My Visual Pinball Build

[isiolia]

so the software isn't set up for force feedback/velocity-based launching? That would seem an important element of most pinball machines...

Quickly looking on their forums, it seems like the software can support that, but it requires both more hardware and more advanced configuration, including the table supporting it (like here).

[CRTGAMER]

How does your plunger interface with the computer?

well i don't have the software up and running, but my idea was to have the plunger end up against one of the micro switches so when its pulled back and let go it hits the micro switch thats hooked up to the ipac and acts as the button that shoots the ball.

The table is amazing! I can see how you can go nuts and add a nice round of tables into the hard drive. Nice that you have a real plunger to allow launching a ball by slamming with the palm of the hand. Great idea making it active thru a micro switch. I'm not keen on if the variables of ball launch is allowed on the Visual Pinball plunger control, but a couple of options.

If multiple digital inputs is allowed for different launch ball speeds, a few micro or leaf switches could be placed on the plunger spring compression travel. The hardest "slam" shot of the plunger could be the fully compressed spring where the plunger is completely bottomed. This would work if the plunger does not fully bottom during light pulls of the plunger handle. Maybe you could modify the plunger to have a wider travel of the spring compression or throw in a short stiff spring inside?

According to isiolia's link, analog detection such such a mouse is supported. You could add your own using ball mouse parts. Tie the plunger to a rack and pinion layout to spin the encoder wheel. Or just mount a fine toothed encoder plate on the inside table end of the plunger rod such as a deep notched hack saw blade. The blade could drag without touching across the mouse pickup sensor. The trick would be to get just the right sensitivity, Microsoft Mouse encoders tend to be the "fastest". A lot of work to just detect the speed of the plunger to get the variance in ball launches though. Or just invest in that analog plunger at the link.

Oh and I love that AC unit on the wall too!

[fastbilly1]

How does your plunger interface with the computer?

well i don't have the software up and running, but my idea was to have the plunger end up against one of the micro switches so when its pulled back and let go it hits the micro switch thats hooked up to the ipac and acts as the button that shoots the ball.

Clever. I am curious to how well it works

[sevin0seven]

amazing quality work!

[CRTGAMER]

How does your plunger interface with the computer?

well i don't have the software up and running, but my idea was to have the plunger end up against one of the micro switches so when its pulled back and let go it hits the micro switch thats hooked up to the ipac and acts as the button that shoots the ball.

Clever. I am curious to how well it works

Same here, looks like an easy mod in light of all the work put into the custom table. Please post a pic if you do this. I think you would be limited to one ball launch speed versus the analog plunger. This might be an issue on some tables when aiming for say a center drop chute.

[isiolia]

I think you would be limited to one ball launch speed versus the analog plunger. This might be an issue on some tables when aiming for say a center drop chute.

It looked to me like the software does have different launch speeds based on how long you hold down the launch button (here down under Keyboard layout). The more elaborate plunger mechanisms are probably more for an authentic feel. Though, that being said, so is building a stand alone unit