Importing a NIB stern

[Cursed]

I am looking into importing a new in box Stern machine and i was wondering about any issues from using a U.S. machine here?

1. Are the power supplies 110/220v (switchable) or just 110v? Is a new 220v power supply readily available?
2. I hear (from Stern mind you) that they talk about the power cycles being different here? 50hz vs 60hz or something? And can effect the boards? I obviously don't know much about power.  

3. Updating the firmware/software. Any issues with that?

4. Anything else i should be aware of?

Thanks for any help in advance.

[Homepin]

A new Stern made for the US market will NOT work in any other country. You may find yourself having to purchase a new (Australian version) Main board - yes, it has to do with the 50/60 cycles, the MPU determines that the machine is in the wrong country and won't boot. At this time there is no easy fix for this.

Personally I think you are asking for trouble doing it. Is there any saving to be had? Importing is NOT a simple proceedure like sending a small package.

I wouldn't do it myself but you may have reasons - expect a lot of headaches though.

[Pintoxicated]

A new Stern made for the US market will NOT work in any other country. You may find yourself having to purchase a new (Australian version) Main board - yes, it has to do with the 50/60 cycles, the MPU determines that the machine is in the wrong country and won't boot. At this time there is no easy fix for this.

Personally I think you are asking for trouble doing it. Is there any saving to be had? Importing is NOT a simple proceedure like sending a small package.

I wouldn't do it myself but you may have reasons - expect a lot of headaches though.

+1 to all of that.

[necroscope]

You can buy a converter board from bumper action to get around the 60Hz cycle thing.

[wonder]

You can buy a converter board from bumper action to get around the 60Hz cycle thing.

You can find them a lot cheaper out there as well.Never had a problem with any of mine.

[urlhttp://www.bumper.com.au/parts/pinball-parts/boards2012-05-18-05-13-122090320835/stern-pinball-50-60hz-conversion-board-detail][/url]

[Strangeways]

Warranty might be an issue as well.

[Greg]

Warranty might be an issue as well.

you mean Sterns super duper warranty.......

[Homepin]

Warranty might be an issue as well.

you mean Sterns super duper warranty.......

Haha - yes, BUGGER ALL is about it!

Still, what will a machine - personally imported and 'bodged' with an add-on, work around board fitted - be worth in 5 years VS a machine specifically made for Australia?

My guess is about 30% less

[Cursed]

Thanks for the help guys. Will have to give it more thought.

It is for a machine no longer made so i cant get one here, and will be out of warranty anyway. But it is not cheaper by any means.

Think i may have to look into it further.

[Ant68]

What machine are you looking for , maybe a fellow member may be thinking of selling theirs ?

[Cursed]

What machine are you looking for , maybe a fellow member may be thinking of selling theirs ?

A Tron LE, I have a wanted thread up in the wanted section at the moment.

[necroscope]

What machine are you looking for , maybe a fellow member may be thinking of selling theirs ?

A Tron LE, I have a wanted thread up in the wanted section at the moment.

If you love the game i would go for it if you can find one within your budget,that game is only going to get rarer and by the sounds of it more popular.

[Ant68]

Saw one for sale in the US for $8000 ?

[delarge]

Can someone please explain to me how container sellers go selling Stern machines in Oz? Is the power issue covered as they import their machines from Europe?

What are the actual "dangers" of running a converter board? As pinball hobbyists, we're putting replacement boards in our machines all the time. How is this any different?

Adam.

[pinnies4me]

It's only the last couple of years that Stern have had this built into the system. I suspect the imports are older.