{"id":7680,"date":"2016-02-16T16:14:32","date_gmt":"2016-02-16T16:14:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/?p=7680"},"modified":"2019-08-18T13:16:45","modified_gmt":"2019-08-18T12:16:45","slug":"the-big-lebowski-factory-tour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/2016\/02\/16\/the-big-lebowski-factory-tour\/","title":{"rendered":"THE BIG LEBOWSKI FACTORY TOUR"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"BodyBold\"><strong>It was on a bright but chilly Friday afternoon that we found ourselves in a light industrial park in the village of Aalten in the east of the Netherlands, close to the German border.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>We are here as guests of Dutch Pinball to see Ara, the manufacturing company chosen to build their <em>The Big Lebowski<\/em> pinball, and to show you what we saw.<\/p>\n<p>Ara is formed from a group of smaller companies each specialising in a different part of the manufacturing process, and we began our visit in one of their office buildings across the street from the factory.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/120.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/120.jpg\" alt=\"The Ara office block opposite the factory\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Ara office block opposite the factory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Inside, four The Big Lebowski prototype machines were set up for guests to enjoy, along with hot and cold drinks, a commemorative cake, a Dutch apple pie, and plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Stroopwafel\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">stroopwafels<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/107.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/107.jpg\" alt=\"The four prototype machines\" width=\"550\" height=\"370\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The four prototype machines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/108.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/108.jpg\" alt=\"Afternoon tea and cakes\" width=\"550\" height=\"381\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Afternoon tea and cakes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Once everyone was assembled, Jaap Nauta from Dutch Pinball welcomed them and explained the schedule for the rest of the day.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/113.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/113.jpg\" alt=\"Jaap welcomes everyone to the Ara facility in Aalten\" width=\"400\" height=\"535\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jaap welcomes everyone to the Ara facility in Aalten<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/114.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/114.jpg\" alt=\"VIP guests\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">VIP guests<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Then Walter te Brake from Ara spoke about the manufacturing process, how the factory is laid out, and how the various parts will be brought together to make a complete game.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/115.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/115.jpg\" alt=\"Walter spoke about how the games will be built \" width=\"400\" height=\"480\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Walter spoke about how the games will be built<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/117.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/117.jpg\" alt=\"The plan to move from prototypes to production machines\" width=\"550\" height=\"397\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The plan to move from prototypes to production machines<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/116.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/116.jpg\" alt=\"Walter introduces more members of the Ara team working on the game\" width=\"550\" height=\"388\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Walter introduces more members of the Ara team working on the game<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You can watch Walter&#8217;s presentation in this video shot by Rens Hooijmaijers.<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"560\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"center\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/p5A-AbJL2GQ?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>Then the tour of the Ara facility began, starting with the design studio which is located in the same office block.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/118.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/118.jpg\" alt=\"The design of the hardware in SolidWorks\" width=\"550\" height=\"411\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The design of the hardware in SolidWorks and the associated bill of materials<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/119.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/119.jpg\" alt=\"A custom test fixture to stress test the electronics\" width=\"550\" height=\"360\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A custom test fixture to stress test the electronics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Then it was time to cross the street and explore the factory where the games will be built.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/102.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/102.jpg\" alt=\"The Ara factory\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Ara factory<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Guests were split into two groups where, as a courtesy to non-Dutch speakers, one tour was conducted in English.<\/p>\n<p>The right-hand side of the factory deals with metal cutting, bending and fabrication, while the left side handles the electrical and electronic manufacturing and construction. We began in the metal working area on the right.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/122.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/122.jpg\" alt=\"The welding area\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The welding area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although this area deals with cutting, welding, smoothing and bending of metals, it was remarkably clean.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/123.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/123.jpg\" alt=\"The metal bending presses\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The metal bending presses<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/125.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/125.jpg\" alt=\"A steel pinball apron is bent into the correct shape\" width=\"550\" height=\"409\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A steel pinball apron is bent into the correct shape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/124.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/124.jpg\" alt=\"Completed under-playfield bowling alley casings\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Completed under-playfield bowling alley casings<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/126.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/126.jpg\" alt=\"Subway assemblies before they are bent to the correct shape\" width=\"550\" height=\"377\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Subway assemblies before they are bent to the correct shape<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Before they are formed into the correct shape, the metal parts begin as a flat sheet of metal which is then laser-cut and perforated.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/127.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/127.jpg\" alt=\"The sheet metal racks\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The sheet metal racks<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/128.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/128.jpg\" alt=\"The two laser cutters\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The two laser cutters<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>These two Trumatic 600L laser cutter both feature 6KW lasers and an array of drilling or punching bits to produce the metal pieces you saw above.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/129.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/129.jpg\" alt=\"The laser head\" width=\"550\" height=\"410\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The laser head<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/130.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/130.jpg\" alt=\"Some fun sample pieces\" width=\"550\" height=\"348\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Some fun sample pieces<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Another Ara building a little further up the street provides powder coating for those metal parts which need it. Meanwhile, we moved into the other half of the factory where the electrical and electronic work is undertaken.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/131.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/131.jpg\" alt=\"The electrical and electronic assembly area\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The electrical and electronic assembly area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/132.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/132.jpg\" alt=\"The stock room\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The stock room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ara operates a &#8216;lean production&#8217; method where assemblies are either created or delivered as needed, just in time for them to be incorporated into the finished product. That means they don&#8217;t need to hold large quantities of stock for the assembly process, although our guide, Erik Wildenbeest, said that under EU law they are required to make replacement parts available for ten years after the product is manufactured.<\/p>\n<p>That said, some parts brought in from overseas needed to be sent in larger quantities and kept in the factory.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/133.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/133.jpg\" alt=\"Plastic trim parts and The Big Lebowski rugs\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Plastic trim parts and The Big Lebowski rugs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/134.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/134.jpg\" alt=\"They really tied the factory together\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">They really tied the factory together<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The cabinet and backbox assembly areas were a short distance away.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/135.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/135.jpg\" alt=\"Cabinets and backboxes\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cabinets and backboxes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/136.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/136.jpg\" alt=\"Empty cabinets\" width=\"550\" height=\"372\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Empty cabinets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/185.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/185.jpg\" alt=\"Cabinet artwork\" width=\"550\" height=\"223\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Cabinet artwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/137.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/137.jpg\" alt=\"Empty cabinets\" width=\"400\" height=\"536\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Empty cabinets<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/138.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/138.jpg\" alt=\"The coin door end\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The coin door end<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/184.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/184.jpg\" alt=\"Coin door artwork\" width=\"550\" height=\"363\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Coin door artwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/158.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/158.jpg\" alt=\"A part-populated cabinet with the bowling assembly\" width=\"400\" height=\"609\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A part-populated cabinet with the bowling assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/159.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/159.jpg\" alt=\"The bowling assembly\" width=\"400\" height=\"687\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bowling assembly inside the metal case we saw earlier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/161.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/161.jpg\" alt=\"The mechanics of the bowling assembly\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The mechanics of the bowling assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/160.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/160.jpg\" alt=\"The bass speaker has dual feeds\" width=\"400\" height=\"545\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bass speaker has dual feeds<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>On the side of the factory furthest from the metalworking area is the section where the electronics are built and tested. The whole area is highly static-sensitive, so special clothing has to be worn and the floor is conductive to help prevent any static discharges.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/140.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/140.jpg\" alt=\"The electronics manufacturing area\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The electronics manufacturing area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Ara takes electronic components, inserts them into printed circuit boards, solders them, tests them and then installs them in their products. The components come either on reels or in easy-to-pick containers.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/144.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/144.jpg\" alt=\"The components store\" width=\"550\" height=\"352\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The components store<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/141.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/141.jpg\" alt=\"Before they are installed, the components are tested by this My 200LX tester\" width=\"550\" height=\"410\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Before they are installed, components are tested by this My 200LX tester<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/142.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/142.jpg\" alt=\"This picking machine then inserts the tested components into the appropriate holes in the PCB\" width=\"550\" height=\"391\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">This picking machine then inserts the tested components into the appropriate holes in the PCB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/143.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/143.jpg\" alt=\"The populated boards then go into this Solano wave soldering machine\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The populated boards then go into this Solano wave soldering machine, where they pass through a wave of molten solder to attach the components to the PCB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Once cooled, the boards go through a testing phase where all the functions are checked. There is also a stress-testing room where boards are operated an extreme high or low temperatures to determine their safe operating range.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/145.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/145.jpg\" alt=\"The stress-testing room\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The stress-testing room<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Then we come to the playfield assembly area.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/146.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/146.jpg\" alt=\"An unpopulated playfield is checked\" width=\"550\" height=\"375\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">An unpopulated playfield is checked<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/147.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/147.jpg\" alt=\"A box of playfields from High Class Pinballs\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A box of playfields from High Class Pinballs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/148.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/148.jpg\" alt=\"Playfield parts\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Playfield parts<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/149.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/149.jpg\" alt=\"Let's go bowling!\" width=\"550\" height=\"402\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Let&#8217;s go bowling!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/150.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/150.jpg\" alt=\"A partially populated prototype playfield\" width=\"550\" height=\"380\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A partially populated prototype playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note here that all the machines shown in this article are prototypes of one kind or another, even the games set up for guests to play. Numerous small changes are being made to the hardware, and some, all, or none of them are incorporated in the machines you see here.<\/p>\n<p>We will, however, point out a few of the more obvious cosmetic changes a little later.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/151.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/151.jpg\" alt=\"A more advanced playfield\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A more advanced playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/152.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/152.jpg\" alt=\"A near-complete playfield\" width=\"400\" height=\"567\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A near-complete playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/153.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/153.jpg\" alt=\"The view from the flippers\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The view from the flippers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/166.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/166.jpg\" alt=\"Under the playfield\" width=\"400\" height=\"554\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Under the playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/167.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/167.jpg\" alt=\"The ball trough and flipper assemblies\" width=\"550\" height=\"378\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ball trough and flipper assemblies<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/168.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/168.jpg\" alt=\"The playfield window and slingshot kickers\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The playfield window and slingshot kickers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>There are some interesting features under the playfield.<\/p>\n<p>Two large PCBs cover most of the surface. These contain the surface-mount LEDs to illuminate the inserts, as well as power distribution for the 48V used to drive the solenoids.<\/p>\n<p>The MOSFETs which drive the solenoids are mounted in various groups across both boards, but there is quite a bit of redundancy, with extra MOSFETs available in case any of the original ones fail. If that happens, a solenoid can be plugged into an adjacent output and the software told to use a different driver for that coil.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/169.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/169.jpg\" alt=\"Spare high power outputs\" width=\"550\" height=\"353\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Spare high power outputs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The 48V DC used for the coils comes from a switching power supply in the backbox. These are great for constant, steady current draws, but could struggle when dealing with sudden increases in current draw, such as when a flipper flips.<\/p>\n<p>So there is an extra 10,000uF capacitor mounted on the front PCB which is dedicated to the flippers&#8217; 48V feed to provide extra power when it is needed.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/170.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/170.jpg\" alt=\"The electrolytic capacitor for the flippers\" width=\"550\" height=\"401\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The electrolytic capacitor for the flippers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/171.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/171.jpg\" alt=\"All switches and solenoids plug into one of the PCBs\" width=\"550\" height=\"428\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">All switches and solenoids plug into one of the PCBs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The playfield&#8217;s features are run by the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pinballcontrollers.com\/index.php\/products\/p3-roc\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">P3-ROC<\/a> pinball control system made by Pinball Controllers. The P3-ROC board plugs into the larger of the two under-playfield PCBs, where it interfaces with the solenoid drivers, switch inputs and LED controllers.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/188.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/188.jpg\" alt=\"The P3-ROC board\" width=\"550\" height=\"419\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The P3-ROC board<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/176.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/176.jpg\" alt=\"Drivers and fuses are on the main PCB, with all fuses having associated LEDs\" width=\"550\" height=\"384\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drivers and fuses are on the main PCB, with all fuses having associated LEDs to show if a fuse is blown<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/172.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/172.jpg\" alt=\"The fuse list is also printed on the PCB\" width=\"400\" height=\"612\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The fuse list is also printed on the PCB<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Although the solenoid drivers are on the main PCB, driving the LEDs is handled by another Pinball Controllers daughter-board, the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.pinballcontrollers.com\/index.php\/products\/driver-boards\/pd-led\" target=\"_new\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">PD-LED<\/a>. There are two of these under the playfield, each one capable of controlling up to 84 individual LEDs or 24 RGB LEDs, providing solid, flashing and fading effects.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/189.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/189.jpg\" alt=\"One of the two PD-LED boards\" width=\"550\" height=\"397\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">One of the two PD-LED boards<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Next to the P3-ROC on the main PCB are a couple of downward-facing RGB LEDs which are used to illuminate the bowling alley mechanism.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/181.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/181.jpg\" alt=\"Lighting for the bowling alley\" width=\"550\" height=\"372\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Lighting for the bowling alley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If there&#8217;s been one major growth area in home pinball over the past few years it has been add-on mods &#8211; either home grown, from third parties, or even manufacturer supplied.<\/p>\n<p>In recognition of this, and to provide a better, more official means to add them, Dutch Pinball has provided a dedicated mods header, although it comes with a use-at-your-own-risk warning.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/179.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/179.jpg\" alt=\"Mods now have their own port\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Mods now have their own port<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The very back of the playfield contains most of the playfield hardware and so isn&#8217;t covered by a PCB. Devices up here have longer cables feeding back to the main PCB instead.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/173.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/173.jpg\" alt=\"The subway and the rug drive shaft\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The subway and the rug drive shaft<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/174.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/174.jpg\" alt=\"As it is hit, the rolled-up rug moves backwards to eventually reveal a scoop\" width=\"400\" height=\"580\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">As it is hit, the rolled-up rug moves backwards to eventually reveal a scoop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/175.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/175.jpg\" alt=\"The rug drive motor\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The rug drive motor<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Here&#8217;s an overview of the whole playfield.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/178.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/178.jpg\" alt=\"The underside of the playfield\" width=\"550\" height=\"1211\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The underside of the playfield<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Then it&#8217;s over to the backboxes.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/139.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/139.jpg\" alt=\"Empty backboxes awaiting assembly\" width=\"550\" height=\"402\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Empty backboxes awaiting assembly<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/186.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/186.jpg\" alt=\"Backbox artwork\" width=\"300\" height=\"888\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Backbox artwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/163.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/163.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"550\" height=\"397\" longdesc=\"nside the backbox\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Inside the backbox<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Inside the backbox we have five modules. Starting at the top left there is an ASRock Q1900-ITX mini-ITX PC mainboard, containing a passively-cooled Intel Celeron processor and built-in graphics.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/190.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/190.jpg\" alt=\"The ASRock mainboard\" width=\"550\" height=\"447\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The ASRock mainboard<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The mainboard connects to the P3-ROC controller board under the playfield, and between them they run the whole game, with the P3-ROC driving the solenoids and LEDs, and reading the switches, while the PC generates the display animations, triggers the sounds, and runs the game&#8217;s ruleset.<\/p>\n<p>Power for the mainboard and various other boards comes from a Cooler Master G550M ATX power supply mounted next to the mainboard. This contains a variable-speed 120mm fan which, while quiet, will most-likely produce a little noise which might be audible when the game is inactive.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/155.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/155.jpg\" alt=\"The backbox parts shelves\" width=\"550\" height=\"402\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The backbox parts shelves<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>To the right of the ATX PSU is the Mean Well RSP-500-48 passively-cooled switching power supply, which provides the 48V for the coils at a maximum of 10.5A.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/165.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/165.jpg\" alt=\"The 48V supply\" width=\"400\" height=\"660\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The 48V supply<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The mainboard, ATX power supply and the 48V supply are all stock parts, but at the bottom left is a custom sound board and amplifier.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/164.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/164.jpg\" alt=\"The Dutch Pinball sound board\" width=\"400\" height=\"623\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Dutch Pinball sound board<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The team said they originally planned to use the mainboard&#8217;s built-in sound generation and only add an amplifier, but the output from the mainboard was quite electrically noisy, so they added sound generation capabilities to the amplifier board instead.<\/p>\n<p>The sound board connects via USB to the mainboard and acts like any other external sound card. There are four outputs &#8211; two to the speaker panel speakers, and two for the bass speaker we saw earlier. 12V power for the board comes from the AX power supply.<\/p>\n<p>We said there were five devices, and the fifth is an SSD drive containing the game code, the Linux operating system &#8211; earlier prototype games used Windows, but the transition has now been made to Linux &#8211; and all the video or audio assets.<\/p>\n<p>The speaker panel contains a pair of wide-range speakers, but the panel is dominated by the large LCD display.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/162.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/162.jpg\" alt=\"The speaker panel\" width=\"550\" height=\"399\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The speaker panel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>This is a custom-made display, which means it is exactly the right size, with no overhang. The top two-thirds is covered by deep metal box which contains the electronics and controls to adjust the brightness and contrast. The display is fed from the VGA output of the mainboard.<\/p>\n<p>Power for the game comes in at the rear of the backbox, with the main power switch under the right-bottom corner, just like Stern&#8217;s Spike system.<\/p>\n<p>One thing you may have noticed is any backlighting for the game&#8217;s translite. That&#8217;s because the translite is edge-lit from the bottom by a single row of white LEDs which mounts in the bottom plastic channel.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/156.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/156.jpg\" alt=\"Translite LED lighting\" width=\"550\" height=\"402\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Translite LED lighting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"PicCap\">.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/157.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/157.jpg\" alt=\"The strip of LEDs\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The strip of LEDs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A special backing distributes the light evenly across the translite. It works very well, although inevitably there is a slight pattern of darkening at the very bottom between the individual LEDs. However, this is quite well hidden by the rug pattern.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/182.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/182.jpg\" alt=\"The illuminated translite\" width=\"550\" height=\"360\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The illuminated translite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/183.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/183.jpg\" alt=\"The bottom of the translite\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The bottom of the translite<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The tour ended with the prototype playfields, as the guests returned to the offices across the street to play some more and toast an enjoyable and informative tour.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/101.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/101.jpg\" alt=\"Back to the office for a drink\" width=\"550\" height=\"380\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Back to the office for a drink<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/103.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/103.jpg\" alt=\"What else, but White Russians?\" width=\"550\" height=\"382\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">What else, but White Russians?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>A hot meal was also provided as the event continued into the evening.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/105.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/105.jpg\" alt=\"Pasta with various sauces, meatballs and salad\" width=\"400\" height=\"600\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pasta with various sauces, meatballs and salad<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>We mentioned earlier how there had been a few changes on the playfield. There is a new car model which is an accurate match for the one depicted in the playfield artwork.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/104.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/104.jpg\" alt=\"The new car model\" width=\"550\" height=\"382\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new car model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The ball bowler&#8217;s return lane which was previously a printed plastic is now real metal.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 400px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/110.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/110.jpg\" alt=\"The new ball return\" width=\"400\" height=\"669\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The new ball return<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the darkest areas of the game has always been the rug. This is now much brighter thanks to a dedicated spotlight.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/111.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/111.jpg\" alt=\"The rug spotlight\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">The rug spotlight<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The rug mechanism has also been redesigned to make it more sensitive to ball hits.<\/p>\n<p>One other lighting change makes a dramatic difference. Earlier games had 3 SMD LED devices for general illumination which, while bright, weren&#8217;t so effective at dispersing light in all directions.<\/p>\n<p>The game now uses white LEDs on the large circuit boards below the playfield, and a new style of &#8216;light pipe&#8217; which site on top of the LED and transmits the light through the playfield and radiates it evenly. The top of the light pipe is frosted and domed, with a slight flange to hold it in its playfield hole, making it the same shape as a traditional LED.<\/p>\n<figure style=\"width: 550px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/112.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"ImageBorder\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/112.jpg\" alt=\"General illumination with light pipes\" width=\"550\" height=\"362\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">General illumination with light pipes<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>And that brings us to the end of this report from the Dutch Pinball\/Ara factory tour.<\/p>\n<p class=\"PicCap\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/109.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-content\/uploads\/games\/the-big-lebowski\/109.jpg\" alt=\"Game Over\" width=\"550\" height=\"367\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p>We will leave you with a look at some of the new display animations in this five minute video.<\/p>\n<table border=\"0\" width=\"560\" cellspacing=\"0\" cellpadding=\"0\" align=\"center\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube-nocookie.com\/embed\/tu0CBvTAgWA?rel=0\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"><\/iframe><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It was on a bright but chilly Friday afternoon that we found ourselves in a light industrial park in the village of Aalten in the east of the Netherlands, close to the German border. We are here as guests of Dutch Pinball to see Ara, the manufacturing company chosen to build their The Big Lebowski &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":7718,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5,995,358],"tags":[362,361,359,360],"class_list":["post-7680","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-games","category-games-ab","category-the-big-lebowski","tag-aalten","tag-ara","tag-dutch-pinball","tag-the-big-lebowski"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7680","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7680"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7680\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16847,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7680\/revisions\/16847"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7718"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7680"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7680"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pinballnews.com\/site\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7680"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}