Analog Pinball Plunger
HARDWARE:
* 45mm 5K Slider Potentiometer
* 1/4 x 4" bolt + nut
* 1 x main spring (0.6 wire x 40mm x 9mm diameter)
* 1 x front spring (0.6wire x 20mm x 9mm diameter)
* 1 x momentary switch (6mm x 6mm x 5mm) (for non analog plungers)
* 4 x 35mm M4 bolts + nuts
* Laser cut front face panel (2mm acrylic black)
* Silicone 30awg wire
* 3D Printed Plunger Frame (Coming Soon)
Arduino Install: (Download Arduino IDE)
1: Download the Gamepad & Joystick files to load into Arduino program
2: Connect the Arduino board with a micro USB cable
3: Go to Arduino menu - tools - Board=Arduino - Port=Com port where Arduino shows up
4: Click on Upload arrow icon to copy code to the board.
5: Wire up the Arduino as shown in the picture "Wire up the Arduino.png'
Wire Up The Arduino
When fitting the 5K slider make sure that the two prongs are at the bottom of the 3D printed shell.
SOFTWARE SETUP:
The plunger and pinball main unit has now been assembled.Check the plunger moves freely when pulling back and forth.If it is getting stuck inspect the plunger for anything causing interference.This could be an issue with the hole not being big enough for the plunger hole, please re-drill it larger if its making contact.Once you have free movement connect your micro USB to USB-A cable to your computer and it will detect the pro micro board as a controller in your "Devices & Printers".Find the device and right click to bring up the menu and choose "Game controller settings" click on the Arduino Leonardo and choose properties and you can select settings and calibrate.Skip through the calibration settings until it comes to the throttle calibration then move the plunger all the way back and then push it all the way forward.Do not just let it go when calibrating it, you need to make sure you push and pull all the way on the slider so you see the bar moving all the way in both directions.Let go after you have done that a few times and click finish.
This plunger was tested in Virtual Pinball and i am not sure if this will work with other programs but if your program has something similar to this setup you should be able to configure your plunger in a similar way.Go to the menu and to the table preferences where you can setup your keys.For the plunger select "Slider1" under the Axis Assignments
You may also need to setup your plunger on the actual table you are playing by clicking on the plunger on the table design and then enabling the "Enable Mechanical Plunger".Make sure to save the table once you have done this.Your plunger is now completely setup.
