7 replies to this topic

[UpJumpTheBoogie]

Currently working on my virtual widebody table. I would like to put in a plunger, but when I look for complete sets, all I am finding is individual parts. I am going to put in a regular plunger and then I would like to do the simple leaf microswitch trick for basic functioning (for now, anyway). I am not looking for the virtual kits. Where might I find a complete plunger assembly selection? Or at least a list of all the parts I would need.

 

If I decide to go with a Zebs down the road, should I get the recommended Williams plunger now? 

[gtxjoe]

Assembly, plate and screws are all you need

https://virtuapin.ne...products_id=199

https://virtuapin.ne...products_id=246

3 screws
https://www.marcospe...s/4010-01006-10

[mrjcrane]

A possible option:

 

1) Williams Plunger Assembly from VirtuaPin

Williams/Bally Ball Shooter Assembly [VPC-12445-1] - $21.95 : VirtuaPin, The Virtual Pinball Cabinet

You may need to research the screw size for the 3 mounting screws if not included with the shooter assembly.

2) Control Board from Amazon (FRDM-KL25Z) Accelerometer & Plunger control

FREESCALE SEMICONDUCTOR FRDM-KL25Z EVAL BRD, KINETIS KL25Z FREESCALE Freedom Platform: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

BUT ... with the control board you need to be able to solder 3 pins to it. Otherwise look for one that has the Pin Jumper Block installed already on J9 & J10.

3) Plunger Potentiometer and Housing (Analog Plunger) - from Oak Micros

Announcement: Oak Micros Plunger Kit Mk II - Virtual Pinball Cabinets - VPForums.org

Going this route, the Oak MKII will include the mounting plate for the plunger assembly for the inside of your game cabinet.

4) Software for Control board - Pinscape (button mapping, accelerometer, plunger)

Pinscape Controller Build Guide (mjrnet.org)

Pinscape Resources (mjrnet.org)

 

I think this just may do it, can someone else proof my work please before BangBangTheBoogie starts spending money? Good luck BangBang.

Edited by mrjcrane, 10 January 2021 - 10:54 AM.

[wiesshund]

Not that it matters at $1.95 but i dont think you need the plate

 

Just the plunger assembly

 

the oak micro kit, which is its own mounting plate

I do not know if the oak micro is or is not compatible with the controller board you have listed there

It may well be, i just do not know, @MikePinball would

 

And the input controller

 

And if you need bolts for the shooter assembly, your local ace hardware should cure that

[mrjcrane]

Yes, Wies is correct regarding the metal mounting plate not being necessary if you go with the Oak MKII pot, it is included. I'll scratch the metal mounting plate from VirtuaPin out of my plunger purchase specs. And I'll be testing the Oak MKII this week with the KL25Z Controller.  From everything I can see there is no reason it won't work as Pinscape offers the KL25Z as one of the legitimate controller choices, but I'll post my results soon as I can by Tuesday or Wednesday. I'm converting to analog potentiometer is just 3 pins from the control board. In my case I am swapping out the 4010 optical sensor which came with the full blown VirtuaPin Digital Plunger Kit, in favor of the Oak MKII analog potentiometer so I can run Pinscape as my controller.

 

Best approach buy a fresh KL25Z board to work with Pinscape solution.

Edited by mrjcrane, 24 October 2021 - 10:36 PM.

[UpJumpTheBoogie]

Thanks for the input!

[mrjcrane]

Ok UpJump, I have just received the Oak MKII potentiometer kit and connected it to my VirtuaPin digital plunger board FRDM-KL25Z and completed my initial tests on the Plunger portion of the control board (accelerometer and button mapping will be a different day). Plunger works like a charm with the KL25Z and I must say I think I even like it better than the the original optical sensor that came with VirtuaPin. So go for it. I used the pin mapping as described @ Pinscape Controller Build Guide (mjrnet.org)

 

I will point out that I am using Pinscape in combination JoyToKey so that Visual Pinball X.7 can see the Pinscape Controller. Gave the plunger a try with Gilligan's Island, Whitewater and TZ works great and was able to even hit the skill shots once I calibrated the plunger.  But, I have not figured out yet how to make the plunger work with FX3 tables, I'm sure it is something simple I am overlooking.

JoyToKey - Download

Pinscape Release Builds (mjrnet.org)

 

I'm making a note that in the picture below only the red, black and orange wires terminate over on the Pinscape Sensor. The white wire is just along for the ride as it was part of the harnass I used. So leave the white wire off or in my case I terminated it in the plastic shaft of the connector pin so it does not actually make contact with the metal part of the 3rd pin on the pinscape board. White is just a dead end and I should probably just remove it altogether to eliminate confusion. (Wires are Red=3.3v, Black=Ground, Orange=Wiper)

 

Announcement: Oak Micros Plunger Kit Mk II - Virtual Pinball Cabinets - VPForums.org

 

A special thanks to Mike over at Oak Micros for designing such a nice, high quality component and fast delivery; thanks Mike ! I love it and recommend the MKII to anyone.

Edited by mrjcrane, 25 February 2021 - 07:45 AM.

[mrjcrane]

One followup note here for FX3 tables, If you are using FLEX/FREEZY + DOFLinx, by adding the Pinscape Plunger Component (Using FRDM-KL25Z board), it will sequence it as Device #1 in DOFLINX.ini file. So this may mean you may have to adjust your DOFLINX.ini file to repoint or move your Relay Triggers from the 100 series over to the 300 series (my Sainsmart 8 was re-sequenced as DofLinx device #3). My snippet attached below. Special note for Pinball FX3, I am making my left and right pop bumpers do double duty for both Mid and Rear Pop Bumpers. For the middle pop bumpers, gear effect and and fan effect, I am making the shaker motor do quadruple duty so it makes the cabinet much more lively for FX3 games.

 

# Using Sainsmart 8 Relay Board

# Flippers, Slingshots & Pop Bumpers (Substitute Shaker in as Middle/Center Pop Bumpers)

LINK_LF=301,50,10000,255

LINK_RF=302,50,10000,255

LINK_LS=303,50,1000,255

LINK_RS=304,50,1000,255

LINK_ML=305,50,1000,255

LINK_MC=307,50,1000,255

LINK_MR=306,50,1000,255

LINK_BL=305,50,1000,255

LINK_BC=307,50,1000,255

LINK_BR=306,50,1000,255

 

# Shaker & Knocker & Gear Motor (Substitute Shaker in on Gear and Fan Effects)

LINK_SH=307,1000,5000,255

LINK_KN=308,120,500,255

LINK_GR=307,750,10000,255

LINK_FN=307,75,9999,255

Edited by mrjcrane, 24 January 2021 - 09:04 PM.