25 replies to this topic

[DDH69]

First of all - thanks TerryRed

 

So here is my badly constructed video of the early stages of DOFLinx allowing Pinball FX2 to drive an array of addressable LEDs.

 

https://youtu.be/lbLQSJk11kA

 

The video shows DOFLinx;

- Setting menu, that is a way to turn on / off outputs to control relays and turn your devices on / off

- Bob's Burgers active back glass with FX2

- Driving the addressable LED array from Bob's Burgers

 

 

Testing is underway with FX2 and will start very shortly for FP for driving addressable LEDs using DOF.  TerryRed and I hope to have a release ready for general use in a few weeks.

 

After TerryRed's initial idea and prompts, its taken me a long time (and Ultimate IO, Pinscape and some other stuff), then I got my addressable LEDs array built, now the base coding is done.  Probably most time consuming is the MX effects and lining them to meaningful table events.  I've been working on a sample FX2 table, which happens first as it has less layers than FP, and TerryRed is working on a sample FP.

 

There's still a lot of testing, configuration and work to be done ... but its coming soon!

 

 

 

[Outhere]

      

[hlr53]

Oh yeah

[DDH69]

FYI - FP proof of concept achieved today 

[hlr53]

Outstanding 

 

Love the matrix on the wall for testing! Not cheap too build I bet? In the next couple of weeks I am starting on the LED portion of my 2nd cab. The way my monitor is tilted I only have 1.5" (~38mm) under the backbox but have a lot of room on my BB between my monitor and DMD. Thinking of doing a panel instead of flashers. MUCH COOLER!

 

Not sure if I should get a ledwiz, teensy or pacLED64? What controller are you using? Apologies if you mentioned in the video because I have to keep the volume off on my laptop as not to disturb the Mrs. Currently in the family room.

Edited by hlr53, 03 September 2017 - 02:27 PM.

[TerryRed]

FYI - FP proof of concept achieved today 

 

 

...and it's soooo beautiful!

[whynotpizza]

Outstanding - will be doing a similar thing with addressable leds down the sides of the play field - need to test all of it first!

[DDH69]

@hlr53, in my cabinet I have 2 x LEDWiz for outputs, a Pinscape for nudge and Teensy for addressable LEDs.  I have another Pinscape connected to my test PC for DOFLinx programming.

 

If I was building from scratch, to get outputs and addressable LEDs, I'd use a Teensy (addressable LEDs) and a Pinscape controller for the rest.  This would give you all the functionality at probably the best price.

[TerryRed]

@hlr53, in my cabinet I have 2 x LEDWiz for outputs, a Pinscape for nudge and Teensy for addressable LEDs.  I have another Pinscape connected to my test PC for DOFLinx programming.

 

If I was building from scratch, to get outputs and addressable LEDs, I'd use a Teensy (addressable LEDs) and a Pinscape controller for the rest.  This would give you all the functionality at probably the best price.

 

Pretty much what I would also do. Maybe add a USB 8 relay Sainsmart as well depending on your needs..... but yah. Addressable leds are now going to be my recommendation for cabinet lighting! 

 

Can you imagine if we ever get even smaller leds, or a small DMD size panel with WS2811 like leds....that would be stunning....and DOF would just scale all the effects automatically!

[DDH69]

Sorry to chime in again with a dissenting view, but I would not go the SainSmart route if starting up.  IMHO, the weakness with the SainSmart is that the drivers do not support multiple applications communicating to them at the same time.  As such, you get a few added twists on occasion.  If you've got one use it, but I wouldn't select one given other choices.

[TerryRed]

Sorry to chime in again with a dissenting view, but I would not go the SainSmart route if starting up.  IMHO, the weakness with the SainSmart is that the drivers do not support multiple applications communicating to them at the same time.  As such, you get a few added twists on occasion.  If you've got one use it, but I wouldn't select one given other choices.

 

Good thing you said something. I haven't used the USB version, I'm still driving a 16 relay (non USB) Sainsmart with my Led-Wiz, so I've never had issues.

 

If it ain't good for DOFLinx...it aint good for me....  

[hlr53]

LOL - I have the Pinscape flashed and I have to hook up the buttons and plunger. Starting next weekend, I hope. 

 

I'll go with Teensy for the LEDs. If not a Sainsmart, what is a good option for the contactors? Probably going with open frame push pull solenoids 12V. No plans for any high powered toys at this time, or maybe ever?

 

EDIT 09/05: purchased 10 4D7 auto starter solenoids for $4.23 ea from Rock Auto. Same as Zeb uses in his kits. I'll report back on how they sound when they arrive.

 

I found (never really checked before) my built in sound card is 5.1 so I may do some tactical feedback also on the back and sub channels. Currently running 2 Altec Lansing cubes and attached powered sub.

 

On my backbox I have room for a 26" (66cm) by 4" (10cm) LED matrix I can put together between my DMD and monitor. Attached. No room behind the playfield under the backbox. Are you guys using 144/meter? I bought a long strip awhile back but they are for undercab and playfield sides and are not high density. I think they are 60/meter 5050?

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Edited by hlr53, 05 September 2017 - 03:15 PM.

[Outhere]

For addressable 144/meter   is the way to go

[TerryRed]

To clarify, as far I know, the tactile feedback option (to replace solenoids) is supported only by Visual Pinball itself?

 

For any other pinball game / emulator, you will need to go through DOF / DOFLinx for feedback options using solenoids.

[hlr53]

To clarify, as far I know, the tactile feedback option (to replace solenoids) is supported only by Visual Pinball itself?

 

For any other pinball game / emulator, you will need to go through DOF / DOFLinx for feedback options using solenoids.

 

That is how I understand it.  Glad to see your settled in after the recent move.

 

Thanks,

 

Harry

[TerryRed]

Yup...and I'm hammering away at creating the first Future Pinball table with DOFLinx DOF MX (addressable led)  feedback.

 

Masters of the Universe MASTERED - DOFLinx Cabinet MX Edition!

 

If this won't burn out your retinas, I don't know what will!  

Edited by TerryRed, 04 September 2017 - 09:17 PM.

[DDH69]

I agree with Outhere, 144/m.  I just investigated this for my setup and went that way.

 

Of course, don't underestimate the power needs of 144/m.  For a full 1m strip to work properly you need to connect power at both ends.  My setup has 8 x 1m strips, so that is 1152 tri-colour LEDs, when all on white that is 3456 LEDs powered on at once.  Its about 60 amps at 5V !

[TerryRed]

Yup, that's what I have is a 60 A 5V supply for about almost 1000 RGB WS2811 leds.

[DDH69]

And cable from that PSU about the size of my little finger!

[hlr53]

8 meters should consume 276 watts (34.5/strip) and at 5VDC would be 55.2A if my math is right.

Gonna need another PSU and at least 6AWG wire.

Edited by hlr53, 05 September 2017 - 01:18 AM.