3 replies to this topic

[Spuz]

HI there,

 

First, some important background detail. I purchased a complete VP cabinet (all hardware and software pre-configured) a little under a year ago, one of the Chinese units that the VP community advises you NOT to spend your hard-earned money on! It was only after popping the lid and checking the internals that I discovered VPForums and related sites, and embarked on a journey that has seen me upgrade the PC in its entirety. New motherboard, CPU and a high-powered GPU (the build on my originally purchased system was dated 2019, and the tech has come a long way since then).

 

I could not be happier with my cabinet now. Well, actually I could be happier... The Pinscape stuff just is not working anymore! Somehow my buttons are not operating as they should. None of the solenoids or lights function as they used to, and my favourite beacons no longer fire.

 

I have spent some time in the Pinscape config tool, attempting to reprogram the button mappings. I have gone down the path of clicking "Pinscape Expansion Boards", to ensure I am working with the right hardware configuration, and not just the KL25Z. However, I have noticed that when I attempt to reassign a button and then "Program KL25Z" to save my changes - nothing is being retained.

 

I am a complete noob when it comes to the circuit board and wiring side of things. This Pinscape and DOF world is a struggle for me right now.

 

Can anybody help with a nudge in the right direction? I'm keen to understand if what I am experiencing is to be expected following a complete brain transplant at the PC level. I suspect Windows does not know how to talk properly to the Pinscape boards.

I am reluctant to go down the path of testing circuits and wiring, considering I had a fully working system before I completed the upgrade. I only unplugged the USB connections, and the reconnected them to the new PC. I don't believe I could be suffering from dry solder or any other mishaps along those lines.

 

When I am in Pinscape config and in the Button Testing area, for example, my right flipper button shows up, by my left flipper button does not register at all. The left magnasave is displayed, but the right one does nothing. 

 

I know this is a lot to digest! Sorry about the ramble. I just want my beloved cabinet back in 100% working order (with the new PC powering it).

 

Any suggestions/advice is welcome. Thank you!

[fhjui]

Since you're new to this, there's no substitute for learning, reading, and familiarizing yourself with it.

In particular, check out mjr's so-called "Pinball Bible." http://mjrnet.org/pi.../BuildGuide.php. And perhaps take a look at my documentation will also be helpful, since you also have a Pinscape system with a KL-25Z controller. (link in my footer)

The configuration is stored in the controller itself. Since you've already made changes, the original configuration will be lost. But that's not an insurmountable problem, because with the help of the diagrams within the pinscape-tool, its possible to find  the Pinscape boards used, you can see which predefined configuration is suitable.

If the manufacturer has used something completely custom, unfortunately, only a user-defined configuration will work, where every connection and component has to be assigned manually. But tahts not necessary if you have the original pinscape boards

The configuration of the outputs on the hardware side can be easily tested using the Pinscape config tool.

The connection to DOF and configuring it in the online DOF config tool is more difficult. You probably still have the DOF configuration files on your hard drive, but that won't help you much. Since you likely don't have the account the manufacturer used for the DOF configuration tool, you can't access the configuration you created there. I'm not aware of any way to import the configuration files back into the DOF-tool. The only solution is to recreate the mapping. But that's not too complicated once you know how the outputs are wired.

My suggestion:

• Using the Pinscape configuration tool, first find out and document how the inputs and outputs are connected. This, of course, assumes the electronics are working correctly.
• Then map this list of outputs into the DOF configuration tool, import it again, and continue optimizing.
• Read the explanations and hints in my documentation

[Tesla]

New motherboard, CPU and a high-powered GPU (the build on my originally purchased system was dated 2019, 

 

I am reluctant to go down the path of testing circuits and wiring, considering I had a fully working system before I completed the upgrade. 

 

 

Not sure I understand that comment. You will have to know Pinscape and the rest as good as you know the other you rebuilt.

 

We might be able to help you if you upload a good picture of the Pinscape board, and also how it appears in Windows/Control-Panel/Device-Manager (or Devices and Printers).

[Spuz]

Thanks for the feedback! I will get moving on those suggestions. @Tesla, I agree it is time to immerse myself in Pinscape. If it all goes sideways I will supply pics of the Pinscape boards and wiring.