Pinballers???

[jcalder8]

I'm not sure if this is the right forum or not but it seems like it would be the most correct forum.

I'm wondering if anyone here collects pinball machines. I had to sell my 2 arcade units(Operation Wolf and SF2CE) after getting married and now that we have to move to a new place that she loves and I hate I have decided that its time for a pinball machine. The problem is that I don't know how to repair them and I'm wondering if this would be a problem. Also I'm curious to hear what/how many machines everyone has.

Jon

[Arcade Antics]

The problem is that I don't know how to repair them and I'm wondering if this would be a problem.
Depends on how much you're willing to spend, and how much you're willing to learn about repair.

[jcalder8]

Depends on how much you're willing to spend, and how much you're willing to learn about repair.

I'm willing to learn what I need to to repair them but I'm not sure where to start. I'm thinking about taking an electronics course so that I can learn some of the basics.

[ClubNinja]

The first question here is what era of games, or what specific games you're interested in. There are the early woodrails, the EM games (up through the late 70s), the early Solid State games (up through the mid 80s), the later SS games, and the modern DMD (dot matrix display) games. My guess is that you're not looking for woodrails and *probably* not interested in EM games (you can distinguish them by the white reels with black digits used for scoring). The Solid State games generally use seven-segment displays for scoring (like a digital clock), while the DMD games feature a full dot matrix display that displays scores, animations, and all sorts of other fancy stuff.

Depending upon what era your favorite game is in will help dictate what you need to spend to own, know to maintain, and/or pay to maintain. You can save a LOT of money in pinball if you know how to repair circuit boards, for example, which includes soldering skills, knowledge of components, etc. Even less involved stuff like knowing how to test fuses, continuity of wires, and connects is highly valuable. Then, there's the cosmetic stuff like playfield cleaning and care, preservation of backglass art, and so on.

Let us know what game(s) and/or era of games you're interested in and maybe more specific info can be added here for you. Otherwise, consider the rec.games.pinball newsgroup for its wealth of information. We pinball folks are pretty dedicated, so there's plenty of long-winded and useful information available out here/there.

[jcalder8]

You're right ClubNinja that I'm not interested in the woodrails, but anything beyond that I'd be happy with. My all time favorite game is Jurrasic Park but I know that this is well beyond my knowledge level right now. There is no specific game that I am looking to get but I'm not interested in spending a fortune on it. The only thing I would look for is a game that would mean someting to me, meaning I would like one with a theme that was apealing to me. I was thinking about a EM and then working my way up to SS(and so on) as I learn about the machine and how to do repairs. Does this make sense or are they totally different?

I'll definately check out the newsgroup when I get home today. Thanks

[ClubNinja]

Well, between EMs, SS, and DMDs, there are numerous fundamentals that remain constant (or very similar). Targets, bumpers, flippers, lights, switches, and almost anything on the playfield will work in the same ways and need similar maintainence. Flippers, bumpers, kickers, and drop target resets all work with solenoid coils. They all need to be cleaned, they all need to be strong, etc.

Cleaning playfields is pretty much the same in all cases, though you may need to be more careful on an older EM field with older paint. EM backglasses will need more attention in sealing them (in most cases) than SS will (though they should also be sealed). DMD games start to get into translites instead of painted backglasses, which removes a concern there.

The major differences are found in the brains of the games. In DMD games, you'll find relatively complex circuit boards with all sorts of audio, lighting, etc. SS games still feature circuit boards, but many are much simpler. Also, some very early SS games don't have digital sound boards, and still use chimes like EMs. EM games don't require as much circuit board knowledge; however, they run on numerous relays that all need to be cleaned and adjusted for the game to run properly. Technically, EMs are less advanced, but they can often be more of a pain to troubleshoot and repair. Of course, there's some personal preference in there.

Your best bet is to start looking in the local ads (or FS posts on R.G.P) for games in your price range that don't need tons of work. My first pin was an obscure game with less support than many of the popular titles/makers and lots of minor problems. A tough way to start learning, though very educational. Still, I'd suggest something that requires less work to start. When you find a game, check out www.ipdb.org, look it up, and check out the background info and pictures there. See if the playfield looks interesting to you, the art looks appealing, and the theme is within your interest. Then go for it.

Beware of one thing, though: Pins are worse than crack. You'll want more and more and more until you're renting storage, building additions, and trading away your car for another game. If you have space/financial/other constraints, then stick to them. Don't go overboard. Get one game, keep it running, and enjoy it. THEN consider another (if it suits your plans).

[TripppsK]

If you do make the leap I found the following site very informative in regards to repair.


http://www.marvin3m.com/fix.htm


As long as you have mediocre electonic/wiring knowledge you should be fine. I had my EM up and running in no time.