Whoa Nellie DMD topper

I have a Whoa Nellie on location. I thought it would be cool to make a topper with a full size DMD in it that would be easy to read during tournaments. In theory it would just need a splitter for the ribbon cable and power connectors. I called Stern tech support to see if there was any reason this wouldn't work. I found out the current software would not allow this to work but an update would be possible. So, if anyone else thinks this is a good idea just give Stern a shout and let them know this is something you want. If enough people ask for it maybe it will happen.

#2 8 years ago

SBS

o-din

Pinside+ Addict

11y 158K 58,808

It would be cool if the DMD topper was encased in a watermelon. I can't for the life of me read that tiny one.

#3 8 years ago

BIL

BillP

Pinside member

Great idea, count me in if someone makes one

#4 8 years ago

MKE

Pinballmike217

Pinside member

Quoted from BillP:
Great idea, count me in if someone makes one

We have to get Stern to update the software first. Give them a shout and let them know you want this.

#5 8 years ago

MKE

Pinballmike217

Pinside member

Quoted from o-din:
It would be cool if the DMD topper was encased in a watermelon. I can't for the life of me read that tiny one.

A watermelon would look great. I was thinking of a wood frame made of the same wood as the siderails and stained to match with some nice Melanie plastics or artwork around it. The frame could make the backbox the same height as the rest of my Sterns in a lineup. Another idea might be to make a pickup truck topper like the truck on the backglass with the DMD as the cargo in the back of the truck.

#6 8 years ago

BBB

oldskool1969

Pinside member

My mini DMD just shit itself after 2 hours play! A duplicate big banger on top would be very cool indeed. great idea and I dare say I would be in for one.

#7 8 years ago

MKE

Pinballmike217

Pinside member

Quoted from oldskool1969:
My mini DMD just shit itself after 2 hours play! A duplicate big banger on top would be very cool indeed. great idea and I dare say I would be in for one.

I accidentally loosened the ribbon cable on mine once when my fingers slipped off the clamp latch for the lockdown bar. Hopefully that's all it is with yours.

#8 8 years ago

BBB

oldskool1969

Pinside member

OP
Quoted from Pinballmike217:
I accidentally loosened the ribbon cable on mine once when my fingers slipped off the clamp latch for the lockdown bar. Hopefully that's all it is with yours.

unfortunately not, unpacked at the distributors and that's where it went bung!
I got it home and it is still a lot of fun to play!

#9 8 years ago

DAN

z28dan

Pinside member

Akron, OH

11y 45,800 406 29

Quoted from oldskool1969:
unfortunately not, unpacked at the distributors and that's where it went bung!
I got it home and it is still a lot of fun to play!

Mine went out for a bit, 6 or so power off on sessions later and it came back on.
I also tried the full size dmd route. Planned to frame it in distressed wood or an old fruit crate and set it on top.
Only top 3 lines of the dmd lit up. I talked to Chas at stern and he too told me it could be done with a software re-write.
Crossing fingers.

#10 8 years ago

BBB

oldskool1969

Pinside member

Quoted from z28dan:
Mine went out for a bit, 6 or so power off on sessions later and it came back on.
I also tried the full size dmd route. Planned to frame it in distressed wood or an old fruit crate and set it on top.
Only top 3 lines of the dmd lit up. I talked to Chas at stern and he too told me it could be done with a software re-write.
Crossing fingers.

Mine is completely blank now.

3 weeks later

#11 8 years ago

???

CigarJeff

Inactive member

Easton, MA

8y 17,400 14 1

Count me in for the topper. I'm taking delivery of my Whoa Nellie tomorrow. Can't wait!!

2 months later

#12 8 years ago

BIL

BillP

Pinside member

I still need to unbox mine...Dan, when are you coming up for the unboxing event?

1 week later

#13 8 years ago

BIL

BillP

Pinside member

WNBJM un-boxed last night although I did not build the crate (yet). Lovin' the game and call outs. Why did I wait so long.....What is the long cord that is in with the crate parts?

1 year later

#14 7 years ago

BIL

BillP

Pinside member

Mike, any progress on your idea here? I may give Stern another call on the code. Seems like Pabst would need it too so that helps the cause

#15 7 years ago

MSW

ToucanF16

Pinside+ Frequent

10y 122K 5,195

Just purchased the pin and will pick it up in a couple weeks. What's the story behind a DMD topper?

#16 7 years ago

MKE

Pinballmike217

Pinside member

Quoted from BillP:
Mike, any progress on your idea here? I may give Stern another call on the code. Seems like Pabst would need it too so that helps the cause

No, Stern has not changed code to support the idea. The long cord supplied with the game is to install a dollar bill acceptor.

2 years later

#17 4 years ago

BIL

BillP

Pinside member

Let's redirect this idea. I know someone can design this idea in this group

#18 4 years ago

BBB

oldskool1969

Pinside member