I found another 1979 Stern “Meteor” to restore and convert into my signature Meteor Deluxe version including updated lighting, new code and stereo sound.
This enhanced version of Meteor adds deeper code, ball save and more.
Link to original manual and schematics: https://arcarc.xmission.com/Pinball/PDF%20Pinball%20Manuals%20and%20Schematics/Meteor%20Manual.pdf
The Meteor pinball machine is actually a licensed theme. In the 1979 movie, Meteor, starring Sean Connery and Natalie Wood, a giant asteroid is headed to Earth during the Cold War. The US and the USSR have a secret nuclear arsenal in orbit that needs to be turned around and fired at the “Orpheus” the five-mile-long, planet-killer that is headed to Earth.
The movie was panned. Critics hated it. This is one of those cases where the pinball machine is better than the movie. Most players don’t even realize that it’s based on a movie as none of the actors are depicted on the game’s artwork.
On Rotten Tomatoes the film has a rating of 5% based on 19 reviews, with the site’s consensus being “Meteor is a flimsy flick with too much boring dialogue and not enough destruction. At least the pinball game is decent.”
Rotten Tomatoes
Meteor was a big hit for Stern Electronics selling 8,362 machines. Not bad for a machine based on a dud movie. But you have to remember, back in the time this game was released, license deals were made long before the movie’s release. Unlike today’s pinball machines which are typically based on already proven and beloved licenses.
Meteor Restoration
The restored version of Meteor will include sounds and music from the movie.
Upgrading Displays from 6 digit to 7 digit
“You need the BALLY_STERN_OS_USE_7_DIGIT_DISPLAYS define to get you the 7 digits for scores, and then
BALLY_STERN_OS_USE_6_DIGIT_CREDIT_DISPLAY_WITH_7_DIGIT_DISPLAYS for the 6 digit display to work in the credit/bip.”– Dick Hamill