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