UFO Pinball -- Revenge from Mars Mini-Saucer LED Kit (F.A.Q.)

Revenge from Mars
Mini-Saucer LED Kit^TM

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:	What tools are required to install the kit?
A:	Installation of the board only requires a phillips head screwdriver. Installation of the mini-saucer LED units can be mounted inside your saucers with the use of a small flat-head jewelers screwdriver. Installation of the RFM-LED PCI card should be able to use the same jewelers screwdriver. I am now including a jeweler's screwdriver set with every kit, so you should have everything you need, right in the box. Installation of the J107 and J110 connectors do not require any tools.
Q:	I am missing some mini-saucers on my game. Does the kit come with any replacement saucers, or do you sell these?
A:	The kit does not include any mini-saucers, nor do I have any currently for sale. I purchased my own replacements from various pinball parts supply houses in early 2004 ... so it is quite possible that there are still NOS parts available. Also, as of November 10th, 2004 ... IPB is reproducing these parts from the original molds. You can pick them up from these vendors: Bay Area Amusements (RFM Parts page) For Amusement Only (RFM Parts Section) Some of the above links are subject to change, depending on available stock. If you hear of a new source, please send E-Mail.
Q:	I have an Attack from Mars pinball machine. Do you have a kit that will work on that game?
A:	Why yes I do!! Please visit the AFM-LED section of the site.
Q:	Can you do other LED colors besides green? Blue LEDs would look super-cool!!
A:	Yes, other colors are certainly possible. Even mixed colors could be done. There would likely be a surcharge for the custom parts/work. Email me first for a quote on any custom order. Custom orders will typically take longer to complete.
Q:	What's up with the ugly yellow board?
A:	That's the color of the prototype board. I know it's ugly. The production boards are a nice pretty green and include silkscreen information on the board regarding part numbers, etc.
Q:	Since the RFM-LED board draws its power from the main PC power connectors, aren't you worried about overtaxing the game's power supply?
A:	Thankfully, LEDs actually use very, very little power. The RFM-LED board is fused at 1/2amp ... it could actually be fused at a 1/4amp, but that wouldn't leave much room for expansion. I have run tests with all 16 LEDs running and the fuse does not even get warm. For reference, the main +5 volt power supply is rated at a whopping 20amps ... it probably won't even notice the added load.
Q:	Didn't I hear about some other Martian LED modification?
A:	Yes, you did. In early February 2004, a man named Mark made a post to rec.games.pinball, about a different Attack from Mars LED mod. His idea was to add mini-LEDs in as glowing red eyes for the four martians. This mod was widely applauded by the regulars of RGP, and several of them (myself included) asked about the possibility of him making kits available. I still hope he does.
Q:	Why not just build a board that supports a full eight saucers?
A:	Adding support for six more saucers would require more time to develop and test, and would ultimately increase the base cost of the kit without any immediate reward. In addition, space in the CPU box is very limited. I was lucky there was enough room to install this board as it is. If we find a good way to use the remaining 48 LEDs, I have included expansion ports where a separate board could someday be piggy-backed.
Q:	Hey, I've got a similar idea for another game. Can I use your board?
A:	I'm certainly not opposed to using the board for other games. It is extendable and can control up to 64 independent lights (though this will likely cost more). Send me some E-Mail and I'm sure we could work on something together. Unless your idea involves Star Wars: Episode 1, you probably want to check out the AFM-LED instead.


Q:	Will the RFM-LED kit work with the NuCore system from BigGuys Pinball?
A:	There should be no conflict between the RFM-LED kit, and the NuCore Pinball 2000 replacement/upgrade system. The RFM-LED kit draws power from the main Power Supply. It lives on the Pinball 2000 motherboard, but it does not electrically interface with it. All the trigger signals come from the RFM Power Driver Board. As far as I know, the RFM-LED kit and the NuCore product should live in separate universes. That said, as of this writing (mid-June 2009), the NuCore system has not begun shipping ... so I have no real world experience with it yet. That said, I eagerly look forward to testing with it when it is ready.