# Stern Tech School: How To Set Up Your Expression Light Topper **Source:** Stern Pinball **Type:** video **Published:** 2025-10-13 **Duration:** 3m 58s **Beat:** Pinball **URL:** https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=df4U71b1FUk --- ## Analysis Stern Pinball's instructional video demonstrates the assembly and installation of the Expression Light Topper, a modular LED lighting accessory for their pinball machines. The video covers topper base assembly, plate installation, physical mounting to the backbox, and electrical connections to the CPU and power distribution board. This represents Stern's ongoing commitment to operator and owner education through technical support content. ### Key Claims - [HIGH] Expression Light Topper can be installed by users with standard tools (Phillips screwdriver, step ladder) — _Direct demonstration of installation process with minimal tools required_ - [HIGH] Expression Light Topper uses same connectors and power as speaker kits (RJ45 to CPU CN17, power to CN7) — _Rebecca explicitly states compatibility and shows connection points during installation_ - [HIGH] Game-specific plates are available as interchange components without requiring base removal — _Demonstration shows plate swap process with only two screws requiring removal_ - [HIGH] Expression Light Topper connects via existing backbox screw holes for mounting — _Installation process shows alignment with pre-existing holes in backbox_ ### Notable Quotes > "We do have game specific plates available as well and the installation instructions are the same for all plates." > — **Rebecca (Stern Pinball)**, ~2:30 > _Confirms product modularity and cross-game compatibility of Expression Light Topper_ > "The ExpressionLite topper uses the same plug and power as your speaker kit, so if you have one installed already, you'll be plugging your topper directly into the jumper that's plugged in to CN7." > — **Rebecca (Stern Pinball)**, ~8:15 > _Technical specification showing ecosystem integration with Expression Lighting System components_ > "These steps are also available in a very easy to read step by step instructions that come with your topper." > — **Rebecca (Stern Pinball)**, ~3:00 > _Indicates Stern provides comprehensive documentation alongside video tutorials_ ### Entities | Name | Type | Context | |------|------|---------| | Rebecca | person | Stern Pinball technical educator presenting Expression Light Topper installation tutorial | | Stern Pinball | company | Manufacturer of Expression Light Topper and creator of Tech School educational content | | Expression Light Topper | product | LED lighting accessory system for pinball machine backboxes, part of broader Expression Lighting ecosystem | | Expression Light System | product | Modular lighting upgrade system for Stern pinball machines including topper, speaker kits, and plates | | Deadpool Premium | game | Stern pinball game used as demonstration machine in installation video | | sternpinball.com | company | Stern's official e-commerce platform where Expression Light Topper accessories are sold | ### Topics - **Primary:** Expression Light Topper Installation and Assembly, Expression Lighting System Ecosystem, Stern Technical Education and Support - **Secondary:** Pinball Machine Hardware Integration, Aftermarket Pinball Accessories ### Sentiment **Positive** (0.85) — Professional instructional tone emphasizing ease of installation, user-friendly design, and comprehensive support. No negative commentary or concerns raised. ### Signals - **[community_signal]** Stern Pinball producing educational tech school content demonstrates ongoing commitment to operator and owner education/support (confidence: high) — Dedicated video tutorial series on product installation with clear step-by-step demonstration and reference to accompanying documentation - **[product_strategy]** Expression Light Topper represents premium accessory tier designed for modular installation on existing machines with game-specific customization options (confidence: high) — Video demonstrates game-specific plates available as interchangeable components; system integrates with existing speaker kits and power infrastructure --- ## Transcript Hi, I'm Rebecca with Stern Pinball and I'm here to show you just how easy it is to set up our Expression Light Topper, part of our Expression Light System. Here's what you'll need. I've got my Expression Topper base, my EdgeLip plastic, a cutting tool to open the box, and a Phillips screwdriver. Let's start with the base. So I'm going to open up the base, take out your base, I'm going to open up our edgelit plastic. Today I'll be installing the standard stern plate. We do have game specific plates available as well and the installation instructions are the same for all plates. My first step is to install the plate onto the base. Remove the spacers from the bag. First step is to take the spacers on the base along this metal bracket. Take your plate, it goes here. Then Then you'll take the screwdriver, give them a good tightening here. Now your topper is ready to install on your game. These steps are also available in a very easy to read step by step instructions that come with your topper. We're going to be installing this expression topper on this awesome Deadpool Premium with the speaker kits already installed. Your first step is to turn the game off. I've got my screwdriver. Now I'm going to need a step ladder. If you're tall, you might not need one. You're going to need access to the top of the game. So I need to remove the four screws from the top of the backbox in order to install them. And you going to be using the screws that are in the backbox to install your topper We also be removing this plug here You need access to inside the backbox so we going to do that in the next step You'll be putting the topper in. There's two little holes where the screws on the backbox are already there so it's really easy to line it up properly. If you do decide you want to switch your plastic, you do not need to remove your topper base. Simply remove these two screws and install your new EdgeLit plastic while the base is still on your game. Now it's time to open up the back and get your topper connected. You're gonna need your keys. Unlock your speaker plate and remove your backbox and put it in a safe location. Now that the backbox is open we're gonna remove the plug and you just need to pinch and press up. Now that the plug is removed, we're going to need to feed the two wires through the hole and into the backbox. So you're going to plug the RJ45 into the CPU CN17. The second cable will be plugged directly into the power distribution board on CN7. The ExpressionLite topper uses the same plug and power as your speaker kit, so if you have one installed already, ready, you'll be plugging your topper directly into the jumper that's plugged in to CN7. We're almost finished. Now let's do some cable management by clipping the wires into the P-straps that are already installed on your game. And you're all set! Now it's time to close up the game, turn it on, and play. We have lights! Your Expression Topper is now successfully installed and you're ready to play. You can find our accessories, including our Expression topper system accessories at sternpinball.com. _(Acquisition: youtube_groq_whisper, Enrichment: v3)_ --- *Exported from Journalist Tool on 2026-04-13 | Item ID: e9b2307a-8fa2-4fd7-b7b1-3eb0f6838a89*