Reliability of Stern's?

[pinballwizard79]

I know a lot of people are passionate if it isn't a AFM, MM or TZ but I gotta ask...

Are Stern's reliable?

I mean are the boards as prone to issues like WMS, DE & etc or are they more dependable since the engineers are maybe wiser?

Pinball repairs are sucking the life out of me & I read TSPP will have another production run so maybe I will get one, dunno.

[shardian]

I've not heard anything negative about the S.A.M. system. The way you use a thumb drive to update it is pretty sweet.

[shardian]

Oh, the main thing I don't like is that other than connectors and driving transistors, its all SMD. Basically a throw-away board if something goes badly wrong.

[pinballwizard79]

thats concerning

are those boards known to die?

wtf do they even cost to replace I couldnt find any online

[Jeff AMN]

For what it's worth, I rarely see people asking for them or asking for repair help on them. It's tough, because none of the Stern games are real old, so they shouldn't be breaking down at this point in their life, but at least we know they're not problematic up until now.

[pinballwizard79]

Yeah I too noticed a lack of "My TSPP isnt working" on BYOAC or RGP... the first run models are pushing nearly 7 years now & I bet the last WMS of 1999 had board issues in 2006...

They do feel lighter though, damn they are expensive too I just dont want to buy something I cant get parts for or thats prone to breaking.

[Jeff AMN]

They aren't prone to breaking, and it's VERY easy to find parts for Stern games.

[shardian]

I've seen a S.A.M. board on ebay for $385 BIN.
And there's always Stern direct. I'd hate to hear what they asked for a replacement board though...

[pinballwizard79]

I dont think Simpsons or LOTR use the SAM board do they?

[Jeff AMN]

I dont think Simpsons or LOTR use the SAM board do they?

They use the WhiteStar boards.