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Thread: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

  1. #1
    Fever Hunter Matt79's Avatar
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    Default Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Hey all,

    Ok, I am surprised just how dark the playfields of some machines can be - even my modern Popeye...unless you have direct lighting on them.

    Rather than mounting ceiling lighting, or using a lamp, I would like to use a simple, inexpensive solution to light the machines that doesn't look too tacky.

    I have seen in other threads that some use picture lamps, etc...

    I just wanted to start a new thread to see if people could list the lighting that they used, where they got them, cost, and post a pic if possible!

    I would prefer to mount the light to the top or side of the cabinet...

    I hope this helps others as well...

    Thanks,

    Matt!

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    Pachi Puro slothappy144's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I also like more lighting on the PF. I have tried a few things.
    On a vintage Nishijin, I mounted a brushed stainless painting light to the case. the light is slightly obscured in this photo, sorry.
    I put some rope light in the top of the door on a modern before.
    Cheers,
    Mike G
    Mikes Woodshop click on my game room link at bottom of page

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    Pachi Puro Moparformances's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Quote Originally Posted by slothappy144 View Post
    I also like more lighting on the PF. I have tried a few things.
    On a vintage Nishijin, I mounted a brushed stainless painting light to the case. the light is slightly obscured in this photo, sorry.

    I put some rope light in the top of the door on a modern before.
    same light as Slothappy used.. i mounted them a bit different then they are designed to but a nice clean look

    http://www.pachitalk.com/forums/vintage-pachinko/33573-pachinko-lamp.html

    .
    Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, .......... /........ If your not going to stand behind our troops
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    Pachi Puro slothappy144's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    i mounted them a bit different then they are designed to but a nice clean look
    I remember having to modify the mounting bracket also.

    The light I used does get really warm so make sure you don't put it where your apt to hit it with your forehead.
    Cheers,
    Mike G
    Mikes Woodshop click on my game room link at bottom of page

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    Pachi Puro Moparformances's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Quote Originally Posted by slothappy144 View Post
    I remember having to modify the mounting bracket also.

    The light I used does get really warm so make sure you don't put it where your apt to hit it with your forehead.
    i would say they get a bit more then warm... nearly hot

    but a nice clean look
    Never Doubt that a small group of thoughtful, .......... /........ If your not going to stand behind our troops
    ...committed people can change the world. ............. /.................Please, Please stand in front of them
    .....Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has............./
    .........................................Margaret Mead

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    Sandwich Shooter ironworkerdalton's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I use these on my pachinkos, got them at wallmart for around $10.00, I have a 13 w, 60 hz. fluorescent light bulb in it. Here are 3 pics.
    Attached Images Attached Images

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    Pachi Puro slothappy144's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I have a strip light inside the door of my Garfield. It shines down and lights the top pins nicely. It could be brighter but it does help enough.

    Cheers,
    Mike G
    Mikes Woodshop click on my game room link at bottom of page

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    Stuey - The RADministrator MrGneiss's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Everyone has a Garfield but me!!

    "Blowing smoke rings at the moon."

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    Pachi Puro slothappy144's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I cut a 3' rope light down to one segment, and put it between the glass pieces on a Planet Dogs I had. I sold that dog years ago.
    I found a photo of the Garfield, if you notice the upper pins are nicely lit.
    Attached Images Attached Images
    Last edited by slothappy144; 03-17-2010 at 10:24 PM.
    Cheers,
    Mike G
    Mikes Woodshop click on my game room link at bottom of page

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    Sandwich Shooter SteveFury's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I was wondering if anyone knows if a Nishijin of the early 1970's plastic would be UV stable for flourescent lighting.

    Have some of the people here who've had their games for a long time under flourescent lighting noticed any yellowing of the plastics? If not I'd like to incorportate some bright flourescents into a cabinet.

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    Sandwich Shooter SteveFury's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Wow slothappy144, nice game room. I'd like to hang out in there for a while.

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    Eye Shooter Steve Cebu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Would this type of lighting help with the machines?
    I know I'm new to this but these look like they might fit in the pachinko cabinets.
    My room is also kind of dark so I'll also have to come up with something.

    http://www.superbrightleds.com/cgi-b...Fcfv7Qodwy3yrg

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    Blind Shooter prunfarm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I have a flexible light strip purchased off daBay in my SeaStory. I powered it with spare wall wart. It does light the top pins well.

  20. #14
    Eye Shooter Steve Cebu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    Is there any way to use a light strip around the perimeter and light up all the pins? At least on the edges?

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    I was thrown out of Top Gear Drunkenclam's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I guess in theory, you could put a flexible light strip around/between the two sections of glass in the door. How much it would illuminate the field is unknown. LEDs aren't known for their wide angle of emittance
    Ian #UKPachinko

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  23. #16
    Eye Shooter Steve Cebu's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    True, I guess an exterior light would sill work the best.
    Thanks.

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    Kungishi CarlW's Avatar
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    Smile EL Wire

    I saw these and think they look like a good option. Think I'll test one out.

    https://www.adafruit.com/products/320

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  26. #18
    Kungishi Wayne-Ooo's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    You can check out this thread for some ideas.

    http://www.pachitalk.com/forums/pach...ting-cell.html
    What if...​the ​HOKEY POKEY, is what it's all about?

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  28. #19
    Pachi Puro mxfaiman's Avatar
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    Default Re: Playfield Lighting Ideas for Cabinets...

    I have seen El-wire too. They make a super bright version too. But I think strip LED will still work best.

    100 machines and counting...

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