10 replies to this topic

[QuickSave80]

Hey guys I am new to vpin and am going through the process of running all my Visual Pinball tables to and make sure they work. I am having a weird global issue on all tables with my plunger and right flipper.

Plunger

I have the virtual pin v3 plunger installed. Whenever I start a table the plunger is already pulled back and the plunger won’t work. I have to first press enter and the rest of the game the plunger works fine. I have tried different control settings but nothing has changed it. I have also calibrated the plunger a few times.

 

Right Flipper

This issue happens often but not always. Once I insert coins and press start my right flipper is stuck. If I press it once it returns and works normally the rest of the game. I am using the default controls and haven’t changed anything.

 

Any help would be appreciated!

 

[mrjcrane]

Hey Quick Welcome !! My answers may or may not be helpful. Like you I started with a VirtuaPin digital plunger (with optical distance sensor), I found the software/callibration a little unpredictable so I swapped out the normal optical sensor that comes with it and put the Pinscape analog sensor in its place. I am so happy with this choice I have not had a single issue with any table whatsoever. There are several advantages to migrating to the Pinscape solution, specifically it is more of an open source solution, with occasional updates and lots of features not available in the Vanilla VirtuaPin software. With the issue you describe I would generally say that still sounds like a plunger calibration issue. The plunger has one setting for when it is at rest and another for the maximum pull back, and one setting for a slight variation. 

 

Regarding the flipper stuck issue, I found I had an issue like that and was able to trace it back to a loose or faulty wiring connection on the button. I've since upgraded my buttons from the 4 pin post style to the newer 3 pin trouble free quick connector style. With the new buttons, it has totally eliminated button issues I used to have.

 

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Edited by mrjcrane, 08 February 2021 - 06:47 AM.

[QuickSave80]

I will look into those option! I know the buttons are hooked up correctly since this is also a cocktail arcade and I just added a removeable back glass. It has worked with no control issues for a few years now. It almost looks some software related. Thanks for your help!

[Noah Fentz]

Really strange behavior for the plunger. The first thing I'd check is the power to the usb when the PC shuts down. Disable it, if it's on all the time. That can make the plunger behave strangely.

When the buttons stick, check the button map and see if it's physically on, or if it's stuck in VPX.

After that, I'd suggest reaching out to me at VirtuaPin, and I can network with you and see what's going on.

[QuickSave80]

It looks like my power settings are correct on the USB. I checked the plunger in different programs and it behaves fine. It does kind of pulse so I may need to calibrate it, which I am not sure how to do. As for the button it is not stuck in any other programs and I tested it in JoytoKey and it works good.

 

I would like to also add that I emailed VirtualPin over the weekend regarding my plunger. Part of the tip broke off. I was able to glue it back but I am not sure how long it will hold as there is another large crack. Do you sell tips by them selves? Are there metal ones?

 

Thanks

[mrjcrane]

If you are going to end up spending money on replacement parts for the plunger, as long as the shaft is in good condition you can make the conversion from the optical sensor to an analog sensor with Pinscape. So far Pinscape is flawless. Don't over look this as a possible upgrade, I think I did if for less than $35. You would need to make the 3 wire leads from the sensor over to the control board.

 

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

Intimidated by Plunger Parts - Visual Pinball - VPForums.org

 

Edited by mrjcrane, 09 February 2021 - 02:25 AM.

[Noah Fentz]

If you are going to end up spending money on replacement parts for the plunger, as long as the shaft is in good condition you can make the conversion from the optical sensor to an analog sensor with Pinscape. So far Pinscape is flawless. Don't over look this as a possible upgrade, I think I did if for less than $35. You would need to make the 3 wire leads from the sensor over to the control board.

 

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

Intimidated by Plunger Parts - Visual Pinball - VPForums.org

 

 

Please don't do this. Suggesting people with VirtuaPin Plunger Kits check out Pinscape creates all kinds of problems for both parties. MJR used the same hardware profile we use, and people often flash Pinscape on their VirtuaPin boards when following these suggestions. It renders them useless and requires them to send their boards in.

 

Thousands of people are satisfied with their VirtuaPin Plunger Kits, including the OP. It's likely the issue is the broken rod, which I will replace at no charge at all, 2-1/2 years after purchase. That's the benefit of going with VirtuaPin. I back my stuff 100%!

[QuickSave80]

 

If you are going to end up spending money on replacement parts for the plunger, as long as the shaft is in good condition you can make the conversion from the optical sensor to an analog sensor with Pinscape. So far Pinscape is flawless. Don't over look this as a possible upgrade, I think I did if for less than $35. You would need to make the 3 wire leads from the sensor over to the control board.

 

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

Intimidated by Plunger Parts - Visual Pinball - VPForums.org

 

 

Please don't do this. Suggesting people with VirtuaPin Plunger Kits check out Pinscape creates all kinds of problems for both parties. MJR used the same hardware profile we use, and people often flash Pinscape on their VirtuaPin boards when following these suggestions. It renders them useless and requires them to send their boards in.

 

Thousands of people are satisfied with their VirtuaPin Plunger Kits, including the OP. It's likely the issue is the broken rod, which I will replace at no charge at all, 2-1/2 years after purchase. That's the benefit of going with VirtuaPin. I back my stuff 100%!

 

Thank you I really appreciate it! Can you point me in the direction of where to fins how to calibrate and sey it up in Visual Pinball. Perhaps I didn't do that correctly and that is causing the issue as well

[mrjcrane]

Sure the configuration utility and user manual are found here.

VirtuaPin™ Digital Plunger Kit v3 [VPC-PlngrKit] - $159.95 : VirtuaPin, The Virtual Pinball Cabinet

 

Additional discussion regarding calibration is covered in this forum thread .... Good luck to you, will be fun for you when it is working correctly.

VirtuaPin v3 plunger adjustment / key mapping - VP Help Center - VPForums.org

[QuickSave80]

Thanks! I did not have it calibrated correctly but fixing that did not solve the issue. At this point I started trying random things and when I checked "override default button layout" it not only fixed the plunger from starting pulled but also fixed the right flipper starting pressed! Not sure how it fixed it but it may be a good thing to pass along in case someone else has the same problem.

[billycarp77]

Thanks! I did not have it calibrated correctly but fixing that did not solve the issue. At this point I started trying random things and when I checked "override default button layout" it not only fixed the plunger from starting pulled but also fixed the right flipper starting pressed! Not sure how it fixed it but it may be a good thing to pass along in case someone else has the same problem.

 

 

I want to thank the OP for this post. It just now solved my problem. My plunger kit was acting very odd. Keys seeemed to get out of order. When I would unplug plunger kit all worked fine. Changing "override default button layout" cleared it up. 

 

However, I have one last issue. When I start a new game the plunger kit isn't recognized. When I unplug the USB cable and plug back in, it works fine until I start a new game. 

 

Any ideas? Thanks.