How to set up a new in box Spooky pinball machine

Part one, unboxing the machine, is here.

Opening the Cabinet

You’ll find the coin door keys in the box with the pinball legs.

The backbox keys are usually hanging on a small hook inside the coin door, at the top of the coin mechanism. Always try to return them to the hook after use so they don’t get lost.

Opening the backbox is similar to older games. Insert the key into the lock at the top center of the backglass and rotate it a quarter turn. This unlocks the backglass.

Lift the backglass using the plastic lift channel at the bottom, gently tilt it toward you, and then lower it to remove the glass. Be careful, this is a real backglass and heavier than games that use a translight.

Once the backglass is safely set aside, lift the speaker panel out of the backbox and lay it on the playfield glass. Use a piece of protective wrapping to prevent scratches or slipping.

Note: On Spooky’s next game, Rick and Morty, the backbox mechanism was redesigned. It now resembles recent Stern games, with a hinged display panel and a lock located above the screen.

Inside the Backbox

With the backbox open, you’ll see the printed circuit boards (PCBs) that control the game. It’s not crowded, Spooky’s backboxes are relatively minimal. Alice Cooper’s Nightmare Castle uses a P-Roc system. On the left are two P-Roc boards that control lights and solenoids; on the far right is the CPU.

Don’t forget to secure the backbox using the metal bolt included in the box with the legs.

This bolt isn’t just for securing the backbox, it's also required to complete the electrical ground path.

Leveling the Machine

I start by leveling the machine left to right. For the front legs, I place a level on the playfield glass. For the back legs, I either position the level at the rear of the playfield glass (though it may slide), or on top of the backbox—just be cautious so it doesn’t fall.

Next, remove the playfield glass and level the playfield itself. Spooky recommends a pitch of 6.5 degrees. Please don’t simply screw the front levelers all the way in and the rear ones all the way out—it will negatively affect gameplay. Start with proper leveling, and adjust later based on how the game plays.

Removing the Playfield Glass

To unlock the lockdown bar, move the yellow lever to the left. This is the same mechanism as on WPC games.

Once unlocked, pull the lockdown bar straight up to remove it. Stay close to the glass, it can sometimes slide out on its own.

Carefully slide the playfield glass out and place it somewhere soft, like a carpet or protective wrapping.

I had initially extended the back legs too much. Lower them so the playfield pitch is around 6.5 degrees, with a maximum of 7 degrees.

Inspecting the Cabinet

With the playfield glass removed, you can inspect inside the cabinet and beneath the playfield. Lift the playfield by pulling straight up at the metal apron. Place your hand in the center, above the ball drain area. Raise it high enough so the metal supports clear the cabinet, then pull the playfield forward over the cabinet edge.

Rubber stoppers at the end of the playfield supports help keep it in place. Be careful not to pull the playfield too far forward, or the rear end may slip off the supports and fall into the cabinet.

Once pulled forward, you can tilt the playfield upward so it rests against the backbox. When lowering it back down, ensure it’s aligned properly to avoid damaging the cabinet or decals.

Pre-Power Checks

Before powering on the machine, do a visual inspection. Spooky tests each game before shipping, but transport can cause issues. Check the underside of the playfield for loose wires, bent mechanisms, or stray parts—especially near the speaker magnet, which can attract metal debris.

Installing the Tilt Mechanism

Install the tilt weight on the front left side of the cabinet. The weight is in a bag stapled to the bottom. Slide it over the metal pin to your desired height and secure it with the screw at the base.

Notice that the weight may not hang dead center. I appreciate that Spooky uses a tilt mechanism with an adjustable ring—some manufacturers use a fixed design. Adjust the ring so the weight hangs evenly, with equal room to swing on both sides.

Final Steps Before Playing

Install the pinballs, they’re in a bag in the box with the legs. New pinballs may have a light oil coating to prevent rust, so wipe them clean before use. I strongly recommend waxing your playfield before your first game.

Can you play now? Yes and no. If you’re eager, go ahead and play. Just monitor gameplay to ensure everything functions properly. Some switches may need adjustment.

If you’re not in a rush, run diagnostics first. Use the coil test to check all coils and servos, and the switch test to verify that all switches register. This ensures everything works as it should before gameplay begins.

Before installing new software, go into the test/adjustment screen and note the servo settings. These control how high or low certain mechanisms move, like the Frankenstein lock in the top left. If it rises too far, pinballs can fall off the playfield into the cabinet. Spooky calibrates each machine individually, so settings may vary. Write them down so you can verify them after a software update.

Updating the software

Your game likely shipped with an older software version. When the game boots, check the version and timestamp. You can download the latest version from the Spooky pinball website.

Download the update file and place it in the root folder of a USB stick. With the game powered off, insert the stick into one of the USB ports at the top left of the CPU. Turn on the machine, it will automatically detect the update and install it.

Once complete, the game will notify you. Power off the machine, remove the USB stick, and enjoy the latest software!