Just the other day, I ordered Stern Pinball legs from pinballlife.com. It was possibly the #1 most expensive part yet, but definitely worth it! They came, and after a day of carefully drilling holes, and getting the right bolts in place, I’ve got them on! It really is great to see a pinball machine standing on all four legs! […]
Read MoreRaspberry Pi I/O Expander
So, in this project I used the MCP23017 (as many of you know) it’s a great little chip that can add a lot of functionality to your Raspberry Pi. I wrote this python module for talking to the chip, and if anybody wants to use it, feel free. First, create an instance of the class, […]
Read MoreFinalized Graphics
Well, EXCITING NEWS!!! I’ve finalized my graphics! We’re ready to rock this pinball machine with Rhett & Link! I’ve got vinyl prints ordered from http://darkhorseprinting.com/ If all goes well, I should have the prints sometime next week! This is for the backglass. I know I say this about everything, but I think it’s awesome. 😀 It’s […]
Read MoreThe Prototype in Action!
Here’s a quick video demonstrating the prototype playfield in action with bumpers and one slingshot! 😛
Read MoreSnake Brains
We’ve got snake (Python) brains! All the solenoids in the prototype playfield can now be controlled by the raspberry pi, and my python library! 😀 That’s really exciting because it means that the entire electronics flow from software to physical motion is past the drawing board. Basically, we now have proof of concept for the […]
Read MoreMore Pinball Circuit Theory
There are several elements to the pinball circuit. First, it should be noted that this circuit doesn’t bother with lights. All it’s concerned with are the main assemblies, and their controls. So, on the top left side of the figure is the logic level converter. It’s not really an IC, just a small board with […]
Read MorePainting the Pinball Cabinet
Let’s get some paint on that cabinet! I used Rust-Scat, a high-gloss, polyurethane enamel paint. There it is with the first coat on. (Lighting is off because it got dark) The second coat is yet to come. There it is dried. The paint definitely needs a second coat, to help with the splotches, and the grains. The feel of […]
Read MoreElectronics
There’s been a lot of electronics work that’s gone into this project. And it’s not over yet by any means. But here’s some interesting pictures explaining how I went about some of it. That’s the 50vDC Power Supply. For the flippers and a few other soleniods. It’s really simple. Transformer, Bridge Rectifier, Enormous Capacitor. Here is the […]
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Cabinet Construction
Ack!! Run!!! It’s a Pinball Skeleton!! I now have a skinless, gutless, legless pinball machine. This is where my build really starts taking shape. I have yet to mount the backbox on the cabinet, but that’s on it’s way. It’s supposed to either pivot down and fold up, or be dis-connectable and it’ll pop up, […]
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