When did pins migrate from batteries to electricity???

[MikeWeaver]

Having just gone over my 1934 Genco Subway Special, it is obviously battery powered....I just picked up a Chicago Coin Sensation of 1937 and it is electric...but I could not imagine technology changed so much in only a couple of years. It looks as if the CC projects the image onto the back of the backglass to show the score. It also has a tilt bob and gates that open and close. So I guess the question is....when did batteries stop being a part of the old pin technology??? Thanks Mike

[druadic]

I just found a machine from 193? on IPDB that had an actual "plug" for an outlet. Seems this is original. Search IPDB between 1933 and 1935. It's there. You'll have to read the descriptions though.

So, it looks like somewhere in 1934 or so they started or "tried" to use standardized "plug" outlet connections.

[faralos]

The first battery operated machines appeared in 1933, Harry Williams made the first.
By 1934, machines were redesigned to be used with electrical outlets allowing for new types of sounds,
music, lights, lighted backglass, and other features.
http://inventors.about.com/od/pstart.../a/pinball.htm