Look a few posts up (7835-7836). More coming soon. Stern kit is interactive (node board) as programmed in the game code. Pinstadium is not.

It's not just about having UV lighting. It's turning off the regular light and having ONLY UV lighting at the appropriate times. Pinstadium has UV flashers that you hook up to whichever flasher/insert you want. They don't turn off the other lighting and the game can't "know" you have UV lighting.

Just looked it up and you are correct. It does work like the Stern kit except for the prem/LE models. you have to crank up the GI on those for Pinstadium to work. That probably makes the projector feature less effective.

This is weird. I haven't seen anything on the topper either but just talked to my distro and he's like "oh yeah they made some and sold out, they will make more soon". I asked him what it looked like and he said it's the xmas light/letters.

I'm thinking he may have seen prototype pics but I sure can't find ANYTHING about it.

He’s usually pretty sharp. Matter of fact he got off the phone with stern just before talking to me. April for the topper. And yes mid-end march for the UV kit. Last run of UV kits apparently.

What else would you imagine as an interactive (and realistic) topper?

I pulled the trigger on a NIB LE yesterday. I had a chance to play a pro last summer and knew right away that it's a game I would enjoy. In my case my gf plays as much pinball as I do but finds really hard/complex games a bit of a downer. She really likes JP as a theme but the game play frustrates her in that she knows she will never even get to visitor center. On MMR she really has a good time because even though she won't likely get to batlle for the kingdom, she 'feels' like there's a glimmer of hope. I find that STh is a similar shooter. I am hoping she will love it lol. She doesn't know it's coming.

Already paid mine. That's what my distro said. This is it. Get in or you're out!

Official or custom code?

Might be the issue. I had similar issues on JP with custom code. Custom sounds were not the same length as original callouts/music.

In that case it was repeatable. It was a specific sequence of events that would cause it.

Given the discussion on reflective materials/angle issues on the previous page, I would to see the black diamond material compared to the cricut silver. I would especially like to see video from the player's perspective. I personally don't play while resting my head on the lockbar, which is the angle you have in your video.

Supposedly late March/early April.

My NIB LE is sitting at my distro. I just need to go get it but can”t really for at least 3 weeks. The wait is KILLING meee!!!

Just got one from nitropinball.com

Mid March was what I was told also. It's only a few weeks wait. I pre-paid just to make sure I'd get it though. I suggest you do the same.

My distro. They never make me prepay even for machines but in this case he said that Stern was only doing a small batch and the only way to guarantee getting one was to order it now.

You should try searching the thread. It's been discussed just a few posts above yours!

Man you guys suck.. You made me too excited about getting the game. My LE is sitting at the distro. I was going to pick it up once my UV Kit & SW Prem show up but now I just can't wait. Asked my distro to ship it to my local depot this morning. I'll have it before the week is done. It'll be my b'day present from me to me lol. Just sucks that the first few weeks will be without the UV kit.

Already have the sound mod. All I need is the machine!

Don’t use Balenaetcher. It’s been covered lots in the custom JP audio thread. Use win32diskimager.

Close the coin door.

This is it! Transport company just called. My LE is ready for pickup! WOOT!

Man it’s hard to focus on work with this sitting in the garage.

F9C15EDB-69F8-4469-A0CE-5F0262B61B81 (resized).jpeg

Probably not a late build. It's number 16. The UV kits is ordered. I will stick a set of PinStadiums(just the UV lighting) until I get the kit.

My machine was born on 28 Jan 2020.

So what changed on 3/6/2020 ?

I take it back then!

I set up mine last night (28 Jan 2020 build). Installed real knocker, Stern shooter rod, and external sub. Still need to check pitch and level - game feels a little slow. Guessing my pitch is closer to 6 than 6.5. Ran late and wanted to try the game!

I set it up like all my other games. 4 auto replay levels that award extra balls. Specials award EB, and no EB limit. Also closed the outlanes to make the game palatable for my gf - I heard the outlanes were pretty brutal on this game. Well shit. She got some ok playtime but my games were forever lasting (I'm a fairly decent player). Probably be like that for a few weeks until the replay scores adjust higher. Only played 4 games total and broke 1B twice. Only got about half of what's needed for final showdown. Did do all the demo modes. The fifth one is fun! Also got to total isolation twice. That was so cool. Wish the manufacturers could implement some sort of player profile for home use. Like XBOX/PS. I could have harder settings for me but easier settings for my gf.

TK lock seems to work ok. Obviously weak shots don't make it but good shots do. Demo seems to be pretty good. Hard to judge but shots seem high but demo bends back and ball goes in so I won't mess with it for now.

Projector was totally out of focus. What a crappy setup for adjustment. The projector itself seems to have some play in the focus wheel so vibration from the game puts it out-of-focus. It's still a bit fuzzy but pretty close.

Tried installing regular pinstadium neos while I wait for my UV Kit. Was hoping the "UV" connection on the pinstadiums would be adequate but it's not really UV. More like purple/pink. I'm sure their STh edition is in the correct UV range. Anyway the Neos did nothing to make the hidden artwork be visible so didn't install them. Hope the kit arrives soon!

I still need to tweak some ball guides but waiting to adjust to the correct pitch first. The upper left tends to send the ball into the left sling and it produces a lot of STDM bounces. The upper right guide is super inconsistent. Some times left sling, left flipper, right flipper, stdm. Depends if it hits the shooter lane 1-way gate post. Sometimes it does, sometimes it doesn't. I'm sure I can find a consistent setup. Will get to it today!

So is there a problem with production PinMonk ?

I ordered and paid for 2 kits 2 weeks ago and nothing. Total silence.. No word on when they'll ship or why there is a delay.

yes. And I am getting my NIB prem in a month or so. Lol. 2 hated games back to back.

I like’em.

Awesome. Can’t wait! I’m getting mega long play time and flipper fade is distracting to say the least.

Got a bug. Playing demo #5. “can’t stop”. Timer runs out with a ball in the shooter lane. Ball auto fired with no flippers in order to get all 6 in trough. Then game continues and says same player shoot again. So i plunge the ball but the flippers stayed dead. End of ball. End of game. Damn. Was a good one too.

done

LE may be hard to find but I'd go for prem for sure - P1 has a bunch of prems right now. You can pick up in Montreal or they will ship to the Ottawa D&R depot for 100$. I just did that for my LE.

The projector and TK locks are awesome. UV light kit is being run/sold one last time so you may need to get on that right away unless you buy a used game with it included already.

LOL!!! That's what I had said too. And then changed my mind last week. I figured I'd get time to tweak it so that when all the add-ons come in I could just add them and continue playing. Turns out no tweaking was necessary. Everything works as intended but flipper fade is a reality on this game - reminds me so much of LOTR. Ordered my flipper cooling kit.

Got my order in a few weeks ago just before they shut it down for the switch to the new style. They just shipped it last Friday though.

Your video is private and can't be seen.

Yes. Curious to hear about potential solutions.

Yeah that might be it for me. The focus is super sharp when cold and then 30 mins later it’s just out of focus enough to annoy me.

My guess is that it’s a 2-way mirror type front. The xmas light wall when front lit. Turns into an infinity hole with demogorgan when “active” and backlit.

I paid for mine last week it was 699$ USD

my distro.

The UV flashers need to be connected to one of the UV GI bulbs. Just follow the instructions on their site. It applies to regular version pinstadiums. However, the "UV" on the regular pinstadiums don't light up the UV ink on the pf. I tried. You would need to get the special version or just buy the Stern kit.

All that does is completely turn off the white GI

I don't think it matters what they put out as a topper. Every owner's thread is the same. Topper comes out, pinsiders get all up in arms about how disappointed they are and how it's way too expensive for what it is. Always.

Stern puts out standard shaped toppers with blinking lights for most of their games with a few exceptions (EHOH, BKSOR). They are all priced similarly too. It's not like it's a total surprise... And while most owners love their STh (I know I do), let's face it, it's not the most popular offering out there. There's a bunch sitting in distros warehouses. They aren't selling well. At least we have a topper for those who like them!

Stern could put a friggin demodog that comes out of the topper and jumps on the pf glass and folks would still complain.. "whaddya mean it doesn't REALLY attack players?"

Topper fans will buy, as usual. Ppl that wouldn't normally buy a topper won't, as usual.

Personally I like that they went with something we hadn't seen yet - the infinity lighting. It's appropriate for the theme. Seeing into another dimension.

While I agree it's not cool to see the strip itself, making an EFFECTIVE infinity effect isn't easy. I know because of my late 70s jukebox that has it and trying to convert it to LEDs is difficult. Lights have to be very bright from 2 sides(front facing and back facing). If you diffuse it it doesn't work as well. Using RGB bulbs would have hidden the "wiring" but those just aren't as bright as the strip. It's a compromise.

Is it perfect? Hell no.

Is it good enough for me? Sure.. You just will never have your face 2 inches in front of the topper like that teaser pic.

I don't know but I received and installed mine last night. Ended up having a marathon game (about 45-50 mins and 2B+ points). It made a nice difference.

It takes much longer for the flippers to weaken. However after about 30-35 mins I couldn't make the TK lock shot again. Still making the virtual lock but not making it up to the backboard magnet, which is better than coming back down the ramp STDM.

I will experiment with more powerful fans and/or hobby motor heatsinks.

I will check later today.

If you've already hit that ramp 3 times and started/cleared that mission, and that ramp is not lit for anything then no, nothing happens. Same with the right "orbit" shot into the bumpers.

Once you clear the first 4 chapters and all shots reset then yes it should do something - at least until you hit it 3 times again (light all the inserts) and start that chapter. (5-8). And then again for chapters 9-12.

I wish there was some way to request code refinements. Not bug reports but things that probably should be in the code but aren't(prem/LE):
- There should always be something projected on the drops and standups. Whatever that is.
- The left ramp banner should display time remaining for demodogs and demogorgan 5. It only displays for chapters right now.
- Slings have no sound associated? I don't care what it is. a beep, a boop, whatever. it just feels odd with no sfx
- Make use of the other projection banners. why are they there?

mine was fine out of the box. Jan 2020 build for me. I just had to focus the projector. Do it when running and warmend up at least 30mins.

And pressing the button when blue during multiball means you "steal" your TK locked balls and add them to whatever current MB you are in.

First NIB?

Games played and lifetime are NOT the same. All the partial test games that happened at Stern are the cause for the discrepancy. Also if you shut down or end a game early it will not count as game played but will count in lifetime.

I also believe you are confused about the new ramp thing. The "new" ramp folks are talking about is the plastic cover on the left ramp near the TK lock. It's different now. Don't worry about it if your TK lock is working ok. You can order the updated kit through player 1. It's free and they will ship it to your house. It includes TK lock adjustment instructions and 1 clear plastic. I had ordered mine before picking up my game but haven't installed it. The lock already works.

Make sure your SD card is not write-protected.. Check the sliding tab to make sure it's not on "locked".

LOL. I just checked mine and there's only a difference of 2. (350 & 352). I had based my statement on my JP. It had a 50-60 game difference between lifetime and played (NIB). I guess it depends on the game!

Wow. Game of a lifetime. Well ok since I’ve had the game.

Got to Final Showdown but failed at stage 2. (Have completed it in challenge mode - just sucked tonight). I was too excited lol.
However Successfully played and beat both Light the Fire and Send it Back.

What a rush!

2.8B

Mine are at the tightest position to make the game more palatable for my gf. Once SW arrives and she deals with how brutal THOSE outlanes are I may be able to re-adjust STh to the middle positions.

It IS!!!

Actually I'm lucky enough to have a GF that enjoys pinball as much as I do. She doesn't actually like STh much yet because it's brutal (for her) for some reason. I can't figure it out. I find it way too easy with the outlanes closed. Meh.

On a sadder note I just got an update from my distro. Good news: Topper within 2 weeks. Bad news: UV kit sometime in May.

Actually the TK lock adds a LOT to game play as you can use/swipe the locked balls on other MB. there's definitely some scoring strategy added there and it changes how you play (for the better).

Projector adds a lot for me. For example seeing my mode timers on the ramp billboard instead of up on the display is awesome. Also the visual cue for which drops still need to be hit is way more intuitive with the projector than without. There's also a definitive coolness factor to it but that's just eye candy.

I'm a pilot and have worked with man/machine interface designs and the intuitiveness that the projector adds is definitely more than subjective. In piloting terms it reduces mental workload and you can focus more on your primary task of ball control/shooting. However it's certainly not necessary and you can play without. It's just better with it.

The Stern UV kit includes new UV reactive plastics so definitely go that route. Just order it now and you'll get it hopefully at the same time as you get your machine.

Correct.

BTW weak flippers will cause the problem, not the TK lock mech. The flipper cooling from PinMonk works well.

External sub is the best way. If you want to see (hear) what that does come on over!

Nothing to do with headphones. I use the 'universal' kit below. It connects directly to the cabinet speaker and less of a hassle than the other versions. If you want to connect more than 1 machine to the external sub (you will want to once you hear the diff), get the 4 in 1 mixer from pinnovators too.

https://pinnovators.myshopify.com/collections/all-other-systems-subwoofer-kits/products/pinsub-multi-system-kit

You can change the sub in the cab but it will never sound as good as external, and it will cause rattling.

Show us pics of the scratching and posts.

You really need to come over to see what the external sub brings to the experience. The bigger the cab speaker you put the more rattle you will get, and you will still be nowhere NEAR the awesomeness of an external sub. I use pinnovators universal connection kits, as well as the mixer boxes that let you connect 4 machines to 1 sub. Nothing that voids any warranty.

In my case I have 6 machines in 2 subs (3/3). the external sub adds so much atmosphere. Just be aware that once you come over and hear the difference you will want to do the same.

I have pinwoofers for one of my Sterns prem. I'd say on a scale of 1 to 10 for sound quality (for a Stern):

Regular Stern speakers = 4
Regular + external sub = 7
Pinwoofers = 6.5
Pinwoofers + sub = 9

I’m in the same boat lol. Have my stranger things but waiting for my topper. Have my SW topper but waiting for my game.

I’ve had them go dead after demo mode 5. So after the 60 sec timer they went dead as normal.. balls drained. Then a ball was served with the “keep playing” notice. Flippers flipped once and then dead. Game over too. It was a bummer. Only did that once out of the 7-8 times I played that mode.

you can

Also check the cabinet speaker. Loose parts that fall off in shipping often stick to the speaker magnet.

Good to know. I didn't install the new cover because everything seems to be adjusted properly but I'd say I'm about 50% on TK lock shots that SHOULD lock. Obviously backhands from the left flipper won't but that's known. Backhand is good to start TI1 and 2 though

I will get the new cover on this week to see if it helps.

If you liked MM so much why not just get a remake. Low maintenance and the added coolness of the big color screen makes it pretty nice. I'm sure the kids would love to destroy that castle!

A remake of MB or AFM would certainly work for you as well.

Code has nothing to do with it. It’s a self-contained power supply. The fan comes on when it needs to. If have the quiet fan for mine I just haven’t done it yet. I’ve installed the quiet fan in my JP and the difference is staggering. Well worth it in a quiet basement!!

I will install mine soon. If I can stop playing the game haha.

Yeah during play who cares. It's when it's just sitting there and you hear that fan whining.. My next loudest is WOZ but it has a computer PS so that fan is always on.

STh would have a higher power draw just with the projector. Not only are you running the projector but the MPU board is running 2 displays - probably more power consumption too from the CPU. The attract mode (number of lit inserts) also has an impact.

The quiet fan runs longer than the stock fan. If it was running continuously then I would be concerned. Pretty sure those power supplies aren't Stern designed. They are most likely just off-the-shelf, cheap, and meets their need.

In any case many folks(including myself) have changed fans without problems. In fact, I haven't seen 1 post about how a PS failed after switching fans. The PS most likely has thermal protection anyway for certification - meaning they will shut down instead of burning out.

You do what you are comfortable with!

Ball/game time also has an impact. On JP when I get a good game going (30-40 mins) the Trex shot becomes nearly impossible to make like STh. The flippers do weaken as well - which is why I bought 2 cooling kits - just haven't installed in JP yet.

LOTR was notorious for fading flippers - mostly due to super long game times (over an hour if you are having a good one).

This is made worse when you have a game that has a shot/shots that require full flipper strength.

Picture of both shims would be awesome.

It's in the service menu. You can adjust all together or every individual surface independently.

How can you adjust without the projector being on!?!?

Pull the white switch on the inside bottom left of coin door when it's open. This will return power to the coils and the projector. Takes about 30-45 seconds but it will come back on.

JP is much worse. Be glad.. lol

Can't remember exactly when I adjusted mine. Pretty sure I just removed ALL the ramp attachment screws, pushed it aside and adjusted the post.

BTW don't adjust/focus the projector unless the playfield is down in playing position. If it's up on the rails it will be out of focus/adjustment when you put the pf back in playing position.

I'm anal when it comes to focus. Crisp on the rails gives close but not as good when in cab. Opposite is the same. It's crisp down but when I sit it on rails it's slightly out of focus. That's from the slight pf bend. Close isn't good enough for me. lol.

Well I need to report awesome customer service from Pablo. My DG shots always go high so I asked Pablo and he asked for side pics of the ramp. He says it's wrong and is sending a replacement. Woot!

Our success rate on the Demogorgan shot is around 2-3%

If I remove the spacers it will lower the demo. Make things much worse. I'm already always hitting high.

My ramp has a bit of a bump at entrance. I have a feeling the ball gets airborne, hits the back of the ramp, and then bounces off way too high.

Before I got the flipper fans we'd have a 5-10 min period that the shot was doable (after about 20-25 mins of play) because of flipper fade. Now that they don't fade it's always too hard/high. But lowering flipper strength isn't an option because of the TK lock. While I have been able to make it pretty good it's still touchy.

Better order that Fathom remake then lol. QUICK!

Same material. Different shape and no riveted deflector to avoid interfering with the ball.

Demo bomb is the least used feature on mine. Use the button all the time for ball swipe (prem/LE) and wouldn't be able to live without it TBH...

Should look nice!

How exactly do you know this for a fact? Were you buying NIB Wms games in the 90's?

Operators didn't care. Open box, put game on location. Collect money. They weren't going over their games with a magnifying glass and worrying about where the ball ends up when it comes down the right orbit. If it works good enough it'll make money.

Times have changed, more home buyers now, but the manufacturing is still geared towards industrial/commercial operation and not towards the OCD collector.

Seems like most people expect their pinball machines to behave like a video game. 100% repeatability and no variability whatsoever. Those people should just get digital pinballs. Those always play the same.

Now I'm not excusing the obvious big ticket blunders and incorrect installations. I think as the competition gets more serious maybe we'll see some better QC that's geared towards the collector as opposed to the operator. Stern is still the lowest priced manufacturer right now and I guess we know why they cut corners.

I know a lot of folks use the "If I spend 10,000$ on a pinball it better be perfect" reasoning. Cost has no bearing on this. As it stands, a pinball machine is a commercial piece of equipment that was never intended as a consumer product - otherwise they would have removed the coin doors/income tracking software a long time ago. If the craze/resurgence continues we may see this change.

Nobody wants "home" versions. Everybody wants the real commercial deal but then complain it's not perfect. Can't have it both ways.

No way a Prem is 15k with tax. I just got a NIB LE from Player 1 in early March and it was 13,6k with tax. Now with the topper and UV kit yes it’ll be 15k. But for a LE.

I guess P1 is now adjusting to COVID gouging pricing? I’ve bought 4 NIB from them and always paid msrp and not a penny more.

Check with Nitro. It’ll cost you shipping though.

Wow jealous about the UV kit. Been waiting forever.

Only got there once so far - the mini wizard modes of SiB and LtF. For some reason that one time I managed to finish both. I was in a groove. However I imploded on stage 2 on Final Showdown. Sucks cause I play the challenge mode once in a while and usually finish it or do really well.

All my games are setup with specials and replays award extra ball, no extra ball limit, and 4 levels of replay (auto adjusting).

Oh and I moved the outlane posts to the tightest setting instead of wide open. Normally I'd go for middle setting but wanted my gf to get a chance to learn the game.

Guess what.. The updated Stern production schedule (from last week) has STh back on it. No date associated yet though. So Stern has decided demand was high enough to do at least 1 other run, whenever that is.

My BIB EB is on auto and is up around 28 or 30 now. I'm already getting some super long games so don't want to lower that number but on the other hand my GF hates this game because she gets such short ball times and no possibility of an EB. She very rarely makes it 3 missions to light the EB.

Wish manufacturers could find a way to implement personalized settings for the home environment. So when I start a game under "Mike", the settings are harder. When my GF starts a game under her name, the settings are more appropriate for her. Like cars with memory positions for the driver's seat & mirrors. Auto adjusting.

I've gotten it a few times. Seems to be only on long games. I haven't paid attention that much but I'd guess I got it after TI1.

Nitro is pretty good with its sales. They run the business a little like LSOG down in FL. They actually get stuff/games/accessories in stock and don't just order what's been pre-sold. The other Canadian distro doesn't stock any accessories ever.

Toppers aren't for everybody that's for sure. Nothing wrong with that. I'm a topper guy - all my games have them. Not a fan of unofficial topeers that are nothing more than a sheet of lexan and some lights. For me integration is everything. Do I think they are too expensive? Hell yes, especially when they enable additional code.

On the other hand nobody is holding a gun to my head to make me buy them. It's a personal choice.

Topper works the same on Pro or Prem.

2 connections. Power and data(network cable). It integrates nicely with the game. It screws into the top of the backbox. You remove 4 screws already there and reinstall them through the topper.

I'm a topper guy so yes I am happy with my purchase.

As far as value/enjoyment is concerned that's very subjective and really up to the owner. Can you live without it? Of course. It is integrated but brings nothing additional like the JP and SW toppers. TBH you never get a chance to look at it while playing.

Damn it. Made it to final showdown again(3rd time) and failed again. 4.4b score though.

Congrats.. But seems that in this case you should have said "OUR first pinball machine"

Makes it easier to get more. I know...

"if the get time"???

WTF.

Final mode not working right is pretty big IMHO.

"Sorry your car can't shift into overdrive, it's a software bug. If we have the time we'll fix it".