In 1977 Williams Electronics, Inc. and other pinball machine factories introduced solid state coin operated pinball machines that used the first fluorescent plasma type score display systems. These systems consisted of 5 or more interconnected circuit boards and a vacuum sealed 4, 6 or 7 digit glass tube on each. The individual numerals and, later, alphabetical characters were formed by illuminating an arrangement of segments etched into the tube. The segments were lit by signals from the game computer and powered by a high (approximately 200 volts DC) and low (5 volts DC) power supply. This style of pinball machine score display, and other minor variations of it, was used by all major pinball manufacturers until 1990, when the industry switched to the new fluorescent plasma dot matrix style displays that are still in use today. The dot matrix display contains a grid of 128 dots wide by 32 dots high and functions electrically just like the earlier segment style display system.
30 years later, these pinball machines are still operated in homes and business locations. During the 1970’s, 1980’s and 1990’s industry output of pinball machines was said to be approximately 100,000 units per year. With the exception of Stern Pinball, Inc (Melrose Park, IL) all major manufacturers have closed and/or ceased production of pinball machines. Other industries that used similar display systems have switched to newer technologies. Demand for the plasma displays has dropped, so several glass tube manufacturers also ceased production and the remaining ones have raised their prices to continue to run the smaller production lines.
In the interim, aftermarket demand for used pinball machines for home and business has grown. However, the older machinery and circuitry require more maintenance and repair.
Pinball owners and enthusiasts have examined the viability of using LED’s (Light Emitting Diodes) as an efficient and less expensive substitute for the obsolete plasma displays. LED’s do not require a high voltage power supply to operate. This is an excellent substitute, but requires circuit redesign and custom LED segments in the same font and mechanical format as the original glass tubes.
Responding to the demands of our customers and having completed a market study of the game production runs, we have decided to pursue the LED replacement display market. We’ve designed LED score displays that have adjustable brightness capabilities, are modular designs that will fit in many different games, and are ROHS (Reduction of Hazardous Substances) compliant. We’ve carefully considered the requirements of the electronic pinball machines built during the 1978 through 1990 production era. We have developed a game specific display system designed with ease of installation and reliability in mind. Each system comes with the necessary boards, displays, hardware and cables for easy plug and play installation.
The systems will be slowly released at the various pinball shows and conventions across the country. A full international marketing campaign is tentatively scheduled in2nd Quarter 2008 to include print advertising, press releases, direct marketing, and website marketing.
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