OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

Don't forget, I'm more advanced in the project than what you're seeing, I'm going back in time a little so that the thread stays interesting.
I remember looking those up. I think it's the first idea I had. When I saw the insane price I didn't take a second look.
One thing I try not to do, from laziness and a little on purpose, is not to look too much at other implementations so that I can be more original about what I do.
I know there was also a Kings of Diamonds remake at some point with stepper score reels.
I think what I came up with is closer to that.
Here's the picture from their design, which *spoiler* looks a little bit more professional than mine :
[quoted image]

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

Too far along now to implement this, but taking notes maybe for the future! That's the downside of accumulating work before sharing, I can't really use the feedback

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

So here is what my first circuit looked like

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

To make it simple, transistors are gates that allow current through or not. When you send them 5V, they open up and let the current through (same concept as when a coil gets energized in an EM machine and closes a normally open switch).
In SS machines, on the solenoid driver board, you have a row of them to fire the individual coils. They always have the (what is it again, 24V?) on one side, but they won't let the current through unless they get a 5V signal. When that happens the circuit closes and the coil fires.
[quoted image]
As for the optos, well they have the same basic functionality as a normally closed switch - they give off 5V when nothing is blocking the light, but when it does it drops to 0. In general in pinball it's used in some instances when a ball goes through something (for example the goal in WCS has an opto that I know of).

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

So here is what I'm still unhappy with at this point - when there is a translite, the sticker overlap can mostly be hidden out of sight. However, without a translite, we get this.
[quoted image]
In the best of worlds I would like to have the numbers screen printed on the reels, and I do have an idea of how this might be feasible, but I have another easier way to go about it at first which we'll be looking at.

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

Done.
Here's an update you guys might like. I have changed the code to fully use the Real Time Clock module, including the battery power.
What this means is that the clock keeps time even when turned off, and when you turn it back on it goes to current time.
-I'll preset the clocks to your individual time zones (I'll have to check if having a battery complicates the shipping though).
-For those who already have clocks, you should be able to update the code.
So, you will not need to have the clock turned on 24/7 - if you prefer to only turn it only at certain times, that will be supported without needing to adjust it each time.
It's not ready yet, I need to do some more testing - will let you know when ready for updates for those who are interested.

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

I built a little automated sanding rig using my first clock prototype PCB. I still need to put the reel on and off but at least while it's going I can do something else and not just stare at it while freezing my fingers off.

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

Just got back!
Here are some pics of cool neon signs I took over there if you're interested: https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/neon-signs-show-us-your-glow/page/33#post-6937661
Will get back into it ASAP and start shipping more units in the next days!

OP

Quoted from PhilGreg:

Atari_Daze does some tip top work!