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Accelerometer Velocity Input User Guide.md

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Velocity-based Input for Accelerometers - VP Setup Guide

This note describes how to set up a velocity-based accelerometer in VP.

Traditionally, VP and other simulators accepted accelerometer input in "raw" form, reading the instantaneous accelerations reported by the sensor. Newer VP versions support an alternative model where your I/O controller device uses the acceleration readings to calculate the moment-to-moment velocity of the cabinet's motion, and passes the velocity to VP instead of the raw acceleration data. The advantage of this approach is that the device can do this calculation much more accurately than the simulator can, thanks to its direct, high-speed access to the sensor readings. The velocity is ultimately the only number that matters in the simulation, so better accuracy in the velocity calculation should yield a more natural effect in the simulation.

When to use

Use the velocity input option only with devices that provide velocity readings, and only if you've configured the option on the device. Compatible devices include:

  • Pinscape Controller for KL25Z: To enable the feature in Pinscape, use the Pinscape Config Tool to set the joystick axis assignments to "X/Y/Z + RX/RY/RZ". This will report the traditional raw accelerations on X/Y, and the velocity on RX/RY.

  • Pinscape Pico. To enable the feature on the Pico, configure a pair of joystick axes as nudge.vx and nudge.vy. Note that you can also configure a separate pair of axes as acceleration readings, nudge.x and nudge.y, if you're also using other pinball games that only accept the traditional acceleration input, but you won't need to use those in the VP setup.

This only works with devices that actually calculate and send velocity data. Don't enable velocity inputs in VP with devices that only send accelerations, because that will just make VP misinterpret the data and will yield unrealistic results.

VP setup

Use the "Keys" dialog to set up the accelerometer. The setup for velocity input is almost the same as for any other accelerometer. The only differences are:

  • Check Analog Nudge Input is Velocity

  • Uncheck Enable Nudge Filter (this filter is designed for acceleration inputs only, so it should always be disabled for velocity-based nudge inputs)

  • Select the X and Y axis assignments where you've assigned the velocity readings in your USB device configuration.

    • For Pinscape on KL25Z, these are RX and RY
    • For Pinscape Pico, these are the axes you've assigned to nudge.vx and nudge.vy

Everything else is just the standard setup procedure for any type of nudge device:

  • Check the box Enable Analog Nudge

  • Set the X and Y Gain percentages. You'll have to experiment with these to find the right scale for your system, since it depends on the device, and also on how strong an effect you like. The Nudge Test Table is an easy way to check the effect and adjust the settings interactively.

  • Board Mounted Face Up and Accelerometer Rotation are used to translate the device's coordinate system into VP's model, so these depend on what kind of device you're using and how it's physically oriented in the cabinet. You'll have to consult your device's documentation for advice (or just experiment with the Nudge Test Table until side-to-side and front-to-back nudges move things in the right directions).