Good question....I would be interested in knowing this as well. My guess is that they need to make it almost parallel to the play-field to trip the switch, which would mean that a slow rolling ball would not set it off.

It has to spin around far enough to lift the switch. Sometimes a partial spin will do ot.

Tron specifically has different software behavior as far as that goes, to the best of my knowledge. If it's a single "hit" on the switch Tron specifically may register some points and a sound effect but you will NOT be awarded the shot for Quorra. It has to hit it a few times to count. Any solid state game I've ever owned will register points on any spinner "hit" that tilts it enough to make the contacts come together, but Tron is the only game I know of where a spinner is used in this manner. It kind of makes sense, because just nicking the spinner shouldn't count, it should have to go through the shot, and that's how it's determined by the game if it's a few spins it probably went through.

*Edit* If it registers on switch test by rolling the ball under it slowly, it doesn't need to be adjusted, and you're just dealing with the wierd code.

+1

As long as you have the switch adjusted properly then the rest is up to the software. Great explanation Frax

I don't think so. For kicks, I just checked both Stern's I have handy with spinners, Ripley's and FGY (3 spinners total). None registered a hit with a slow roll under it. Ripley's has the old style spinner and I believe FGY uses the same assembly as Tron. (you could check online manuals to confirm)

Interesting note about Stern spinners. Each spin actually counts as 2 spins. Once when the switch opens, once when the switch closes. Properly lubed, they will scream. No need for adjusting. Just add a couple of very small drops of light oil where the wire makes contact.

It depends how sensitive you have your spinner switch adjusted. You can make it so the slightest movement registers, but then it could easily go off with nudges or motor shakes (if installed).

I like EM spinners. Ding ding ding, ding ding, ding ding ding ding ding............

Have you tried cleaning the contacts of the switch? I was having issues with a spinner on my Sorcerer not registering so I cleaned the hell out of the switch contacts and it's been mostly better since.