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77
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update 5/29/15
« on: May 29, 2015, 09:18:53 PM »
Sorry for the late update, but in fact for the last month PPS has been moving HQ from San Jose, CA to Sparks, NV and this has been more than time consuming to keep things moving as much as possible during the move - so my time has been spent there. We are now operating out of Sparks, NV, but other than that PPS still does what it does.
As for MMR update, obviously the mid-may date didn't happen for a number of reasons, and the current date for restart of MMR is Mid-June, about 2-3 weeks away. There are many reasons for the delay, but not related to design or any major issues - just really about logistics, Stern move, parts logistics, line scheduling, insuring that we have all parts for quantities for next batches that we are running, incorporating any of the minor changes that were found during the first batch, etc. Note that that is the date from Stern/CGC, so it can move.
Any issue with the game is one too many issues, but those involved in game launches indicate that this is been a pretty good launch of a game. A number of annoying one-off issues, some parts fitment, some QA, some shipping damage issues, etc. But overall I would say this was a 'good' result. Clearly we are tasking everyone to do better, and we are going thru our lists of reported issues and working on how to address them best. Note that some are interpreting various lists as 'on every game' and they are not, so the unfortunate interpretation is that there are more issues per game than there really are - again, there are many issues that frankly should not have happened, and some that will not happen in the future, but it's to no one's advantage to ship a game with issues.
Anyways, parts are being received and integrated into Sterns systems as we speak, and the only factor which would cause a delay would be unlocated parts or any other parts issues. But the current plan as indicated to us is mid-June start.
For PPS customers - best to get your payments in as soon as possible - we have learned that the 'burst'-ness of the games off the line created huge issues as while we did not want to collect payment 'early', we often ended up not having enough time to collect and allocated to those who had money in. So, the moral of the story is - if you provide the payment sooner then you will get your game when you were supposed to OR earlier. If you wait until we notify you and you delay your payment then the liklihood is later - that is due to the amount of time to do the shipping and clear payment and the start/stop and burst speed of the games coming off the line. NOTE: our guys are really busy sorting out the shipping logistics and payment processing - it does not help to continue to 'check up' on things - we will notify you when we get to your payment and get ready to quote shipping, etc, so PLEASE all repeat requests just slow them down.
We are still pinning down color trim sequencing for next batch and exactly how long the next batch is as well reseller allocation - other than those in 'front' of your reseller's line you will not generally get any 'dates' for when your game ships - as most often this is not possible until we are running and see exactly how the line is moving, etc.
Anyways, thanks for patience and we are gearing up to get the remaining MMR's out, and will update as there are updates. As usual, rather than making dozens of posts and having 'rants' you can always call me as well. 408-891-7878
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As for MMR update, obviously the mid-may date didn't happen for a number of reasons, and the current date for restart of MMR is Mid-June, about 2-3 weeks away. There are many reasons for the delay, but not related to design or any major issues - just really about logistics, Stern move, parts logistics, line scheduling, insuring that we have all parts for quantities for next batches that we are running, incorporating any of the minor changes that were found during the first batch, etc. Note that that is the date from Stern/CGC, so it can move.
Any issue with the game is one too many issues, but those involved in game launches indicate that this is been a pretty good launch of a game. A number of annoying one-off issues, some parts fitment, some QA, some shipping damage issues, etc. But overall I would say this was a 'good' result. Clearly we are tasking everyone to do better, and we are going thru our lists of reported issues and working on how to address them best. Note that some are interpreting various lists as 'on every game' and they are not, so the unfortunate interpretation is that there are more issues per game than there really are - again, there are many issues that frankly should not have happened, and some that will not happen in the future, but it's to no one's advantage to ship a game with issues.
Anyways, parts are being received and integrated into Sterns systems as we speak, and the only factor which would cause a delay would be unlocated parts or any other parts issues. But the current plan as indicated to us is mid-June start.
For PPS customers - best to get your payments in as soon as possible - we have learned that the 'burst'-ness of the games off the line created huge issues as while we did not want to collect payment 'early', we often ended up not having enough time to collect and allocated to those who had money in. So, the moral of the story is - if you provide the payment sooner then you will get your game when you were supposed to OR earlier. If you wait until we notify you and you delay your payment then the liklihood is later - that is due to the amount of time to do the shipping and clear payment and the start/stop and burst speed of the games coming off the line. NOTE: our guys are really busy sorting out the shipping logistics and payment processing - it does not help to continue to 'check up' on things - we will notify you when we get to your payment and get ready to quote shipping, etc, so PLEASE all repeat requests just slow them down.
We are still pinning down color trim sequencing for next batch and exactly how long the next batch is as well reseller allocation - other than those in 'front' of your reseller's line you will not generally get any 'dates' for when your game ships - as most often this is not possible until we are running and see exactly how the line is moving, etc.
Anyways, thanks for patience and we are gearing up to get the remaining MMR's out, and will update as there are updates. As usual, rather than making dozens of posts and having 'rants' you can always call me as well. 408-891-7878
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78
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 4/26/15
« on: April 27, 2015, 02:57:49 AM »
Stern notified us that they were shutting the line to move to their new facility.
Unfortunately No Black or Silver games were made - so this will be planned when mfg restarts in about 2-3 weeks.
Chicago Gaming is working to put continuous build on the new Stern facility line and run the LE's so we will hope that is the case.
In any event, for Planetary Customers - Jared/Jim will be reaching out to collect payment for most all games sold as there are times when customers in-line delay their payment and we want to have anyone who has paid receiving games.
SO, if you pay Planetary for your game then minimally you will get your game when you were going to or before. Assuming 25-35/day (and we do not know what +/- or any stoppages for any reasons, etc), then the goal is within late summer/early fall to have all games shipped.
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Unfortunately No Black or Silver games were made - so this will be planned when mfg restarts in about 2-3 weeks.
Chicago Gaming is working to put continuous build on the new Stern facility line and run the LE's so we will hope that is the case.
In any event, for Planetary Customers - Jared/Jim will be reaching out to collect payment for most all games sold as there are times when customers in-line delay their payment and we want to have anyone who has paid receiving games.
SO, if you pay Planetary for your game then minimally you will get your game when you were going to or before. Assuming 25-35/day (and we do not know what +/- or any stoppages for any reasons, etc), then the goal is within late summer/early fall to have all games shipped.
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79
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 4/20/15
« on: April 20, 2015, 04:23:19 PM »
Games continue at fast pace and rolling thru the first batch very soon.
Some games have been shipped to Canada and more coming in this first batch.
A small change in first batch is that there will be a small number of Silver/Zinc (original trim) LE's built in addition to a small number of Black trim games built.
Some games have been shipped to Canada and more coming in this first batch.
A small change in first batch is that there will be a small number of Silver/Zinc (original trim) LE's built in addition to a small number of Black trim games built.
80
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 4/10/15
« on: April 11, 2015, 02:13:28 AM »
Quick MMR update 4/10/15
- games continue to ship and as example I believe 10 were shipped today, and many more are getting shipping BOL's and shipping next week that are on the dock.
- We have calls with CGC to coordinate allocations to resellers as well as forcasting multiple times/weeek now as we are starting to get more flow-thru of games.
- resellers are notified when their allocation of games is coming up for payment or shipping arrangement
- *please* if you purchased from a reseller other than PPS, please do not contact PPS as we have no visibility to what your reseller is doing relative to a queue or where you are in that. When we have information for your reseller we will communicate that to them and they in turn will communicate to you as appropriate.
- when we have games for a reseller we notify them for them to collect payment, etc.
- also note that we are focused on all of the logistics for the first batch of games and slowly starting to work on the 2nd batch - so we do not have a 'ship date' for anyone in the 2nd batch until we get close to the end of the first batch.
- games continue to ship and as example I believe 10 were shipped today, and many more are getting shipping BOL's and shipping next week that are on the dock.
- We have calls with CGC to coordinate allocations to resellers as well as forcasting multiple times/weeek now as we are starting to get more flow-thru of games.
- resellers are notified when their allocation of games is coming up for payment or shipping arrangement
- *please* if you purchased from a reseller other than PPS, please do not contact PPS as we have no visibility to what your reseller is doing relative to a queue or where you are in that. When we have information for your reseller we will communicate that to them and they in turn will communicate to you as appropriate.
- when we have games for a reseller we notify them for them to collect payment, etc.
- also note that we are focused on all of the logistics for the first batch of games and slowly starting to work on the 2nd batch - so we do not have a 'ship date' for anyone in the 2nd batch until we get close to the end of the first batch.
81
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 4/1/15 - Good Call!
« on: April 01, 2015, 11:58:01 PM »
Got a good call from Chicago Gaming - there are 50 games on the dock ready to ship!
Finally getting some good calls!
This is not an april fools joke either ...
Rick
Finally getting some good calls!
This is not an april fools joke either ...
Rick
82
MMR Support [MMR Members Only] / MMR Software Updates - Coming Soon
« on: April 01, 2015, 12:47:00 PM »
MMR Software update will be issued soon. They will be a binary file which will have a utility application to load onto an SD card (which most PC's have slots for SD cards for camera, etc support). Then the SD card fits into the backboard box, and loads the updated software.
As of right now, we are waiting for any additional feedback, and tentative software update would be in the May timeframe, and the primary 'fix' would be to address the screen transition issues that occur in some frames. We will be incorporating any additional issues, but so far they are few and far between.
Rick
As of right now, we are waiting for any additional feedback, and tentative software update would be in the May timeframe, and the primary 'fix' would be to address the screen transition issues that occur in some frames. We will be incorporating any additional issues, but so far they are few and far between.
Rick
83
MMR Support [MMR Members Only] / MMR Support
« on: March 25, 2015, 10:02:58 PM »
Here is a little bit of info for MMR support - if you have an issue relative to the game (if for example a shipping damage issue that goes to your reseller or you depending on who setup the shipping), then here is some information:
- There is a helpdesk for MMR support - this is the BEST way to get support as a number of people at all hours are connected to the helpdesk (via email, etc) it is You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
- There is a phone support number which is on the front of the manual which is Chicago Gaming's 800 support number 1-800-379-9776(option Pinball Maintenance Press 1). Depending on who is around when you may leave a message which will get routed to support - but again, helpdesk is best as it is a text version that can be more easily handled.
- Registration Card - fill in the registration card (if no card, the fill in a helpdesk ticket and we will get you a registration card), you can mail it to Chicago Gaming or email it to You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
- There is a helpdesk for MMR support - this is the BEST way to get support as a number of people at all hours are connected to the helpdesk (via email, etc) it is You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
- There is a phone support number which is on the front of the manual which is Chicago Gaming's 800 support number 1-800-379-9776(option Pinball Maintenance Press 1). Depending on who is around when you may leave a message which will get routed to support - but again, helpdesk is best as it is a text version that can be more easily handled.
- Registration Card - fill in the registration card (if no card, the fill in a helpdesk ticket and we will get you a registration card), you can mail it to Chicago Gaming or email it to You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login
84
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update 3/12/15 - Games Shipping, Production Running!
« on: March 12, 2015, 08:19:10 PM »
11 Games Boxed and at Chicago Gaming as of yesterday.
28 More games in Boxes at Stern ready to go to CGC tomorrow.
Production line is 'on', and shipping of the first batch games is tomorrow Friday (per CGC) and BOLs are at CGC.
Hallelujah.
Stern/CGC looking to crank up run rate/day beyond what we have been quoting, hopefully this will help with some catchup.
Rick
28 More games in Boxes at Stern ready to go to CGC tomorrow.
Production line is 'on', and shipping of the first batch games is tomorrow Friday (per CGC) and BOLs are at CGC.
Hallelujah.
Stern/CGC looking to crank up run rate/day beyond what we have been quoting, hopefully this will help with some catchup.
Rick
85
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 3/7/15
« on: March 07, 2015, 06:32:18 PM »Sorry for the delay, I was out for the week on personal travel stuff ...
So, MMR's were stuck for the last week but I am assured by CGC and also have some similar indication from Stern that they are going out Mon/Tues.
The reasons were a few:
- In packaging the Stern guys felt that a couple of harnesses were 'tight' when packaging and 'could' present a snag issue, so they recommended that some cable clamps be repositioned to eliminate that issue - so that was done on the games that were assembled.
- Additionally, one of the switches which had been upgraded per request from UL had different sized quick connects (the smaller) and the harness had the larger, so the correct connectors were switched.
- There was also an issue with the cardboard, it was felt that the cardboard came in too 'dry' or thin (of all things) - it was die cut correctly, etc - so that took a couple of days to get fixed - new cardboard is in and fine (I confirmed this with Stern)
So, CGC last night indicated that they've shipped one, and are putting the first 10 games in the box on Mon/Tues, and there are about 56 in various stages on the line and in test (at least 12 were fully tested on top of the 10 already done) ... so this week.
Oy.
rick
86
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update 2/25/15
« on: February 25, 2015, 11:29:45 PM »
Sorry for the gap, was out of town for a couple of days. Talked with Stern yesterday and just got off phone with Doug from Chicago Gaming. There were a couple screw/fastener (common fasteners) improvements based on recommendations of stern as well as checking everything out very carefully, so everything is ok and all changes incorporated into the line.
First 10 games are now finally checked off and going into boxes tomorrow and plan is for them to go to Chicago Gaming tomorrow to get shipped - all the BOL's are at CGC for shipment, so ship either Friday or Monday.
About ~35 playfields are on the line right now and more coming and will continue adding new playfields. Cabinet baches being coordinated and being mated in the next few days and most of those should be shipping next week, and the goal is minimally 35/week unless there are any issues spotted, etc.
Goal continues to do the first batch (a little less than 250) before Stern moves, and they are planning resource allocation to do that, so we are hoping that happens.
rick
First 10 games are now finally checked off and going into boxes tomorrow and plan is for them to go to Chicago Gaming tomorrow to get shipped - all the BOL's are at CGC for shipment, so ship either Friday or Monday.
About ~35 playfields are on the line right now and more coming and will continue adding new playfields. Cabinet baches being coordinated and being mated in the next few days and most of those should be shipping next week, and the goal is minimally 35/week unless there are any issues spotted, etc.
Goal continues to do the first batch (a little less than 250) before Stern moves, and they are planning resource allocation to do that, so we are hoping that happens.
rick
87
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update 2/17
« on: February 17, 2015, 12:56:03 PM »
We are going thru everything on the first 10 games to insure that they can do a mass production. There have been some minor adjustments (which tend to be improvements to the original game as most of the issues are based off original wms design, etc):
- one switch could cause a hangup so it has been adjusted so that the lever on the switch is clipped onto a different position on the microswitch
- one switch actually is wrong per print, and so a longer version of the actuator was made after confirming per original games (and consulting with Gomez, etc) - it works fine - mainly because the software (per Lyman) never figured it would be correct (lol)
- some locktight as spec'd by wms was the wrong type for a particular shaft so it has been updated
- some parts were cosmetically inconsistent as they were pulled out and sorted and the oddball ones culled out
- a lip on one of the holes was too rough so that has been smoothed out
- a couple other minor things.
Anyways, talking with Stern yesterday, they are boxing up today, and should be having the first games leaving in the next day or two. More games are on the line (I think they said another 15 or so).
Every minor thing needs to be documented and the people on the line trained and updated to insure that the line will be able to move as quickly as possible ... so longer upfront to get faster line speed with fewer issues later ... welcome to manufacturing.
- one switch could cause a hangup so it has been adjusted so that the lever on the switch is clipped onto a different position on the microswitch
- one switch actually is wrong per print, and so a longer version of the actuator was made after confirming per original games (and consulting with Gomez, etc) - it works fine - mainly because the software (per Lyman) never figured it would be correct (lol)
- some locktight as spec'd by wms was the wrong type for a particular shaft so it has been updated
- some parts were cosmetically inconsistent as they were pulled out and sorted and the oddball ones culled out
- a lip on one of the holes was too rough so that has been smoothed out
- a couple other minor things.
Anyways, talking with Stern yesterday, they are boxing up today, and should be having the first games leaving in the next day or two. More games are on the line (I think they said another 15 or so).
Every minor thing needs to be documented and the people on the line trained and updated to insure that the line will be able to move as quickly as possible ... so longer upfront to get faster line speed with fewer issues later ... welcome to manufacturing.
88
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 2/11
« on: February 12, 2015, 02:32:32 AM »
Just an update as people are gauging the time from production start to getting the first box opening ...
Games have been produced as well as are being produced - but slowly at first as CGC/Stern are checking everything, probably slower than everyone expected, but using the first games to fine tune and train everyone on Stern line.
The first small batch of games produced per Doug at CGC were heading over to CGC on Friday this week or Monday to be shipped.
Lloyd (aka LTG) to receive one of this batch as well for support purposes as Lloyd will be providing technical help and overall support with CGC.
Will be checking on scheduling of the line with Stern and CGC this week to understand projections for next week.
Games have been produced as well as are being produced - but slowly at first as CGC/Stern are checking everything, probably slower than everyone expected, but using the first games to fine tune and train everyone on Stern line.
The first small batch of games produced per Doug at CGC were heading over to CGC on Friday this week or Monday to be shipped.
Lloyd (aka LTG) to receive one of this batch as well for support purposes as Lloyd will be providing technical help and overall support with CGC.
Will be checking on scheduling of the line with Stern and CGC this week to understand projections for next week.
89
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update 2/4/14 - A couple of things
« on: February 04, 2015, 09:39:57 AM »
A couple of additional things:
- Chicago Gaming has added a 'Backbox' brightness control on the mmr display configuration screen - to adjust backlighting of the translite depending on game location, etc, which is a neat feature.
- Part of the Production testing of everything is finding that there are a number of original MM design 'flaws' in terms of types of switches that can cause ball hangups, etc which are exactly to spec, but we have made improvements to eliminate these.
- PPS (WMS Approved) "Holograms" will be installed on each production MMR leaving the building - these are serial numbered and will indicate production games, they will be on the back where the serial # label is.
- There is progress on the sporadic screen tearing issue (which I still do not really see), and is under test at Chicago Gaming, more info as they test it out to make sure it does not have any issues, good news.
- Thru all testing of games, etc there have not been one Electronics failure of the system, good news! The electronics system so far has proven very reliability, the power driver boards are very robust (no transistors blow in any of the testing, etc).
- Also, got a sneak peek at the full color version, which is work in progress. wow.
- Chicago Gaming has added a 'Backbox' brightness control on the mmr display configuration screen - to adjust backlighting of the translite depending on game location, etc, which is a neat feature.
- Part of the Production testing of everything is finding that there are a number of original MM design 'flaws' in terms of types of switches that can cause ball hangups, etc which are exactly to spec, but we have made improvements to eliminate these.
- PPS (WMS Approved) "Holograms" will be installed on each production MMR leaving the building - these are serial numbered and will indicate production games, they will be on the back where the serial # label is.
- There is progress on the sporadic screen tearing issue (which I still do not really see), and is under test at Chicago Gaming, more info as they test it out to make sure it does not have any issues, good news.
- Thru all testing of games, etc there have not been one Electronics failure of the system, good news! The electronics system so far has proven very reliability, the power driver boards are very robust (no transistors blow in any of the testing, etc).
- Also, got a sneak peek at the full color version, which is work in progress. wow.
90
MMR Updates (READ ONLY) / MMR Update: 2/3/15 - some pics from the floor at Stern
« on: February 04, 2015, 12:29:09 AM »
So was a long couple of days, basically walking thru most stations and reviewing everything I could and looking thru the game, etc. Stern is doing what they do to tune the production line, and there are about 20 playfield assy's mostly complete, 1 game complete, and 10 are being put together now and being checked. Goal is to do a hard core check on the process, the stations, the line, etc and the result for the first 10 games, and then the rest of the first batch of games is released. There are hundreds of checks and double checks going on and it's really eye-opening as to what is involved. Every day now is production and assemblies are being produced, playfields are being produced and tested, and cabinets as well. Mating for the first mini-batch tomorrow/thurs and then thorough checks for any ball traps, and other issues, etc.
Monday was a bit of a bust for production as the Chicago Blizzard put the factory in hibernation as basically most people were not into work there as the snow and the cold were pretty extreme. Tuesday things were back up and running.
I will get more pictures tomorrow.
NOTE: you can browse and send people links but PLEASE do not copy the pictures.
thanks
rick
Monday was a bit of a bust for production as the Chicago Blizzard put the factory in hibernation as basically most people were not into work there as the snow and the cold were pretty extreme. Tuesday things were back up and running.
I will get more pictures tomorrow.
NOTE: you can browse and send people links but PLEASE do not copy the pictures.
thanks
rick