Does anyone know if a class exists that teaches Solid State Pinball Repair online or in the PNW? I'm super interested in learning more, but I do much better in a structured environment versus self-learning. Thanks in advance for any info!
Lots of information on http://pinrepair.com/ for free and I would highly suggest to pay for the Pinball Online Webzine to get access to the videos. Highly recommended.
Todd Andersen did some seminars at my events. They may help you.
http://www.pinballnews.com/shows/circus2006/index.html Logic Probe Seminar about half way down the page.
He also has articles in the archives on Pinball News that may help :
http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/soldering/index.html
http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/irtester.html
http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/seminar.html
http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/lamps.html
http://www.pinballnews.com/learn/leds.html
Pinball News has other good how to learn articles in the archive section.
LTG : )
I loved reading all of Clay Harrel's guides on his website and the pinball ninja blog. I learned so much and he has some videos that get deep into the weeds on certain topics. But I came in with basic electronic skills. I'm not an electrical engineer, but I can follow a circuit and do board work. I enjoy reading the old "theory of operation" manuals that float around online.
Clay's guides are excellent, gets very deep into how every aspect of how pinball machines work and how to repair them. I don't know if they are still available? I printed off copies years ago and still refer to them to this day when doing pinball repairs.
Quoted from kevmad:Clay's guides are excellent, gets very deep into how every aspect of how pinball machines work and how to repair them. I don't know if they are still available? I printed off copies years ago and still refer to them to this day when doing pinball repairs.
They're still floating around if you know how to use Google or Archive.org
If nobody has referenced it yet, this is a great learning resource: https://www.pinwiki.com/wiki
Some general electronics learning would also help (e.g. how to use a multi-meter, IC board basics, soldiering basics, testing board components, how to read schematics, etc.) YouTube is your friend when it comes to these topics.
I lose track of time, but I think I've been into pinball for about 4-5 years now. While I do have a strong IT background, when I started I knew very little about electronics. Since that time, I've diagnosed and solved a multitude of issues, replaced IC board components, designed and implemented various electronic mods, etc. With a little aptitude, the help of Pinside members, and a healthy curiosity, you'll be proficient in not time. However, do expect some mistakes along the way. I can't put a number on it, but my mistakes have probably cost me well over $1,000. I just consider it the price of learning. 
Quoted from TreyBo69:They're still floating around if you know how to use Google or Archive.org
Couldn't find them anymore on archive.org
Quoted from PinDeLaPin:Couldn't find them anymore on archive.org
I just pulled up a random one from 2010 and it looks fine. https://web.archive.org/web/20100130091146/http://www.pinrepair.com/sys37/index.htm
Pinwiki has most of the information these days anyways.
For me, I learned a LOT from his "This Old Pinball" DVD series. My wife thought I was nuts watching them as they were goofy but in a fun way. Super educational and they covered most every era and topic. Strongly recommended.
Thanks for all of the resources, I appreciate it! I know there's so much information out there, but as someone who has trouble self-learning, I was hoping there was something a bit more structured.
Quoted from Chet_Hardbody:but as someone who has trouble self-learning, I was hoping there was something a bit more structured.
Understood. Get your hands dirty so to speak. Hands on, or watching.
A lot of people do better watching than trying to read. Especially in uncharted territory.
LTG : )
Quoted from Chet_Hardbody:Does anyone know if a class exists that teaches Solid State Pinball Repair online or in the PNW? I'm super interested in learning more, but I do much better in a structured environment versus self-learning. Thanks in advance for any info!
I would try to find someone local who would be willing to help you with a small project. I think one learns more when they are actually doing something, rather then just listening or watching something on the internet.
Quoted from snowy_owl:I would try to find someone local who would be willing to help you with a small project. I think one learns more when they are actually doing something, rather then just listening or watching something on the internet.
This got me thinking. When shows start up again. If someone is fixing a pin. Make a video of what they are doing using your camera.
Ask permission and don't get in their way.
There might already be videos up on Youtube too.
LTG : )
I have said for years I think it’s crazy nobody has started a pinball repair ‘camp’ where you go for a week and there’s classes all day and fun stuff at night. How cool would that be ? I think I even tried to convince Chris Hutchins to do it. It’s a business waiting for someone to do it.
Quoted from Yelobird:For me, I learned a LOT from his "This Old Pinball" DVD series. My wife thought I was nuts watching them as they were goofy but in a fun way. Super educational and they covered most every era and topic. Strongly recommended.
http://www.pinrepair.com/top/
These were great, except for Norm. And the girls were a little strange. I tried re-watching one recently and it didn't age well. Maybe Clay can remaster these and mute Norm, put all the girls at the end so I don't feel creepy watching a pinball repair video. Tons of great info though.
Quoted from snowy_owl:I would try to find someone local who would be willing to help you with a small project. I think one learns more when they are actually doing something, rather then just listening or watching something on the internet.
https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/first-pin-to-learn-the-maintenance-aspect#post-5763420
Quoted from LTG:When shows start up again.
Local show is https://nwpinballshow.com/.
Quoted from Shredso:These were great, except for Norm. And the girls were a little strange. I tried re-watching one recently and it didn't age well. Maybe Clay can remaster these and mute Norm, put all the girls at the end so I don't feel creepy watching a pinball repair video. Tons of great info though.
What's not to like about Candy, Dandy and Silver?
I'm not new to electronics but this guy Joe on youtube puts out a lot of good information on fixing pinball machines
I'd suggest attending the only Certified Bally Training School...
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That is a Way cool packet thanks for sharing.
Quoted from Yelobird:That is a Way cool packet thanks for sharing.
The other one that used to advertise in Play Meter and RePlay was Cal's Coin College out of Oklahoma City.
Randy Fromm continues to offer Slot and arcade game training periodically. Randyfromm.com
I haven't forgotten! Just waiting for COVID to be over....if ever. Appreciate you!
Also appreciate all of the responses here, super helpful.
You could come down to the Olympia Pinball Museum to see us working on machines. Of course that depends upon if the asshole governor Inslee "allows" us to reopen. Forum user "clodpole" has seen me in action fixing machines several times.
During our period of being closed, I'm still working on machines destined to be put in the museum. Just finished a Game Show yesterday and sold it the same day.
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