The Physics and Science of Pinball
This is an exhibit group that introduces visitors to some of the concepts and mechanisms of pinball. Its focus is electricity, magnetism and physics. Following are descriptions of some of the exhibits and what they demonstrate.
1. The Visible Pinball (Electromechanical)
The centerpiece of this group is an off the shelf vintage EM pinball machine from 1975 that has been housed in a clear acrylic cabinet. It is completely functional down to the coin mechanisms that initiate game play. Even the playfield itself is clear so that the user will be able to view all the components in action as they play the machine. Anyone near the exhibit will also see the relays actuating, solenoids, stepper switches, score motor, spinners, targets, bumpers and sling-shots in action. The head will also be clear and display the score reels, lights, relays and switches in motion. The original artwork will be visible although translucent, so you will be able to see through it also. This exhibit will amaze and stimulate interest in visitors to further examine the devices that make up the machine. Check out details and photos here!
2. The Giant Bumper
The Giant Bumper is just that, a 3 times normal size pinball bumper that is user activated. A large ball suspended from above is expelled when the bumper is actuated and the ring is pulled down by the solenoid. The exhibit will be made with a clear base and cutaway so that all parts will be visible. A normal size hand operated version is included so that viewers may operate it slowly to fully understand the mechanism.
3. The Perpetual Pinball Machine
This exhibit was built from a need to display some of the individual components of a pinball machine for classes being taught on the subject. It started out as a simple board onto which the components were mounted and eventually grew into a self contained machine that plays itself. It consists of a 4 square foot box that has 2 slingshots, a bumper, lights, and a kickout hole and is surrounded by a corral of rubber rings and posts. Balls are placed into the side chute and are bounced around when they hit the activating switches. The result is a constantly moving kinetic art piece that also demonstrates the components used.
4. Pindulum
This exhibit consists of a bumper on which an adjustable length of string suspends a standard pinball. When activated, the ball is kicked away from the bumper, falls back and is kicked away repeating this pattern until the timer goes off. The strings length can be adjusted while in motion thus demonstrating the principles behind a pendulum, the longer the string, the longer the period and vice versa. Very fun to watch!
5. Electro Mechanical Drum Machine
This exhibit uses a score motor with 7 cams, actuating switches that in turn operate solenoids that release pinballs that drop onto a full size drum set. The speed of the score motor and thus the tempo of the drum pattern can be adjusted. The drum pattern is controlled by the notches in the cams. This will be an exhibit that will fascinate the viewer who will study the entire piece in order to understand how it works. Each cam “plays” one drum and the ability to slow it down facilitates the learning process. One may also watch the spent balls collected and conveyed back up to the ball hopper to be replayed.
6. Bucket O’ Chaos
A large metal dish 4 feet in diameter contains 3 bumpers and 24 pinballs. When activated, the bumpers begin energizing sending balls careening and colliding with each other within the dish. They eventually lose momentum, roll back down to the bottom only to be sent on their way once again by the bumpers. This gives a glimpse of the chaos theory and Brownian motion besides being a spectacle that is hard to take your eyes off.