Main > Main Forum
Pinball Plunger Assembly Question
Chris:
the solution I used was that the shaft goes into a plastic cylinder; at the end of that cylinder is a vertical pushbutton (not a Happs horizontal) like these:
The plunger holds down the button at rest. The NC terminal is wired, so releasing the button "presses" it.
The cylinder is NOT fastened to the cabinet, it is held against the cabinet by the plunger spring, so the whole cylinder moves forward to absorb the shock of the blow.
As far as microswitch "bounce": Yes there is bounce, but that just adds to the realism, as onscreen the plunger will jog slightly before coming to rest. Your ball will be moving away from the plunger by then anyway.
--Chris
genesim:
I am not following.
So are you saying the plunger atcually strikes the button at its highest point?
In other words, you set it up so the worse possible scenario is that it hits it at the complete depression?
To me, it seems like there is always a chance that a good hard pull would eventually shatter the button.
Chris:
--- Quote from: genesim on August 24, 2007, 02:52:30 am ---I am not following.
So are you saying the plunger atcually strikes the button at its highest point?
In other words, you set it up so the worse possible scenario is that it hits it at the complete depression?
To me, it seems like there is always a chance that a good hard pull would eventually shatter the button.
--- End quote ---
It actually tends to strike it closer to the edge; since the cylinder isn't fastened down gravity pulls it off-center. Also, it's worth noting that a pinball plunger is only pulled a few times per game as opposed to a regular button that's hit hundreds of times per game.
But yes, eventually the button could break. If that happens someday, I'll replace it.
rchadd:
i like the idea of using an optical switch & circuit - less to go wrong due to wear and tear.
mwong168:
I used Tagi3d's which only involves a cheap "leaf style" switch and some scrap wood to mount for plunger contact. You can see in the video it works quite well.
The switch has to be wired in reverse if that makes sense. If you have ever wired a switch before instead of using the usual (+) contact tab you use the other one so the switch is only engaged when it is not depressed.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version