Megatouch security key saver for all Maxx, Force, Ion - looking for beta testers

[Megatouchmike]

Hey all,

Working on a new project, a linux shared library that will automatically dump your security key and load it from disk on subsequent boots.  Basically, what this will do is protect your machine in the event that the battery in your security key dies.  We all know keys dying today are rare, and even though my original Maxx key from 1999 is still working, time is ticking...

This will *not* make your machine keyless but instead check to see if the same key is still inserted (the serial can be read even after the key dies), and if so, return the original key data to the game so that it boots.  The best part about this library is that it's one file that will run on all Linux-based platforms (Maxx, Force, Ion).  For Force and Ion, it can be permanently loaded onto your machine simply by putting a USB stick in it when booting.  Maxx will require some extra work due to lack of USB support.

Advantages
- Works with your existing hard drive (no hard drive swapping needed)
- Completely free of any binary hacking
- Completely free of side effects from buggy keyless hacks (like volume control not working, tri-towers crashing)
- Will 100% pass all in-game checksums for that original megatouch feel 
- No entering commands into the linux shell
- Will survive factory resets
- Drive can be easily cloned and still boot as long as you have your original security key (regardless if dead or not)
- Save your security key forever, eventually will incorporate a feature where it will save the key back to the USB stick in case a new hard drive/reinstall is necessary

Disadvantages
- It's an alpha/beta version so there might be some issues but it can't (at least in theory?) completely kill your machine, so I recommend backing up your hard drive before using

Looking for anyone who might be willing to test.  I am designing this for people who have never worked on megatouches/arcades before to make it as easy as possible, so you are welcome to test if you know how to plug in a USB drive to your megatouch and turn it on 

Edit 12/28/23: official release at https://www.meritgames.com/megatouch-security-key-saver/

[Dazzzzz]

Interesting stuff, i would be very happy to take a look.
Feel free to DM me if you would like me to test anything for you.
I have some experience with the Megatouch code so would be good to see how this is done

[DrAlves]

Very Nice!!
I'm in!

[lilshawn]

hi Mike, sent you a PM about a week ago and haven't heard back. Could I get you to have a look at it and get back to me? Thanks!

[mahkeymike]

maybe his inbox is full

[Megatouchmike]

hi Mike, sent you a PM about a week ago and haven't heard back. Could I get you to have a look at it and get back to me? Thanks!

Sorry didn't see it. I emailed you

[tlandrews]

I bought a keyless 2014 off eBay and I get errors in some games would this fix my problem

[lilshawn]

no.

from what i understand is the system key has 2 things... a serial number (permanent and unique to each key) and volatile key data (backed up by a battery and unique to the system version year (ion 2014 or whatever))

the megatouch asks the key for data, and the key spits out its serial number and the volatile key data contained in the memory pages to the system... problem is, the batteries inside these will eventually run out and the data will disappear. when it asks for the key data it will spit out the serial number... and a bunch of empty key page data.

what this would do is copy the keydata onto the system to back it up so that when/if the battery inside the key fails, when it asks for the key data it will spit out the serial number... and a bunch of empty key page data... the system will read the backup file and continue to operate.

TL;DR - you have to have an already working key for this to work.


also, megatouch software requites a security key to operate. if you bought a "no key" version on ebay you bought a hacked/stolen software.

i'm all for hacking your own software and you take your own chances, but profiting off it by selling them is wrong.

[tlandrews]

Thanks, the listing said it was tested and working but maybe they didn't try all the games

[lilshawn]

well yeah...it "works"...


works about as good as buying a burned CD containing "microsoftoffice2021profullversion+keygen+crack.rar"

sure, it will work for a bit... and then when you update your OS it breaks...or when you access the internet it breaks... or your antivirus deletes a file cause it's modded and it breaks.

there is no "keyless" version of this software. it's always required a key and anything that doesn't, is a hack and stolen software.

at this point, you are best to go to ebay or wherever you purchased it from and get you money back, cause you where literally scammed into buying stolen software.

this software and it's keys are expensive because you literally pay for the ability to make money with it.

"home" versions of software like what you can get from golden tee and pinballs and stuff have the coin acceptance ability removed out of them, which is why the "home" versions of these are so much cheaper... you pay 5,000 bucks more for a pinball machine you can put somewhere and charge people to play and make money with.

2014 software and key is expensive, yes... but it was expensive to begin with.

[tlandrews]

Thanks I checked and I am unfortunately out of the return window. It took me a while before I could get it installed

Well I guess for now I can enjoy the games that don't crash

[Megatouchmike]

well yeah...it "works"...


works about as good as buying a burned CD containing "microsoftoffice2021profullversion+keygen+crack.rar"

MeRiT.iOn.2014.iNCL.KeYLeSS.100%.WoRKs.nO.ViRuS.[MeGaMSHiT].jpg.exe

Yep another satisfied customer!!  Just saw one of these drives in my shop a couple weeks ago 

[Dazzzzz]

...
2014 software and key is expensive, yes... but it was expensive to begin with.

Facts!!! - i paid £500 for my 2014 Key when it was first released, seemed like a bargain at the time for the latest software upgrade (i didnt realise it would be the last!)
Ive seen it on ebay now for half that price (original key obviously!) so to be fair its not even that expensive

I know Tri-Towers generated an error eventually without the key but I havent seen anything about other games not working, i wonder how many other issues it generates

[MomoneDk]

For myself i plan to buy a dallas key reader / programmer.
So when a key is dead, i may change the battery inside (yes, it's insane), and reprogram the dallas.

Not the best solution, but good enough.

[navaroli]

Are you still looking for testers?  I'm able to test all Force and Ion versions (and the Maxx versions that run on Force hardware due to unofficial hard drive - eg: emerald, ruby, sapphire).

[mahkeymike]

For myself i plan to buy a dallas key reader / programmer.
So when a key is dead, i may change the battery inside (yes, it's insane), and reprogram the dallas.

Not the best solution, but good enough.

Yes, its insane considering Mikes key saver is soo much easier and cheaper. Trust me, I have already done exactly what you "plan" to do.

[MomoneDk]

Yes, its insane considering Mikes key saver is soo much easier and cheaper. Trust me, I have already done exactly what you "plan" to do.

I am not a linux user, so if Linux is needed, i cannot do the trick.

[mahkeymike]

Yes, its insane considering Mikes key saver is soo much easier and cheaper. Trust me, I have already done exactly what you "plan" to do.

I am not a linux user, so if Linux is needed, i cannot do the trick.

You don't need a linux PC to copy the files to a fat32 formatted usb stick.

[MomoneDk]

No linux knowledges needed, cool !!!!
Oh, i have several versions of MAXX, XL, FORCE and ION.
So i am ready to try the trick.

[DrAlves]

Hey all,

Working on a new project, a linux shared library that will automatically dump your security key and load it from disk on subsequent boots.  Basically, what this will do is protect your machine in the event that the battery in your security key dies.  We all know keys dying today are rare, and even though my original Maxx key from 1999 is still working, time is ticking...

This will *not* make your machine keyless but instead check to see if the same key is still inserted (the serial can be read even after the key dies), and if so, return the original key data to the game so that it boots.  The best part about this library is that it's one file that will run on all Linux-based platforms (Maxx, Force, Ion).  For Force and Ion, it can be permanently loaded onto your machine simply by putting a USB stick in it when booting.  Maxx will require some extra work due to lack of USB support.

Advantages
- Works with your existing hard drive (no hard drive swapping needed)
- Completely free of any binary hacking
- Completely free of side effects from buggy keyless hacks (like volume control not working, tri-towers crashing)
- Will 100% pass all in-game checksums for that original megatouch feel 
- No entering commands into the linux shell
- Will survive factory resets
- Drive can be easily cloned and still boot as long as you have your original security key (regardless if dead or not)
- Save your security key forever, eventually will incorporate a feature where it will save the key back to the USB stick in case a new hard drive/reinstall is necessary

Disadvantages
- It's an alpha/beta version so there might be some issues but it can't (at least in theory?) completely kill your machine, so I recommend backing up your hard drive before using

Looking for anyone who might be willing to test.  I am designing this for people who have never worked on megatouches/arcades before to make it as easy as possible, so you are welcome to test if you know how to plug in a USB drive to your megatouch and turn it on 

Mike i have one crazy idea for Megatouch projects! Can you send me a PM? Thanks

[Megatouchmike]

Sent

[Starwarrior]

I own an upright Megatouch ION Fusion with 2009 and 2014 software / keys.
Testing your key saver tool would be fun. 

[bigkitty1]

I'd like to try your solution, if you are still offering got several years ion keys id like to get backed up.

[Megatouchmike]

I'd like to try your solution, if you are still offering got several years ion keys id like to get backed up.

Sure. Shoot me a pm

[hawkeye9723]

Looks like I'm a little late in finding this. I've been trying to do something similar with my ION 2014 following some YouTube videos. My key is still working for now, and I was able to dump the content of it to my PC for safe keeping, but would like to be able to get the ION to boot from a backed up key in the event that the key dies.

[mahkeymike]

Looks like I'm a little late in finding this. I've been trying to do something similar with my ION 2014 following some YouTube videos. My key is still working for now, and I was able to dump the content of it to my PC for safe keeping, but would like to be able to get the ION to boot from a backed up key in the event that the key dies.

Assuming key saver uses encrypted dump ( im sure it does ) you should beable to use your backup providing its a good dump. But you might aswell use key saver now before your key battery eventually dies. Just shoot mike a PM and he will send you key saver.

[dtammam11]

Mike, would you be able to send me the backup saver? I've just got a Megatouch Maxx and managed to find an upgrade kit for Crown - would love to backup my key before it dies/be able to test without it...

[Megatouchmike]

Mike, would you be able to send me the backup saver? I've just got a Megatouch Maxx and managed to find an upgrade kit for Crown - would love to backup my key before it dies/be able to test without it...

Yes making a few tweaks and improvements. Will send when done

[endertaker]

HI Mike. have I just purchased an Ion 2014 RX machine and was interested in your libraries to save my $1,400 new investment.  How can I go about getting a copy.

Thanks,
Ernest

[Megatouchmike]

Join the megatouch players Facebook group. We're talking about it there

[shortbusruss]

Anybody manage to get this working on a MAXX and can give me a quick rundown of how to go about it? I am still in the process of securing the libraries from Mike...

[shortbusruss]

Anybody gotten this to work on a MAXX and czn walk me through installing the libraries? I am still working on getting the files from Mike...

[Megatouchmike]

Anybody gotten this to work on a MAXX and czn walk me through installing the libraries? I am still working on getting the files from Mike...

Replied on Facebook

[pjportela]

 Hi Mike, can you send me the security key saver?
Many thanks

[Megatouchmike]

Hi Mike, can you send me the security key saver?
Many thanks

https://www.facebook.com/groups/981838061847587/permalink/7219121791452485

[Megatouchmike]

Official release for Ion 2009.5-14

https://www.meritgames.com/megatouch-security-key-saver/

[Starwarrior]

Awesome, thank you! Got the 'green light'. It seems to work fine .