[KB-018] Why is my X-Force Haptics Kit plunger not registering motion?

Product: X-Force Haptics Kit | Platform: VR (Quest) | Confidence: High

Answer:

If your X-Force Haptics Kit plunger is not registering motion, check the following:

Firmware version 3.64 for the Arcade2TV-XR controller addresses USB disconnection behavior, which can cause the Meta Quest headset screen to rapidly turn on and off during use. It is also important that the firmware for the dongle is v3.43 and the firmware for the haptics PCB is version 1.8. Arcade2TV-XR controller firmware version 3.64 requires the Haptics Kit firmware to be updated to version 1.8 to ensure full system compatibility, as earlier firmware versions or partial updates may not correct a total lack of plunger response, whereas physical sticking or a failure to retract indicates a mechanical defect requiring a replacement assembly. download firmware V3.64 here: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0714/3224/1434/files/Arcade2TV_Wired_Ctrl_APP_3_64.bin?v=1769595306

In Pinball FX VR, the plunger implementation works in stepped increments due to how the game processes input, even though the physical plunger is fully analog and capable of smooth movement. The in-game behavior is currently limited on the software side, with improvements expected through future firmware and game updates. The analog plunger's smooth, continuous movement can be verified in other Zen VR pinball titles such as Pinball Classics VR or Star Wars Pinball VR by using the wireless dongle in X-input mode, confirming that stepped movement is a software limitation specific to Pinball FX VR. Plunger input functionality on the Arcade2TV-XR and X-Force Haptics Kit is dependent on the design of the specific pinball table; tables modeled after real-world machines that do not feature a physical plunger, such as Medieval Madness, will not support plunger input and instead utilize a button for ball launching. While engineering samples of the X-Force Haptics Kit may feature 3D-printed plungers, the final production units will utilize plastic-molded plungers for higher precision.

Troubleshooting Steps:

For issues with the plunger not functioning in Pinball FX VR, ensure the game is updated to the latest version available on the headset.

The plunger functionality on the X-Force Haptics Kit is specifically implemented using XInput to provide analog input compatibility for pinball software; it is not currently supported in D-input mode.

To verify X-Force Haptics Kit plunger functionality on a PC via a wired USB-B connection, the controller must be set to Keyboard Mode (indicated by a red blinking light), which allows the plunger to register as mouse scrolling in a web browser; successful registration of mouse scrolling in this mode confirms that the plunger hardware is functioning correctly. To perform a hardware test of the plunger using the Gen 2 wireless dongle and a text editor on a PC, the dongle must be set to blinking red mode for the plunger pulls to register as keystrokes.

To diagnose plunger hardware issues, users should connect the Gen 2 wireless dongle to a PC in blinking purple (Pinball) mode and use the Windows Game Controller settings (joy.cpl); if the analog bar jumps or skips when pulling the plunger, it indicates a hardware issue, whereas smooth movement confirms the hardware is functioning correctly.

When troubleshooting plunger motion issues, customers may be asked to remove the plunger unit, open its casing, and provide clear photos of the two internal optical sensors for diagnosis.

Use an oscilloscope to verify that the plunger module generates square wave pulses on the blue, purple, and orange wires during actuation, which confirms the health of the optical sensors.

For advanced diagnostics, an oscilloscope can be used to observe signal waveforms, data activity, and power delivery at the plunger socket on the haptics PCB.

Plunger encoder data processing and calculation logic are handled directly on the haptics PCB; if the plunger is verified to be generating signals but the system does not respond, the haptics PCB is the likely source of the fault. When diagnosing a non-responsive plunger, if the solenoids, vibration, and physical nudge are all functioning correctly, it confirms the issue is likely a physical defect within the plunger assembly itself.

Common Causes:

Replacement Policy: