Best Nudge Switch for Visual Pinball ?

[mark shaker]

Howdy,

I'm going to build a pinball module for one of my cabs with real pinball parts for the shooter, start and flipper buttons.

I plan to mount a lockbar (the endcap that retains the playfield glass) on the front on the pinball module and have "nudge" switches under the lockbar's right and left corners.

Anybody got any good suggestions for:

   How to mount the lockbar?
   What to use for the switches?

My best thoughts are:

I could mount the lockbar on a couple layers of foam double stick tape. That would probably have the right amount of give, but it doesn't sound  durable.

For switches, I could use standard micro-switches. I also ran across momentary pressure switches that are used on gun mounted flashlights.

Thanks for your help!

   - Mark   

[AlexKidd]

It's really hard to give an answer without some pictures or drawings of what you are trying to get us to visualize from a somewhat vague description.

I suggest you put in some authentic mercury switches or maybe an accelerometer so people have to tilt the whole cab. 

[mark shaker]

It's really hard to give an answer without some pictures or drawings of what you are trying to get us to visualize from a somewhat vague description.

I suggest you put in some authentic mercury switches or maybe an accelerometer so people have to tilt the whole cab. 

I don't have the time to make any drawings during the workweek.

Here is a link to my cab showing various accessories mounted: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mshaker/marks_arcade_008.htm

I'm just going to make a box to mount on the control panel with:
A Start Button on the left side of the front panel.
A shooter on the right side of the front panel.
Flipper buttons on the right and left panels.
A lockbar across the top/front edge of the box.

Here is a link to a picture of a lockbar:
http://www.marcospecialties.com/mmMS/Images/A-18240.jpg

   - Mark Shaker

[RandyT]

Here is a link to a picture of a lockbar:
http://www.marcospecialties.com/mmMS/Images/A-18240.jpg

Sounds like a cool idea, but WOW, those plates are expensive for what they are.  Hard to duplicate the look without one though.

Have you considered putting the whole module on a self-centering pivot, and then mounting a couple of microswitches so that when you push a side it "twists" slightly and actuates the proper switch?  Might be more authentic and easier to implement.

RandyT

[ChadTower]

Given that the nudge feature doesn't work all that well in the software, it's probably a waste to put tons of effort into the perfect switch for it.  I'd say go with a dual type button mech as you'd find on a Pin2k machine and be done with it.

[mark shaker]

The funny part is that I rarely nudge even when playing a real Pin. I mainly want the feature for friends.

I like Randy's suggestion best for most authentic experience, but it sounds like more work (design and build) than I was planning.

I wasn't looking for the world's best solution, but I do want to incorporate the lockbar, as I've already shelled out the bucks for it.

The only thing that I don't like about just putting a couple switches under the lockbar and mounting it with a couple layers of double-stick tape is the fact that I would have to replace the tape every once in a while.

Any more suggestions?

   - Mark

[mark shaker]

Thank you RandyT!

I went with your idea of a pivot.

Here is a link to a 1MB picture of my finished Pinball Controller:
http://mywebpages.comcast.net/mshaker/SybilsPinballController.JPG


The nudge feature works like so:

The controller is basically a box (with the launcher and buttons) mounted to a base board by a lazy susan bearing.

The box has two holes in the bottom near the front. One next to the launcher, the other next to the coin and start buttons.

The base board has two 90 degree corner brackets mounted to it so that they stick up through the holes in the box.

A "stop board" is mounted to the brackets inside the box. (The stop board is parallell to the front of the box. There is about 1/4 gap between the stop board and the front of the box.)

At the ends of the stop board there is an inch wide strip of padded indoor/outdoor carpeting filling the gap between the stop board and the front of the box.

Right and Left nudge buttons are mounted to the stop board next to the strips of carpeting.


So...

Giving the box a nudge on the right side compresses the carpeting, and activates the right nudge button. The carpeting has enough spring in it to return the box to the center position.

I was surprized on how well this feels and works. It turned out better than I expected.

  - Mark

[BobA]

Wow, those are some serious looking accessories.  The pinball controller looks like it fits right in with the solid pro look of all your builds.

[mark shaker]

Wow, those are some serious looking accessories.  The pinball controller looks like it fits right in with the solid pro look of all your builds.

Thank you.

I can't claim to be a woodworker. I'm more a processed wood byproduct worker (MDF and Formica).

Here's a link to my page showing off Sybil: http://www.marksarcade.com/

The pinball controller is the first accessory I've built since those pictured on my web site. Although, I have a repro Major Havoc controller and original Super Hang-On handlebars waiting for the treatment.

   - Mark