220 replies to this topic

[Noah Fentz]

For one reason or another, Nanotech is no longer color coding the wire harnesses. On either harness, there is one slot open, that's the VCC +5 (currently unused), and the solitary wire is the ground. I run the wires to a terminal, then out to color coded wires to the cab.

[ArcadiusMaximus]

For one reason or another, Nanotech is no longer color coding the wire harnesses. On either harness, there is one slot open, that's the VCC +5 (currently unused), and the solitary wire is the ground. I run the wires to a terminal, then out to color coded wires to the cab.

Oh OK. So the Jumper pinout chart is correct then? Also was I correct to assume the board is being powered by the +5v from the usb cable now since we don't need a wire on the harness anymore? Thanks a lot !

[Noah Fentz]

Correct on both counts.

[koadic]

Hey, just wanna bring this to attention incase anyone else is experiencing similar issues...

When using the plunger connected to the Mot-Ion kit, it had been where I would have to pull it out about an inch or so before it would start registering on screen, and it got to the point where I was tired of dealing with it (not a controller issue, but a windows calibration issue). It seems VP reads the directinput from the controller axis and will operate in the range of 0 to 1000, but when calibrated through windows, it shows a range of -1000 to 1000, meaning it won't start moving the plunger until it gets to the 0 point (verify with the joystick.exe app I attached in another thread).

To fix this behaviour, the center point of the axis needs to be moved to match the minimum raw value so it will read 0 when released instead of -1000. Depending on the OS being used, this is done one of two ways...

XP - DXTweak2 - This will allow you to shift the centerpoint of the axis (and even adjust calibration) on the fly, just make sure you are adjusting the proper one

Vista/7 - It can also be done with an older version of DXTweak2, you just need to make sure that you click on an unused axis first (like X/Y Rotation), and hit 'Axis Defaults', as this will enable the 'Apply' button, otherwise there is no way to apply the changes. If you can't get it to work, there is a more involved solution, and requires some registry editing. I have listed the steps necessary in this post for those of you who need to go this route.

So say the raw values for the Z axis are 32 for the minimum, and 78 for the maximum, the center point will be set at 55 by default, but to work optimally, it needs to be changed to 32 (in this example). There is also the possibility of using the Z rotation (rZ) axis for the plunger on the Mot-Ion kit (with my custom build and upcoming official build), but it is reversed, so you would have to set the center point to the maximum value instead of the minimum

[Noah Fentz]

Weird.

After I calibrate, it reacts the moment you pull back.

How are you calibrating?

[koadic]

Through windows as it says in the literature that comes with the board. At rest is the minimum value and pulled back all the way is the maximum value, but like I was saying above, the DirectInput reads -1000 when at rest, and I can't get the plunger on the screen to start moving until it reaches 0, and then pulls back full when it reaches 1000. For me, it reached 0 at about 1.5 inches or so pulled back, so that amount of the plunger was of no use to me before, now I have full use of the plunger.

If you download and run the joystick.exe app I linked, does the Z axis read 0 when the plunger is at rest?

Edited by koadic, 03 July 2012 - 08:25 PM.

[destruk]

I think if you push the plunger in first so the spring is entirely compressed, and then pull it back when calibrating, it 'corrects itself'. At least I haven't experienced trouble using the plunger like that.

[The Loafer]

That is how I calibrate it too Brian but I would get this delay when I pulled it and when it actually showed the pulling. Ironically I still get the minus polling but it's night and day, feels pretty much like a real plunger now. Just need to adjust the plunger strength a bit maybe it's a little strong depending on table.

[koadic]

I think if you push the plunger in first so the spring is entirely compressed, and then pull it back when calibrating, it 'corrects itself'. At least I haven't experienced trouble using the plunger like that.

Well, the funny thing on mine (and maybe everyone else's, can't be sure) is that the values reverse when pushing it forward, so it is just like pulling it back. From a rest position, pushing it in will go from the minimum value to the max value, just as if I was pulling it back.

And Loafer, I figured out how to use DXTweak2 on windows 7, so no more messing around with the registry unless as a last resort, it just requires an older version (which I have linked above, with instructions). You can also see the raw values it is grabbing from the plunger and adjust the min and max too.

[Pinhead22]

Hi guys, I just received my Nanotech plunger and I want to install it this weekend. All my tables are VP tables. I don't use FP. My question is how should I start. After installing and calibrating through the windows setup, should I use VP build 7? Any general setting that need to be changed in VP? What is the best way to initially setup the plunger? Thanks!

[User007]

Hi Pinball Comunity,
i have finaly received my Nanotech Plunger Kit and i am now in the process of building a small Cab. However one thing seams to be very difficult - its getting the propper screws in Germany. (we are the folks with mm instead of inch ;-) ) Can someone please tell me the specifications for the matching screws? I will then try to get some on ebay or try my luck in a local Harley workshop. I have bought some 5mm screws but they do not fit the right way. Or do i need to drill in a new thread? Any help would be great. I know that i have found the dimensions some weeks ago in another thread but even with searching for it i had no luck to find it again.
Thanks
User007

[Noah Fentz]

You need 10-32 screws, if you're talking about mounting the plunger.

Nothing metric is compatible.

Did you get the kit from me?

[User007]

...
Did you get the kit from me?

If "me" means VirtuaPin - my answer will be yes ;-)
Order Number: 240

Thanks for your reply i'll look what i can get here.

[Noah Fentz]

Let me know if you have a difficult time finding them. If so, I can mail you what you need.

[russdx]

ooooo



just the proto pcb, still a long way off


ooops posted this to totally wrong thread - could a mod move it to the pinDMD thread please

Edited by russdx, 03 August 2012 - 08:56 AM.

[User007]

Let me know if you have a difficult time finding them. If so, I can mail you what you need.

Thank You Noah. I have now ordered some screws on ebay they should arrive tomorow or monday.
I guess they will match. Maybe you can add the option to order the propper screws to your webshop.
I bet all of the european buyers will tick it ;-)

[Noah Fentz]

I'll just start including them with the kit. It's just three screws and washers, and it'll make life easier for everyone.

Thanks for letting me know it was that difficult to get them overseas.

[DedRok_V]

I'll just start including them with the kit. It's just three screws and washers, and it'll make life easier for everyone.

Thanks for letting me know it was that difficult to get them overseas.

Hey Paul

Could you send me some. I'm having trouble finding them also.

[Noah Fentz]

I'll just start including them with the kit. It's just three screws and washers, and it'll make life easier for everyone.

Thanks for letting me know it was that difficult to get them overseas.

Hey Paul

Could you send me some. I'm having trouble finding them also.

Shoot me a PM with your mailing info.

[Dazz]

Has anyone figured out the optimal settings to use the PBW nudge?