Fun With Pinball
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Fun With Pinball at the 2022 Golden State Pinball Festival
Fun With Pinball will be hitting the road and traveling to the Golden State Pinball Festival in May 2022. The show will feature both the Fun With Pinball exhibit and a pair of Electromechanical pinball repair classes.
The Exhibit
The exhibit will be open for much of the show so you can explore how individual game components work and play the custom games built from those components.
EM Pinball Repair Classes
EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class
In addition to the exhibit Mark will be teaching two classes on EM Pinball Repair. The EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class is normally taught as a single extended two day class. At GSPF however the class will be split in two separate classes.
Day 1: EM Pinball Introduction and Devices:
Day 1 starts at the beginning and covers all of the common devices used in EM pinball machines using working examples from the exhibit. When discussing score motors for example there will be a working score motor on the table we can examine and experiment with. Discussion will focus on how these devices work and how to clean and adjust them. Other topics include safety, tools, basic electromagnetic theory and an optional hands on soldering exercise.
Interlock relay
Students are encouraged to bring their own meters and/or soldering irons for optional exercises.
Given the hands on nature of the class Day 1 will be limited to 6 students.
Class will start at <tbd> am on Saturday May 14 at <tbd>. There will be a lunch break. Class may run for 4-5 hours depending on the number of questions and tangents.
Day 2: EM Pinball Schematics and Troubleshooting:
Day 2 will focus on understanding EM pinball schematics. We'll cover the details buried in schematics and other documentation and then pick apart specific circuits from several manufacturers. Troubleshooting techniques and examples will also be discussed.
Ball Count schematic
Note that understanding schematics often relies on a good understanding of the devices (relays, score reels, step units, score motors, etc.) as presented in Day 1. While all are welcome to the Day 2 class those with a basic understanding of the devices will benefit more.
Students are encouraged to bring a schematic or game manual of their own to tie the class material back to their own games.
Class size is limited to 20 students.
Class will start at <tbd> am on Sunday May 15 at <tbd>. There will be a lunch break. Class may run for 4-5 hours depending on the number of questions and tangents.
Class Fees
Tuition for each class is $<tbd> payable at the start of class.
Class Registration
To register for either class please email a registration form.
Questions?
If you have questions please reach out through the Contact page.