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Getting‐Started

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Gary Brown edited this page Nov 30, 2025 · 1 revision

Getting Started

This guide will help you get up and running with the Pinball Accuracy Memory Trainer in minutes.

🎮 Option 1: Use Online (Recommended)

The fastest way to start training:

▶️ Launch the App

  • No installation required
  • Works in any modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari)
  • All data saved automatically to your browser's local storage
  • Works offline after first load

💾 Option 2: Download Standalone Version

For complete offline use:

  1. Go to the Latest Release
  2. Download pinball-trainer-standalone.html
  3. Open the file in any modern browser
  4. Start training!

The standalone version has all assets embedded — no internet connection needed.

🛠️ Option 3: Run from Source (Developers)

Prerequisites

Quick Start

# Clone the repository
git clone https://github.com/garybrowndev/PinballAccuracyMemoryTrainer.git
cd PinballAccuracyMemoryTrainer

# Install dependencies
npm install

# Start development server
npm run dev

The app will be available at http://localhost:5173

VS Code Users

  1. Open the folder in VS Code
  2. Press F5 — dependencies install automatically and the dev server starts!

🎯 Your First Training Session

Step 1: Load a Preset Table

  1. Click "+ Add Shot(s)" button
  2. Select a preset from the dropdown (e.g., "Medieval Madness")
  3. The shots load with pre-configured flipper percentages

Step 2: Review the Setup

  • Left column: Shot names arranged on the playfield arc
  • Middle columns: Left flipper (L%) and Right flipper (R%) percentages
  • Visual playfield: See spatial shot arrangement

Step 3: Understand the Percentages

  • Values range from 5% to 95% in 5% increments
  • "NP" (Not Possible) = Shot cannot be made from that flipper
  • Left flipper: Values must be strictly increasing (easier shots = lower %)
  • Right flipper: Values must be strictly decreasing

Step 4: Start Training

  1. Click "Start Session" (or press Enter)
  2. A shot is highlighted — enter your percentage guess
  3. Get instant color-coded feedback:
    • 🟢 Perfect (0% error) — Bright green
    • 🟢 Slight (5% error) — Dark green
    • 🟡 Fairly (10% error) — Yellow
    • 🔴 Very (≥15% error) — Red

Step 5: Practice with Drift

As you practice, the hidden "truth" values gradually drift within bounds. This prevents rote memorization and trains adaptive recall.

Step 6: Final Recall Test

  1. Click "End Session & Final Recall"
  2. Enter all shot percentages from memory
  3. Click "Grade Final Recall" to see your score

⚙️ Training Parameters

Before starting a session, adjust these in the Setup screen:

Parameter Description Default
Initial Random Steps How far hidden values start from your guesses (0-4) 2
Drift Every N Attempts Frequency of hidden value shifts 4
Drift Magnitude Maximum drift distance in steps (0-10) 2
Mode Manual (you pick shots) or Random (app picks) Manual

📱 Tips for Best Experience

  • Desktop/tablet recommended — The playfield visualization needs screen space
  • Use fullscreen mode — Click the expand icon for an uncluttered view
  • Start with familiar tables — Load a machine you know well
  • Practice regularly — Short daily sessions beat occasional long ones

➡️ Next Steps

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