Pinball Launcher Mod

About;
I built a custom arcade cabinet that I integrated a lot of digital pinball features into. I didn’t want an alternate launch ball button so I built this mod that attaches to a virtual pinball plunger. The virtual pinball plunger from Cleveland Software design has a little bit of “forward play” left in it so when you simply push the pinball plunger it trips a laser which in turn activates a relay. This relay is wired to button inputs which in turn activates the “enter” key. It will also launch the ball when pulled regularly because the plunger does slide forward slightly during a launch. This should be easy to integrate into existing installations and was designed with parts to attach to the left or the right of the plunger (depending on your clearance). All parts required are listed below as well as directions. You will have to 3d print the parts that I created. You can build this for under $60 not including the pinball plunger itself. Let me know your thoughts on this.

Parts required;
Pinball plunger;
Legends/Williams Pinball Compatible Virtual Pinball Plunger Attachment
https://www.clevelandsoftwaredesign.com/pinball-parts/p/virtual-pinball-plunger-attachment

Laser;
Model # LS18-S30N2
GTRIC Diffuse Reflection Laser Photoelectric Sensor M18 Series 10-30V NPN PNP Visible Spot 2mm Sensing Distance 30CM Adjustable
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805197277780.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.5.69af1802eCWFQg&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa

M3 x 0.5 thread screws 5mm long (6 required). Note these are the same screws used to secure hard disc drives with FINE THREAD;
https://www.amazon.com/MroMax-Machine-Phillips-Cabinet-Stainless/dp/B07YS4VCQV/ref=sr_1_37?crid=IQ69BH1VIMF0&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GsscCpB5TeXtaYNNRFvn1z1e_DCm1Zxem2KzSPgcnEHGjHj071QN20LucGBJIEps.lurKNbsAuqMfPM8c6wf2vSA5ndTj_A58MCGMv4hzl78&dib_tag=se&keywords=m3%2Bx%2B0.5%2Bhdd%2Bscrew&qid=1755059097&sprefix=m3%2Bx%2B0.5%2Bhdd%2Bscrew%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-37&xpid=PruOk-H8T74KB&th=1
M18 x 1.0 Steel Hex Nuts (2 required);
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CN2YR48D?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

20 mm circular mirror
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098NMXFRB?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title&th=1

Determine which side you want the laser to be on and print the corresponding .stl file for that orientation “Pinball Launch Mod P2 [right or left hand]” AND “Pinball Launch Mod P1 MAIN BODY”. USE BLACK MATTE OR ANY LIGHT DIFFUSING COLOR ONLY! Note when printing the main body it is best if you print it on it’s side and make sure you support the circles (see slicer image). I used .15 mm, 15% infill with organic supports. Failure to use Black Matte filament could cause the light to reflect back to the sensor and cause false triggers (I added an angle at the end to prevent this though).
Lightly file circles on the 3d printed materials where supports were located and press mirror into circle on “Pinball Launch Mod P2 [right or left hand]”. It should be a snug fit and glue should not be necessary. Be sure to clean out any support material left in the small mounting holes for the relay board (this is difficult and tedious but any material left will cause the screws to strip).
Secure relay board to “Pinball Launch Mod P1 MAIN BODY” using M3 x 0.5 screws (small screws without washer heads). Make sure you install the relay board furthest away from the launcher knob so that it leaves room for wiring (the main body was designed to be reversible Left or Right hand so two screw holes will remain unused).
Install laser sensor using (2) 18 mm nuts. Install it so that it is away from the plunger knob so that you have room to access the brass screw on the back of the laser later if adjustment is ever needed.
Install “Pinball Launch Mod P2 [right or left hand]” to laser using (2) 18 mm nuts.
Wire laser to relay.
BROWN from Laser goes to DC+
BLUE from Laser goes to DC-
BLACK from Laser goes to IN
12(+) from 12 volt power supply ALSO goes with Brown under DC+
12v(-) from 12 volt power supply ALSO goes with Blue under DC-
NOTE If you will not have access to the bottom of the plunger after installation you should attach wire to the 12v terminals now in preparation for wiring to 12 volt power supply later.
Prepare relay for button inputs. The COM and NO terminals of the relay board will go to whatever encoder you are using (IPac or button inputs from a pinscape compatible board). If you will not have access to the bottom of the plunger after installation you should attach wire to these terminals now in preparation for wiring to button inputs later.
COM will go to COM side of your button inputs
N.O. will go to the terminal # you will be programming
Prepare pinball plunger by removing the (2) small screws on the white slider board and separating the spring assembly from the slider assembly. IMPORTANT- using a razer knife slit the rubber on the end of the pinball plunger shaft and remove the rubber cap (see picture, there is no rubber on the end of the shaft). The rubber cap is matte black and will diffuse the laser instead of activating it.
Using (2) M3 x 0.5 screws install your laser assembly to the slider rail of the pinball plunger assembly.
Wire relay board using 12 volt power source. Adjust mirror assembly distance so that the laser sensor is not tripped but any slight forward movement of the plunger trips it. Focus on the LED located on the back of the laser as your indicator OR the audible “click” from the relay. Note that your laser may need range adjustment in order to trigger (adjust the brass set screw on the laser to adjust this). The orientation of the laser will also affect adjustment and it needs to be spun so that the (2) eyes on the front of the laser are horizontal (the wire on the back should also line up with the wire holder if in the correct orientation).
Reinstall pinball plunger slider assembly to plunger assembly.
(Optional). Using the brass set screw at the back of the laser adjust the laser sensor distance to only what is needed (slightly longer than the distance required for the pinball plunger to trip the sensor). The Matte black 3d printed material should diffuse the light and a range setting should not be required but if it did fail, it would suck to have to troubleshoot why your “enter” button is stuck down… DOUBLE check your settings and make sure everything is tight so that it doesn’t loosen over time.
Program your button input to be the “enter” key which is launch ball for most people.
Go back to the source where you found this MOD and give me any feedback. Enjoy