Installing Pinball Plunger for Virtual Pinball

[dgrace]

Does anyone know of any forums or youtube videos with detailed instructions on how to install and connect a plunger for Virtual Pinball (i.e. connecting the wiring, microswitch, etc.)? I have an IPAC4.  Does it connect to that?

I'm currently building a 4 player arcade cabinet which will have 2 side pinball buttons and a plunger for Virtual Pinball, Future Pinball and Pinball FX2 games.  Any guidance is much appreciated.  Thanks

[thomas_surles]

Do you want to use one of those expensive analog plungers or a real pinball plunger with micro switches?

[dgrace]

Do you want to use one of those expensive analog plungers or a real pinball plunger with micro switches?

A real one with microswitch.  Here's the one I bought. http://m.ebay.com/itm/330567362132?_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20150313114020&meid=cbd30b4fc3de43889b59aaaaeb89bb8b&pid=100338&rk=2&rkt=8&sd=121393011632&_trksid=p2141725.c100338.m3726&_mwBanner=1

[MTPPC]

https://www.amazon.com/LJ18A3-8-Z-Tubular-Inductive-Proximity-Sensor/dp/B008ID9J3U

[fiatbravodriver]

Hi is it that easy the end of the rod hits the switch and done? my cabinet is almost done but have been wanted to add a plunger but they are soo expensive.

[dgrace]

What are people's thoughts on the launchball button vs a plunger? Do you know where I could buy customized launch ball button or a smaller one? A lot of the launch ball buttons I saw were huge.

[PL1]

What are people's thoughts on the launchball button vs a plunger?

Disclaimer: I haven't kept up with recent VP developments or new tables/scripts for a while.

It depends on
  1. The particular type of plunger (Microswitch? Analog? Mouse?)
  2. The particular table and plunger script
  3. Personal preferences and expectations

Some tables/scripts were designed to require precise timing of the shot -- advantage Ball Launch button.

Some require a precise amount of pull/force to make certain shots -- slight advantage mouse plunger (see sig) or analog plunger.

Some require a combination of force and timing which is extremely difficult if all you have is a Ball Launch button or microswitch plunger -- major advantage mouse/analog plunger.

You can get the best of both worlds by having both a launch button and a mouse/analog plunger.

Do you know where I could buy customized launch ball button or a smaller one? A lot of the launch ball buttons I saw were huge.

Pick a button size/style you like.

If it doesn't have a clear/transucent cap get vinyl decals from Slammedniss.

If it has a clear/transucent cap print some custom inserts on Avery 8665/18665 (inkjet) or 15665 (laser) clear labels.

More info/links here.


Scott