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[ProfessorServo]

Hi guys,

 

For my first VP custom cabinet, I'm wanting to build what I've come to understand is termed a "microcab" (just the front; flippers, coin door, plunger, etc) as dual-use: ad-hoc flatscreen setup for Visual Pinball, and as a controller for VPVR. I've found a couple of build guides, but nothing fully incorporates everything I have in mind, so figured I'd better ask direct questions before I get too far down this road. SEE EDIT BELOW

 

I would like to include:

- leaf-spring switches (x4) for flippers and separate magna-saves

- analog plunger

- lighted launch button

- lighted coin, start, and extra microswitches

- knockers (!)

- analog tilt/nudge bob

- maybe even exciters/contacters near the flippers (?)

 

For the flippers I've been looking specifically at the VirtuaPin switches (in fact, as a starter, I'm looking at just getting the entire Ultimate Cab-Builder's Button Kit), but open to other solutions if they're a better fit.

 

I'm not building in a dedicated PC, but will connect to my existing desktop. Looking at using the I-PAC4 from Ultimarc for the USB interface.

 

Questions:

1. can the leaf-springs connect directly to the I-PAC, or do they need higher amps?
2. has anyone used a tilt bob with the I-PAC?
3. none of the build guides I've looked at have used lighted switches for the auxiliaries. I'm assuming that the I-PAC can not deliver the power for lighting, so I'm wondering how best to wire in power supply for this side of things?
4. again, I hear knockers need as high as 24v to operate. How do I wire for such varied power needs, with the I-PAC as the central controller? Figure I want at least one knocker for match.
5. since it's a microcab, I'm thinking I can fit in, at most, two exciters. Does this make any sense at all? I've played a setup with exciters, and they really added to the experience... but it was a four-exciter setup that was tuned so you could "feel" the ball in 3D space. Obviously this likely can't be accomplished with only two exciters, but I'm hoping they might at least provide a little "feel" at the flippers. Or would a couple of small solenoids be a better option?
6. likewise, does a tilt bob make sense? I think they're typically mounted further back in a traditional machine. Would mounting one in what, in effect, is the first 3-4 inches of the machine throw off "realistic" calibration? Should I even look at solid-state solutions like an accelerometer?
7. anything I'm missing?

Thanks everyone! Super-excited to enter this new foray!

 

 

EDIT: sorry for taking up space, here, folks. I was able to tune my Google searches such that I finally found Michael Roberts amazing Virtual Pinball Build Guide that answers all of the above questions and more, even if it's more targeted toward a full-size cabinet build. I'll turn this post into a build log shortly.

Edited by ProfessorServo, 19 May 2021 - 01:06 AM.