13 replies to this topic

[Drybonz]

I don't have a cabinet... instead I use a modded X-Arcade tankstick controller for my arcade games as well as pinball.  It works great except for nudging.  I'm currently using buttons for nudging, but have been thinking that I would like to add some kind of a nudge sensor.

 

So my question is... has anyone using an arcade controller done this type of mod?  I'm looking for recommendations on what type of hardware to use.  I don't really need a plunger, I'm just looking for nudging (I wouldn't be opposed to a plunger, but space inside is probably an issue).

 

Any help or direction on this is appreciated.  Thanks.

Edited by Drybonz, 07 June 2016 - 02:38 AM.

[ScottyVH]

I had (and have another) similar setup., and use pinscape for nudging only. Pinscape is overkill for this, but the price and functionality is great. Plus you can use more pinscape functionally later if you choose.

[Drybonz]

Scotty, what's the best place to buy these?  How did you do the install in your box?

[ScottyVH]

I ordered mine online from a US distributor called Mouser (http://www.mouser.com/).  You can read more about the pinscape in this thread:  http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=34679    

 

While the pinscape controller will do many things really well, I only use it for nudge because that is the only need I had when I bought it.  However, I would be happy to move other functionality to it and/or use it for more stuff (like keyboard encoding of game controller commands, LED stuff, and plunger).  The software is top notch, and the hookup is totally simple.  I did this all with version 1 of the software, which tested my (low-level) technical abilities.  The whole thing costs less than $20 USD -- you can't go wrong.   

[Drybonz]

Thanks for the info, Scotty... so from the thread you mentioned above, I'm seeing reference to a KL25Z... is that the board I would want from Mouser?

 

I put a pair of Ultrastiks and a spinner in my controller, so I already have a USB hub inside, with one cable coming out.  Can I just wire this board into the USB hub?

 

Also (sorry for all the questions!), how sensitive is the sensor?  If I mount it toward the center of the controller, will a solid tap on either side register for a nudge?

 

Thanks for all the help and info, man!

[ScottyVH]

Yep. the KL25Z is the one.  I am using a USB hub for other devices, but I think it is best to not use a hub due to any potential USB power matters.  However, I'm not an expert on this.  I have my KL25Z plugged into my PC without a hub in the middle.  That would be super cool to have the KL25Z mounted inside of your controller using the hub, so I'd definitely give it a try.  Worse case you might have to add a powered USB hub in there, or perhaps just run a second cable (but I doubt  you would need to do this).  The sensitivity is controlled through the USB Game Controllers control panel in windows, and in the VP settings.  After you futz with it for a bit I predict you will have no issues.  VP9 and VP10 are different with nudging so they'll need different settings, but a few minutes of futzing will solve this too.  Go for it!

[Drybonz]

Thanks man... definitely gonna do it.  I see a Freedom KL25Z on Mouser for $15.  I'm pretty sure the hub will be fine... my 2 joysticks and spinner and trackball are all powered by it fine, so this chip should be good to go.  Putting the hub inside the box keeps everything really tidy, and I have one of these http://groovygamegea...products_id=406 mounted on the back of the controller so I just have one male to male USB connecting the whole thing to my PC.  It's pretty sweet and I can't wait to get the nudge sensor in there.

 

Thanks again!

[Drybonz]

Just to make sure before I order it... this is the one?

 

http://www.mouser.co...FratDaJVW2nplde

[ScottyVH]

Yep. There are some accessories you might want to consider ordering now too, so you don't have to pay shipping twice. There is a parts list on one of the earlier posts. If you can't find it I can look later on my hard drive.

[gtxjoe]

I am want to give this a try also.  Does anyone know how VP determines which Joystick device to use for nudge and plunger, when you have multiple joystick devices plugged in via USB?

[Drybonz]

Hey Joe, I am just getting into this but it looks like the Pinscape software is going to handle that... maybe Scotty can confirm.

[ScottyVH]

The recommended parts list is in "The Pinscape Controller" user guide pdf which is found in the other threads.  I bought pretty much all of the headers (the plugs you would use to wire stuff up) etc. because they were so cheap and I figured I would want to have this stuff around for future use.  However, you don't need to buy any of these parts if you just want to use nudging (you just need a USB cable, which is also in the parts list).  

 

Also, I am really not an expert in this at all.  The only "authority" that I have on the topic is that I am not that great with computers, but I was able to easily set this up, and had fun doing it.  This is one of the easiest setups you will do in a pinball cab, and a no-brainer in my book.  

 

Also, here are the parts (copied/pasted from the user guide).  The only stuff you need for nudging is in bold:

 

Electronics required for all variations:

• Freescale FRDM-KL25Z microcontroller board
• USB cable, USB-A to Mini-B, 1.8m (or length as needed*)

Electronics for the CCD (optical sensor) plunger feature:

• TAOS TSL-1410R CCD linear array
• Blue LED, 2 each (or similar light source of your choosing)
• Molex .062 5-circuit plug †† Molex .062 5-circuit receptacle ††
• Molex .062 crimp pins, 5 each ††
• Molex .062 crimp sockets, 5 each ††

Electronics for the slide potentiometer alternative plunger sensor:

• ALPS RSA0N11S9A0K, or Bourns PTF01-152A-103B2, or this part, or any slide pot with linear taper and 80mm+ travel

Electronics for the plunger calibration button (optional even if you install the plunger sensor):

• Illuminated momentary pushbutton switch
• 2N4401 transistor (or equivalent NPN switching transistor)
• 2.2K 1/4W resistor 82 ohm 1/4W resistor
• Molex .062 4-circuit plug ††
• Molex .062 4-circuit receptacle ††
• Molex .062 crimp pins, 5 each ††
• Molex .062 crimp sockets, 5 each ††

Electronics for the LedWiz output feature:

• 8+8 vertical pin header for jumper J1 ††
• 8+8 wire housing for J1 ††
• 10+10 vertical pin header for jumper J2 ††
• 10+10 wire housing for J2 ††
• Crimp terminals for the wire housings above, 1 for each output you plan to use ††
• ULN2803A Darlington transistor array, one for each 8 outputs you plan to use
• PC817 optocoupler, one for each output you plan to use
• BUK9575-55A MOSFET, one for each output you plan to use
• 1N4007 diode, one for each output with an inductive load (contactor, motor, coil, etc)
• 220 ohm 1/4 watt resistor, one for each output 470 ohm 1/4 watt resistor, two for each output Perforated circuit board, sized as needed, for building the output stage circuits

Pinball parts required only for the plunger feature:

• Ball shooter assembly, Williams part no. B-12445-1**
• Ball shooter mounting plate, Williams part no. 01-3535
• Medium-low tension ball shooter spring, Stern part no. 266-5001-04†

Miscellaneous:

• #10-32 x 3/4” machine screws, 3 each (for mounting ball shooter assembly)
• #4 wood or sheet metal screws, 2 each (for mounting KL25Z to cabinet)
• 6mm nylon spacers (for mounting KL25Z)
• 22 AWG wire (stranded or solid; solid is a little easier to solder to the boards)
• Solder  

[Drybonz]

Great info... thank you.

[WilsonB]

I don't have a cabinet... instead I use a modded X-Arcade tankstick controller for my arcade games as well as pinball.  It works great except for nudging.  I'm currently using buttons for nudging, but have been thinking that I would like to add some kind of a nudge sensor.

 

So my question is... has anyone using an arcade controller done this type of mod?  I'm looking for recommendations on what type of hardware to use.  I don't really need a plunger, I'm just looking for nudging (I wouldn't be opposed to a plunger, but space inside is probably an issue).

 

Any help or direction on this is appreciated.  Thanks.

Did you ever add Pinball mechanics to your TankStick? Im about to add the Pinscape

Thanks man... definitely gonna do it.  I see a Freedom KL25Z on Mouser for $15.  I'm pretty sure the hub will be fine... my 2 joysticks and spinner and trackball are all powered by it fine, so this chip should be good to go.  Putting the hub inside the box keeps everything really tidy, and I have one of these http://groovygamegea...products_id=406 mounted on the back of the controller so I just have one male to male USB connecting the whole thing to my PC.  It's pretty sweet and I can't wait to get the nudge sensor in there.

 

Thanks again!

Are you running power for the hub?

Thanks man... definitely gonna do it.  I see a Freedom KL25Z on Mouser for $15.  I'm pretty sure the hub will be fine... my 2 joysticks and spinner and trackball are all powered by it fine, so this chip should be good to go.  Putting the hub inside the box keeps everything really tidy, and I have one of these http://groovygamegea...products_id=406 mounted on the back of the controller so I just have one male to male USB connecting the whole thing to my PC.  It's pretty sweet and I can't wait to get the nudge sensor in there.

 

Thanks again!

Im a Oculus Quest guy playing VPx VR using the TankStick also.. Has anyone posted ANY videos or pics on how they did it? Where is best placementDoes a plunger fit? Knockers?

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