Things to Learn

What can you learn from pinball machines?

The devices on these pages demonstrate how individual pinball machine components work. But taken a step further they can also be used to explain some fundamental principles of science and technology. Topics that might seem intimidating, tedious or irrelevant may for some become more compelling when explained in the context of a large, tangible and entertaining pinball machine.

The lessons that follow are intended to give the reader a taste of, or curiosity about the underlying science and technology, to make the topics less mysterious and a little easier to understand, and to encourage those who take interest to pursue more comprehensive sources in class, at the library or online.

Online Lessons from Pinball Machines

This website include short lessons that use pinball machine parts to explain scientific principles.

Switches and electric current	Switches and electric current
Solenoids, relays and electromagnetism	Solenoids, relays and electromagnetism
Flippers, coils and power	Flippers, coils and power
Electromagnets and acceleration	Electromagnets and acceleration
Chimes, vibrations and pitches	Chimes, vibrations and pitches
Testing Solenoid Strength	Solenoid strength test

In Person Classes and Workshops

Interactive learning opportunities are also available.

Pinball Engineering Workshop	The Pinball Engineering workshop is a hands on exploration of many of the devices used in pinball machines and how they work.
EM Pinball Repair and Restoration class	The Electromechanical Pinball Repair and Restoration class is a deep dive into understanding, repairing and troubleshooting electromechanical pinball machines.

Live Online Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

The EM Pinball Online Repair Clinic is a periodic video conference that gives you an opportunity to discuss specific issues you're having with your game with experienced troubleshooters, or to watch while other folks' game problems are sorted out.

Game design example

Studying complete designs is another good way to understand how simple components work together to behave in complex ways.

Game Design example

Visit the game design example to understand how parts of The Puzzle from the Games page work in detail.

PinBox 3000 projects

Here are some ideas to try if you're building your own PinBox 3000 or similar game.

Cardboard Pinball Pop Target instructions	Cardboard Pinball Pop Target instructions
Scoring and sound system	Scoring and Sound system