Black Hole Pinball

After Bally's Dungeons & Dragons launched my pinball addiction, and Haunted House reinforced it, I eventually began looking for yet another pinball machine for my game room.  Since I enjoyed the unique features of Gottleib's Haunted House, that game's older brother Black Hole seemed an obvious contender.  I did a little research on the game, and everything I read sounded great, so off to the pinball store I go.

These classic machines aren't a dime a dozen, and machines in decent condition are even more rare.  I absolutely was not expecting to get as lucky as I did looking for Haunted House, but what do you know?  My local pinball store had not one, but two Black Holes, and both were in good shape!

It was meant to be... so how could I not buy it, right? 

Black Hole was made in 1981 by Gottleib, and was the first pinball machine ever to feature a lower level playfield under glass.  According to the markings on the playfield mine is serial number 04610, and was completed on September 9th.

Black Hole pinball has it's own page at Wikipedia.

Here is a overall view of the game:

Here is a view of the playfield detail, including the reverse lower level under glass:

My high score to date is featured in the column on the right. 

UPDATE: Here's a YouTube video of Black Hole in action.  Great sound effects!

Comments

[Mike]

I also own a black hole but mines dead
I sent the mpu out twice to get repaired each time it comes back it runs for a day or 2. I wish I could get it repaired right

[Woody]

That sucks Mike. It's a great machine. Don't give up on it!

Here are two websites that might help you:

http://www.pinrepair.com/sys80/index.htm

http://www.pinrepair.com/sys80/

Conincidentally mine's currently on the fritz too, although I'm sure it's something minor. I usually have my pinball tech come out before any party or family gathering to make sure all my machines are running right.

Take care pinhead!

[Bill Flowers]

Woody,

Your playing field is in great shape. What do you use to clean the playing field, without causing damage to the paint.

[Don]

Hey guys, For the playfield use the novus collection, it works great! I have a problem with mine, if you have any info how to fix it would be great. My ball through gate works, but sometimes it wont open all the way, not even enough to trigger the light, but other times, it works. What could be the problem? im not familiar with system 80 games. MY 4 and 3rd player displays also flicker when you play and numbers go missing and re appear, is that a lose connection? or does it need to be replaced.