Aimtrak guns - software utility won't run.. - SOLVED -

[radiofrog]

I recently got 2 of the Aimtrak light guns from Ultimarc. I was having trouble calibrating just a single gun, so I scoured the Ultimarc site and read a lot of trouble-shooting info here. I found a lot of good info, but it required me to start off by using the Aimtrak Utility.

I decided to run the utility to set it so I could see the red tracking dot. I tried to start up the software, but absolutely nothing would happen. After reading some troubleshooting, I unplugged the gun and the sensor bar and tried to run it again. I got a failure error with the following:

Description:
  Stopped working

Problem signature:
  Problem Event Name:   CLR20r3
  Problem Signature 01:   aimtrak.exe
  Problem Signature 02:   1.9.0.2
  Problem Signature 03:   50a69bb0
  Problem Signature 04:   AimTrak
  Problem Signature 05:   1.9.0.2
  Problem Signature 06:   50a69bb0
  Problem Signature 07:   f
  Problem Signature 08:   e0
  Problem Signature 09:   System.InvalidOperationException
  OS Version:   6.1.7601.2.1.0.256.1
  Locale ID:   1033

If I can't get the utility to work, I don't know if I'll even be able to set up the guns. I emailed Andy last weekend, but I haven't heard back yet. Any ideas anyone? Please help if you can.

[Malenko]

run as admin?

[radiofrog]

Thanks, I did already try that, though. Same result.
BTW, it's in Win7, 64.

[chopperthedog]

My old computer did this and I could never figure it out. I found that the utility applies changes to the gun itself and used another computer to config gun. Long press of the trigger (10~12 sec default) will get you to calibrate mode on any computer.


good day.

[Malenko]

I never had an issue running it, thats why Im so unhelpful :p   I'd say just make sure the computer is fully updated and run it under an admin account? While not likely, if you are running the gun through a USB hub, try plugging it into the computer or even in a different port. Keep us posted, especially if you find a fix

[radiofrog]

I found that the utility applies changes to the gun itself and used another computer to config gun. Long press of the trigger (10~12 sec default) will get you to calibrate mode on any computer.

Interesting. Unfortunately, I don't have an easy way to hook up another computer to that monitor, since it's in my arcade cabinet. And my laptop is a Moc with no VGA hookup.

However, if I were to set up the red dot mode, and make any other setting changes in the utility on another computer, would those then all hold in the gun? If so, I could conceivably do a back-and-forth between two computers to set things up.

[AndyWarne]

Thanks, I did already try that, though. Same result.
BTW, it's in Win7, 64.

Are you sure you didnt hear back as I replied about this very issue a few days ago to someone.

My reply was:

Try locating the Composite Device which is located under the USB Controller entry in Device Manager. Right click and "uninstall" this. Then unplug and reconnect the gun.

[radiofrog]

Are you sure you didnt hear back as I replied about this very issue a few days ago to someone.

Yes, I'm certain; I was even checking my junk mail box. Anyway, thanks so much for responding here, Andy. Right now, the gun and sensor are unplugged. Does the order in which I proceed from here matter, as far as whether I try to run the utility with either device plugged in or not?

Also, I see 2 USB Composite Devices in Device Manager. Would one of those be for my XArcade stick (w/ trackball)? Would it be wise to ham-handedly uninstall both?

[Malenko]

Also, I see 2 USB Composite Devices in Device Manager. Would one of those be for my XArcade stick (w/ trackball)? Would it be wise to ham-handedly uninstall both?

just unplug the xarcade first

[radiofrog]

Dang, I just don't get what's wrong here.  I had all devices unplugged and was left with 1 Composite Device.  I uninstalled that, then plugged in the sensor and 1 gun.  Now Device Manager shows 2 Devices again.  Should I be ignoring the sensor for now?  Going to tinker some more...

[radiofrog]

Aha!!!

Okay, it comes down to frankensteining.  In the past my Mame machine was run on an old Mac.  Recently, I built this PC dedicated to the arcade cabinet, but it still uses the old Mac keyboard and mouse.  So when I was trying to figure out what was wrong, I was having a keyboard issue, and I noticed that the trackball on the Xarcade was still controlling the mouse... which wasn't possible because I had unplugged it.  It's been so long since I set it up originally that I forgot the stick had a separate usb connection for the trackball.  And that usb was running to my keyboard (for those unfamiliar with Macs, the old keyboards have 2 usb connections for a mouse on either side).  I'm not sure how exactly that was confusing the software, but I disconnected the trackball and the Aimtrak Utility started right up!

Now I see what happens when I don't give enough information to the people who are trying to help me... sorry.  The work I do now has me thinking more like a layperson and less like the computer nerd I used to be.

So now should I hook all USBs to the back of the PC?  I think I have just enough ports. 

[radiofrog]

A final note:

Disconnecting the trackball from the keyboard usb solved not only the utility software problem, but also the gun configuration... it went off without a hitch.  Now I just need to set up the second gun and adjust for Mame, other emulators, and PC games.

However, in reading through this forum to solve this issue, I discovered some limitations of my XArcade stick. Luckily I have a PS/2 port on my mobo, but I'm eyeing that I-Pac. Also, now I want to install 2 spinners. I think I may be standing dangerously close to the rabbit hole.


Thanks, everyone, for your kind help here!

And thanks also to everyone contributing to this board, not only for all the build instruction, but also for sharing some really cool projects. I think this is going to become a regular place to visit.