Summary of PINBALL MACHINE NEEDS NO WIZARD
Tyler and his team built a self-playing pinball machine using an Arduino Mega, USB camera, and actual pinball components. The system tracks the ball to automate flippers while allowing manual play. A unique pachinko multi-ball feature adds a second game level. The project emphasizes cost-saving through custom targets and creative solenoid sourcing.
Parts used in the Self-Playing Pinball Machine:
- Arduino Mega
- USB camera
- Actual pinball machine parts
- Solenoids
- Custom targets
Ever since he was a young boy, [Tyler] has played the silver ball. And like us, he’s had a lifelong fascination with the intricate electromechanical beasts that surround them. In his recently-completed senior year of college, [Tyler] assembled a mechatronics dream team of [Kevin, Cody, and Omar] to help turn those visions into self-playing pinball reality.
You can indeed play the machine manually, and the Arduino Mega will keep track of your score just like a regular cabinet. If you need to scratch an itch, ignore a phone call, or just plain want to watch a pinball machine play itself, it can switch back and forth on the fly. The USB camera mounted over the playfield tracks the ball as it speeds around. Whenever it enters the flipper vectors, the appropriate flipper will engage automatically to bat the ball away.
Our favorite part of this build (aside from the fact that it can play itself) is the pachinko multi-ball feature that manages to squeeze in a second game and a second level. This project is wide open, and even if you’re not interested in replicating it, [Tyler] sprinkled a ton of good info and links to more throughout the build logs. Take a tour after the break while we have it set on free play.
[Tyler]’s machine uses actual pinball machine parts, which could quickly ramp up the cost. If you roll your own targets and get creative with solenoid sourcing, building a pinball machine doesn’t have to be a drain on your wallet.
Source: PINBALL MACHINE NEEDS NO WIZARD
- How does the machine track the ball?
A USB camera mounted over the playfield tracks the ball as it speeds around. - Can you play the machine manually?
Yes, you can play manually, and the Arduino Mega keeps track of your score. - Does the machine switch between modes on the fly?
Yes, it can switch back and forth between manual play and self-play instantly. - What triggers the automatic flipper engagement?
The flipper engages automatically whenever the ball enters the flipper vectors detected by the camera. - What is the special multi-ball feature called?
The project features a pachinko multi-ball capability that manages a second game and level. - How can builders reduce the cost of this project?
Builders can roll their own targets and get creative with solenoid sourcing to avoid high costs.
