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Non-Software Coin Limiter.. Any ideas?

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protokatie:


--- Quote from: tommyinajar on October 30, 2008, 12:02:51 am ---Sorry if this thread is dead or not, but I stumbled on this post because I was looking for the same thing.

Atomic FE Had a credit limiter but it was removed pre request of the Mame team, but the program you wanted I think was called Coin Drop

--- End quote ---

HedKaze no longer supports or distributes that program. Would be nice if he did, but I guess it was a big issue with too many people, so he just decided to drop it. Can't really blame him for it, maybe someone else will try their hand at something similar.

Mr Kray:


--- Quote from: tommyinajar on October 30, 2008, 12:02:51 am ---Sorry if this thread is dead or not, but I stumbled on this post because I was looking for the same thing.

Atomic FE Had a credit limiter but it was removed pre request of the Mame team, but the program you wanted I think was called Coin Drop

--- End quote ---

Actually I managed to get a copy of Headkaze's software a while back, and while it does the job it doesn't totally suit my needs...

Really the reason I wanted to have a non-software version is so that I could put in a secret button that bypassed the limiting circuit to give extra credits... Using Headkaze's software the only way to bypass it is to assign another key to 'coin insert' in mame to bypass the limiting software.

Unfortunately I have an ipac2 and I've pretty much maxed out my number of key inputs so I don't have a spare key to assign.  :-\

Blanka:

I don't get it.
Your friends like to toss in 100 virtual coins to see the end? Throwing in enough to finish Golden Axe or 1944 is also really awesome, and as the games are 2 player, its big fun anyway. Well let them have their fun or tell them you don't like it! Talking is the cheapest solution to almost everything!
If that doesn't help, go for the real quarters. They will come to you for change now and then so its easier to refuse. No one has 100 quarters in his pocket :D
Going the Willy Carrot way to solve it is not worth it.

Blanka:


Guess he's not Willy Carrot in English  :laugh2:
Googling Willy Carrot gives this:


Neverending Project:

I think this can be done using a microcontroller, something like the Arduino.

First, the design concept:
Take your 1P pushbutton, and connect it to one of your microcontroller inputs. Hook one of the microcontroller outputs to your iPAC 1P port. The microcontroller program flow would be something like this:
1P is pushed (debounce) -> Is the max number of credits reached?
If no, send 1P output low.
If yes, do nothing.
You could use a separate hidden button wired in to the microcontroller to reset the coin counter, or you could wire some of your existing pushbuttons in series as a reset. You could also program it so holding the 1P for 10 seconds (or longer) will reset it. Actually, now that I think about it, you could make the secret reset like a secret knock, three short, three long and three short presses, or something similar.

Repeat the above for the 2P button, on a separate input/output on the microcontroller.

Next, the cost:
The Arduino will cost you about $20 (excluding shipping). The problem is that you will need a USB board or cable to program it (one-time cost) of another $20. All the software is free.

Finally, the limitations:
The coin count will have to be hard-programmed into the microcontroller. The only way to have it (easily) changeable would be to add a rotary or dip-switch to the microcontroller, and program the values ahead of time. Also, your secret hidden reset button might be easily discovered, the first time anyone sees you press it.

Want to have the coin counter reset automatically every time you switch games? If you have an existing port available on an LED controller, you could have your FE set that port on, and wire it directly to the microcontroller as a reset. If you don't have an LED controller, you will need some modifications on the design, but it can be done.

Does this all sound overly complicated for a seemingly simple task? Absolutely. But that's part of the fun, no? Let me know if you're interested, and I can help with the design in a bit more detail.

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