Building a custom micro-controller for early Bally/Stern solid state pinball machines

Posted on 2021-05-18 by admin

This is an introduction to an up-and-coming technology that a small group of pinball and electronics enthusiasts are developing. A custom microcontroller that interfaces with Bally-35 MPUs and allows you to write customized rulesets, even completely re-theming games. This is the first part of a journey that I hope to take everybody on.

NOTE: This is a video I recorded several months ago that I forgot to make public, so I’m much further along.. But thought it might be interesting to show this early look at the development of this technology. Now there are etched boards that can be acquired.

Fixing “weak” pinball flippers

Posted on 2021-05-18 by admin

What happens when one of your flippers seems “weak?” What could cause that? I investigate on m y 1979 Bally “Paragon” pinball. But the cause of this could happen on any game regardless of era. Let’s take a look at how the flipper works and the different things that can cause “weak” flippers.

First Look: Bally Paragon Pinball

Posted on 2021-04-08 by admin

Here’s a new game I picked up and I’m going to roll the camera and have you come along with me as I figure what’s wrong with the game and what I notice…

Here is Part II:

Repairing/Replacing a Stern/Bally Power Supply/Rectifier Board

Posted on 2021-02-10 by admin

As part of the ongoing restoration of a 1979 Stern “Trident” pinball machine, here’s a series of videos outlining how to replace the rectifier board on these games. This varies a bit between Stern and Bally due to wire color codes. References are here.

1979 Stern “Trident” Pinball machine First Look!

Posted on 2021-02-08 by admin

Let’s pull a game out of the barn and see what we have? Peer over my shoulder as I take a look for the first time, at a picked up game and see what it needs to be restored. From beginning to end, I will chronicle my progress taking a non-working game and making it play.

Pinball Feature: Coin Doors & Coin Mechs

Posted on 2020-10-03 by admin

In my ongoing series I’m taking a look at individual features of pinball machines and how they work. Even the most mundane elements of games may reveal a few secrets you might not know!

Pinball Stories #25: Super Minty Mata Hara Dream Pickup – PinballHelp.com

Posted on 2020-09-21 by admin

You ever run across one of those pinball deals that turns out to be so sweet, you are afraid you’re going to get mugged getting the game into your vehicle? This is one of those deals. A really amazing find that I didn’t expect..