Rochester, NY
Quoted from MarkG:I'm working remotely with a class that wants to build a simple pinball machine. Nothing fancy, just a working pair of flippers to start. There is apparently little to no local pinball or electrical expertise so I've offered to help them online. They have a limited budget and would be further limited to buying parts from established companies rather than individuals or auctions. Donations would probably be an option too.
So given those constraints, I'd like to compile a parts list and assembly instructions so that someone unfamiliar with pinball could order and install the parts into the cabinet they're building.
Since I'm much more familiar with EM games, I'm inclined to gather parts and drawings from a 70s Gottlieb or Williams parts catalog. I'd likely recommend AC solenoids so they could use just a transformer instead of a DC power supply. (Possibly a smaller 24v transformer too rather than a standard game transformer). My intention would be to identify the lowest cost, and most readily available parts to assemble a complete working pair of flippers.
So would late model EM parts be a good solution, or are there solid state parts I should consider instead? Any other suggestions to simplify the process for the class?
Thanks,
/Mark
Adding a bridge rectifier for newer DC recruiters is only one extra part, not a big deal.
Although used parts can be great, if you any guarantee a supply I'd go with something that at least can be bought new, even if it's more expensive. WPC and classic Stern mechs can be bought brand new and fully assembled
