97 replies to this topic

[Flying Dutchman]

rossicomputers, I think it has to do with the fact when you created the Powerpoint you have to save it as a pptx or ppsx, and adjust the script as such.
And also save it to be displayed to the second screen.

You have to play around with it untill it works.

Edited by Flying Dutchman, 22 February 2009 - 08:24 PM.

[rossicomputers]

Works separated fine...

right clich file and show... ok!

The only thong i need :

one rotine to make script run powerpoint with VP..


Only thing i need is the script code with powerpoint paramenters ... That is it...

[rossicomputers]

Works separated fine...

right clich file and show... ok!

The only thing i need :

one rotine to make script run powerpoint with VP..


Only thing i need is the script code with powerpoint paramenters ... That is it...

[rossicomputers]

Works separated fine...

right clich file and show... ok!

The only thing i need :

one rotine to make script run powerpoint with VP..


Only thing i need is the script code with powerpoint paramenters ... That is it...

[Bob5453]

Works separated fine...

right clich file and show... ok!

The only thing i need :

one rotine to make script run powerpoint with VP..


Only thing i need is the script code with powerpoint paramenters ... That is it...

I know you asked 3 times, but maybe no one knows what a "rotine" is.....

Edited by Bob5453, 23 February 2009 - 05:41 AM.

[rossicomputers]

Rotine is a group of lines with commands..


script lines.....
like this:

Option Explicit
Dim ppsx
Set ppsx = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
pptx.Run("C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Black_Rose.pptx /Show")
Randomize

this above give me a error..... when runs...

[Steely]

I got powerpoint to work on 2nd monitor, but not without problems.

First off, I do not have the full blowen powerpoint program that also allows you to create a presentation file, so I'm using the free "powerpoint viewer 2007" (PPTVIEW.EXE, downloadable from MS) and I used a file that the Flyingdutchman provided, thanks. (BlackKnight_-_BackGlass_-_2nd_Monitor.ppt)

This is an example of what worked for me.
NOTE: you must have the file paths and .exe name correct for this to work.
I used the "Exec" command to avoid pathname problems using the "Run" command.

CODE

Dim ShellCom

'Place the following at the end of the "Sub tablename_Init() before "End Sub"

Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\PPTVIEW.EXE /SHOW "&_
"C:\Pinball\Visual_Pinball\BackGlass_ppt\BlackKnight_-_BackGlass_-_2nd_Monitor.ppt")
Set ShellCom = nothing

'then create a tablenamme_Exit sub if one does not exist.

Sub tablename_Exit()
    Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
    ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill PPTVIEW")    'change PPTVIEW to name of the .exe used.
    Set ShellCom = nothing
End Sub

There are two problems with this...
1) Table focus - after the table boots, you may have to click on the table to bring back the focus, so the table script will continue to run.
Note:Placement/timing of the ShellCom.Exec script is crucial to avoid focus problems. You may want to experiment.
I'm still working on this problem.

2) Exiting the table using the above code as it is may not properly close the PPT.
It's a "hit and miss" timing issue which I have resolved, but I kept this code simple so you might understand.

Test this out and see if it works... More later

[rossicomputers]

Got error powerpoint cannot open the file Elvis.pptx

Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\PPTVIEW.EXE /SHOW" &_
"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing

'then create a tablenamme_Exit sub if one does not exist.

Sub Elvis_Exit() syntax error
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill PPTVIEW") 'change PPTVIEW to name of the .exe used.
Set ShellCom = nothing
End Sub

Edited by rossicomputers, 23 February 2009 - 04:44 PM.

[rossicomputers]

Now, runs powerpoint but don't load the backglass file... Elvis.pptx

Also don't close the powerpoint after exit table....

'Place the following at the end of the "Sub tablename_Init() before "End Sub"

Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /SHOW "&_
"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing

End Sub

'then create a tablenamme_Exit sub if one does not exist.
Sub Elvis_Exit()
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill POWERPNT.EXE")
Set ShellCom = nothing
End Sub

[Steely]

OK, we are getting somewhere.

Let's try fixing the exit routine... Try changing code to this....

ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill POWERPNT")
'Set ShellCom = nothing

Note: I removed the ".exe" and the "set Shellcom = nothing" was quoted out for now.
We will unquote "set Shellcom = nothing" if the above works.

What do you see instead of the backglass? Does the program appear on your second monitor?
Remember, I only have the viewer that doesn't show anything if the file doesn't load.
If you can be more descriptive with your results it will help.

Edited by Steely, 23 February 2009 - 11:32 PM.

[Steely]

Rossi,

What Elvis table are you using?
Can you provide a link for me so we are using the same table.

It will also help to know some of your system specs.
OS -
Graphics Card -

[rossicomputers]

Powerpoint opens at 2nd monitor but doesn't load the backdrop picture Elvis.pptx
Using this routine now:
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /Show"&"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing


modified the exit and still not closing powerpoint...

Using this Elvis table:VP9

http://vpforums.org/...d...il&f_id=320

System: windows vista sp1
Video card: nvidia geforce 8800GT 512RAM

Edited by rossicomputers, 23 February 2009 - 11:44 PM.

[Steely]

...
Using this routine now:
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /Show"&"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing...

If you copied and pasted this from your script, you left out some important spacing and syntax.

It should be this...

ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /Show "&_
"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")

or like this...
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /Show C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")


Edit: OK Vista, I'm on XP pro, but I have Vista too. I will try that, give me some time.

If you have a GeForce, you can do this the way Destruk has it setup, without powerpoint or is there some reason you can't?

Edited by Steely, 24 February 2009 - 12:02 AM.

[rossicomputers]

Modified and still the same thing;
open the powerpoint no backglass picture and
modified the exit and still not closing powerpoint...

Be patient.. I Really apreciate your time and help..


Thanks...

What should be???

How can do without the powerpoint?

Edited by rossicomputers, 24 February 2009 - 12:05 AM.

[Steely]

vp9 and the table you pointed me to are both geared to work with a geforce card/chip.

I use an ATI card, which is why I am playing with this.

GeForce software has a display mode called "span" monitors, I believe. Someone can correct me if I'm wrong.
You should look into this... the span mode.

Edit: after looking into this Rossi (I searched this site), it's called either vertical spanning or horizontal spanning modes. Destruk has the Elvis table set up for vertical spanning. When the table boots, how does it look on your monitor? Do you see the table correctly or is it sideways with the backglass image next to it, on the same monitor?

You should really try using this other method instead of with powerpoint. Do a search for "vertical spanning" and read carefully.

We have different systems and I may not be able to help you. My ATI software does not have the spanning options.

Edited by Steely, 24 February 2009 - 01:11 AM.

[rossicomputers]

Now, runs powerpoint but don't load the backglass file... Elvis.pptx

Also don't close the powerpoint after exit table....

'Place the following at the end of the "Sub tablename_Init() before "End Sub"

Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /SHOW "&_
"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing

End Sub

'then create a tablenamme_Exit sub if one does not exist.
Sub Elvis_Exit()
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill POWERPNT.EXE")
Set ShellCom = nothing
End Sub

[Steely]

The Elvis table you pointed me to is called "Table1" in the script not "Elvis" so....

Change this,
Sub Elvis_Exit()

to this,
Sub Table1_Exit()

Rossi, have you considered you may be in way over your head?
There is a lot of learning if you wish this to work.
I know you are making a cabinet, (it looks great), but I think you have a ways to go about understanding how this will all work together.

Be patient and do some careful reading of the posts here at the org.

[rossicomputers]

I have degree in Computer science
I have degree in Computer hardware...

The problem is : doesn't much about visual basic scripts...

That all..

My cab is done...
Runs 100% future pinball tables..

Runs 99% visual pinball and DMD 2nd monitor.. Only missing backdrop picture..

New cab pictures posted tomorrow...

Edited by rossicomputers, 24 February 2009 - 01:25 AM.

[rossicomputers]

Now, runs powerpoint but don't load the backglass file... Elvis.pptx

Also don't close the powerpoint after exit table....

'Place the following at the end of the "Sub tablename_Init() before "End Sub"

Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /SHOW "&_
"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing

End Sub

'then create a tablenamme_Exit sub if one does not exist.
Sub Elvis_Exit()
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill POWERPNT.EXE")
Set ShellCom = nothing
End Sub

[rossicomputers]

Now, runs powerpoint but don't load the backglass file... Elvis.pptx

Also don't close the powerpoint after exit table....

'Place the following at the end of the "Sub tablename_Init() before "End Sub"

Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office12\POWERPNT.EXE /SHOW "&_
"C:\Program Files\Pinball\Backdrop\Elvis.pptx")
Set ShellCom = nothing

End Sub

'then create a tablenamme_Exit sub if one does not exist.
Sub Table1_Exit()
Set ShellCom = CreateObject("wscript.shell")
ShellCom.Exec("%COMSPEC% /C tskill POWERPNT.EXE")
Set ShellCom = nothing
End Sub