Restoring old technology can be tricky, especially without proper diagrams and documentation. To this end, [mark] has established a comprehensive schematic editor and circuit simulator library for electromechanical pinball machine in the past 12 months.
The purpose of emsim software is not to explore the painful details on each table, but to study how specific circuits work and how they are used as part of the game experience. The purpose of the project is to help diagnose and repair the old electromechanical pinball machine, which relies on a dazzling series of switches, gears, motors and coils to operate like a clock on the playground. Although these old pinball machines usually use AC, the game logic (mostly) is still binary and can be effectively described by Boolean operators.
Like any machine with moving parts, these systems will eventually wear out and need maintenance. For your Pinball lover, this task may not be in the cab. [mark] hopes that his circuit simulation will allow almost anyone to repair these classic tables and keep them for future generations to explore and enjoy.
If you are not suitable for repairing the internal structure of pinball, be sure to check our report on this great virtual Pinball table.