Hi everyone,
Just a quick heads up I was able to investigate further, and being a newcomer to the Alpha 9000, the part I wasn't getting after I first got the machine was whether or not I could get a higher payback percentage with a different CF card or OS. Turns out I'll need a set of 6000 series SMI chips to apply to the converter board, and the 97.18% is extremely hard to find. My three other options currently available (rounded up) are 90, 91 and 95%, and I've noticed a huge improvement programming it at 95. Big thanks to Jim at Bettor Slots for the info, along with the awesome game topper, money bowl and denomination badges he had available a few months back. These, along with a 3 tier candle from SuzoHapp, made my setup even more awesome.
So, still looking for the hard to find blue vs. red topper insert, and the rare SMI 6894, 97.18% chip set, so if anyone should happen upon either, feel free to message me or reply here. I'll also post in classifieds.
Thanks again to all the forum members for your help and knowledge!
blazing7scolorado