13 replies to this topic

[Ltek]

Anyone figure out how to get the Plunger to work the same in all tables? Most tables the 'pull back' is very slow, not in sync with the physical action. A few tables like Deadpool and Batman 66 it works perfectly.

 

I have tried the Windows Registry fix (below) but that didnt help

 

 

<registry fix>

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\MediaProperties\PrivateProperties\DirectInput\VID_0525&PID_9527\Calibration\0\Type\Axes\2]

"Calibration"=hex:80,00,00,00,bf,00,00,00,fe,00,00,00

 

thx!

[Tesla]

Seems to be working fine for me on Heavy-Metal VPX Table.

 

That Registry key looks like a forced Windows calibration to the ALP's "HID Interface" . I've found that for the ALP's "controller" to work properly in Windows (and VPX) it needs to be non-calibrated (ie, just Defaulted).

 

In the Windows Game Controller Tester, you should see it the Plunger on Axis-Z . At rest, it should be at 50%. As you pull back, it gradually goes right to 100%.

 

I also have my Button-2 (the white one with arrow) set for "Plunger" in VPX-Prefs (I call it the "Launch Ball" button). I think it works better for Tables that expect a Trigger-Plunger (like Last Action Hero or Star Trek TNG). 

[strells]

I don't see this issue on my ALP.  Not sure what might be your issue.

[Ltek]

Some tables act normal, like a real analog plunger (Batman 66, Batman Data East, Deadpool, etc) BUT most VPx tables (Iron man and others) the table's plunger retracts in slow motion as if while hold a button in makes the plunger slowly retract until you release the button. I'm talkign several seconds to get it to retract fully. Definitely not like a realistic plunger.

Then on a few, the the ball launches on its own or with an tiny plunger movement ... like GOTG

All FX3 tables work as expected, like a regular analog plunger.

[Tesla]

I could comment further, but we can just wait for someone more experienced with current VPX to reply.

 

I did ask you to check something (but you didn't report back findings). Pinscape Controller setup also recommends Defaults or "no-calibration".

 

So, Batman Data East (1991) is good huh? I guess I'll add it to my short list of future installs.

That is my kinda table (retro 1990's with DMD, popular movie, etc.). It was, after-all, the first Batman movie (not counting the one in the 1960's). 

Edited by Tesla, 01 March 2023 - 05:07 AM.

[strells]

Show your VPX control settings.

 

Also, does the plunger pass the tests in the ALP's health check?

[Ltek]

Seems to be working fine for me on Heavy-Metal VPX Table.

 

That Registry key looks like a forced Windows calibration to the ALP's "HID Interface" . I've found that for the ALP's "controller" to work properly in Windows (and VPX) it needs to be non-calibrated (ie, just Defaulted).

 

In the Windows Game Controller Tester, you should see it the Plunger on Axis-Z . At rest, it should be at 50%. As you pull back, it gradually goes right to 100%.

 

I also have my Button-2 (the white one with arrow) set for "Plunger" in VPX-Prefs (I call it the "Launch Ball" button). I think it works better for Tables that expect a Trigger-Plunger (like Last Action Hero or Star Trek TNG). 

 

What do you mean by " As you pull back, it gradually goes right to 100%." ... when I pull the plunger fully back, the video plunger slowly retracts and take a few seconds to be completely backed out. Is that normal? The virtual plunger is not 'real time' with the physical plunger?

[Tesla]

 

 

What do you mean by " As you pull back, it gradually goes right to 100%." ... 

 

 

This is in the Windows-10 Game-Controller Calibration-Tester. For me, it all happens in real-time with no lag. I've found that this tool is a good way of seeing what the ALP's on-board controller (in OTG-Mode) is providing to Windows at a primary/core level.

 

AFAIK, the troubleshooting flow-chart for the ALP plunger would be:

- In AtGame's Native-mode, be sure it is working properly with a few Tables

- In OTG-Mode, be sure it is responding properly in Windows-10 Game-Controller Calibration-Tester (as I described). 

 

Only after all that checks as good (working properly) would I proceed with use in VPX (as it would have little-to-no chance of working otherwise). 

Edited by Tesla, 02 March 2023 - 05:25 AM.

[Ltek]

 

 

 

What do you mean by " As you pull back, it gradually goes right to 100%." ... 

 

 

This is in the Windows-10 Game-Controller Calibration-Tester. For me, it all happens in real-time with no lag. I've found that this tool is a good way of seeing what the ALP's on-board controller (in OTG-Mode) is providing to Windows at a primary/core level.

 

AFAIK, the troubleshooting flow-chart for the ALP plunger would be:

- In AtGame's Native-mode, be sure it is working properly with a few Tables

- In OTG-Mode, be sure it is responding properly in Windows-10 Game-Controller Calibration-Tester (as I described). 

 

Only after all that checks as good (working properly) would I proceed with use in VPX (as it would have little-to-no chance of working otherwise). 

 

 

The issue is in VPx setup or table setup. I have zero issues with stock or FX3... and in several VPx tables its also fine. Windows joystick control panel, J2K, etc... all show the control works as expected... real-time level display. But in most VPx tables its a long slow pullback no matter what the speed of the physical pull it. I'm not sure how else to explain this. I can do a video.

[Tesla]

 

1. I have zero issues with stock or FX3... and in several VPx tables its also fine. Windows joystick control panel, J2K, etc... all show the control works as expected... real-time level display.

 

2. The issue is in VPx setup or table setup.

 

 But in most VPx tables its a long slow pullback no matter what the speed of the physical pull it. I'm not sure how else to explain this. I can do a video.

 

 

1. Good. We just had to know that.

 

2. Then, yes ... sounds like it. That is why I was hoping some VPX veteran would chime in. Maybe now they will ... knowing you don't have a hardware or Windows problem.

 

I only have 5 tables installed so far, but this is what I noticed about the operation of the plunger on my ALP ...

- Some Tables work as you describe (like it's simulating the Launch-Ball Button/Enter key). However, mine is not all that slow.

- On others, the Plunger doesn't work at all (I must use Launch-Ball button). Those are usually tables that had triggers in real-life. 

 

Actually, I have yet to find a VPX Table that the plunger works in a true analog fashion. That is one of the reasons I was asking you about Batman Data East (1991).

 

EDIT

Oh, also ... I don't use JoyToKey (ie not even running) when I am playing VPX. JoyToKey is only for FX3 and TPA. I don't have Steam running either. And when it is, Steam-Input is disabled.

Edited by Tesla, 02 March 2023 - 07:20 PM.

[Tesla]

 

 

The issue is in VPx setup or table setup. I have zero issues with stock or FX3... and in several VPx tables its also fine. 

 

 

OK, I just installed Batman Data East (1991) . Yes, the plunger also works fine for me (and looks to be very "analog like"). 

 

Because of this, I can't imagine your problems with the others being anything other than VPX Table programming. I'm guessing there are various ways to implement an analog plunger.

 

As I posted above ...

 

I also have my ALP's Button-2 (the white one with arrow) set for "Plunger" in VPX-Prefs (I call it the "Launch Ball" button). I think it works better for Tables that expect a Trigger-Plunger (like Last Action Hero or Star Trek TNG). 

 

Pretty much all 4 of my front buttons are the same function across games and tables (in VPX and TPA anyway). 

 

Rewind (Red) = Back / Escape

Arrow (White) = Launch Ball

Play = Select / Start / Primary Action

Logo = Menu / Pause (insert Coins in VPX)

 

Some use the 2 side buttons as Nudge, but mine are Magna-Save since I have a Pinscaped KL25Z Accelerometer for true variable analog-nudge.

Edited by Tesla, 03 March 2023 - 05:10 AM.

[Tesla]

 

 

The issue is in VPx setup or table setup.

 

 

In VPX / Prefs / Keys & Nudge:

 

Did you try the "Enable 1-second Plunger Retract" option both ways ?

[Vegasdodger]

I ran into similar issues with the ALPS plunger, but now it's working perfectly. I found that Wagner's Joy2Key profile added an "Enter" to the Stick or plunger retracted state. Removing that "Enter" allowed the plunger to just communicate its position on the Z-Axis without the additional keypress.

 

As other's have said, having the white, front ALPS button still having "Enter" assigned to it allows those games with a "button launch" feature (Star Trek TNG, Getaway etc.) to still operate, just without the plunger being used. Which IMO is probably closer to the physical experience anyway.

 

I did have the regfix added for a little while, but after I installed a Pinscape for nudge, tilt and knocker, it caused a lot of grief. I removed it and everything works well now.

 

Hope this helps others.

[strells]

I ran into similar issues with the ALPS plunger, but now it's working perfectly. I found that Wagner's Joy2Key profile added an "Enter" to the Stick or plunger retracted state. Removing that "Enter" allowed the plunger to just communicate its position on the Z-Axis without the additional keypress.

 

As other's have said, having the white, front ALPS button still having "Enter" assigned to it allows those games with a "button launch" feature (Star Trek TNG, Getaway etc.) to still operate, just without the plunger being used. Which IMO is probably closer to the physical experience anyway.

 

I did have the regfix added for a little while, but after I installed a Pinscape for nudge, tilt and knocker, it caused a lot of grief. I removed it and everything works well now.

 

Hope this helps others.

 

I added a Launch Ball button under my plunger.  A more extreme but more real world solution.