Author Topic: Just Finished my Visual Pinball Project (Read 15787 times)

Tim N. · « **on:** June 17, 2008, 05:12:29 pm »

.. Man it feels good to get this thing done...after a year, I am finally finished with this beast. (who would have thought having a child last November would cut into my hobby time ?!?!?)

http://www.ralphwiggum.net/multipin.html

is the link... I will hopefully have the very last gallery of pictures done tonight or tomorrow, but you can see almost all of the project in the pictures that are on there now... The only thing not shown in the pictures are the lockdown bar holder, lockdown bar, and playfield glass on the machine... If you have any problems with the photo galleries let me know, it is a new piece of software to me and was fun to work with, I just hope everyone can see the pics!

Comments, suggestions, questions are always welcome....
-Tim

leapinlew · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2008, 06:20:46 pm »

suggestion: host your pictures here.

I clicked the link and spent about 10 seconds trying to find anything that was relevant before I gave up.

Tim N. · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2008, 08:06:00 pm »

Top right corner says links and then "photogallery for this project"...
Here is a direct link for photo galleries only-

http://www.ralphwiggum.net/Albums/MultiPin/Multi-Pin/album/multipin.html

Were you able to get to that link before?

Jigenjuke · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2008, 08:57:44 pm »

Great job! Can't wait to see more pics! Also Pm'd ya.

Crazy Cooter · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2008, 10:39:55 pm »

What are the chances of detailing how to get VP setup to run properly in that mode? I've never been able to find a good how-to on it.

willhs · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2008, 11:20:55 pm »

Yeah this is probably the coolest pinball setup I've seen. If only the software supported analog plungers...

Donkey_Kong · « **Reply #6 on:** June 18, 2008, 12:20:50 am »

Looks pretty dang cool. I've always wanted to do this!

I'm with lew here...please upload a couple/few pictures to your original post maybe?

Timstuff · « **Reply #7 on:** June 18, 2008, 01:59:25 am »

Whoa, that thing is a beast! Excellent work.

Franco B · « **Reply #8 on:** June 18, 2008, 02:38:23 am »

Very nice indeed

Damn you, now I know what the next thing I want is!

shardian · « **Reply #9 on:** June 18, 2008, 09:07:34 am »

Very nice project. I would LOVE to see something like that in person.

As to software, are these your own modified versions of tables, or did you just reorient the originals. Lord Hiryu has a small VP table that is sweet, but he pretty much redrew the tables.

Tim N. · « **Reply #10 on:** June 18, 2008, 11:26:07 am »

Thanks for the input guys... These tables are all from other authors, their work is incredible and is what inspired me to build this in the first place. I have obviously made changes to their tables to make it work with my particular application. Lots of moving of reels, flashers, etc... to get just the right look.. Obviously this is very time consuming and I only have about 100 tables finished at this point that look very good in my setup. I have about 400 tables on the machine right now, but again 100 ready to play.... lots of questions from people on this setup and I will try to answer a few......

I am using the non-expiring version 6 of Visual Pinball, this is the only version that does a decent job of trimming the edges and giving the tables a nice flat appearance. I originally tried some of the other newer versions, and while it was somewhat close to what I hoped to accomplish, this version is sooooo much easier. I won't go into detail yet at this point on how I configured my setup as I was not aware (and I am now) that some authors may frown upon this and out of respect to them, I will not post at this time... If I get the green light from them (haven't sought permission yet) then I would be more than happy to share my experience. It really isn't difficult as it is time consuming.

The front end I use is Mala (I only use mala and mamewah for my other mame projects) and I have the table lists organized by boardset ex... one list is Gottlieb System 80 tables, another would be WPC tables, etc... I use the flipper buttons to jump from list to list and up and down, and the start button to select the game. I then use one of the additional buttons I added on the coin door to exit the game and get me back into Mala.

I can say that the camera doesn't do this project justice. Shardian, if you ever make it into southern Wisconsin you are more than welcome to play the real pins and my "Fake pin"

.... The picture is just so bright and clean on the big LCD it is hard to describe.... More pics to come when I get more time, and thanks again all!

gavkiwi · « **Reply #11 on:** June 18, 2008, 11:55:03 am »

wicked cool idea, I really like the pics, nicely done

Namco · « **Reply #12 on:** June 18, 2008, 11:58:06 am »

Does VP crash when you exit the table? If not how did you get around this? Running a pre-SP1 version of XP?

Tim N. · « **Reply #13 on:** June 18, 2008, 12:15:57 pm »

It was originally SP2 when I was trying the other versions out, but because of the known bug with this version of VPinball, I rolled back to an XP SP1 install.. I haven't had any crashes with SP1 and this version of VPinball....

my58vw · « **Reply #14 on:** June 18, 2008, 09:47:05 pm »

Would you be willing to post a compilation of tables for vpinball that works on the vertical monitor? Or maybe a guide on doing it myself?

rrcade · « **Reply #15 on:** June 18, 2008, 10:43:09 pm »

Quote from: Tim N. on June 18, 2008, 12:15:57 pm

It was originally SP2 when I was trying the other versions out, but because of the known bug with this version of VPinball, I rolled back to an XP SP1 install.. I haven't had any crashes with SP1 and this version of VPinball....

How do you change back to sp1?
Thanks

RetroBorg · « **Reply #16 on:** June 18, 2008, 11:19:43 pm »

Awesome project, love the Tron themed graphics, well done.

Ummon · « **Reply #17 on:** June 19, 2008, 06:10:53 pm »

I've been using VP 8.1 with SP2 for a while, and now with SP3, and haven't had anything weird happen when used through MaLa, or any other fe. What does happen if I open VP directly, and then open a table, is it loads the table and then closes. Is this what you're referring to?

On your table: I notice you didn't put much if any angle to it. Sort of surprised at that. The viewing, especially from the side looks good, though. It seems a lot of the LCD TVs are much better with viewing angels than LCD PC monitors.

rrcade · « **Reply #18 on:** June 19, 2008, 06:15:40 pm »

VP 6 is the only version that supports Vertical (portrait) view and it crashes on exit with sp2, that's what is being mentioned.

blueznl · « **Reply #19 on:** June 21, 2008, 04:10:12 am »

Yeah, lots of people would love a more detailed story on this one... any chance of talking us through the steps? Damn, this is a nice table!

rrcade · « **Reply #20 on:** June 21, 2008, 09:38:32 am »

I'm wondering if the people that complain about making changes to something they have authored or worked on ever got permission from the original REAL table designers before they made their vp version??

unclet · « **Reply #21 on:** June 21, 2008, 04:50:26 pm »

What type of LCD monitor are you using?

Portnoy · « **Reply #22 on:** June 21, 2008, 11:00:10 pm »

WOW!!! Nice job, you should be proud! I want one...I'll just add this to my list of things to build right after my Arcade cab and Jukebox.

fgh · « **Reply #23 on:** June 22, 2008, 06:29:59 am »

Awesome job - I want one of those!

Would it be possible - software wise - to use another LCD on top to display the game specific translite? Or maybe use one big screen for both the DMD and translite? I have noe idea if a database of translite images exists or not, but I could see a good use for it here!

(Separate screens would require a scratch build or some modifications, I guess. Maybe display the DMD on the upper part of a 15" wide screen, and have the bottom unused part lowered into the main cabinet)

Just a thought.

I can't imagine myself ever getting a dedicated game room big enough to fit lots of originals (that would be the dream though), so a VP cabinet next to my mame cab would be perfect.

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #24 on:** June 22, 2008, 11:55:47 pm »

Tim N where are those picture updates man, I keep checking your site like 3 times a day dude?

This is looking more promising than the one linked on jpsalas' site.

If it were not for the reauthoring of the tables I would say this is a much faster, easier & enjoyable project than most arcade builds (obviously no way to cut costs on it though, a 42' LCD cannot be substituted in any matter).

Kudos & lets see more pics/broseph!

Tim N. · « **Reply #25 on:** June 23, 2008, 09:56:14 am »

Pictures are coming, it is taking a little longer than I want- I live in SE Wisconsin and we have been getting hit with a TON of record flooding here, so my free time has been helping in-laws sand bag, move stuff, etc...

As far as some of the common questions... I WILL be putting out a how to on my table including adjusting tables, which software I used (Windows XP SP1, Visual Pinball 6, Mala, Pinball Wrapper) and walkthroughs on how to output the display to the second monitor automatically, and other tips and tricks to get "just the right look" ... Although that is all personal preference.

Some of the questions on this board can be answered on my main page, it just requires a little reading

... So I will let those who take a look through that first... Thanks again guys!

BASS! · « **Reply #26 on:** June 23, 2008, 04:34:28 pm »

I love your usage of the smaller lcd as the points display. I would also love to see how you mounted that massive ~~plasma~~ LCD in there.

Namco · « **Reply #27 on:** June 23, 2008, 06:45:29 pm »

Quote from: Tim N. on June 23, 2008, 09:56:14 am

Pictures are coming, it is taking a little longer than I want- I live in SE Wisconsin and we have been getting hit with a TON of record flooding here, so my free time has been helping in-laws sand bag, move stuff, etc...

As far as some of the common questions... I WILL be putting out a how to on my table including adjusting tables, which software I used (Windows XP SP1, Visual Pinball 6, Mala, Pinball Wrapper) and walkthroughs on how to output the display to the second monitor automatically, and other tips and tricks to get "just the right look" ... Although that is all personal preference.

Some of the questions on this board can be answered on my main page, it just requires a little reading ... So I will let those who take a look through that first... Thanks again guys!

Sorry to hear about the flooding, hope all stays dry where you and your family are. Great news on doing a write up. If you can make it as extensive as this one, we'd much appreciate it.

I guess we're all curious because BYOAC has page after page of examples on how to build an arcade cab emulating vids, but there's no resources on how to do it with a Pin. Shame really. Can't wait to see your writeup!

unclet · « **Reply #28 on:** June 23, 2008, 08:20:12 pm »

I bet a lot of people do not make a Visual Pinball cabinet since I understand it takes time to edit each table for a vertical monitor setup. Also, to get a sweet looking/feeling visual pinball table you probably have to invest in a nice big LCD monitor whch is not that cheap yet ... at least not for me yet.

But I would be in favor of a guide (like the one mentioned above

) which would detail how to edit the tables as well how to get the DMD displays on a secondary monitor.

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 23, 2008, 10:01:51 pm »

Sheesh, I was able to get the DW/SW table vertical but it plays choppy regardless of hardware acceleration.

I notice if I turn hardware acceleration off & move my mouse around the ball moves smooth.....if I dont move the mouse it either locks up or plays poorly..

WTF?

Namco · « **Reply #30 on:** June 23, 2008, 10:28:34 pm »

Quote from: pinballwizard79 on June 23, 2008, 10:01:51 pm

Sheesh, I was able to get the DW/SW table vertical but it plays choppy regardless of hardware acceleration.

I notice if I turn hardware acceleration off & move my mouse around the ball moves smooth.....if I dont move the mouse it either locks up or plays poorly..

WTF?

If you start up Windows Task Manager, you can right click on a process and set its priority to High (don't do realtime) and it may fix the problem. Sounds like the system polling that the mouse is doing helps it somehow.

clok · « **Reply #31 on:** June 25, 2008, 11:27:52 am »

Quote from: pinballwizard79 on June 23, 2008, 10:01:51 pm

Sheesh, I was able to get the DW/SW table vertical but it plays choppy regardless of hardware acceleration.

I notice if I turn hardware acceleration off & move my mouse around the ball moves smooth.....if I dont move the mouse it either locks up or plays poorly..

WTF?

what video card are you useing? I had this problem on a OC'ed 8400 (should play anything pertty much), it was the current Nvdia drivers, I installed Beta drivers and problem was gone (stutters) this was about a month ago.

And WOW, just wow.. looks great, love the artwork! (DoT is my favorite arcade game of all time, and Tron also rocks (artwork wise it was/is one of the nicests cabs ever IMHO) Buddy at work here just did something vaugly the same (thouhg on a smaller scale) and it and this thread have gave me the bug. but living in an apt with a 60" tv and a full size (built from reading here) Arcade cab with mame leaves me little room to do one.. but i want to so bad.. think I will aim for a 32" with a 19" backglass.. maybe just maybe i can find room...

once again WOW! very nice work!

Tim N. · « **Reply #32 on:** June 29, 2008, 02:18:54 am »

Just a quick update, I just posted pictures of the finished project on my site... Also, I am in the process of putting together a "work Log" of everything and how I set mine up, that you can use as a baseline for your own projects...Tim

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #33 on:** June 29, 2008, 03:44:19 am »

I so cant friggin wait to make one of these.

Its awesome to see someone sharing whats required on such a project. I am sure you encountered some resistance from the priory of VPM at some point so kudos to you man for making it happen. Certainly you were all over that forum & made a few jealous friends in the process...you did here

I Just finished a clean install on my pc & bought a wide screen monitor just so I can start the experimenting.

Which version of AF are you using, is doesnt look PacDude's (my fav version)?

lettuce · « **Reply #34 on:** June 29, 2008, 04:55:47 am »

Yeah some of the tables in VP dont look that great, and other look fantastic, Batman being one of my fav pinball tables in VP but doesnt look to as good as some of the newer released tables

. I wounder if VP will ever move over to HD!? Hopefuly the author of this thread shall upload his modded VP tables...

unclet · « **Reply #35 on:** June 29, 2008, 10:04:33 am »

What size LCD monitor are you using?

rrcade · « **Reply #36 on:** June 29, 2008, 10:20:07 am »

I believe it's a 15" and a 42" check his website.

Jigenjuke · « **Reply #37 on:** July 02, 2008, 02:21:34 am »

Hey there. I was sorry to hear abou the fflooding in your area. I hope that it doesn't cause too much damage to homes and property. I am looking forward to your write up and tutorial on portrait mode as well as looking forward to your construction diary.

Jigen

pinballwizard79 · « **Reply #38 on:** July 02, 2008, 09:35:14 pm »

I had the worst nightmare this morning....I dreamt about being 90 years old in a nursing home & yelling at the nurse that Tim N played his new pinball machine so much he forgot about us all

Tim N. · « **Reply #39 on:** July 12, 2008, 04:53:51 pm »

Pinballwizard79, I am concerned that I have made it into your dreams...

.... Just a followup guys/gals- my work log/How to guide is posted now on my website- http://www.ralphwiggum.net/multipinlog.html is the direct link to it. I also put together a cost workup on the project on the original main page- $1770! The breakdown is on there. Look forward to comments and suggestions on the work log to assist others in their project.... Tim


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