Atomic Pinball Machine Repair and Service - Retro Games

Hi this video shows me repairing a junk ebay portable pinball machine made by Tomy first released in 1979. it was bought on eBay and was advertised as working (it wasn't) but without sound (which it had).
This video is strictly for entertainment only. I am not an expert in these repairs. The processes in the video may not be the best way, the correct way or even safe. Please do not copy the techniques shown in this video. If you do so it is entirely at your own risk.
Thanks!

[@Poorlilrichboy80]

I got this pinball game for xmas back in 1988. I loved it.

[@RetroTechRepair]

I didn't have one as a child, but my freind did and we played it nonstop! Great game even today, although astroshooter pinball holds my interest better as an adult, it's hard to beat at this price point. Thanks so much for your comment.

[@Rockysbeats]

very noble outcome and well done figuring out the spring, good job indeed!

[@RetroTechRepair]

Thanks CJ! Glad that you enjoyed the video

[@jay3fox]

I had one of these when I was a kid, I absolutly loved it I wish I still had it!

[@RetroTechRepair]

Glad to bring back some fond memories J. and a huge thanks for leaving a comment. Really appreciated

[@downfromtheattic]

Just repaired my old Atomic Pinball game using your video, thank you so much for posting this, massive help!

[@RetroTechRepair]

That's Brilliant! Thanks so much for the feedback. I'm genuinely excited my video was useful. Great game as well, saved from landfill!

[@downfromtheattic]

@@RetroTechRepair Honestly, you're welcome, your video was very informative and helped with me cleaning up my copy. I'm doing a series of reviews on my channel on Tomy's mechanical ball bearing games, Atomic Pinball is featured, got your video to thank for that!

[@downfromtheattic]

@@RetroTechRepair Just thought I'd link you to my video review using my repaired Atomic Pinball, many thanks again, would've struggled without your detailed breakdown of it kzbin.info/www/bejne/nXiQdYGcl8uphpY

[@Firthy2002]

Had one of these when I was a lad. Reckon the noise of it drove my mum crazy! It kept me amused for a while but it doesn't really have much replay value. It still worked (but was in dire need of servicing) by the time we got rid of it.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Yes, it's quite entertaining, but perhaps best played in competition with a friend. The astroshooter had a bit more to it for solo play. Thanks for the comment, very much appreciated.

[@davidhubbard4253]

Thank you so much for uploading. I was able to repair one of these that I bought from Goodwill for $7, and it's working perfectly now. The little gear kept coming off, and thanks to your video I was able to take it apart with your pointer on using a screwdriver to hold the nuts while I turned the screws (None of my sockets were small enough). Then I used super glue to fix the gear. One of the side bumpers didn't seem to be working at first. But it would work when I pushed on it while the top was off. I must have done something right though, because it started working when I put it back together again. So now it's fully functional, and I got it at a great price! There's no way I would have known what to do without your video. Thanks so much!

[@nathancrowther2261]

Thanks for this video , I’ve had my pinball since I was 6-7 ,38now and my son loves it , the bumpers had stopped working properly but after a good clean and reassemble it works perfectly again , well chuffed so Thanks for the video it’s saved a great toy from the scrap 👍😁

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi Nathan what a great story! Thank you so much. So happy you kept it all these years, were able to fix it and that your son can enjoy it too. Thrilled I was able to help. Thanks also for taking the time to leave a comment. I would have given up on the channel years ago if it wasn't for feedback like yours and I genuinely appreciate you taking time to leave a comment.

[@jessbean5867]

Omg thank you!!! Picked one up at Goodwill today for $4 with the same issue. Fixed in minutes! MINT!

[@RetroTechRepair]

That's great! So glad the video was useful. Thanks so much for the feedback.

[@outdoorswithrev6307]

Thanks for video. Had My machine for 25-30 years had in draws wasn't working I thought it was dead. Watched your video and had same issue so is back up and going mint! Cheers

[@RetroTechRepair]

That's Great. Thanks so much for your feedback, comments like this really keep me going. Very much appreciated

[@skyway73]

I enjoyed this, thanks for uploading. Really interesting seeing how it all works inside. Oh and I admire your honesty RE: the spring, just the sort of silly mistake I've made in the past many times 😊

[@RetroTechRepair]

Thanks Skyway. Glad you enjoyed the vid. I am no way an expert in these repairs, just a hobbyist so I like to show my errors. I make a point of only showing successful repairs, but i have a few fails too. I will be compiling some into a video to celebrate my 500th sub (if I ever get to that)

[@wintersbattleofbands1144]

HELPFUL HINT :IF NO POWER TO ANYTHING: Clean the on/off switch. Or, without disassembly, gently push down on it and move it back and forth several times. This will usually clear it. Also of note, mine only takes 4 batteries. Box art says C 1990, so a later one.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Good to know... Thanks

[@pipsthebest]

Mine only takes 4 too!

[@Dracconus]

I actually just nabbed one of these from a resale shop. In far worse visual condition (dirtier) than yours; and haven't had a chance to test it out. I was hoping to wire it to DC, but watching your video confirmed my biggest fear in that the 5-D batteries are 3 individual circuits, which I surmised after disassembling mine to clean it thoroughly. A bit disheartening, to be honest to find out that this will ultimately HAVE to run off of batteries, but I suppose I can't really ask too much given this (when taken care of) could easily last another 50 years albeit potentially needing some small amounts of work here and there. You've just got to love the tenacity of older engineering.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Agreed. The engineering in some of these games is astounding. I think some versions of atomic pinball had a different number of batteries and perhaps fewer circuits. You could also consider a dc to dc converter to get voltages you need, or multiple power supplies. Anyhow thanks for your detailed comments. Much appreciated.

[@boysopas5951]

its aug 2019, i saw one selling and i remembered my grade school day when i was able to play this game . I think its my uncle's toy. plan to buy it but it dont work. but thanks to your youtube post, hope i can repair it if i buy it. thanks you for ur post.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Good luck with the repair!

[@jeffpedals]

I had one of these as a kid :-) mine had the gray colored score cabinet though. "Ahhhh good memories..we will enjoy them". As annoying as those sounds are now, I've missed them lol. Thanks!

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi Jeff, Glad you enjoyed the video. I always thought the gray ones were cooler. Of all the games I have repaired I definitely have a soft spot for the Tomy pinballs. Happy to bring back memories, thank you very much for your comments.

[@emmaline1121]

Hi thanks so much for this video. I have a question: how do you keep track of how to put back all the little bits after you have taken it apart? I’m nervous I’d have no idea how to put it together once it’s disassembled.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi Valerie, I often find that my mobile/cell phone is my freind, if I need to remember something I will take photos using that. Also since I only repair for youtube I always have the video camera rolling so if I get really stuck I can go back and watch the footage. Thanks so much for your question. Glad that you enjoyed the video.

[@s1mon1231]

Hi, I bought one for myself recently and fixed up a few issues thanks to your video, however I can't find the problem behind the buzzer making a constant beeping noise. Note that whenever a bumper is hit, the noise gets louder, so you get that the 'extra' beeps, but even without playing the buzzer is making the continuous noise from the power on. I've checked the solder points, all seem relatively ok, I've cleaned up the circuit board and cannot see any bridge points along the path. Any ideas how to troubleshoot?

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi s1mon thanks for your questions, I don't have much experience with these games, as I just repair for a hobby, but you seem to have checked the basics well. I don't remember how the sound is generated but if I were checking it I'd probably try checking the switch that triggers the sound to make sure it's not partially conducting, then perhaps some basic component checks (transistors, resistors and diodes can all be tested with a multimeter) electrolytic capacitors are always considered trouble too, these are harder to test but cheap to replace. Sorry I can't be more help. But thanks so much for your comment and good luck with the repair. Stop back and let us know how it goes.

[@tarstarkusz]

You should take out that screw and just tape it to the inside of the machine. It just gets in the way. Once the 'glass' is back on, it will never move.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Good idea. Thanks!

[@detjkimbell]

Got one yesterday with the feet included but no battery cover. Batteries are taped in. Mine takes 4x D cells . I wonder if it would work with 5v USB?

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi there, I can't say for sure but i wouldn't try to run it off my macbook! it might work OK on a suitable 5v supply. If you decide to try it stop back and let us know how it goes. if I were you and i decided to test I'd be sure to test on something I could afford to break.

[@pl5624]

Im thinking rubber rings around the flippers and bumpers would add more action.

[@RetroTechRepair]

That's an Interesting idea! Perhaps I should by another one to experiment with

[@Sinn0100]

Is it possible to replace that loud motor or is that noise from a pulley? The sound from it is absolutely brutal.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi Sinn0100. It's the normal noise these games make .... they are loud. The distinctive noise comes from the entire mechanism which is all mechanical. I imagine each moving part contributes. The motor on its own isn't that noisy so changing it wouldn't help much. Hope that you enjoyed the video thanks for your question.

[@donnyhud]

is there anyway you have a motor for this game? i bough one, and the motor wont work, i took it apart and made contact to the motor direct as well, and it dosent work, would you possibly have one?

[@RetroTechRepair]

Sorry I don't I just repair stuff for fun and don't have a stock of spares. Sorry I can't help

[@jmill3147]

Thank you for the very informative video! I actually just bought one of these off of ebay and received it in the mail yesterday... described as "working great".. well, yea, the front bumper closest to the paddles isnt working at all and the counter for 1-999 wont reset when I hit it. So just checking out your vid before I crack this open to see if I can fix it. Mine has a black body and those bolts that you took off at the beginning.. I'm only seeing one. I shine a flashlight down in the hole in the middle and cant see a darn thing and then the one that is on the battery side is so deep in that I'm having trouble getting a screwdriver in there. Not seeing the nuts on the backside like yours so I'm trying to figure out what the heck I'm gonna do to get those two off! Or I might just pack this thing back up and return to the seller.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Thanks J Mill I am glad you found the video useful. I really like the black units. There are a lot of the white ones around but the two I bought as working both had faults. If you can send it back to the seller at no cost then why not, but o if you want to try fixing it I will help all I can. Thanks for the feedback RetroTechRepair.

[@jmill3147]

@@RetroTechRepair Thank you. I will probably have to pick your brain at some point LOL. I think I'm going to start with what you did and just regrease everything. Finally got the right sized screwdriver and pulled out that middle screw along with what seemed like 1/4 inch of dust lol. That front bumper, I see nothing wrong mechanically with any of the parts, nothing damaged, and it only seems to stick when I put the metal playing field back on, I dont see any debris that might be getting in the way either. With the scoreboard its not getting enough pressure on the far right end closest to the spring when pushing the reset button down.

[@guts311]

Hi, is it easy to fix the red light if it's not blinking? Buying a used table that has everything working except the top light does not blink red at all. Thanks.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi JC, it'd been a few years since I did this repair so I don't remember the details but I think on my game the red light is a mechanical switch driven by the same motor as the rest of the game. If that's the case it might be just a case of cleaning the internal switch, checking the lamp and circuit. That said I personally don't think the light is that important, if it were mine I might just enjoy it as is. Sorry I can't be more help

[@guts311]

@@RetroTechRepair Thanks! Could it also just be the red bulb itself that needs to be replaced and it's just a common bulb?

[@ashleymorton9623]

Thanks for this video mate just found one in a charity shop and love it but the bell doesn’t work

[@RetroTechRepair]

If I remember correctly the bell isnt actually a bell, but an electronic assembly. Also I think it is powered by a separate battery. Perhaps check all the batteries are installed correctly, clean all contacts and if that doesn't work check for bad solder joints or failed connection. I bet you can fix it

[@Disthron]

The plastic gear attached to the motor is probably cracked, that's probably why it slipped like that. So you'll get the same issue of slippage again id you don't replace it.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Thanks Disthron. Great comment. I thought that too ,but actually even under the microscope I didn't see a crack and the game runs smooth. Maybe I just got lucky. It's a great point though. I am sure most of them ARE cracked. I should have pointed that out. Thanks for your comments. Much appreciated.

[@interflo91]

Hello and merry Christmas, I bought one of these as a gift and it’s not working. We want to open it and fix it but don’t get it open. How big is the nut that’s holds the screw in? 4mm? Help would be much appreciated! Regards

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi Pokeymanz, I don't remember exactly but looking at the markings on the socket set used, it looks like I was using the 5.5mm socket. Hope that helps. Let us know how you get along

[@interflo91]

Thank you very much. I thought 5.5 was too big but it seems my hex bit wasn’t long and thin enough to reach the screw.

[@interflo91]

Thanks to you we were able to fix the one I got my brother for Christmas! Thanks a lot, mate. We’re having a blast playing right now 😁👍

[@RetroTechRepair]

Glad you got it fixed. Enjoy!

[@southwestdesperado8616]

What do you charge to fix one of these? Mine needs repair?thanks

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi Southwest, unfortunately I only repair my own stuff, as a hobby, not professionally. I am so sorry. If I can help in any other way please let me know. Thanks

[@kirkwatstien6979]

oddly this machine takes 5 batts mine does as well but it will play with as much power on 3 batteries..don't know why but it does also there is a slightly newer one in gray the colors make it look very halloween it can factory with no other changes except than it doesnt have a place for the extreme upper battery i will say the newer one is slightly less powerful that the white and the box on the gray says qvc sold onthe box and tomy name cannot be found and itd date is 1993

[@RetroTechRepair]

Great information Kirk, thanks so much and thanks for contributing to the channel. I really like the look of the grey atomic pinball I'd like to repair one of those some time

[@BlackRoseInTheIce]

Hi! I bought mine recently, everything works, but when I turn it on, its very loud. Do I have to replace a quieter motor or what do I do? its really loud

[@RetroTechRepair]

Of course I haven't heard your unit, so I can't comment on your game specifically, but I would say that they are all "really loud" its a consequence of the complex mechanisms of the mechanical game. In my units the motor is quiet by comparison to the rest of the mechanicals. Thanks for your questions. Please like and sub if you would like to see more. Thanks

[@BlackRoseInTheIce]

@@RetroTechRepair Thank You for the response. I've liked your video and subbed ;) Do you mind if I show you mine somehow so you can rate and tell me if its normal or maybe tips to reduce its noise?

[@RetroTechRepair]

@@BlackRoseInTheIce if you share a video I will take a look.

[@kirkwatstien6979]

I HAD THIS ISSUE ITS PROB BCUZ THE PLAYFIELD IS WARPED A BIT SO UOI MAY HAVE TO SEVURE IT DOWN A BIT TIGHTER TRUE ONLY ONE SCREW BUT USE DOUBLE SIDED TAP ON THE BOTTOM OF PLAYFIELD THAT WILL MAKE IT RESPOND BETTER

[@RetroTechRepair]

Thanks @kirk watstien. Great Tip!

[@EgemenKudun]

Is it possible to run this game with a power cable, i hate fat batteries and i wanna play with mine

[@RetroTechRepair]

Hi there! Unfortunately there is no power socket. It would be possible to connect a power supply with custom wiring, but now plug and play solution. Poundland sometimes have D cells if you need a quick fix. Thanks for your comment. Hope you enjoyed the video.

[@maxhemenway]

7:57 William Tell Overture

[@RetroTechRepair]

Yes indeed it is !

[@kirkwatstien6979]

THIS MACHINE WILL WORK PERFECTLY WITH ONLY 3 BATTS i KNOW BC i HAVE THE SAME ONE PUT THE SIDWAY BATT IN AND TWO ON THE RIGHT SIDE AND IT WORKS AS IT SHOULD SO i HAVE NO IDEA WHY IT NEEDS 5 LATER EDITIONS USE ONLY 5 AND HAS NO SIDEWAYS BATT

[@RetroTechRepair]

Thanks @kirk watstien. Very interesting, perhaps I could try to find some different versions to compare.

[@socialengineer1441]

We have the same machine same screwdriver... I bet we have the same problems.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Maybe! Fun game 👍. Thanks for taking the time to comment. Really appreciate it.

[@socialengineer1441]

@@RetroTechRepair their is one thing I wanted to ask.. how come in yours theres 5 batteries and in mine theres 4. I did however manage to get both the sounds and motor running on a dc power adapter. Found it abit strange but did.

[@RetroTechRepair]

Yes it is a bit odd, but good job getting it going. And thanks for taking the time to comment. Perhaps there are different versions out there

[@socialengineer1441]

@@RetroTechRepair I've got all three, there is a few different box designs I think, the other diffrent style pinball is the tomy astro shooter which I believe was for the yanks. They always get the better stuff,arrrrr. It has dual counter, one is on Ebay which needs sound repair, I think its abit bigger too. Not sure.

[@WhoopsWonders]

i had one of these as a kid and my mother hated it because it was so noisy 😂

[@RetroTechRepair]

LOL they are super noisy but a lot of fun. I had one poster convinced his was defective because of the noise. Thanks for your comments. Really appreciated

[@WhoopsWonders]

@@RetroTechRepair hahaha yeah they are super noisy. no problem :)

[@TTheangrykitten]

5 d cell?? My one takes 4 d cells

[@RetroTechRepair]

Yes 5! I think there were different versions through the years. I am guessing the sounder/bell light configuration changed a bit. Great game though. Thanks so much for you comments

[@TTheangrykitten]

@@RetroTechRepair oh ok thanks!