PC System

[PinWiz]

So, what controllers did you use to output to the coils, lights, etc. from your computer? I mean did you use a microcontroller or another type of device.

[Nug]

it is a dumb output board...pc does all the work with special lpt protocol

[PinWiz]

Hmm... That is a good way to do it. I should look into something similar. I have always wanted to do something like what you are doing. Great job.

[Nug]

sent you a PM   

[pinnies4me]

While on the topic of PC, and with the Island a little quiet, waiting for the insert template to be completed (being done outside by a pro) and the artwork is slowly taking shape, thought it might be worth starting to show some of the technical information as drawings are done. So here's a start with a system overview block diagram.

Feel free to post any questions or comments.

[PinWiz]

Hmm, that is all the hardware to it? It looks to be a simplistic and good setup.

[Nug]

yes, i beleive its the most capable and simple also very cheap solution that is infinitly adjustable/ upgradeable hardware platform available for this specific application.

now who wants a npc !

 

[PinWiz]

  Me!!! lol. About how long did it take you to develop this?

[Nug]

for actual code and board running reliably, about 2 months, then the rest of it had to be developed this is pretty much inline with video releases. playfield has taken a long time and also the OS for all the little bits that count (half features flasher control(!), fully featured lamp flash rate(and also the little extraball lamp sequences and attract mode sequences - these are all programmable), TOY interface,fully featured switch matrix(can detect all manner of transition and selective debounce/faulty etc),still heaps of to do's like multiplayer and other system functions like diagnostics etc. i still dont have an acceptable backbuffer solution for dmd yet, lots of these just need fixing though, most of the big stuff is their.

working on getting presentable at this stage and will upgrade as mule 

[PinWiz]

Well, I am looking forward to this, but I want to know if you guys have tested it on linux running Wine. I am anti-windows for what I can be but this maybe one of those few reasons to fire up the old pc and let my mac sit for a tad while I look at this. Either way, great job.