Random Stern questions

[RetroHeed]

Hey just some random questions here, but things I cannot find online easily when searching. Hopefully some people may know.

What changes have Stern made to the cabinet design since 2000 ? (maybe even earlier). The armour etc looks exactly the same ? Are there any cabinet dimension changes ?

Batman 66 saw Stern release the their first LCD machine right ? What resolution is the LCD panel and what upgrades to the panel have they carried out since, higher resolution, refresh rate ?

Which Stern machine was the first to have the action button on the lock down bar ?

The Stern Apron is made from plastic now right ? Is this always been the case or when was this changed from metal to plastic ?

Do any sites sell Stainless Steel Stern armour, side rails, lock down bar, hinges, legs and a coin door for recent sterns ?

The recent Sterns have no flashers the backbox behind the backglass and translite right ? Has this always been the case ? If not what machine last had flashers in the blackbox behind the backglass or translite ?

On recent Sterns can you adjust the audio machines Music and Callouts independently ?

I probably have loads more questions but this will do for now.

 

[Nickoss II]

Riverboat Gambler is the earliest machine i can think of with an action button on the lockdown bar.

 

[RetroHeed]

Riverboat Gambler is the earliest machine i can think of with an action button on the lockdown bar.

Sorry I mean to add what Stern machine was the first. But this is good to know also actually , thanks.

 

[Gonzo]

I might be able to help with stainless steel side rails for a modern Stern. We can have a chat at Pinfest

 

[RetroHeed]

I might be able to help with stainless steel side rails for a modern Stern. We can have a chat at Pinfest

Cheers @Gonzo we'll catch up and have a banter

 

[windoesnot]

Think AC/DC was the first with an action button on the lock bar

 

[johnwhitfield]

Unless I’m misremembering doesn’t Austin Powers have a fire button on the lockdown bar to trigger the laser mech (later reused on TWD). I’d guess that dates from around 2003 or so.

 

[johnwhitfield]

Ok. I was a couple of years out. AP was 2001
The fire button also looks like it wasn’t in the very centre but slightly off to the left for some reason. Which is weird as most people are right handed.

 

[Pop Bumper Pete]

I think Star Trek LE and premium had flashers in the backbox

Changes I noticed from SAM's to Spike;
the backbox is completely different
the power switch is in the backbox (I hate this)
the backbox latch has been replaced by bolts (mixed reaction)
the key to open the backbox has moved
The mechanism to fasten the lockdown bar has been simplified (dislike)
There can now be lights in the apron to light the playfield

 

[Nickoss II]

Ok. I was a couple of years out. AP was 2001
The fire button also looks like it wasn’t in the very centre but slightly off to the left for some reason. Which is weird as most people are right handed.

Probably so they could reuse the holes in the lockdown bar for the TOPS kit (which you're not going to be using mid game).

 

[Fubar]

What changes have Stern made to the cabinet design since 2000 ? (maybe even earlier). The armour etc looks exactly the same ? Are there any cabinet dimension changes ?

Think the cabinets are mostly the same as the data east days - many parts are compatible. Most changes around the backbox / speaker panel to accomodate the larger LCD screens.

What resolution is the LCD panel and what upgrades to the panel have they carried out since, higher resolution, refresh rate ?

IIRC it's 1360x768 @ 60Hz. Fairly sure it's remained the same for all spike 2 games. (edit: 1360 not 1280)

The Stern Apron is made from plastic now right ? Is this always been the case or when was this changed from metal to plastic ?

Plastic on pros, metal on prem/le.

Do any sites sell Stainless Steel Stern armour, side rails, lock down bar, hinges, legs and a coin door for recent sterns ?

Check marco specialties.

On recent Sterns can you adjust the audio machines Music and Callouts independently ?

Some of them have options in the game settings. Think it depends on whether the programmer felt like adding them in.

 

[RetroHeed]

Think the cabinets are mostly the same as the data east days - many parts are compatible. Most changes around the backbox / speaker panel to accomodate the larger LCD screens.


IIRC it's 1280x768 @ 60Hz. Fairly sure it's remained the same for all spike 2 games.


Plastic on pros, metal on prem/le.


Check marco specialties.


Some of them have options in the game settings. Think it depends on whether the programmer felt like adding them in.

Great stuff @Fubar thanks for all that info

 

[Judderman]

Probably so they could reuse the holes in the lockdown bar for the TOPS kit (which you're not going to be using mid game).

Not even certain what a TOPS kit is, but the button on the left could leave your right hand in contact with the machine.

 

[Nickoss II]

Not even certain what a TOPS kit is, but the button on the left could leave your right hand in contact with the machine.

Its the tournament button. etc, on the lock-down bar, which was a seperate add on for that era of sterns.