PINBALL MACHINE

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I have combined all of my previous code into a single script. There are no delays included so any button presses will not be missed due to the code waiting at the delay. The lights are activated once the points reach a certain threshold and the flipper drops from 50V to 5V to avoid the coil burning out (these are both described in more detail in previous blog posts).

In future, I would like to change my code to switch statements so the if/else statements that have already been confirmed do not need to be asked each loop. Additionally, since the Arduino uno does not have enough pins for the full pinball machine I would like to eventually use shift registers to control the different pins.

Working Code with Lights, Point Calculation, and Flipper Actuation 

To see code please press Read More --->
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I created the initial code for the most important electrical components. 

This code was made as a proof of concept and includes delays, which will not be used once all of the code segments are integrated. 

The aim of the flipper code is to do the aforementioned switch between 50V and 5V with PWM. All the bumpers and slingshots will be controlled with almost identical code. The lights flash in order once the points are greater than a certain value (not included in this code). Every time the ball rolls over a switch, a certain number of points are added to the point tally. Finally the display writes these points on an LCD display. 

In future I will combine all this code into one block that runs through each loop.  

Electrical Schematics

Various circuits

Arduino Electrical Schematic

Arduino circuits

Code

Attached is the functional code for the flippers, the lights, the point calculators, and the display.
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After reflection on my process designing the flippers I have decided that using two voltages in two wires is an inefficient way to solve the problem. I will instead use PWM through an Arduino to vary the voltage through a single wire.

I have created a complete CAD of all the components of the pinball machine. My next steps are to manufacture each component and edit them unit they suit my needs. I will also create the electronics.
CAD for full pinball machine
Aesthetic plan 
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After research into current pinball machines, I have learnt that they have to have two voltages (and currents) to actuate the flipper​. As soon as the button is pressed, 50V runs through the solenoid to produce 125N of force. After a certain time has elapsed, the voltage drops to 5V to maintain the upwards position of the flipper. This is so the coil doesn't burn out, but there is still a strong actuation. In professional pinball machines, two wires are coiled in the solenoid and each voltage runs through the respective wire.

​I made a prototype of a homemade solenoid, which worked with just 9V. Additionally, I created the connector between the solenoid and the flipper. 

In the future I would like to create a more accurately wound solenoid and determine an actuation distance. The flipper could then be edited to have the appropriate range of motion with this actuation distance. 

First Prototype of Flippers

Flipper with solenoid and pivot joint

Flipper Research and Initial Design

Flipper and Solenoid setup

Flipper First Prototype Iteration Notes and Layout Drawing

Circuit Planning
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We Made It... To Episode 2!! Riddles fall prey to Nick's quick mind whilst Alanna's answers completely miss the mark; we come together to learn about space - more specifically the way space flight affects the body; and once again Nick tries to fool Alanna with fake news articles, in a world where satirical headlines are [usually] more believable than the real deal. We hope you join us for our second episode and enjoy the ride! Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at coupleoffools.podbean.com Interact with us at: Twitter - https://twitter.com/CoupleofFools Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cof.podcast Or just yell really loud, maybe we'll hear you.
SHOW LESS

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In the first ever COF Podcast, we explore (and try to guess) the meaning of obscure words; we go through how Lance Armstrong lanced the integrity of professional cycling, and how Russia rushed their athletes illegally through testing; and Nick tries to fool Alanna with fake news articles, in a world where satirical headlines are often more believable than the real deal. We hope you enjoy episode 1 and join us for the ride!

Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or at coupleoffools.podbean.com

Interact with us at:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/CoupleofFools
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cof.podcast

​Or just yell really loud, maybe we'll hear you.
​

Alanna Manfredini

A blog of my progress and process of making a Pinball Machine