68 replies to this topic

[arngrim]

but could you make your ledwiz work with simpleledtester.exe suggested by gtxjoe?

 

 

here's my GlobalConfig_B2SServer

 

<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>

<!--Global configuration for the DirectOutput framework.-->

<!--Saved by DirectOutput Version 0.6.5224.36307: 2014-04-21 22-16-17-->

<GlobalConfig>

  <LedWizDefaultMinCommandIntervalMs>3</LedWizDefaultMinCommandIntervalMs>

  <LedControlMinimumEffectDurationMs>60</LedControlMinimumEffectDurationMs>

  <LedControlMinimumRGBEffectDurationMs>120</LedControlMinimumRGBEffectDurationMs>

  <IniFilesPath>c:\Tables\plugin\directoutput\ini</IniFilesPath>

  <CabinetConfigFilePattern>\\HYPERPIN-PC\Tables\plugin\directoutput\Config\cabinet.xml</CabinetConfigFilePattern>

  <TableConfigFilePatterns />

  <EnableLogging>true</EnableLogging>

  <ClearLogOnSessionStart>true</ClearLogOnSessionStart>

  <LogFilePattern>c:\Tables\plugin\directoutput\ini\DirectOutput.log</LogFilePattern>

</GlobalConfig>

[snafu]

Yes, SimpleLEDtester.exe lights up the 3 LEDs I have connected to LEDwiz. I know LEDwiz is "electronically" ready to test. It's DOF that is causing my problems. See attached screenshot when I bring up DOF from the B2S plugins window.

 

Now, I took your global config info you thoughtfully provided (thank you). I edited the path to match mine and saved it as an XML file (using an XML editor). Then I loaded the file using DOFConfiguration Tester. Then I clicked on Show DirectOutput Frontend. The Global Configurator window appears and it shows the XML file I just imported as the "Global config file". But as before I am now stuck. I can't save anything as I get the "invalid data, please correct"?? The DOF Global Configurator Tool simply doesn't let me do anything other than identify the LEDwiz number. I can't save a Global Config file no matter what I try. I always get the "it contains invalid data" error. Even when I try to save a blank, unedited config file. What the heck am I missing?

Attached Files

•  DOF.jpg   124.82KB   14 downloads

Edited by snafu, 21 October 2014 - 10:11 PM.

[snafu]

Sorry, but I still can't get DOF to run. This thread has been rambling on, so I am going to recap everything I have done so far. I have the feeling I have missed a step and maybe someone can point that out. I will also upload a screenshot of the DOF window as it now is. 

 

 

1. I have B2S Server running and working. B2S tables have the fully active BG. I have verfied that there are no other instances of the B2S executibales anythwere other than in the "tables" folder.

 

2. I have installed DOF (ver 0.6.5053.22548) in C:\Program Files (86)\Visual Pinball\Tables\plugins\DirectOutput

    The DirectOutput folder has a subfolder called "config" where I have put the DOF output config INI file. I have also made sure the DLL files were not blocked.

 

3. I have edited the Core.vbs file and remarked-out the line "Loadscript("ledcontrol.vbs"):Err:Clear"

 

4. At the DOF site I have gone to the "Ports Assignment" section and picked a few different devices for ports 1,2,3. I have saved, then exported the "directoutputconfig.zip" file. I then placed the unzipped directoutputconfig.ini file in the  "C:\Program Files (86)\Visual Pinball\Tables\plugins\DirectOutput\config" folder.

 

5. I have 3 LEDs connected to the LEDwiz on ports 1,2,3. I ran the SimpleLEDtester program and verified that the 3 LEDs light up.

 

6. I loaded a table in VP (Creature from the black lagoon - since it is a B2S table). I right click on the BG and in the bottom of the new window I click on "plugins". In the new window the DOF plugin is shown as inactive with an error:

"Disabled due to exception. DOF has encountered an exception. Inner exception, object reference not set to an instance of an object. Object reference not set."

 

7. If I double click on the error I see the DOF Global Configuration Tool window appear. In it it shows that pretty much nothing is loaded. Specifically:

No Table Set

No Table ROM found

No Table configuration found

No cabinet configuration found

Only recently have I been able to get the Global Config file to load (see #8 below).

 

8. "Outhere" graciously supplied me with what he has for a Global Config file. After renaming it to GlobalConfig_B2SServer and dropping it in the "config" folder DOF now sees and loads the file.

However, DOF still doesn't run. It seems it still needs a Table and a Cabinet Config file? I don't know how to generate those, or even if I am supposed to?

 

9. I have repeatedly tried creating a Global Config file in the DOF Global Config editor. But no matter what I do when I try and save it (even a blank one) I get an error that the config contains invalid data and to please correct it. Doesn't say what that exactly is. No, that would be too easy. 

 

 

I guess my problem boils down to not being able to track down a definitive "here's how you install and configure DOF and LEDwiz" guide anywhere. I am trying to piece this process together by reading numerous threads and the help on this thread. I have a strong feeling I am missing an important step.

Members here have been very patient with me and are sincerely trying to help me. But I am ready to drop kick this LEDwiz out my front door right now :-(

Attached Files

•  DOF.jpg   131.12KB   9 downloads

[randr]

Let me team weaver into your cab I'll fix it for ya

[freneticamnesic]

Team Weaver? Dream Weaver?

 

[randr]

Team viewer! Gosh darn phone

[snafu]

Thanks randr!! You 'da man.  

You got DOF working with my LEDwiz.

I can't thank you enough.

 

For everyone else who has been helping me - As it turned out I had several issues. One was I had download and installed the R2 version and that apparently is not complete as a stand alone install. randr resolved that and found an INI file that was blocked.

 

Thanks also to Outhere and amgrim for getting me a globalconfig file.

 

P.S maybe we should rename the DOF site to "randr DOF" ;-)

Edited by snafu, 22 October 2014 - 02:24 AM.

[randr]

Glad to help! And now you need 10 contactors, strobes, shaker motor, gear motor, rgb lights, rgb undercab, beacons, blower...ect..ect! You will love the feedback

[Name Pending]

Hi, any chance I could get some help with Dof aswell??

 

I'm in the same situation as snafu, I've done everything I can think of but it just won't work...

The .dll files should be unblocked, at least I can't find anything about them being blocked. I "borrowed" a globalconfig file I found online. My newly generated directoutputconfig.ini didn't pass directoutputconfigtester at first but I managed to find what was wrong and now it works (well, it really doesn't but the file passes the test at least).

 

When I open the b2s-settings windows and look at plugins I see directoutput as working.

 

Please, someone help me. I will provide any info you'll need to help me.

 

Oh, and btw. I don't have a true ledwiz. I'm running a arduino flashed as a ledwiz all according to cyclemats instruction over at vpuniverse

When I tested it with ledblinkys simpleledtest it's working and directoutput sees it as a ledwiz.

 

//Richard

 

 

 

Here's a pic of my cab so far. I'm waiting for a larger backbox monitor. I think a 28" tv will fit perfectly. I'm gonna start adding graphics on it any day now.

[Outhere]

1-Is The DirectOutputConfigTester.exe working?

2- Did you put the DOF R1 on first and Register it?

[snafu]

I feel your pain. I was pulling my hair out. Turns out I had a couple of issues. The 1st being that I installed DOF R2 without prior installing the original release of DOF. It turns out that R2 isn't a full install.

The 2nd issue was I still had a couple of the EXE and an INI file being blocked by Windows 7 security (right-click on all the files and select properties). I was only looking at DLL files and you really have to check all the DOF files. Maybe you are having the same issue?

 

randr was EXTREMELY helpful as was "arngrim" and "outhere". 

 

Your cabinet looks fantastic!

[Name Pending]

1-Is The DirectOutputConfigTester.exe working?
2- Did you put the DOF R1 on first and Register it?

The DirectOutputConfigTester is completely blank , I assume that I should see my outputs there and be able to toggle them, right??
I'm pretty certain I did install R1 first but just to be sure I redid it now.

I've checked every file to see if there are any blocks or anything but afaik everything looks fine.
It feels like I'm missing something obvious here, I mean, there are loads of people that have gotten it to work without help but I can't do and I consider myself pretty good with computers and electronics. I etch my own citcuitboatds and program microcontrollers just for fun.

Anyone here who feel up to writing a short step by step guide so that I can see what I have forgotten??
What config files do I need?? After what I've read in the dof installation manual I barely need any at all, is that right??
I've got a global xml file and a ledcontrol ini file. What else do I need??

-------------

Thanks snafu, here's a pic from the beginning (almost).
My project started as a badly beaten Bally Circus from 1973.

Edited by goddamn, 04 November 2014 - 10:04 PM.

[randr]

Ledcontrol.ini? No make sure on config tool site you have under your account dof selected. Generate config and put in your config folder unzipped.

[Name Pending]

Ledcontrol.ini? No make sure on config tool site you have under your account dof selected. Generate config and put in your config folder unzipped.

Sorry, I meant directoutput...config...something.ini
I'm posting this from my phone and I can't remember the exact filename.
But I did however try to use ledcontrol.ini at one point.

[randr]

If needed I can remote in and take a look.

[Name Pending]

If needed I can remote in and take a look.

That would be great.
I'm on the other side of the globe so I guess I'll have leave my cabinet running at night. I'n gonna go ahead and set it up for remote access when I get home from work today.
Do you prefer Teamviewer or do you use some other software for remote access??

I will just try one last thing first, I haven't tried the ledblinky software on this computer yet, I did that on my laptop when I first flashed the arduino.

[Name Pending]

I finally got it working.

My arduino-ledwiz was somehow stuck at id-4. When I reflashed it and changed it to id-1 everything started working.

Well, now I just have to make a driverboard for all my toys, an Arduino is really too weak to do more than blink a few leds.

[parabolic]

Ok - question for you - now that you have it working - was it really worth using an arduino over a ledwiz? I have a Mega laying around and was thinking about using it, but reading Cyclemats very broken English directions is a bit unnerving to me. Plus I dont need to use any of the other inputs - can those be turned off? I wouldn't want to interfere with my freescale. Unless MJR has a complete Freescale output code availible ??

[Name Pending]

Absolutely, an Arduino (clone) costs around 10$ shipped from china.
A Ledwiz costs 45$ + shipping. You can buy many toys for the money you save.
For me the money really matters right now, my wife is studying so I can't spend as much as I would like on this project.

If you do everything right from the beginning you cab reflash sn Arduino into a Ledwiz in 5 minutes and then the rest of the setup is exactly the same.

I don't think the inputs on cyclemats arduino software will interfere with anything else, afaik it identifies itself as a regular HID and if you don't connect anything to the inputs I can't imagine anything going wrong.

[parabolic]

Ok...where's the firmware to do this 5 minute flash...I found so many links I want to get it right the first time.