The Aussie Pinball Arcade
Aussie Pinball Forums => Pinball Mods => Bally / Williams => Topic started by: swinks on September 24, 2012, 09:29:44 PM
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Here is a competitior for the aussie design with a creature hologram lcd mod - looks like a grab from the movie and it doesn't seem to lit up when you get a letter which is needed really.
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he is a pinsider - PinballMikeD
http://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/creature-hologram-mod
a statement from PinballMikeD tonight
"No this is not the same thing, not sure who is doing the other mod. I've been working on this (on and off) for several years now though. Technology finial caught up with what I wanted to do, so here we are. We are currently working with Rick at Planetary in order to receive Universals permission to use various creature videos(s) that will be triggered during game play.
At this point we are not triggering the creature videos using the hologram light, so we aren't planning on flashing the creature like the original game does. We have something different in mind that we feel will provide a more interactive experience. We are planning on show case our work at SPF this year."
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Interesting. Wonder what the interactive aspects will be like? For the moment the Aussie effort seems superior.
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Good to see someone else giving it a go .
I have the aussie one installed and its great !
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these guys are now working on a slightly larger lcd and a screen saver mode with colours that blend in with the playfield - looks good.
The images are a bit distracting with a logo water marked but you get the general idea.
Then when you search for the creature the holo effect kicks in.
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That looks great! Be good to see it in action.
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here is a link to there website, does some nice work.
http://www.pinballmiked.com
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Indeed they do, very nice
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another video released
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looks nice
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quotes from the guys developing this mod - sounds like it is going to be a cool mod
"Here’s a sneak peak of the attract mode video. Keep in mind that this is just a single screen shot taken from the actual 2 minute video. Hopefully, we’ll have this finished for another YouTube video update this weekend. The featured movie was shot completely underwater with a 30fps HD camera; the footage emulates what the creature would see while swimming in his lagoon.
Also, we should be getting our first shipment of interface boards within the next 3 weeks, so we are still on track for early next year."
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News is that Planetary Pinball have now secured the ability to remanufacture the original holograms to 99.9% exact replica standard using the same holo technology from the 1990's. They will made by pinballdreams in Germany and ready early next year (Jan?) from what I have read.
What is the general consensus amongst the pinball community now that we have more advanced tech available - get a repro hologram or upgrade to the screen based technology?
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The new video technology looks great, i would go for that.......
....but some purists might be happy with the stock original look, either way its great to have choices......
....thanks for sharing a cool thread with excellent mods for Creature owners.
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I like the LCD and don't forget Dan here on AP is doing his version of the LCD as well. I like some of the features of the US one though - very cool with a screen saver while the game is playing.
In the end they are all probably going to be $300 to $400 so at least it will reduce the ridiculous high prices of the past.
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Update from these guys is:
It’s been awhile since I posted anything, so here’s a quick update regarding the project:
We finished up with all of the electrical testing last week and now have the prototype system (both monitor and processor) powering directly from the machine regardless of whether it’s a foreign or domestic model. We’ve also added hardware to our interface board that will allow us to utilize unregulated DC voltage sources, so now any insert light in the machine can be used as an event trigger. We’ve also added an additional trigger input, so there are a total of nine system inputs now instead of eight. The ninth trigger bit will be used to emulate the original hologram design (meaning it will flash an image in conjunction with “FILM” letters and play a multiball video when the creature is located during game play), only we are giving you the ability to load your own video/picture files. It will work as follows; the interface board will be equipped with a jumper (to control the ninth trigger bit) that when in place will enable the system to function per our vision. When the jumper is removed the system will function as the hologram was originally design. When the jumper is removed the system will play whatever image you want to flash for the “FILM” letter awards and whatever video file you load for the multiball video. We feel this approach provides the most flexible solution possible. If you like our artwork package and approach you’ve got it. If you are a purest and want to emulate the original you’ve got it. Once the product is released we will have a YouTube video that will walk you through how to load your own video and picture files (so more on that later).
I can also announce that we have selected a monitor for the finished product. Our system will utilize an Insignia 18.5” LED HD 720P HDTV for the monitor (Model: NS-19E310A13). Here is a link to the monitor we are using: http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/televisions/NS-19E310A13.html
We tested numerous monitors during the development of this MOD and this one made the grade. Our criteria was as follows, we wanted a monitor that was HD rated, utilized actual HDMI video connections instead of composite video connections, was powered via 12VDC, and large enough to completely fill the lagoon window. One of my pet peeves with the original hologram design is that you can see the inside of the cabinet when the hologram is lit. The larger monitor eliminates that scenario entirely. We also wanted to use a stock monitor that’s available anywhere instead of some custom LCD screen that’s hard to find if you ever need to replace it. The insignia TVs are available at BestBuy or can be purchased via the internet. We are finalizing the monitor stand and should have some more info on that very soon. I’ll keep you guys posted.
I’ve received several inquiries regarding the monitor, specifically whether or not we will provide the monitor with the MOD. Let me clarify, the MOD will be offered with or without the monitor (you decide which option is best for you). However, keep in mind that if we provide the monitor it will ultimately cost you the consumer more money. This is due to the added costs associated with double shipping (us getting the monitor and then sending it to you). Also, the monitor is the largest component in the system, so it will increase our finish product shipping costs. Hope this info helps.
We should be making a decision regarding the boards (who we will subcontract the work to) by the end of this week or early next week. That along with the mounting hardware will dictate the final price of the MOD. I have several machine shops quoting the stands for me, so that price should be determine shortly. Once the PCB manufacture is selected we will start a preorder thread. The boards will take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks to produce. I know the timeline stinks, but we decided it was silly to try and surface mount all the PCB components ourselves.
The MOD (as sold without the monitor) would include all cabling necessary, so we’d include the HDMI and 12VDC power cables. We want the system to be plug and play. You mount the monitor on the stand and hookup all the cables as outlined in a YouTube installation video and you’re ready to go.
Early on we decided not to mount the monitor to the bottom of the playfield; that limited the monitor’s size and add unnecessary complexity to the mounting system. Plus, it adds weight to the playfield. In order to accommodate a larger monitor (for reasons previously mentioned) we have designed a stand that sits in the bottom of the cabinet. This also gave us the ability to adjust the screen’s placement (forward and backward). So, if you are taller you can move the screen further back in the cabinet and if you are shorter you can move it closer to the coin door.
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here is the next instalment
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Thanks for the update. This project is progressing well ^^^
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another update from Pinballmiked:
So, it’s been awhile since I posted any video updates. Here’s a quick look at the hologram displayed on the LCD TV. Again, the MOD will have two options: (1) hologram emulation – this will mimic the functionality of the original game with the addition of the attract video, or (2) the custom version of the creature as previously shown. Modes are easily activated by installing/removing a jumper pin on the interface board, so the MOD will ship with both options programmed and you get to choose. If you get tired of one mode, just move the jumper to run the other video mode. We should have all of the additional programming (additional new video features) completed in the next few weeks. Hopefully this will coincide with the completion of the PCBs. I’ll post more details (final price, new video features, availability, etc.) in the upcoming weeks.
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100% plug and play
You remove the hologram housing bracket from the bottom of the playfield as well as the mirror motor assembly in the bottom of the cabinet. Then you remove the triac board that drives the mirror motor (the one mounted inside the cabinet on the left side wall). Our circuit board assembly then screws into the side of the cabinet; in the exact same holes as the removed triac board. The TV is mounted on a stand that is attached to the bottom of the cabinet using the mirror motor assembly mounting holes. The interface cabling consists of two harnesses (might end up being 3) and an HDMI cable. One harness is used to power the monitor and the other is used to connect all the system trigger inputs to the MOD’s interface board. All of the cabling will be long enough to be routed cleanly throughout.
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latest update from Pinballmike, with a full video of all features coming soon.
"Now that we’ve tallied up the final vendor costs, we’ve come up with the following pricing options for our LCD MOD:
(1) MOD without HD TV - $299.99 plus shipping
(2) MOD with HD TV - $439.99 plus shipping
If you decide to purchase your own TV (again, they are available at BestBuy for $120 plus sales tax) you’ll need to send us the power cable so we can modify it accordingly. All of the media files used in the MOD were designed specifically for the Insignia TV previously listed in this thread, so if you’re going to purchase your own TV make sure you get the right one. We decided to offer option (2) in case some folks have credit card points or BestBuy gift cards they’d like to use. Plus, option (2) will lower the shipping costs for the MOD as well; the TV is the biggest component for the MOD.
Interface Board Update:
Tony at GLM has finished the design (sorry for the delays, but we kept finding ways to improve the overall functionality of the boards – we’d rather get this right the first time) and we are now moving into production. Per Tony, we should be getting the first batch of interface boards in roughly 3 weeks. We’ll begin assembling MODs at that time. I’ll contact people, requesting payment, in the order they were added to the pre-order list. If you did not email me directly at pinballmiked@gmail.com then I have not put you on the list.
“So, what will I get if I buy this MOD?”
Good Question, you’ll get the following:
(1) One 18.5” HD TV with remote control (unless you decide to buy the TV yourself)
(2) One custom fabricated 1/8” steel TV mounting stand. The stand will be powder coated in a black crinkle finish, like standard Stern Hardware.
(3) One custom pending patented interface board designed to work with up to 8 unique game triggers.
(4) One CPU brain board – This is what drives the MOD, playing various media files based on the triggers registered by the interface board.
(5) All necessary cable harnesses needed to install the MOD (again, if you buy your own TV we’ll need you to provide us with the TV’s power cable – send it with payment).
(6) One HDMI cable
(7) One SD card
(8) All necessary mounting hardware needed to install the MOD
Our MOD is 100% plug and play and doesn’t require any permanent modifications be made to the actual game.
Initial Release Software Features:
(1) Two modes of operation (designed for free play setup)
(1a) Hologram Emulation Mode – When the MOD is setup in this mode it will function exactly like the original hologram. The LCD screen will be black except when the hologram is displayed. Images of the hologram will be flashed when “FILM” letters are awarded and the multiball video will display the hologram in motion. We used an NOS Hologram to create these media files. No, it isn’t 3D, but the Creature displayed is original and he’ll always be green. The only other video played in Hologram Emulation Mode is the “attract” video.
(1b) Our Custom Mode – This mode of operation will feature all of the items listed under items (2) through (6) below
(2) Custom Attract Video – played while game is in attract mode
(3) Custom Screen Saver Image – this is displayed during game play when no video files are running
(4) “FILM” Letter Awards – 4 different creature images are used. As “FILM” letters are awarded an image of the creature is displayed instead of an image of the hologram. The images are displayed in a random order.
(5) Custom Multiball Video – played once the creature is located during multiball. This replaces the hologram video.
(6) Mystery Video Modes – We are developing 4 new videos that will be displayed based on specific game play modes. Two of the 4 videos will definitely be incorporated in the initial release. I’ll have a video up on YouTube in another few weeks showing off these new features.
“How will future software up-dates work?”
Good question, if we can’t incorporate all 4 of the new “Mystery Video Modes” in the initial release then the first update will be free, you simply send us your SD card and pay for postage. As an alternative, we can provide a new SD card with updated software at cost plus postage.
“What are you planning on doing with the MOD in the future?”
We are working on developing the following:
(1) Additional “FILM” award images of the creature
(2) Animated screen saver video instead of static image
(3) A third mode of operation, this is in addition to the Hologram Emulation Mode and our Custom Mode, that will allow you to creature your own version of any video file displayed. In other words, your videos would be played instead of our custom videos. In order to do this we are developing a software package that will enable you to make your own videos. The software would take your video file and format it (rotate, position, and overlay our black bezel) to work with the 18.5” LCD TV.
(4) Integrate audio functionality into videos where applicable
(5) Whatever else we dream up until we are tired of playing CFTBL
I’ll post more updates when we get the boards. Tony did a great job on these; they look fantastic.
Mike"
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The US hologram lcd version is getting close, here is a shot of their board and a video of the video mod and a hologram emulation at the end for the purist
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Don't forget Daniel here in Aus is doing his version of this and it's close and looks great
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=8734.0
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here are some installation videos for the kit
part 1
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part 2
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part 3
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I like the effort they go to instruct and show people how to do it
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Enough goofing around, I finally bought myself a CFTBL It just seemed silly not owning this machine. After all, I’ve been working on this MOD for over a year now, man how time flies...
Update:
Rusty and I installed the MOD in my machine last night as well as the latest software. We then spent a few hours playing the game, looking for any bugs. It’s funny what a simple spelling error will do Anyway, we got everything working. We still have some fine tuning to do, but all of the videos play as intended.
Software Changes:
Based on customer feedback - we do read all the posts in this thread – we decided to rewrite the entire program. Without getting into all the programming “mumbo-jumbo”, here’s a list of some of the improvements:
• Converted all static images to videos (so, now the screen saver and FILM letter award images are videos). FYI - the video software we created for V2.0 will allow you to take any static image and turn it into a video.
• Added 3 new video features – new screen saver, multiball intro, and one surprise video for you to find The MB intro video plays when you start MB; this video plays until you find the creature.
• Added video looping capability.
• We are now booting into the program without using “X”, so the boot up time is only around 30 seconds.
• We are now utilizing a USB. The code is still run off of an SD card, but the videos are saved on a USB.
• V2.0 ships with our custom Windows based video editing software. You just load the software on your PC from the USB drive and you’re ready to start making your own videos.
• Plus a few more surprises
I will say that the video editing software is pretty slick. You launch the program from your desktop, use a browser button to select your base video or picture, and then use various radio buttons or numeric entry fields to modify and create a finished movie for any video feature supported in the MOD (attract, screen saver, FILM letters, move your car, snack bar, left ramp, right ramp, MB intro, MB and more). The software gives you the ability to rotate, re-size, and position your video exactly where you want on the MOD’s TV screen. We also give you the option to choose between any of the graphical overlays we utilized for our own videos (black bezel, black bezel with “Creature from the Black Lagoon” text, drive-in movie screen, your own custom overlay, or no overlay at all) - just click a radio button.
We even give you default window sizes based on the overlay you choose. So, let’s say you want to make a video and have it displayed on the drive-in movie screen. You’d just load your video, select the “Drive-in” radio button, select where you want to save the video, and click the “create” button - you’re done. Once the video is made you just move it to the right location on the USB drive (each video feature has a specific folder on the USB card). If you want to make a test video to see how your video looks before you make a full length video, just use the preview button to generate a 5 second test video. This is a great feature that allows you to get the sizing and positioning exactly the way you want.
Now the MOD can be whatever you want it to be. I’m hoping you guys come up with your own videos, customizing the MOD and making it your own. If enough people start making their own videos I’ll see what it takes to create a share site where we can all upload our videos for other CFTBL owns to try.
Anyway, I gotta get back to work. I’ll post more in the up coming weeks.
Mike
Frequently asked Questions/Answers:
(1) How do I get one? - To get on the waiting list for our MOD please email me directly at Pinballmiked@gmail.com. Another batch of MODs should be ready in the next few weeks. However, unless some people back out all of the units in the next run are currently spoken for.
(2) What does the MOD include? How do I install it in the machine? - Go to my website: Pinballmiked.com and watch all 3 installation videos under the MODs tab; these should answer a ton of questions. There is also a demo video of the MOD in action, but this is only for V1.0.
(3) What does the MOD do? - The MOD has two modes of operation (1) Standard Mode and (2) Hologram Mode. These modes are setup by simply removing or re-installing a jumper pin on the MOD's interface board.
Standard Mode Features:
* Attract Video - plays when the game is in attract mode
* Screen Saver Video - plays when no other modes are active
* 4 FILM Letter Videos - these play for 1 second when the FILM letters are awarded
* Snack Bar Video - plays when mega menu is running
* Move Your Car Video - plays when move your car is running
* Left Ramp Video - plays when Ultimate Millions in running
* Right Ramp Video - plays when Big Millions is running
* Multiball Intro Video - plays once MB is started.
* Multiball Video - plays once the Creature is found
* Multiball Restart Video - plays after the Creature is found and you lose a ball
* Surprise Video (don't worry its family friendly)
Hologram Mode Features:
* Attract Video
* FILM Letter Video
* Multiball Video
Hologram mode was made to "emulate" the original game, so we video taped an NOS hologram for the FILM letters and MB video.
Version 2.0 allows you to change any one of the videos listed above (for either Standard or Hologram Mode). You can make any of the videos featured in the MOD what ever you want. You just need to use our software to ensure that the videos have the right format and codec. The only limitation is the size of the USB drive.
(4) How much does the MOD cost? - After SPF I should have all my materials in stock to start building the MODs (we had to change vendors for several items in this production run), so I'll reevaluate the cost and post an updated price once we are ready to ship. Are costs did go up though, so the MOD will be more expensive than the first go around. However, I think the new software and features will certainly justify the additional cost. Hope this answered your questions.
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a version 2 software just released today
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One of the best Mods I've seen. ^^^ I'd be putting it in if I owned a CFTBL.
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it is cool but don't forgot the aussie version by AP member Dan36 as it was the original and he is into his version 2 as well. I just like to post the development and in years to come could be a valuable tool for those interested.
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Amazing, very cool mod ^^^
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Its better than version 1 , but I am very happy with Dan's version 2 installed in my game ^^^
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it is cool but don't forgot the aussie version by AP member Dan36 as it was the original and he is into his version 2 as well. I just like to post the development and in years to come could be a valuable tool for those interested.
Is there any videos of the aussie version 2? It would be interesting to see.
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check out the link for more info
http://aussiepinball.com/index.php?topic=8734.0