Getting Started
Last updated
Last updated
The purpose of this guide is to introduce you to the Scorbitron hardware and associated components, as well as give you what you need to begin the installation process. The Installation Guide specific to your machine should be followed exactly in order for all these parts to work properly and ensure the safety of you and your pinball machine.
Note that many of these steps are available in great detail, tool tips and illustrations all via the Scorbit app. You can download the app here:
To see these steps on the app, first enter the Account Menu (upper right hand corner of the app), then enter the My Machines view and add your new machine via the + sign. If the machine exists, edit the machine with the Edit Pencil. Within the Edit Machine view you will see a button in the Tools drawer titled Install Scorbitron. Press that button and follow the steps.
The Scorbitron is the device that interprets game information and sends that data in real-time to the Scorbit platform. It is designed to easily fit inside the backbox of pinball machines and accept and process data from various sources, depending on the machine and options available.
Each Scorbitron comes with associated parts specific to your pinball machine that you chose during the purchase process. More specific information for your Scorbitron is available in the Installation Guide found in this section.
You can identify the Scorbitron and components within each kit into these categories:
The Scorbitron is the brains of the whole operation, and is the central processing for game data. It is a wifi device and designed to be permanently installed in a machine. More information on the Scorbitron is provided later in the Installation Guide.
DMD Probe (left) and SS-1 Probe (right)
The Scorbit DMD Probe (left) is designed for use in any DMD pinball machine. The SS-1 Probe (right) is designed for use in select Solid State machines. Other probes are designed for other machine types, not pictured here.
Standard Probe Data Cable (left) and Serial Data Cable (right)
Data cables are generally USB C Gen 2 cables. However, in situations where game data is delivered serially, a special null modem USB cable with USB A to C adapter is provided. This cable is necessary for Stern Spike 2, Spooky and American Pinball installations.
Power Adapters, left to right: WPC, Stern SAM/Data East, Stern Spike 1, Capcom, Gottlieb System 3, Bally -35/Stern MPU-100/200
Power adapters are required to tap power from the pinball machine. Because pinball machines vary in age and condition, these adapters are designed to protect the machine from any type of power problem while providing clean 12VDC or 5VDC to the Scorbitron. Instructions on where to install the adapter is discussed in detail for your machine in the Installation Guide or in the Scorbit app during the installation process.
Standard Power Cable (left), Spike 2 Power Cable (right)
Scorbit provides a power cable specific to your machine. Most are designed to deliver 12VDC to the Scorbitron, but for certain machines they provide 5VDC. These cables are connected to the Scorbitron either from the power adapter or directly from the game, depending on the model. Instructions on where to attach this cable can be found in the Installation Guide or in the Scorbit app during the installation process.
Scorbitrons do more than just interpret scores. They can decode and encode display information, drive actual displays of various types, and act as a central hub for operator maintenance, analytics, payment processing, and other functions. These devices are designed to be permanently installed in the backbox, without an enclosure.
The Scorbitron is also a secure WiFi device that depends on connectivity to offer the value of its features. The Scorbit app allows you to give the Scorbitron its WiFi credentials that you use normally for your local WiFi, as well as pair the Scorbitron to the specific game. Once paired, everything else is automatic: Updates, game-specific information, scoreboards, leaderboards, access to ScorbitVision, or other features.
Because the Scorbitron is a WiFi device, a good WiFi connection is advised. While the data doesn't require high speed or perfect connections at all times, the better the connection the faster the information will appear in the platform. While the WiFi on the Scorbitron works at either 2.4ghz or 5ghz, we strongly recommend the use of 2.4ghz in areas with walls or partitions that sit between the pinball machine and the WiFi access point. Please refer to the Network Guide for suggestions on network configuration and troubleshooting your network connection.
Pinball machines are complex machines with various electronic components. As those components age, they often emit harmless RF frequencies that can interfere with radios. For this reason, we strongly recommend placing the Scorbitron within the backbox and high up as possible. An antenna should not be necessary. The same is true with multiple machines, as each device is an independent network client of your WiFi access point. Your access point is the hub, and the Scorbitrons are the clients. In highly dense situations with many machines, such as a tournament or arcade, we recommend creating a separate, hidden WiFi SSID for the Scorbitrons to avoid network congestion and competition with your customers or staff, but it is not required for modern WiFi equipment. More information on these topics can be found in the Network Guide.
On the lower front of the Scorbitron there are two LED status indicator lights designed to provide real-time status of the state of the Scorbitron. This is useful for understanding the current configuration, network status, game status and troubleshooting.
The following are the definitions of the various LED colors. These will be referred to in greater detail in the Scorbitron Operation Manual as well as any troubleshooting guides.
Please proceed to the next section, Beginning Your Installation, when you're ready to install your Scorbitron.
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NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Contains FCC ID: Z64-WL18DBMOD
