Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Arcade Collecting => Pinball => Topic started by: JonnyBoy on January 14, 2009, 01:37:39 pm

Title: Entirely mechanical pinball machine.
Post by: JonnyBoy on January 14, 2009, 01:37:39 pm
Hey everybody. I haven't been around in a few years, school has been getting the best of me. My arcade machine helped me get into the Industrial Design program at UC. We've been assigned a new project, in particular a mechanical toy.

I was considering making an entirely mechanical pinball machine. I have access to the following.

Large format plotters
CNC Machines
Lazer Cutters
Powder Printers
An entire shop full of woodworking and metalworking tools.

I've never really been a pinball guy, but I've always wanted to restore one just for the fun of it. But for the time being, this project will keep me busy. The unit would be a tabletop unit, nice and small. I can't use any electronics, that's outside of the scope of this project.

My question to you pinball fans is, what kind of features can be implemented that are strictly mechanical? I was thinking of having a hybrid pinball/labyrinth game with a tilt-able table or something. This is kind of like a brainstorming thread.

Mods, if this is in the wrong place, feel free to move it where it belongs.

I appreciate your time guys.
Title: Re: Entirely mechanical pinball machine.
Post by: Xiaou2 on January 15, 2009, 10:34:08 pm
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMHzjaoXe7A&feature=related[/youtube]


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1jETFi-f_c&feature=related[/youtube]


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=otOS1Qw1pNY[/youtube]


 Not sure if this is up your ally, but I believe this is what you are asking about.
Title: Re: Entirely mechanical pinball machine.
Post by: StephenH on January 16, 2009, 02:55:15 am
This site has pictures of pinballs from the EM Era as well as some info on repairing EM Games.  I know you are creating a new EM game from scratch, but it might be worth the read as it gives you some info on how the insides work in terms of EM games.  EM Pinball games often use switches, relays, steppers, motors, and the like.   Some use bells for sound. 

http://www.marvin3m.com/fix.htm
Title: Re: Entirely mechanical pinball machine.
Post by: RayB on January 16, 2009, 01:54:36 pm
Those were great videos. Thanks Xiau2.