Star Trek TNG Subway Modification
“LX-9 is not complete without the STTNG Subway Mod. It further increases the flow by reducing ball return times and makes the game more predictable fixing Neutral Zone/Left Hole ball detection issues.
While many issues could be found and fixed in the LX-9 patch, one issue could not be resolved through software alone and remained a compromise: ball detection in the Subway when hitting the Neutral Zone (NZ). Since the NZ lacks its own dedicated opto within the Subway and because detection relies on NZ targets and timers the following issues persist:
– Balls rolling slowly into the NZ trigger a ‘Command Decision’.
– Balls that hit a target but land in the Subway with significant spin may take too long to reach the Subway opto. These are then incorrectly registered as a Left Hole shot or a Command Decision. In the worst-case scenario, they can even roll back up the subway and trigger locks.
– Balls that hit an NZ target but end up in the Left Hole within approximately 3 seconds (instead of entering the Subway) are still counted as NZ hits.
The Subway Mod resolves these long-standing ball detection issues within the Neutral Zone (NZ) and significantly enhances overall flow by accelerating ball travel through the subway. It ensures fast, reliable detection every single time.
STTNG Subway Mod Key Features:
– ACCURATE DETECTION: No more false NZ/Left Hole triggers – even with slow-rolling balls, thanks to the added switch and refined firmware timing.
– FASTER BALL RETURNS: Significantly improved game flow. You’ll get less than 1s from NZ entry to GameEvent/Ball from VUK, and almost instant detection from the Left Hole.
– EASY & REVERSIBLE INSTALL: Takes about 15 minutes and you don’t even need to remove the subway. No additional screws needed. Installation manual and video available.
– VERIFIED FIT: Works with stock subways, thicker repro subways, and Cliffy-equipped playfields (specific versions available).
– INTEGRATED PROTECTION: The standard version comes with a built-in NZ protector.”
There are 2 versions available:
– Standard – with included NZ playfield protection. (doesn’t allow any other protectors to be installed in the NZ.)
– “Cliffy Version” – leaves just enough room for an already installed Cliffy NZ protector. (only with original Cliffy it fits perfectly. Non original versions might work, but require additional work during installation (described in the manual)).
The installation video can be found here.
NOTE: LX-9 is required. You can find this version here!
Special thanks to the creator @ingo333.
