Pinball Update #3

Cozy Talks & Creative Ideas ROKR
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Some serious troubles with the last stage of the pinball machine. After installing all the wiring and the speaker, I noticed the pinball launcher was getting stuck. So I undo all the electronics from the last step, and it was the support near it that attaches to the wall, I pushed that in and it was working great.

Was almost complete with the pinball machine, was to the part where you test all the electronics, and thankfully everything was working perfectly. Until I noticed the ball wouldn’t launch, it appeared as if the ramp was raised.

My worst nightmare sunk in, now I had to remove the back, the sides, the speaker, all the electronics. The sides are some of the hardest insertions of the pinball so I wasn’t looking forward to that. Inserting the tiny electronic leads is hard, but removing them is even harder.

I noticed the issue with the ramp after uninstalling everything, it wasn’t all the way down because the led light had caused it to be raised, something I read in the instructions, but didn’t notice that the tab near the led didn’t go in all the way.

After taking a short break I put it all back together, this time the ball goes up the ramp, but I forgot to put the freaking ramp support back on…So I take it all apart again.

After finally reassembling it, I go to test the electronics again, and the plug that goes into it has a lot of resistance, which I recalled the first time. So I just apply a lot of pressure, and I feel it pop. Now nothing works, not a single light or sound, the plug slides in and out easily. I check the power wire where it connects and its lose on one connector, so loose that I pull it out just to look at it.

It appears to be snapped, I tried to put it back in, but it won’t let me insert the plug now. After not breaking a single piece the whole way I think I just destroyed one of the most important.

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Feeling pretty defeated at this point. Besides it being an xmas present for my Dad, another reason I wanted to try to finish it quickly is because hes not in the best of health :cry:.

Hope I will find the motivation to at least finish it at this point, but after working on it every day, I will probably take a break on it. This might be my last update on it though :frowning_face_with_open_mouth:.

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Reading about what you’ve been through really made me feel both exhausted and genuinely sad. You’ve experienced so much. By the way, I wish your father a speedy recovery, and remember that nothing is more important than health. So please don’t let these worries weigh on you. Everything will work out; health is the most important thing. Take good care of yourself and your father. :folded_hands:t2:

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Thanks for the kind words. Sorry to be all gloom, but just kinda needed to vent, perhaps someone else will learn from my mistakes as well. Especially that ramp part, because its so vital for the pinball to work correctly. Such a hassle if it needs to be fixed(twice :sweat_smile:). Thanks, but unfortunately there is no recovery for his condition :cry:.

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Thank for share.

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I’m sorry to hear that. I hope your father will recover soon and take a pause if it gives you stress, not joy. I know you’ll figure out and resolve the issue of the pinball soon if you rest your mind first. :smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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Oh no… that’s so frustrating :pensive_face: Anyone would feel defeated after all that, especially being so close to the end. Taking a break sounds like the right choice. When you’re ready, @CustomerService can usually help with replacement parts.

Be kind to yourself. This kit fought back hard, but it doesn’t erase all the effort and care you put into it, especially doing it for your dad. Sending you lots of strength.

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I’m sorry to hear about your experience :pensive_face: I feel your frustrations and I think it is wise to step back and breath. Then later come back to it. Maybe you can request for a replacement from @CustomerService too.

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Oh no…what a horrible thing to happen so near the end. I hope that your father will gain his health again.

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Hah yeah, I was just thinking its going pretty smoothly till the last part. Im really bad at starting up projects once I take a break. Got a lot on my plate on things to do too.

I see rokr offers replacements. Just checked and shipping is very reasonable at $10. I will go that route, hopefully they have the parts I need.

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Its like tripping right before crossing the finish line in a marathon.

Is inserting the power plug on your pinball really hard to do for you as well? Not sure if I got a defect.

I built my own pc and never had a problem with electronics. The power plug just seemed to be way too hard to insert on this. The first time it worked it was very hard to insert as well. Not sure if that is the design by default. Never felt a plug with that much resistance.

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It was so long ago when I did my first one that I don’t remember. I am still painting on my second one so I am nowhere near the point of plugging in any electronics. Sorry I couldn’t be of more help. I do recall some things being quite hard to plug in, but I don’t remember which plugs

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Aww I’m sorry you’ve hit a temporary roadblock! But like others have said I’m sure you’ll be able to get a replacement part soon. :blush:

You’ve done amazing work so far and I LOVE the colours so I’m rooting for you! Take your time and work at a pace that’s good for you! Best wishes to your dad! :pink_heart:

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It looks so amazing. What a shame it broke down at the end. I would contact robotime to ask for a new one. Your dad will be absolutely proud and honered to receive it.

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I can certainly understand your disappointment and frustration. I’m sure I would have been swearing by now and just put it away for a while.

Is there a way you may be able to repair your broken part, or create a duplicate? I hope you can get it sorted. :confused:

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We totally understand how frustrating that must feel :yellow_heart:
It sounds like you put so much effort into the pinball machine and your attention to detail is amazing~ Taking a break is completely fine, and we hope you’ll find the motivation to come back to it when you’re ready… Your dad will surely appreciate all the love and effort you’ve put into this build :heart:

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Thank you. I was thinking about trying to add the last ramp, but worried as it would be skipping steps, and it might get damaged with previous steps after that. Now that I ordered the part I need, I will hold off on it for now.

Looking forward to completing it. Just the puzzle design is a masterpiece with all the little parts. Was very impressed on the engineering put into it, and cant even imagine how long it took to create it.

All the instructions were so perfect, as long as you’re paying attention to detail. Only flaw I see might be that power plug receiver. Thankfully I think it would be a very easy replacement, without having to take anything apart :slightly_smiling_face:.

Overall impressed with the quality that went into the puzzle and instructions, and already thinking about an easier puzzles as gifts.

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@TinkerTime Please don’t be disheartened. Perhaps order the replacement part and that way you can still gift it to your father :heart: It looks amazing and I am sure he will be happy to receive it whenever it is ready. It’s a thoughtful gift he will for sure cherish. All the best to you and your father :cherry_blossom::sparkles:

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Thank you. I had spent all day (around 4-5 hours) getting to the part where I test the electronics and realized I had to redo it all…which got me, and I did it in the same day, but was taking apart and reassemble faster this time, maybe in 1 hour( prob was painting previously). Then redid it again because I forgot the darn ramp support and contemplated on just leaving it off, but the ramp is very thin wood, and would probably be broken by the pinball eventually if not there. So took it apart and reassembled yet again…all in the same day :neutral_face:.

The electronics breaking last minute really got me, got a little emotional after all that, and working on it for 3 weeks, but feeling better now knowing the part is on the way :slightly_smiling_face:.

Replacment is on the way, I am so greatful they have that service and have the part in stock.

I told pops he would have it next year, I was joking tho, saw 12 hour build time, and figured maybe another 12 hours to paint, boy was I wrong, but at least gave him an accurate eta :grin:.

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@TinkerTime That’s super frustrating, but luckily now you’ll be able to finish the build and in the meantime you’ve become an expert of this specific model :upside_down_face: I’m sure you’ll both enjoy the end result :blossom:

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Appreciate it, yep wasnt aware but got the part on the way. Feeling relieved for sure. Just hoping it wont happen again, but seems easy enough to get a replacement if so.

Looking at the female plug prong that broke off, it seems as if it has a beveled tip, and the resistance is intended, as it has to pass that initial friction point. Kinda locking it in with pressure to make the connection.

I just hope that this one had too much resistance, and they’re not all like that by design.

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