245 replies to this topic

[wiesshund]

1) what is the "you popped a game" sound?

 

2) Rowamet used a Taito Controller, it has a power loss restore game feature (you still lose the ball in play)
Either the feature is flawed or the ROM is flawed, because when you lose power and it comes back on, the lamps indicating you have gotten
the shoot again bonus are lit, when they should not be.
The DMD sees them as lit and assumes you get the free ball.

If you exit a game before finishing it, it is the same as the ROM losing power.
Just fire the balls down the drain real quick and the controller will reset with a new game.

Just the way the ROM works.
There are some hacks to try to forcefully reset it on table exit, i prefer not to use them.
Among other things they caused issue on this machine.

Just end the game before exiting the table
Once it runs the match counter and returns to attract mode, the ROM has reset itself for a new game and you can exit the table.

 

3) It has no name, if you are talking about sounds that sound like poor ripoffs of pacman etc
Those are ROM sounds, if you play table with no DMD and no music, you will hear them by themselves.
You can kill them off, just hit F12 and set rom volume to -32

 

4) No, not really possible
The Table has no actual DMD, the ROM has no clue the videos are even playing, i have to pause the ROM
to allow those events to actually play, or the ROM would go on without them, and you wouldnt see them playing at all.

This happens only on ball lock and drain events.

I could give you a key to cancel the video, but VPM would still wait the duration of the video before continuing.
No way to interrupt that, that i am aware of, after it has begun.

If you want to see what would happen, make a copy of the table
then in the script look up all the VPM addtime events
(they will be in the drain and ball lock dmd subs)

change the addtime value to something super low like 2

the result you will discover is, you never get to see those sequences.

[Tesla]

1) what is the "you popped a game" sound?

 

2) Rowamet used a Taito Controller ...

 

Just end the game before exiting the table
Once it runs the match counter and returns to attract mode, the ROM has reset itself for a new game and you can exit the table.

 

3) It has no name, if you are talking about sounds that sound like poor ripoffs of pacman etc
Those are ROM sounds, if you play table with no DMD and no music, you will hear them by themselves.
You can kill them off, just hit F12 and set rom volume to -32

 

4) No, not really possible
The Table has no actual DMD, the ROM has no clue the videos are even playing, i have to pause the ROM
to allow those events to actually play, or the ROM would go on without them, and you wouldn't see them playing at all.

This happens only on ball lock and drain events.

I could give you a key to cancel the video, but VPM would still wait the duration of the video before continuing.
No way to interrupt that, that i am aware of, after it has begun.

5) If you want to see what would happen, make a copy of the table
then in the script look up all the VPM addtime events
(they will be in the drain and ball lock dmd subs)

change the addtime value to something super low like 2

the result you will discover is, you never get to see those sequences.

 

1. Sounds like a hammer hitting the cabinet once. "Popping a game" is what what we used to call it here is the US (in the pinball arcades).

 

2. Very interesting. I'll pay more attention.

 

So, I would rather NO VPX Table ever resume in the middle if I exit. I would rather them all start new. In there a global setting for that? 

 

3. Hmm, maybe I will try, but turning-down all ROM sounds like a poor decision to me.

 

4. OK . Funny, you remind me there is no true DMD. I had forgotten because yall have pretty-much created one for it.

 

5. No, I like them too much to remove them always.

 

So, sounds like most if not all of these issues are by-design or ROM-based. I thought as much but I suppose it doesn't hurt to ask.

[wiesshund]

1) the Knocker?
Fires at game over, and it might fire when you hit high score or win a free game

 

2) No there is no global function, it is an inbuilt function of Taito build pinball controllers.
You can look at some of JP's tables of Taito games
There is a routing in there to reset the nvram on table exit, you can try it but it gave me too many issues with this ROM
causing it to sometimes just fully reset and i would have to go into the ROM internal setup and reset things per the manual (which is in portuguese)
and sometimes i had to dump the nvram entirely.
As far as the ROM goes, that is exactly how they programmed it to work on power loss, not a defect.

 

3) Turn them down, it does it only on the ROM you have open, not ALL ROMs
Just hit F12 and type in -32, that is Per ROM, and the option only exists for ROMs that have no actually volume control (all these had was a pot between the amp and the single speaker, the amp played full blast 24/7)
I doubt you will miss the ROM sounds, unless you play in total stock mode, since the music and DMD noise etc pretty much obliterate the ROM audio

 

4) Nope, no DMD, it's an early 80's South American table based off of a typical taito controller
DMD's are expensive, too expensive for the market there.

 

5) Kind of the only way to have a DMD in a table that never had a DMD nor any "events" to go with one and have the DMD and the ROM actually be in agreement.
 

[Tesla]

1) The Knocker fires at game over, and it might fire when you hit high score or win a free game

 

3a) Turn them down, it does it only on the ROM you have open, not ALL ROMs

 

3b) I doubt you will miss the ROM sounds, unless you play in total stock mode, since the music and DMD noise etc pretty much obliterate the ROM audio

 

 

1. Of the pinball-machines I've played in the arcades, the Knocker only fires when you achieve a free-game credit during play (like a Jackpot or Special) or you Match at very end. Maybe these actions you describe are common for South America, but not in the US. It's no big deal, but it is curious.

 

1a. So, I'm guessing this is another "ROM thing" ? 

 

1b. Have you noticed that when you get a high-score, Taarak (male character) appears on the Backglass and partially covers-up Taarna on her flying-creature?

 

3a. I should at least try it.

 

3b. Yeah, there seems to be a bit-much going on audio-wise. Lower or no ROM-sounds might be better. I'm really liking the music and move sound effects. 

 

So, who thought to make the balls Loc-Nars? Are the balls colored or special in some way on the real pinball machine?

 

https://www.ipdb.org...ine.cgi?id=5175

 

I bought a bootleg-copy of Heavy-Metal movie on VHS at a Star-Trek Convention years before it was finally released on DVD. I also bought the real DVD at the store (still have it BTW).

[wiesshund]

1)

You can go in sound manager and just mute the knocker sound entirely
It is not really important in this table, and i dont think the real machine even has one physically present in the cab.
If you never hear it, you wont exactly be missing out on anything.

I think, but may have forgotten, that one of the lamps actually sets it off (in the virtual not the real)
 

1a)
Only so much to work with from the ROM to try to re-imagine the table, if they had the tech/monies available.
The real machine is very simple, it kinda has no events, no modes etc.

I had to invent them where they did not exist.

 

1b) Yes, he likes to do that, he photo bombs.

 

3a / 3b  try it, you can always hit F12 again and set volume back to 0 attenuation (which is full volume)
you have to restart vpinmame when changing volume that way, just so you know.

 

Loc-Nar ball?
That was just something i did, real machine has just normal plain chromed balls

Internet Pinball Machine Database: Rowamet 'Heavy Metal' (ipdb.org)

 

The ball itself uses several different textures, that change in response to various things
and it also has a glowball effect applied and heavy motion blurring ball trails to to give it that loc-nar appearance.

You could disable all that if you dont like it and i am pretty sure i have a plain chrome ball in the image manager you can switch it to

[Tesla]

1)

You can go in sound manager and just mute the knocker sound entirely
 

1a)
The real machine is very simple, it kinda has no events, no modes etc.

I had to invent them where they did not exist.

Internet Pinball Machine Database: Rowamet 'Heavy Metal' (ipdb.org)

 

1b) Yes, he likes to do that, he photo bombs.

 

2a. Loc-Nar balls was just something i did, real machine has just normal plain chromed balls

 

2b. The ball itself uses several different textures, that change in response to various things
and it also has a glowball effect applied and heavy motion blurring ball trails to to give it that loc-nar appearance.

2c. You could disable all that if you dont like it and i am pretty sure i have a plain chrome ball in the image manager you can switch it to

 

1. Great. I'll try.

I hate to disable it, but it's confusing hearing it so often for no real-reason.

 

1a. I'm only now seeing the original machine. It's pretty amazing what you have done to enhance it.

 

Totally different subject, but I guess you saw that Stern finally made their version in 2020 ? Better late than never I suppose.

https://pinside.com/...ine/heavy-metal

 

1b. Cool

 

2a. So imaginative and creative of you. 

 

2b. It's just Excellent.

 

2c. Never. It's perfect just the way it is.

[wiesshund]

Yes, i have seen the Stern HM table
Not fond of it

 

Oh for Stern's part, the table is just fine.
But as for HM, well most of the original writers and artists etc were gone.
HM began as a comic book and the HM that the original movie spawned from, and what would come along much later just were not the same.
HM2K universe just lost everything that it had in 1980

[Tesla]

1)

You can go in sound manager and just mute the knocker sound entirely
It is not really important in this table, and i don't think the real machine even has one physically present in the cab.
If you never hear it, you wont exactly be missing out on anything.

 

Yes, that works. Thanks.

 

 

3) Turn them down, it does it only on the ROM you have open, not ALL ROMs
Just hit F12 and type in -32, that is Per ROM, and the option only exists for ROMs that have no actually volume control (all these had was a pot between the amp and the single speaker, the amp played full blast 24/7)
I doubt you will miss the ROM sounds, unless you play in total stock mode, since the music and DMD noise etc pretty much obliterate the ROM audio

 

 

 

 

I tried it, but the Taito (PacMan) sounds are still playing.

 

I exited the Table and VPX completely.

 

It is saving the -32 value, but they seem to still be playing (and at the same volume as before ... definitely not muted).

 

Hmm. Ideas ?

 

But as for HM, well most of the original writers and artists etc were gone.
HM began as a comic book and the HM that the original movie spawned from, and what would come along much later just were not the same.
HM2K universe just lost everything that it had in 1980

 

The only Heavy-Metal I know is the 1980's movie. I haven't been following anything since. 

 

I remember the bands, but I was surprised to be reminded that some other big names were involved back in the 80's like Ivan Reitman, John Candy, Joe Flaherty, Eugene Levy, Harold Ramis, etc.

[Tesla]

New issues

 

1. I somehow managed to achive the Extra-Ball. The Virtual-DMD said "Extra Ball Claimed". I got the next ball to launch and the Backglass and DMD both said I was still on Ball-4 (which was correct).

 

The problem is that old-school looking Backglass word-items for "Extra Ball" and "Same Player Shoots Again" never lit-up (with the provided simulated incandescent lighting). They randomly flash in attract-mode, but didn't seem to "light up" when they were finally suppose to during game-play

 

2. If you ever release a new version, it looks like there is a small typo in the Table-Script. Her name is TAARNA, not TARNA. 

[wiesshund]

1) Well technically no one ever made a backglass
i just gave a test backglass with it, in hopes someone would make a real one, i dont think anyone has yet though?
But if i manually take control of the ball to cheat and get it set up for extra ball, the BG lamps are lighting up here.
 

 

2) feel free to edit it in the script, dont remember off hand where i have the name used at.
I would have to look later

PS to get the extra ball, you have to advance the ball lock score, then when it is fully advanced
you have scored the extra ball, but you have to actually claim it to get it, which you do by locking the ball

Once you claim the extra ball, the lamp goes out but the shoot again lamp remains on
until you drain.

Ball lock values
 
White - default
Green Alert
Blue Alert
Yellow Alert - extra ball
Red Alert - special, think you win a free game?

Should be on the rules card, best i could translate
 

as you can see, it is in reality, a very simple table

[Tesla]

1a) Well technically no one ever made a backglass

 

1b) i just gave a test backglass with it, in hopes someone would make a real one, i dont think anyone has yet though?

 

1c) But if i manually take control of the ball to cheat and get it set up for extra ball, the BG lamps are lighting up here.
 

 

2) feel free to edit it in the script, dont remember off hand where i have the name used at.
I would have to look later

3) PS to get the extra ball, you have to advance the ball lock score, then when it is fully advanced
you have scored the extra ball, but you have to actually claim it to get it, which you do by locking the ball

Once you claim the extra ball, the lamp goes out but the shoot again lamp remains on
until you drain.

Ball lock values
 
White - default
Green Alert
Blue Alert
Yellow Alert - extra ball
Red Alert - special, think you win a free game?

Should be on the rules card, best i could translate
 

as you can see, it is in reality, a very simple table

 

1a) I see. Since it was in the archive, I assumed you created it.

 

1b) I'm sure glad you included it. It wouldn't be the same without it.

 

1c) Oh really? Good. I will watch closer next time.

 

2) My first Table Mod? Sure, I will try.

I just though you might like to know if you ever release-it again.

 

3) Thanks for that additional info.

I forget how I did it, but it definitely said "Extra Ball Claimed".

 

I can't seem to get enough of it. I like to keep each ball in play long enough to hear a whole song (especially if it's a favorite). 

[wiesshund]

1a
I did, but it was never intended that people would just stick with it, the graphics arent even very good.
Not sure why no one ever made any good backglasses?

 

2
Eventually maybe, if i change enough to warrant making people redownload

[Tesla]

I did, but it was never intended that people would just stick with it, the graphics aren't even very good.
Not sure why no one ever made any good backglasses?

 

 

 

I don't know but I think your Backglass is very nice.

 

It's a little rough and retro, so it seems to a perfect-fit for not only the Table, but the Heavy-Metal Theme as well. 

[Tesla]

 

 

3) Turn them down, it does it only on the ROM you have open, not ALL ROMs
Just hit F12 and type in -32, that is Per ROM, and the option only exists for ROMs that have no actually volume control (all these had was a pot between the amp and the single speaker, the amp played full blast 24/7)
I doubt you will miss the ROM sounds, unless you play in total stock mode, since the music and DMD noise etc pretty much obliterate the ROM audio

 

 

 

 

Any ideas on this yet? Do they mute or go lower for you?

 

> I tried it, but the Taito (PacMan) sounds are still playing.

> I exited the Table and VPX completely.

> It is saving the -32 value, but they seem to still be playing (and at the same volume as before ... definitely not muted).

> Hmm. Ideas ?

[wiesshund]

 

 

 

3) Turn them down, it does it only on the ROM you have open, not ALL ROMs
Just hit F12 and type in -32, that is Per ROM, and the option only exists for ROMs that have no actually volume control (all these had was a pot between the amp and the single speaker, the amp played full blast 24/7)
I doubt you will miss the ROM sounds, unless you play in total stock mode, since the music and DMD noise etc pretty much obliterate the ROM audio

 

 

 

 

Any ideas on this yet? Do they mute or go lower for you?

 

> I tried it, but the Taito (PacMan) sounds are still playing.

> I exited the Table and VPX completely.

> It is saving the -32 value, but they seem to still be playing (and at the same volume as before ... definitely not muted).

> Hmm. Ideas ?

 

 

Are you sure they are ROM sounds?
Can you record a video of the specific sounds?

[Tesla]

1) 
But if i manually take control of the ball to cheat and get it set up for extra ball, the BG lamps are lighting up here.

 

OK, I tried again.

 

You are correct ... after the Extra-Ball is claimed, the (blue) "Same Player Shoots Again" does indeed light-up on the BackGlass. Also, the circular "Same Player" on the Playfield also lights. So, I guess that is good enough. I was watching for the (yellow) "Extra Ball" on the BackGlass to light also (which never does, that I saw).

 

 

2) feel free to edit it in the script, dont remember off hand where i have the name used at.
I would have to look later

 

 

Ok, I fixed her name (in 3 places in the table-script). Works fine.

Pretty cool ... my first actual VPX Table re-programming. Super easy but I'll take it.

 

 

1b) Yes, he likes to do that, he photo bombs.

 

 

 

I think we could move him to the right of the scoring-matrix (but to the left of the BackGlass middle where the words are).

What do you think?

 

Is it easy enough for me to do it?

 

Do I use this?

https://www.vpforums...&showfile=16726

 

Are you sure they are ROM sounds?
Can you record a video of the specific sounds?

 

 

Pretty sure.

I guess I could, but you know what they sound like ... the main-one sounds like PacMan eating dots.

Edited by Tesla, 04 March 2023 - 06:37 AM.

[Tesla]

 

 

 

 

3) Turn them down, it does it only on the ROM you have open, not ALL ROMs
Just hit F12 and type in -32, that is Per ROM, and the option only exists for ROMs that have no actually volume control (all these had was a pot between the amp and the single speaker, the amp played full blast 24/7)
I doubt you will miss the ROM sounds, unless you play in total stock mode, since the music and DMD noise etc pretty much obliterate the ROM audio

 

 

 

 

Any ideas on this yet? Do they mute or go lower for you?

 

> I tried it, but the Taito (PacMan) sounds are still playing.

> I exited the Table and VPX completely.

> It is saving the -32 value, but they seem to still be playing (and at the same volume as before ... definitely not muted).

> Hmm. Ideas ?

 

 

Are you sure they are ROM sounds?
Can you record a video of the specific sounds?

 

 

I think I might have figured it out... Looks like it's an Option in the Table Script.

romsound=0

seems to work. Not sure of the syntax (ie; needs to be written without spaces) or if it wanted to be Enabled and then Disabled again ... but it's working now.

Much better play-experience.

 

ANOTHER OPTION OF NOTE

 

If you have an actual LCD that displays the Flex-DMD, the option

HiRez=2

Provides a much larger and sharper displayed image.

Edited by Tesla, 04 March 2023 - 06:39 AM.

[wiesshund]

 

 

ANOTHER OPTION OF NOTE

 

If you have an actual LCD that displays the Flex-DMD, the option

HiRez=2

Provides a much larger and sharper displayed image.

 

 

Oh it will do more than that
but it may not be terribly CPU friendly, even on a monster CPU

 

[Tesla]

 

 

 

ANOTHER OPTION OF NOTE

 

If you have an actual LCD that displays the Flex-DMD, the option

HiRez=2

Provides a much larger and sharper displayed image.

 

 

Oh it will do more than that
but it may not be terribly CPU friendly, even on a monster CPU

 

 

 

Yes, HiRez=2 is awesome and very similar.

I only have an Intel-i5, so I just upgraded to HiRez=2 first. I will try HiRez=3 next.

Edited by Tesla, 04 March 2023 - 06:06 PM.

[wiesshund]

I would recommend not using hirez 3 other than just for seeing it do it once.

the CPU load from rendering a DMD of that many pixels it likely going to drag the system down to the point that
while the table still physically runs, all the logic and ROM etc goes out of sync

 

You can try it though

 

HiRez 2 is a compromise between a stern Spike 2 like display, and a workable resolution.

 

You can adjust the DMD style to have a pretty convincing display
I recommend the square pixels, and then adjust pixel size until the pixel borders all but disappear.
adjust the sharpness as you see fit

And of course make that as a separate style, dont overwrite your default style like that