Mimic Mod - Installation Instructions

Mimic Mod Installation Guide

*Troubleshooting tips at bottom of instructions.

New All in One Unit: 

 

Step 1: Prepare the Machine

  • ☐ 1. Power down the pinball machine.
  • ☐ 2. Remove the balls from the machine.

Step 2: Add Power to the Backbox

  • ☐ 1. Open the backbox.
  • ☐ 2. Take the two included power cables:
  • ☐ - Plug the small black and gray 3-pin cable into CN6 (gray side down).
  • ☐ - Plug the Molex connector end  into the main power cord
  • ☐ 3. Feed the connected power cord down through the backbox into the cabinet.
  • ☐ 4. Tuck it out of the way, then close the backbox.

Step 3: Remove Stock Hardware

  • ☐ 1. Lift the playfield.
  • ☐ 2. Fish the power cord to the front for accessory access.
  • ☐ 3. Locate and unplug the spotlight and flasher Molex connectors.
  • ☐ 4. Fish wires through to the plastic area to the top of the playfield
  • ☐ 5. Remove existing plastics and retain all hardware (screws, risers).

Step 4: Assemble the Mimic Mod

  • ☐ 1. Attach the flasher dome to the Mimic using top screws.
  • ☐ 2. Mount the flasher lamp inside the dome using M3 nut/bolt.
  • ☐ 3. Adjust and mount the spotlight with an added riser.
  • ☐ 4. Secure the spotlight facing outward and route the cable in front of the mimic chest.

Step 5: Feed Cables Through the Playfield

  • ☐ 1. Feed the following cables down through the playfield hole:
  • ☐ - Servo cable
  • ☐ - Spotlight and flasher cables
  • ☐ 2. Feed one at a time to avoid tangling.

Step 6: Mount the Mimic Mod

  • ☐ 1. Align main plastic mount with the two mounting points (front and rear standoffs).
  • ☐ 2. Use original screws/nuts to secure.
  • ☐ 3. Do not overtighten.

Step 7: Connect Accessories Under the Playfield

  • ☐ 1. Connect from the pinball machine:
  • ☐ - 3-prong (red/brown) = Mimic Flasher
  • ☐ - 2-prong (orange/red) = Dome Flasher
  • ☐ - Labeled 'spot lamp' = Spotlight
  • ☐ 2. Use extenders if needed.

Step 8: Setup Electronics

  • ☐ 1. Components: (NEW  STYLE - White Box)
  • ☐ - Electronic PCB
  • ☐  Optocoupler Plug (blue/yellow)- connects to 2 prong plug coming from mimic
  • ☐ 2. Connect power to Electronics
  • ☐ 3. Secure electronics to wiring harness under playfield (use zip ties)
  • or - Use double sided tape (on back of electronics) to attach to side of cabinet 
  • ☐ 1. Components: (OLD STYLE)
  • ☐ - Arduino Nano: main controller
  • ☐ - Buck Converter: voltage regulator
  • ☐ - Optocoupler Module: reads flasher signal
  • ☐ 2. Connect power to both Arduino and buck converter.
  • ☐ 3. Secure near front of cabinet using plastic loop.

Step 9: Connect Control Cables (Old Style Only)

  • ☐ 1. Plug optocoupler into remaining connector from mimic (yellow/blue)
  • ☐ 2. Connect buck converter red/brown to servo (power and ground).
  • ☐ 3. Connect orange signal wire from Arduino to servo.

Step 10: Final Assembly & Test

  • ☐ 1. Lower playfield onto rails.
  • ☐ 2. Complete any remaining cable connections.
  • ☐ 3. Power on the machine.
  • ☐ - Red LED on Arduino = power
  • ☐ - Blue LED on Buck Converter = power
  • ☐ - Mimic should 'breathe' automatically every ~45 seconds.

Optional Testing & Diagnostics

  • ☐ 1. Enter menu: Diagnostics > LED Test.
  • ☐ 2. Use Volume - button to find 'Treasure Flasher'.
  • ☐ 3. Mimic will chomp when the flasher triggers.
  • ☐ - It has a cooldown to prevent excessive motion.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting - Message the shop if you get stuck, we’ll get you fixed up.

“Mimic makes a noise when idle” - this can mean the servo cannot reach its 0 point. Power off the mimic and adjust the metal wire hinge down a notch on the servo (it has several mounting holes).

“Mimic is not opening/closing properly” - check for obstruction on the mimic such as the spotlight cable or the internal flasher getting in the way of the chest lid closing.

“My mimic has a rich, smoky odor and is not working” - power off your pinball machine, look at the servo wiring, did you plug in the cords backwards? Message me and we’ll get you a replacement servo.