3 replies to this topic

[rickh]

Folks,

 

I have finally released an open-source virtual pinball interface controller based on a Raspberry Pi Pico, LIS3SH accelerometer, and CircuitPython.  This project is called 'Little Bang' and it is open source and cost around $10 USD in parts.   

 

These are some of the features:

 

• 16 each low latency (5ms) button inputs using standard Keyboard HID
• X/Y accelerometer with 10 bit resolution @100 Hz sampling, with adjustable dead band (in software)
• Ball Plunger, 16 bit resolution @200 Hz sampling
• Two HID interfaces in one, GamePad and Keyboard
• Code is written in CircuitPython for easy maintainability
• Detailed instructions on how to assemble, load software, test, and implement
• Did I mention it is open source?

I am creating a side-hustle called 'Intense Arcade' that sells mini-sized pinball machines and parts and plan to expand my product line into pinball controller boards and I am using the open-source 'Little Bang' as a vehicle to give me and my brand some recognition.  I should have a completed turnkey assembly for the Little Bang available for sale in a couple weeks.

 

Here are the files.  Please enjoy!!!!

       

https://github.com/r...tle_Bang_Board/

 

 

Regards,

 

Rickey Horwitz

Edited by rickh, 28 April 2024 - 06:53 PM.

[SpacemanSpiff]

So this is in "competition" with the KL25Z essentially?
 

What about the Pinscape expansion boards... can it work well with them, or would we need other solutions?
 

Also, I see a plunger in the docs associates with Intense Arcade... but the products page at Intense isn't loading... what's the best way to procure?

 

Materials for my project are arriving shortly (and many still to be ordered)

Thank you!

Edited by SpacemanSpiff, 29 April 2024 - 02:07 AM.

[rickh]

The Pico comes up short competing with the rich features of the late great KL25Z.  For $16 you got a two processor board with huge amount of GP I/O, 16 bit ADC, and a 12 bit accelerometer.  The board was being sold much less than the BOM cost.  It was a dream come true until a couple components on this board became obsolete and it stopped being made.  Although Mike Roberts has been an invaluable resource to me, the 'Little Bang' has no compatibility with Pinscape or association with it.  

 

I originally planned to make this a feature rich, proprietary product, but I got several emails requesting that I make it open source so that other DIY can build a system on a reasonable budget and developers could contribute to make it better.  I resisted at first, but realized that an open source project was needed as a stop-gap until a true successor to Pinscape becomes available.  So I simplified the requirements to this project and released it. 

 

BTW- I started building mini-pinball machines several years ago and sold them on Ebay.  I took a hiatus a few years back and only recently have I decided to go back.  I apologize for the broken links on my website, as go-daddy recently had a migration and all my links need to be fixed.  Perhaps I'll include the plunger .stl files to the project?

 

Regards,

 

 

Rickey Horwitz

 

So this is in "competition" with the KL25Z essentially?
 

What about the Pinscape expansion boards... can it work well with them, or would we need other solutions?
 

Also, I see a plunger in the docs associates with Intense Arcade... but the products page at Intense isn't loading... what's the best way to procure?

 

Materials for my project are arriving shortly (and many still to be ordered)

Thank you!

[rickh]

Folks, 

 

I added my .stl files for the ball shooter.  This model is based on the Chinesium ball shooter sold on AliExpress. Again, these file can be found on my github page:  https://github.com/r...ttle_Bang_Board