Need some feedback on an idea I have......

[btp2k2]

Ok guys, I need some feedback on an idea I want to try out.

I have recently discovered the awesome program known as Visual Pinball, and it is starting to seriously challenge MAME for play time.

I want to create a "Plunger" style control on the front of my control panel that would allow me to shoot the ball on VP. My idea is to wire a button to "Normally Closed" and mount this button internally, so the end of the plunger would have the button depressed. Then, map that button in VP for the plunger. When the plunger is pulled back, it will release the pushbutton and the close the circuit and send a signal to VP. Once you release the plunger, it hits the button, closes the circuit and shoots the ball.

Is my idea even close to possible? I typically use the minipac in my projects, would setting a button to NC do any damage to the MiniPac board?

[Bleagh]

The way you described it, I think the ball would shoot when you pulled  the plunger back, releasing the button, not when you release the plunger.

Unless in the prog shooting the ball is more than one button press.  I haven't used that program, but your idea seems like its onto a good start at least.

[btp2k2]

Well, the plunger in VP works just like that little pinball game in Windows. You hold down the button and watch the plunger pull back and release.

So my idea goes along that same idea. the pushbutton in the cabinet would be set to NC. I have the plunger setup so the button would be pressed all the time, so no signal would go out....then, you pull the plunger which releases the pushbutton and closes the current, and sends the signal for as long as you want to hold the button for....then release, it pushes the button back down and whamo! ball shot.

Logically, it should work...my only "unknown" is if any damage to the minipac or Ipac board is possible by setting a button to NC....I don't know enough about the electrical system of those boards....is setting that to NC like attaching a positive cable to a negative post? I don't know, so I ask you guys

[CheffoJeffo]

Discussed a few other places:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=39565

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=41345.0

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56978.0

I don't see a problem with using the NC ... the signal is the same, right ?

Cheers

[btp2k2]

Yeah, I figured as much....but with my wife already giving me dirty looks with how much I have put into it already, I can't really afford to go out and lay down more cash on a new minipac, so I had to make sure.....

I like the idea the guy had on the robobox with using a leaf switch....might hold up a little better than a microswitch

[btp2k2]

Did some testing this evening with my finger acting as the plunger, works like a charm!

Thanks for the info guys!