhancement, not gaudy. I used several x-wing miniatures, the lighted Star Destroyer, and a black plasma bumper (zoom in).

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I got the xwing miniatures games pieces (the tie fighters, x-wings, and slave 1) off amazon. The plasma bumper and lighted star destroyer came from lightedpinballmods.com. I can’t remember where I got the frame for the mini LED display, if you search pinside a couple versions will come up.

Problems or issues with what game?

Updated to code 1.0. WAY TO GO STERN! It made a great game incredible. I love the call outs! This was a huge update on a game I thought was almost complete. Tons of more fun...like a brand new game.

I’ll pay more attention, but it really didn’t bother me before. I don’t think there is anyway for the ramp to drop fast enough to avoid the ball hitting it when you hit the right loop...the speed of the ball is crazy sometimes.

Readme is wrong. Put all 3 files in the root directory of your flashdrive...make sure they aren’t in a folder.

I was playing R2D2 and got defeat the Death Star mode. As I was going through it tie fighter multi ball started. Played that until I had lost all but 2 balls and then it seemed Death Star mode continued. One problem, the fork ramp had dropped during tie fighter multiball and never came back up. I hit the left loop and finished Death Star, but I didn’t get the pleasure of seeing the Death Star explode (would’ve been the first time). I got over 600 mil for Death Star, but kinda bummed.

This is what I used...including slave 1. Really look good in the game without obstructing view or being so big they are overwhelming. These fill in some of the holes and just enhance the game. Highly recommend.

My star destroyer is from lightedpinballmods.com...looks different when outside the glass, but really cool when mounted...especially lit.

I emailed Stern as soon as the service bulletins came out. They said they would send them right out. I waited a couple weeks and asked how it was going. I got this response from David Carver.

“We actually don’t have these yet. We have just been compiling the orders so we can send them out as soon as possible.”

Hope it’s soon. Sounds like a small price if the get these out vs. a big price to replace boards. Hope it’s soon.

What size spacer. I also read about a guy that did his own and tightened it too much and cracked the legs. I know it’s an inexpensive fix, just don’t want to cause problems.

Nope. Not gonna happen. Just look at the inserts. That said...use the multipliers, the characters, the missions, 50, 100, 200 games, you will get it. Enjoy! Some don’t get it and hate. Let haters, hate.

I agree. I went to install the zip ties and spacers and I was afraid that I was gonna cause the damage that I was trying to prevent. I aborted the install and used hot glue to fuse the 2 diodes together. Seems pretty stable. I hope this gives the support needed, but there was no way I was gonna get away with the install without breaking something.

My machine has become a left drain monster off the auto plunge. It’s level side to side and at 6.5 degrees. I took the right wire fork ramp off and got under the right plastic by the plunger rail. I found one 1/4 hex screw that I loosened...but it didn’t seem like the tab it was going through, that holds the rail guide in place, was slotted, just a normal hole. I did my best to move the rail. Even took the bubble level off to see if I could adjust it. Once I tightened everything back down, the guide seemed to go back into the same position. Am I missing something?

Figured out the rail. I had the right screw, but did loosen it enough. Moved it towards the outside. It helped, but still a problem. I always level and pitch my games with an iPad iPhone resting on the flippers and use the app PinGuy. I had it at 6.5 degrees, but increased the pitch to about 6.8. This helped greatly with the left sided cheap drains from auto plunge, and I was still able to backhand the deathstar. Not sure what changed.

I agree that 6.5 is what it should be. I’ll have to play it a few dozen times to make sure. My wife was mad at me for changing something (when he cheap drains became a problem this weekend), but I only wiped the playfield down with Novus 1. Then the weekend of adjustments and frustrating play began. I love this game, but will admit it is one of the pickiest games to set up...must be perfect. I see why a casual player, who plays one at a bar that’s not set up properly, ends up hating it.

I didnt use the spacer at all, but seating it with a glob of hot glue wouldn’t be a bad idea. Just tricky not burning your fingers.

Moved the shooter rail all the way in, and took off the nudie I bought to protect the shooter lane. I think the nudie was my main problem. I gave the nudie a great review, but the ball would hang on it after ejected into the shooter lane. It got better at first, but then became every other ball, especially at a 6.5 degree pitch. I also think the drag it was causing on the shot ball was changing the dynamics and causing problems. Now that the nudie is gone and the machine is back to 6.5 the cheap drains have all but stopped, and the play is back to fast and smooth.

I think it is used when Hoth is lit...to keep the ball from bouncing out of the horseshoe after it hits the back of the forks. Traps the ball so you can choose your mission.

The main guys (Pat or Chas) answere the phone a lot, but anyone will do. They don’t have a massive staff that generically answers calls. I don’t use 1800kickers...call he number on Sterns website.

Glad you got satisfaction. I didn’t mean that 1800kickers wouldn’t work (for all I know it goes to the same people), but I like to take the direct approach if possible. Calling Stern direct has always worked for me. At any rate, I always error on the side of nice and patient. My dad always said “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar.”

I agree that it doesn’t look very good in hand, but under glass and lighted...I think it looks pretty cool. If you want realistic and unlighted, there are much better ones out there.

That looks very nice. If I didn’t have the lightedpinball one, I’d definitely get that one.

Get the multiplier up, light Hoth and Video mode. Back to back asteroids can provide a ton of points that way.

Besides fixing some bugs (dead flippers on occasion, diverted not opening in time, etc), I’m really happy. Anything else now feels like a cherry on top. I would like to see new stuff, but am very happy with what I have.

Sorry about your troubles. I was having a similar problem with mine...almost made it unplayable. I went into the service menu and changed the coil power to soft...that fixed 90% of the cheap drains.

Went to the Operating Room Bar in West Des Moines, IA. Tons of high quality games. Most set up great. I own, and absolutely love, a SW Premium...the SW pro there was set up horrible...drain, drain, drain. Unplayable. No wonder people who don’t own it are so hard on it. The Met Prem also needed some major attention (many shots not registering and magnets not working properly). Went to Up Down bar in East Village Des Moines. Smells like a foot, but games are 25 cents. Got a ton of plays on a GOTG pro...really digging it (played at Operating Room, not digging it and $1 a play, so didn’t give it a chance). Tomorrow I will go for more! I know...not totally SW info, but didn’t fit into anything else.

I have this on my machine, and have defended it in the past. I was disappointed when I got it, but it looked better under glass. I can’t defend it any longer. I wasted my money. Time to replace it with something that looks like it goes in an $8000 machine.

Imperial or victory class? What’s the best?

I just noticed that this insert doesn’t appear to be used. It’s under the spinner on the premium. I went through the lamp menu and it doesn’t appear to be assigned. I haven’t lifted the playfield to see if there is a lamp there or not. Has anyone else noticed this?

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Thanks! Should’ve checked that. After over 1000 plays you’d think I would’ve noticed.

There was someone on here that put some sort of tape on the metal guide in that loop. Must slow the ball slightly to change its trajector. I don’t have that problem.

I think the glass can take it. Think how often balls hit the glass in a public setting, then think how often you’ve heard of a pinball glass breaking in a public setting. It’s a timing thing with code. It will probably be tweaked with the next code.

6.5 pitch is key.

Increase the coil power in the service menu.

I know the auto plunges strength changes a little from ball to ball, but have you gone into the service menu and changes the coil strength. This helped a lot for me when I put it at soft.

I need a replacement pcb led for my left pop bumper. Anyone know who carries these, or should I contact Stern? This is my fault, not a Stern problem.

What code are you running. I haven’t had a problem since 1.0 came out.

I’d say opto problem. Mine hits the back of the ramp, there is a 1 second delay, and the ramp drops to release the ball.

No topper. Just where it will go on their site when it’s added.