Sources
Contributors to this record: Flipcommons AI Descriptions (Manufacturer), Flipcommons Catalog.
- description
- Flipcommons AI Descriptions (Manufacturer)Stern Electronics was a Chicago-based manufacturer active from 1977 to 1985, and it is entirely distinct from the [[manufacturer:stern-pinball]] that operates today. Founded by [[person:sam-stern]] — who had previously run [[manufacturer:williams]] — Stern Electronics produced a catalog of [[technology-generation:solid-state]] machines during the early years of the microprocessor era, competing directly with [[manufacturer:bally]], [[manufacturer:williams]], and [[manufacturer:gottlieb]]. The company's machines were technically solid and commercially competitive, with titles like [[title:seawitch]] (1980), [[title:lightning-stern-electronics]] (1981), and [[title:flight-2000]] (1980) earning strong operator followings. Sam's son [[person:gary-stern]] worked at the company during this period. When Stern Electronics ceased operations in 1985 — unable to weather the broader amusement industry downturn — it left behind a catalog that is genuinely distinct from any subsequent Stern-branded machines, and is prized accordingly by collectors who understand the difference.
- opdb_manufacturer_id
- 137Flipcommons Catalog
- name
- Stern ElectronicsFlipcommons Catalog
- slug
- stern-electronicsFlipcommons Catalog