Regulars to the EM Pinball Tech forum might recognize me as a contributor to some of the troubleshooting topics. I spend a lot of time analyzing issues described on the forum, and proposing potential solutions along with some background or context for how the failing devices should work. I can get a little wordy sometimes but I think it's important to understand the bigger picture - if not for the OP then maybe for someone reading the post with a similar problem later on. (for example: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/first-generation-decagon-solenoid-wiring#post-4840740)

Some might also be familiar with my pinball exhibit/website, https://www.funwithpinball.com. One of the big motivations over there too is to teach those who are interested how things work. The site includes games I've designed and other pinball related projects.

More recently I've taken things a bit further and tried some face to face instruction. I've been teaching a hands-on workshop using parts of the exhibit to explain a little about electricity and magnetism, and how they're used to make the games work.

But earlier this year I taught my first in depth class on EM Pinball Machine Repair and Restoration. Based on the response I got I'd like to teach it again. The class starts with the fundamentals and goes right through to reading schematics and troubleshooting with lots of demos and exercises along the way. The pace is catered to the students' interests but the class takes about 8-12 hours to get through over 2-3 days. Details at https://www.funwithpinball.com/learn/pinball-machine-repair-class

Scheduled classes will appear periodically on the website but I'm open to suggestion for times and locations. I'm willing to travel to other locations if we can make it work. PM me or reach me through the web site if you have specific questions.

/Mark

Thanks for the kind words and up votes. I really appreciate it.

To clarify about the class, I don't have a regular location or schedule for it. Instead, as I find small groups of interested students close to each other I'll work with them to find a convenient time and place. That could be outside of Colorado if we can make the numbers work out. Maybe a few days before, during, or after a show for example (maybe the Pinball Showdown?). If you've got a few interested friends nearby let me know (offline).

EM pinball enthusiasts headed for the 2019 Pinball Showdown might be interested to know that I'll have the entire Fun With Pinball exhibit set up for the weekend. See for yourself how individual devices work (https://www.funwithpinball.com/exhibits/small-boards) and play the custom games (https://www.funwithpinball.com/exhibits/games) like this one:
Horse_Racing_sm2 (resized).jpg
The exhibit will close periodically during the show while I teach short workshops and clinics in the same room based largely on the EM repair class. Find more information at https://PinballShowdown.com or directly at https://www.funwithpinball.com/events/2019_Pinball_Showdown.

Not as long a shot as you might think... I won't be at GSPF this month but I may be in the area before long if I can sort out the details. I'm open to suggestion too for other places or events.

I'd like to thank the Pacific Pinball Museum for hosting the first post pandemic EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class in their annex.
PPA_Class.05.2021.sm (resized).jpg
Fingers crossed for more repair classes around the country...

I should clarify. I taught the class (see the base note) after making arrangements with the PPM.

If you want to receive announcements for upcoming classes you can add yourself to the mailing list at https://www.funwithpinball.com/home/sign-up

I'll be teaching a two day EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class in Longmont, CO in July and have room form another student or two. Contact me through the web site if you're interested or have questions.

Class Description: https://www.funwithpinball.com/learn/pinball-machine-repair-class
Contact: https://www.funwithpinball.com/contact.html

Hi Shawn,

I'm glad you enjoyed the clinic today although this topic is about the repair class. Different animal. The clinic is over here: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/an-em-pinball-online-repair-clinic

Sadly my On Beam is in the queue so I can't confirm about the reset motor.

I'll be teaching two sessions of the EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class in May at the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda, CA if there's enough interest. Details at:

https://www.funwithpinball.com/events/2022_PPM_Repair_Classes

Sorry, no. You're welcome to join the free online repair clinics if you have specific questions or just want to watch and learn:

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/an-em-pinball-online-repair-clinic
https://www.funwithpinball.com/learn/EM-pinball-online-repair-clinic

I'll be offering the two day EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class in California in October. Class size is limited to six students and the registration deadline is August 31st.

Repair Class description:
https://www.funwithpinball.com/learn/pinball-machine-repair-class

October class details:
https://www.funwithpinball.com/events/repair-class-at-the-ranch-10-2022

I'll be teaching the two day EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class in Colorado in February. Class size is limited to six students and the registration deadline is January 31st.

Repair Class description:
https://www.funwithpinball.com/learn/pinball-machine-repair-class

February class details:
https://www.funwithpinball.com/events/repair-class-loveland-feb-2023

I'll be offering four sessions of the EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class in California and Washington state in May and June as part of a road trip to the Golden State Pinball Festival and the Northwest Pinball and Ardade show. Details at:

https://www.funwithpinball.com/services/coverage-and-events#Events

The next EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class will be in Lakewood, Colorado in February.
Details at: https://www.funwithpinball.com/services/coverage-and-events#Events

There are two sessions of the EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class coming up in April. They'll be on the East Coast for the first time.
Details at: https://www.funwithpinball.com/services/coverage-and-events#Events

I've added a Repair Class in May at the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda, CA.
Details at: https://www.funwithpinball.com/services/coverage-and-events#Events

I'll be teaching the EM Pinball Repair class at The Pinball Resource, in Poughkeepsie, New York next month. I've had a late cancellation so there's a spot available. When else will you get to hang out at PBR for a weekend?

Details at: https://www.funwithpinball.com/services/coverage-and-events#Events