How to install a shaker motor in a Stern pinball Machine

A shaker motor is a fantastic upgrade for any pinball machine. It adds a new layer of haptic feedback, enhancing the immersive experience, especially when players are performing well. It truly makes the game feel like a world under glass.

Stern pinball machines natively support shaker motors through their game software. So, in all titles equipped with SAM or Spike boardsets, you can install a shaker motor and it will function seamlessly during gameplay. No additional software adjustments are needed.

The degree of shaker integration varies by title. In some games, it complements the theme perfectly, with software triggering the motor to amplify gameplay moments. In others, the effect is more subtle and doesn’t significantly impact gameplay.

Installing a shaker motor is straightforward, something any pinball enthusiast can do. Just follow the instructions below. Be sure to purchase the correct shaker motor type for your boardset: SAM boardset machines (2006–2014) require a different model than Spike boardset machines (2015 and newer).

Installing a shaker in a Stern Spike machine

The shaker motor I installed in my Iron Maiden pinball machine is a model available in the USA at PinballLife.com. In Europe, you can find it at Pinballshop.nl (affiliate link)

Here you can see the shaker motor assembly: a metal frame housing a motor with off-center weights on each side. A plastic cover is included for safety.

Begin by opening the pinball cabinet:

• Remove the playfield glass.
• Take out the pinballs from the ball trough.
• Lift the playfield into a vertical position and rest it against the backbox.

This gives you a clear view of where the shaker motor should be installed: on the right side near the front of the cabinet, beneath the plunger and flipper buttons. This placement ensures the vibrations are felt most intensely in your hands while playing.

You’ll notice four screw holes in the cabinet floor.

Secure the motor using the four longest screws. Pay attention to the motor's orientation: route the wire along the cabinet side. Then, attach the plastic cover using the two smaller screws.

Route the wiring using the existing plastic clips, guiding it along the other wires from the right side toward the left front of the cabinet.

Plug the connector into the board located on the left side. On my Iron Maiden machine, it’s labeled CN16, though other board revisions may use different labels. Watch out the wire doesn't interfere with the tilt weight.

That’s it! Your shaker motor is now installed and ready to enhance your gameplay.

Installing a shaker in a Stern SAM pinball machine

Stern SAM games (produced between 2006 and 2014, featuring dot matrix displays) follow a very similar installation process. Here’s how I installed one in my Stern Metallica pinball machine.

The main difference is the shaker’s location: it’s mounted on the left side of the cabinet, as the power switch assembly occupies the right side. The shaker motor’s wire for SAM machines is also shorter.

The rest of the steps are identical:

• Secure the shaker motor with four screws.
• Attach the plastic cover with two screws.
• Plug the connector into the small board on the cabinet’s left side, there’s only one correct position.

As with Spike machines, ensure the wiring doesn’t interfere with the tilt mechanism.

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