Pinball Tool - Pinball Bulb Tester

[swinks]

I have been playing around with pinball bulbs and led strips etc for a while now mainly in relation to making and testing mod concepts as well as testing finished mods. For a while I would go to my game and drop a socket and pull out a bulb to test bulbs or a mod and was never happy with this option.

Next I bought a wall powered power pack to test out mods which gives a consistent power output but this was bulky and painful.

Next I went to Jaycar and bought a 6vdc battery pack (4 x AA's) as sometimes was easier to go portable but was still painful with loose wires, sockets and at risk of shorting something out.

I did a search and Pinball Life had a nice unit that was wall powered (120v) so I couldn't use as we are 240v so I sat on this idea for a while and then finally designed it, sent off for printing and it arrived today. I quickly wired up and everything fits nicely and works as hoped so very happy.

So my new Pinball Tool - Pinball Bulb Tester (PBT-6) (6 is for 6vdc) is working and can do the following operated with a lit on/off switch when powered on:
- 1 x 555 bulb
- 1 or 2 x 44/47 bulbs

This allows me to test the above bulbs but also:
- use a Comet Adaptor to go in the 555 socket and test all the 6vdc Matrix gear like LED strips etc
- can compare 44/47 bulb designs side by side to easily compare side ways glow / emitted light or free hand place a playfield insert over the bulb to determine what looks best.
- as well as totally portable so away from a wall socket, inside a cabinet etc
- and then can load up with 1-3 bulbs and have a backup torch at night time

first 3 photos are of the tool
last photo shows testing a #555 bulb

[swinks]

1st photo is testing and comparing 2 x #44/47 bulbs

2nd & 3rd photos showing using the matrix adaptor in the #555 socket to test mods.

[McKie1]

Great idea Jady

[swinks]

I have an opportunity with Shapeways with a designer discount that finishes in roughly 12hrs time in which I can pass on the savings if anyone is interested.

changes:
- 2 parts in one print so the grain runs the same way and will look better.
- a wider base so to give the option to stand it on it's end for when used as a torch
- an allen key restrainer for the 4 allen headed bolts so always on hand for battery swap out and I use the same allen headed bolts for many of my mods.

this was designed for my purpose with no intention of selling but happy to supply parts, assemble and post to you but you will need to let me know asap

regular price for those wanting one would be $135 AUD plus postage

12hr sale pass on savings would be $110 AUD plus postage

postage is $10-15 AUD

So instead of $150 within Aus, can do it for $120


ps - the logo will be removed / reduced in height as they had an issue with the fine details



colour option is:
dark blue
purple
yellow
orange
white
dark green
pink

PM if serious asap, and only have 2-3 slots available and then my discount is maxed out.

[swinks]

shapeways continuing there sale until tomorrow night but open for the public to order what ever they want with a 25% discount.

so the offer is still there if anyone else (one AP member wants one) would like a pinball bulb tester at the $120, I will be ordering a second batch of parts tomorrow morning.

https://www.shapeways.com/search?q=swinks&sort=newest