Sega Monaco GP 1979/1980 - My Remake

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

1. My Arcade machine is running Windows 11

2.My personal PC is running Windows 10

3.Driver Version 3.5.2019.1

4.The USB        USB\VID_1A86&PID_7523\6&93e0c40&0&3

5.On the chip it says WCH CH340T 205895047

 Thank you

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

Thanks for this. I've been reading about these WCH CH340 things, I am no expert on them, but it seems they are made in China by "Nanjing Qinheng Microelectronics Co., Ltd", and the latest drivers (02/11/2023, 3.8.2023.02) can be found here:-

https://www.wch-ic.com/downloads/CH341SER_ZIP.html

I've been reading a bit on this thread https://forum.arduino.cc/t/ch340-driver-rollback-workaround-works-on-windows-10-but-not-11/1187954 about CH340 and the latest drivers causing problems (Mainly the CH340 failing to be recognised) on Windows 11, but I think that is only a problem for unbranded CH340 chips. I *think* if you are able to see the WCH CH340 written on both your relay device and your steering wheel device, then you should be OK try the latest version?.... Depends on how brave you feel!

Before trying to install the latest drivers, might be worth trying to tick the "Enabling the Serial Port Enumerator (SerNum)" option for both CH340 device and seeing if that makes any difference? I really don't know what this option is for, but it wouldn't hurt to try it. How to do this is described in the arduino forum thread I've put a link to above (You'll have to scroll down quite a bit to see the post, there is screenshot showing the option to tick).

Also before trying to install the latest drivers, as an experiment (And I'm not sure if this is possible for you to do or not), you could try plugging your wheel and relay into your Win10 PC and seeing if that it any different? If so, see what version of CH340 driver that it is using?

Or maybe just wait for your 4-relay device to arrive and seeing if that is any better before you start updating drivers?

Hope this helps?

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

 yes you're right I also think that the fact that unbranded chips are a problem

 at least for me it's not the case otherwise for me it would be difficult to try with my Windows 10 PC with the connectors

 For information I don't have the option to enable the serial port enumerator (sernum) I think it's in the latest version of the driver (2023) that

it's there I also think you're right, I'll wait to receive my 4 relay card which should arrive in 2 or 3 days to test this and then I'll update the driver even if I'm itching to do it right away!!

 As soon as I receive the material I let you know

 Thank you for the script you're coding for the 4 relays

 thank you GEECAB

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

>>it's there I also think you're right, I'll wait to receive my 4 relay card which should arrive in 2 or 3 days to test this and then I'll update the driver even if I'm itching to do it right away!!

A sensible choice! Wait and see how the 4 relay board performs and go from there.


>>Thank you for the script you're coding for the 4 relays

No worries, I shall have that written before your new relay arrives.

[geecab]

Hi All!

Just letting you know, Monaco GP v1.5.1 for Linux and Raspberry Pi is now released!

The release supports x86 Linux PCs Ubuntu 24.04 based distros (e.g. Linux Mint 22) and ARM Linux Debian 12 ('Bookworm') based distros (e.g. latest Raspberry Pi OS) 32-bit & 64-bit:
Monaco GP Remake v1.5.1 for Linux & Raspberry Pi (Download via My Google Drive)
Please read the release notes HERE.
Many thanks for Neil Davis for making the Linux and Raspberry Pi release possible! Check out Neil's Instagram and YouTube channel for more of his cool projects retrofitting arcade games into vintage handhelds!

I've also updated the very first port of this thread with this information.

Enjoy!!

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

I wrote a program called "scoreboard_to_relays", that should work with you 1xRelay device and also your 4xRelay device.

Here's the link to a zip containing the source code, Visual Studio project and a pre-built exe:-

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QC4cAjBHPC7KMgNF3cg8a7Q94Q4p7n94/view?usp=drive_link

You need to run the scoreboard_to_relays.exe from a windows command prompt.

If you run it without specifying any arguments, it'll display the help/usage.


Usage:

To actually run scoreboard_to_relays.exe, you'll need to supply 8 arguments:

  scoreboard_to_relays.exe <r1_com> <r1_trigger> <r2_com> <r2_trigger> <r3_com> <r3_trigger> <r4_com> <r4_trigger>

Where:
   r1_com     = Relay 1 COM port number
   r1_trigger = Relay 1 scoreboard trigger
   r2_com     = Relay 2 COM port number
   r2_trigger = Relay 2 scoreboard trigger
   r3_com     = Relay 3 COM port number
   r3_trigger = Relay 3 scoreboard trigger
   r4_com     = Relay 4 COM port number
   r4_trigger = Relay 4 scoreboard trigger

Valid scoreboard triggers are:
   gear
   police
   damage
   skid
   night
   coin
   inplay
   none

Example 1:
   Configure so that 1st relay COM5 triggered when inplay, 2nd relay COM6 triggered by skid, 3rd relay COM7 triggered by gear shift and 4th relay COM8 triggered at night:

        scoreboard_to_relays.exe 5 inplay 6 skid 7 gear 8 night

Example 2:
   Configure so that 1st relay on COM3 triggered by police, 2nd relay on COM4 is not present, 3rd relay COM5 is not present and 4th relay COM6 is not present:

        scoreboard_to_relays.exe 3 police 4 none 5 none 6 none


Note. Running scoreboard_to_relays with your 1xRelay and using the arguments specified in Example 2 should function the same as the scoreboard_to_serial.exe tool I made.

Note. In Example 2, even though COM ports 4,5 & 6 are specified, scoreboard_to_relays will never try to connect to them because their associated trigger is set to 'none'. You are effectively saying that the relay isn't present.

Hope this helps!

[GPForverer2024]

Hi Geecab!

Wow again great job!

I'm testing all this and come back to you as soon as possible!

 thank you very much

FYI I sent you a message privately, had you seen it?

 

[GPForverer2024]

Hi Geecab!

 That's it, I received the 4 relay card,

 I plugged everything in and unfortunately Windows 11 doesn't detect the card... so I tried on my personal PC windows 10 and same it detects nothing...

I even installed the latest ch340 drivers (2023) but nothing...

FYI I tested the 1 relay model with the latest CH340 drivers (2023) and it works with your first script scoreboard-to-serial.exe on the other hand I tried your 2 script scoreboard-to-relays.exe and it doesn't work it

can't find it here is what I put: scoreboard_to_relays.exe 3 font 4 none 5 none 6 none and he writes: Trying to connect to MGPr export instance... then the window closes while scoreboard-to-serial.exe works

for the 4 relays I have contacted the supplier I am waiting for this answer

I hope to find the solution

hope this helps you

 thank you Geecab

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

That's weird that windows doesn't detect the 4xRelay card... Does the Device Manager detect anything at all?

Probably a good idea to run scoreboard_to_relays.exe from command line (Using a windows command prompt window) then you'll be able to see what error is causing it to terminate.

>>I put: scoreboard_to_relays.exe 3 font 4 none 5 none 6 none

I think the problem could be you have specified 'font', but that is not one of the valid triggers. Try 'police' instead of 'font'.

Note. Valid scoreboard triggers are:
   gear
   police
   damage
   skid
   night
   coin
   inplay
   none

[GPForverer2024]

Hi Geecab!

sorry for the typo but yes it's not font but police that I wrote

 then in device manager it detects nothing it displays nothing and I don't even have a beep sound from windows that tells me hardware connect while the 1xrelay yes it detects

For the scoreboard-to-relays.exe script the window displays Parsed Relay1 (COM3) - police Parsed Relay2 (COM4) - none Parsed Relay3 (COM5) - none Parsed Relay4 (COM6) - none Trying to connect to MGPr export

instance... Trying to connect to MGPr export instance... Trying to connect to MGPr export instance... then this closes

while scoreboard-to-serial.exe it displays Trying to connect to Serial Port... Serial Port connected OK Trying to connect to MGPr export instance...

 Then when I launch Mgpr it works

 I have the impression that script 2 can't open the com port

I think after I'm not an expert lol

if it can help you

Thank you GEECAB!

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

>>I have the impression that script 2 can't open the com port

The startup sequence for scoreboard_to_relays is slightly different to scoreboard_to_serial. scoreboard_to_relays actually opens the com ports *after* connecting to the MGPr export instance. From what you say is displayed in the command prompt window, it looks like you just need to run the MGPr export instance and it should spring into life.


>>then in device manager it detects nothing it displays nothing and I don't even have a beep sound from windows that tells me hardware connect

Oh dear... The 4xRelay device sounds pretty dead/faulty to me... Hopefully the supplier will be able to shed some light on this, send you a replacement perhaps...

Hope this helps!

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!


 Yes!! you are right the 4xrelay is defective...

I have anticipated with another card that I receive tomorrow, the advantage of this one is much more stable and to use (seen on youtube)

 and the advantage is that it does not use the CH340 driver so no worries about hardware conflict!

 Here is the link to the model of the map:

https://www.amazon.fr/Relais-Enfichables-Contr%C3%B4leur-Robotique-Dautomatisation/dp/B0B7294RK7/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?__mk_fr_FR=%C3%85M%C3%85%C5%BD%C3%95%C3%91&crid=28C8OVICE988U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.B9r8SdP7VYCbNfENaOhPH6AWEc-0yLJ-qu3-tI55VY34J_mj9I6v5k42HGMCbOniLt--iMy9TWxmZrMOqP9z2WANX1LYzLRYLJy1kJx1j9jhaFfz54JNZCEq9gmRhJVrYwzOQUhin7snJvAPZRF6CQuZgtDAT9RwUw9V52tlI544T13ckhUGCM8i9UNNijY0rYttlq8HP-Lfxdm6AcqC21mf-yl2bJ7OPNiT_wSGOAQ8Vm_peaKEL7Lcjmi-gGN-oa4qK5vTqmodVgKyeAIOQJYEuxYPUFaRCZ8YzVC32r8.yq0bTz6gNmvaucyz6SXszmtVYDeo7IqAlTARO-CVFLE&dib_tag=se&keywords=sainsmart+8+relais&qid=1725659063&sprefix=saintsmart+8+relais%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-2-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

and below a link of the package with the drivers, a documentation for the script

 I hope this helps you to be able to make a script :

https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/sain-amzn/20/20-018-910/20-018-910.rar

I really can't wait to test all this and I hope everything will work

thank you GEECAB!

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

! good news I received the new card

 On the other hand,
here is the right link for the package for version 101-70-116

8-channel 12V USB Relay Module

https://docs.sainsmart.com/article/790hrr4nux-sain-smart-relay-module-sensors

I have really looking forward to reading you

Thank you GEECAB!!   

[geecab]

Good stuff GPForverer2024!

I've had a quick look at the documentation, but I must admit, its hard to follow :/

I'll google it some more when I have a bit more time.

Just wondering, have you tested it yourself using powershell? I'm interested to know what serial data you send it to make it work.

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

I agree it doesn't look that simple, I found comments on their manufacturer's website (https://www.sainsmart.com/products/8-channel-12v-usb-relay-module#idTab3) with examples like below:

Python code to help get started :


import serial
import time
# how to use python for this
# documentation is a bit misleading for this. This is how I got it to work.
usbrelay = [
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x01, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x01, 0x01])], # channel-0
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x02, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x02, 0x02])], # channel-1
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x03, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x03, 0x03])], # channel-2
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x04, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x04, 0x04])], # channel-3
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x05, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x05, 0x05])], # channel-4
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x06, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x06, 0x06])], # channel-5
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x07, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x07, 0x07])], # channel-6
 [bytearray([0xff, 0x08, 0x00]), bytearray([0xff, 0x08, 0x08])], # channel-7
 [bytearray([0x00]), bytearray([0xff])], # all channels

 ]
# fun fact, you can just write a bitmask in place of this to command custom channel combos in 1 write instruction
def get_bit_mask(channels : list):
 mask = 0x00
 for value in channels:
 mask |= value
 return bytearray(mask)

serial_port = serial.Serial(
 'COM13',
 9600
 )
# first index is channel, 2nd is on/off (0 or 1
channel=0
global_channel=8
off_on=1
serial_port.write(usbrelay[channel][off_on])
# serial_port.write(usbrelay[global_channel][off_on]) # command all
# serial_port.write(get_bit_mask([ 1, 3, 5, 7])) # turn on all odds
time.sleep(1) # wait before closing serial port
serial_port.close()


and for the record,

I don't have a PowerShell command, all this is done via a small software (USB 8 Relay Manager v.1.4) from the manufacturer to be able to power this or that relay

I couldn't connect it because the card is delivered without cord....

I ordered it and I receive it on Wednesday

 If too complicated I can return the card it's on amazon no worries and if you can then direct me to another relay card no worries knowing that you shouldn't use the CH340 driver for hardware conflict (because of my steering wheel)

 Looking forward to reading you

 big thank you GEECAB!! 

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

>>and for the record, I don't have a PowerShell command,

Didn't you use powershell before to test your 1xRelay? Sending serial data to the 8xRelay device should be the same as sending serial data to your 1xRelay device using powershell (You are just sending different data).


>>Python code to help get started

It would be good if you can test that python code when you get the 8xRelay. Are you familiar with Python? If you run that code as it stands, it'll just send "FF,01,01" on COM13 at Baud rate of 9600 (Which will hopefully switch the first relay on). You could change the 'channel' and 'off_on' variables and re-run the script turn to on and off different relays.


>>this is done via a small software (USB 8 Relay Manager v.1.4) from the manufacturer to be able to power this or that relay

Definitely be good for you to verify the 8xRelay is fully working with this tool for sure.



PS. Are you aware the 8xRelay requires a 12v DC power source? It needs this because the power available from a USB port isn't enough to switch all 8 relays at the same time. I'm wondering now, when you were testing the 4xRelay (CH340) device, I think that needed a 5v DC power source (Which I guess if you hadn't connected it up, would probably be the reason why the board appeared to be dead?). The 1xRelay didn't need an additional power source because the power from the USB port is enough to switch a single relay. Hope that makes sense?

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

 A little recap:

1xrelay yes no need for external power supply because just USB is enough

4xrelay yes you're right you need an external power supply 5 Voltes plugged into it that's what I did and good news I bought a new usb to micro usb cable and top it works!

I immediately tried your 2 script scorebord_to_relays.exe 3 none 4 police 5 none 6 none and it works with my flashing light!!

Now if I put example: scorebord_to_relays.exe 3 damage 4 police 5 night 6 none well it doesn't work because when I look at the device manager it says com port 4 and that's it there are no other ports for the card

for me I think there is just the com port 4 for the 4 relays and that you just have to change the command in the script (I hope it has of meaning) and for the record,

I always have a problem, a hardware conflict, as soon as the flashing lights (police) are triggered, my steering wheel no longer responds... I hope we will find the solution...!!

and for the 8xrelay yes you need an external 12V power supply I'm just waiting for the cable I ordered which will arrive on Wednesday and I can test it

I hope it makes sense

thank you GEECAB

[geecab]

That's great GPForverer2024!

Glad you are aware of the external power supply required with the 'bigger' relay boards and really pleased that your 4xRelay has come to life!

Yes sorry, there is a bug scoreboard_to_relays, I wrongly assumed each relay needed its own com port lol! I'll make another version soon and I'll make it possible to switch between board types (so it sends the correct on/off byte sequence based on that).

Looking forward to Wednesday then! I'm pretty sure we'll get the new board working

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

I had some spare time today, I've been reading the reviews for your new 8xRelay board and found these ones interesting (There are about 115 of them lol!):-
https://www.amazon.com/SainSmart-Eight-Channel-Relay-Automation/dp/B0093Y89DE

I found a couple of reviews saying when the board is powered up, it doesn't respond to data received on its serial COM port. However, after running their Relay Manager v1.4 tool and opening the device, then it does start responding to serial COM port data. The assumption is, opening the device using Relay Manager v1.4 puts the device into some 'bit bang' mode, and leaves it in this state even when you exit Relay Manager v1.4. I *think* the board has to be in 'bit bang' mode to be able to control the relays using Serial COM port data.

I'm probably getting way ahead of myself, but I think it is good to be aware of this.

I've modified the scoreboard_to_relays tool, the command line arguments you have to supply have changed, as it now caters for different types of Relay boards (e.g. 'CH340', 'FTDI_BASIC', 'FTDI_BITBANG' etc.. The FTDI_* relates to your 8xRelay board because of the chip it uses. The operation (Including the On/Off byte sequences) of these are described in a 'supported_devices.ini' file I've added). Running scoreboard_to_relays.exe from command prompt without any arguments and you'll see the help displayed (which will hopefully explain everything).

To summarise, I reckon/hope that after you've tested the relay using the Relay Manager 1.4 tool, you should be able to run scoreboard_to_relays, specifying FTDI_BITBANG as the device and things should 'just work'.

Something else (Getting very ahead of myself now) - I've created an 'ftdi_config.exe' tool using the library files provided from the manufacturer. Running it without any arguments will just list all the FTDI devices in your system and display the help. You can run this tool and provide a couple of command line arguments to get your device into 'bit bang' mode (Which might be a simpler alternative to having to run their Relay Manager 1.4 tool and manually opening the device).

Hope this makes some sense lol!

Good luck, here is a link to the scoreboard_to_relays ftdi_config executables and source code:-
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13RIFnR8U8jIY_TAjRCl7nXEj7L99biVH/view?usp=drive_link

[GPForverer2024]

Hi Geecab!

You are a genius! even if I knew it long before that lol!

The 4xrelay works wonderfully with your new script and here is what I ran the command as a command: scoreboard_to_relays.exe 5 CH340 police,skid,night,damage and it works!

The only thing is that as soon as my flashing light comes on my steering wheel goes out of order and I have to recalibrate the steering wheel,

on the other hand I noticed that when the other relays light up and there is nothing to plug into them my steering wheel still works well is it due to the small motor of the rotating beacon which would make

everything go out of tune?

 If you have a solution?

 For the 8xrelay I have always received the cable

I hope it makes sense

thank you GEECAB 

[geecab]

Hi GPForverer2024!

>>You are a genius! even if I knew it long before that lol!

lol! Many thanks, you are too kind! 

>>The 4xrelay works wonderfully with your new script and here is what I ran the command as a command: scoreboard_to_relays.exe 5 CH340 police,skid,night,damage and it works!

Great stuff, glad you understood the new settings. The source code is a bit messy / hard to follow at the moment. Wrote it all a bit quick. I plan to tidy it all up at some point and include it into the next MGPr package release 

>>The only thing is that as soon as my flashing light comes on my steering wheel goes out of order and I have to recalibrate the steering wheel,on the other hand I noticed that when the other relays light up and there is nothing to plug into them my steering wheel still works well is it due to the small motor of the rotating beacon which would make

Now this is very interesting! So if you disconnect your flashing light from the relay1, and play the game with those scoreboard_to_relays settings  (scoreboard_to_relays.exe 5 CH340 police,skid,night,damage), is your steering wheel OK when relay1 switches on/off ? If its OK, then its like the flashing light is draining power from the steering wheel. Does the flashing light and the wheel run off the same 12v power supply? If so, what is the AMPs (Or Watt) rating of the 12v power supply (Because it sounds like it is not supplying enough AMPs)?

[GPForverer2024]

GREAT JOB GEECAB !!!   

 WOW WOW But of course the power supply I was on 12v 3A I changed to 12V 10A and top everything works perfectly !! 

MGPR takes on a whole new dimension with the toys,

tomorrow I'm going to connect the little vibration motor to another relay and I'm going to add yet another flashing light for the firefighters and

I think for the last relay I'm going to connect a small fan to make the wind.

GEECAB you have no idea what you just did a modern-day MGPR!!  I LIKE IT

plus you make me laugh when you say that you write it quickly!! it's huge!!

I'll keep you informed as soon as I connect a second toy to the second relay with the small vibration motor another

excellent job GEECAB!   

[geecab]

This is really excellent news GPForverer2024!!

You're creating a totally immersive Monaco GP experience! 

I'm aware I still need to add a few more triggers (For when firetrucks appear. I can think of a few more, such as when the car exploding, when the car is spinning and when the car is in the air (after going over a ramp) etc... to name a few). Even if you don't want to use them, it will be good if they exist. It will require me to build a modified MGPr exe that is able to export this new information, but that shouldn't be a difficult job.

Other things that are going on in my mind, is that it might be handy for the scoreboard_to_relays parser to be handle a little bit of logic, so you could do something like:-
  scoreboard_to_relays 5 CH340 police|firetruck,none,none,damage|explode|spin

Which would mean relay1 triggers if police or firetrucks are on screen, and relay4 triggers when anything bad happens to the car.

...and something else, say when anything bad happens to the car, you might want a pulsed (Quick relay on/off to feel like a "thud") effect rather that a 'fixed on' for the duration that the trigger is on for. Does that makes sense?

Anyways, these are just thoughts, see how you get on with what is currently available and we'll take it from there!

Good luck with your testing!

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

For ideas with several triggers would really be a plus!

 I'm thinking, for example, of the relay that goes off just when the car passes over the puddle well all of what you said above really makes sense!!

otherwise I installed everything clean with my 12v 10A power supply in order to be able to connect my next toys to it FYI I plugged in my little 12 V motor and unfortunately it doesn't work, nothing to do with the

connection I just put the plus and the minus and the motor doesn't run..

I'm waiting to receive my 2 flashing lights to plug it into it!!

and for the 8xrelais card I didn't receive the cord maybe tomorrow

I'll keep you informed

Thank you GEECAB 

[RetroNutz]

Hi GEECAB

Can't believe this is still a live thread in 2024!! I remember posting my delight at seeing this remake in 2015.... Bloody 9 years ago! (I feel so old!!). I've been outa the retro gaming scene for a while, but getting back into it. So glad this is still going strong. When I get chance I will defo DL the latest version and enjoy. Keep up the great work!

[xfassa]

Geecab - I just installed the latest version (V1.5.1) and everything works great.  I also see you released a version for Linux/RPi that I hope to test soon.  Thank you!

One quick question.  I am using the original game accelerator (linear potentiometer) with the Ultimarc A-Pac.  Everything works well enough but the accelerator range seems to be quite narrow.  It's most notable during the bride sequence as it very difficult (if not impossible) to match the speeds of the other cars.  I have my analog range set at 0 to +1.  Best guess, all of the acceleration occurs in the first 30% of the pedal press.  Is there a way to spread out the acceleration through 100% of the pedal press?  No worries if it can't be changed.  These comments were more of an observation as this game is pretty darn near perfect.  :-)

Thanks again for all your hard work!

[PL1]

(linear potentiometer) with the Ultimarc Mini IPAC.

A potentiometer connected via a Mini-Pac or IPac?   
- Did you mean to say an A-Pac or maybe a U-HID?   

Everything works well enough but the accelerator range seems to be quite narrow.  It's most notable during the bride sequence as it very difficult (if not impossible) to match the speeds of the other cars.  I have my analog range set at 0 to +1.  Best guess, all of the acceleration occurs in the first 30% of the pedal press.  Is there a way to spread out the acceleration through 100% of the pedal press?

If you're running under Windows, have you tried calibrating the analog pedal in Control Panel -- Devices and Printers?


Scott

[xfassa]

PL1 - Thanks for the comments. 

You are correct, I meant A-Pac (corrected in original post).  The A-Pac was calibrated in Windows (Game Controllers).  The pedal appears to be properly calibrated as the indicator smoothly travels from right to left as I press the pedal through its full range.

[geecab]

Hi GEECAB

Can't believe this is still a live thread in 2024!! I remember posting my delight at seeing this remake in 2015.... Bloody 9 years ago! (I feel so old!!). I've been outa the retro gaming scene for a while, but getting back into it. So glad this is still going strong. When I get chance I will defo DL the latest version and enjoy. Keep up the great work!

Many thanks RetroNutz! Welcome back and hope you enjoy the new version!

[geecab]

PL1 - Thanks for the comments. 

You are correct, I meant A-Pac (corrected in original post).  The A-Pac was calibrated in Windows (Game Controllers).  The pedal appears to be properly calibrated as the indicator smoothly travels from right to left as I press the pedal through its full range.

Hi xfassa!

When I read your post, like PL1, I thought it sounded like a windows calibration issue. As that's all OK, it sounds like something weird in my code. I'll dig out my analog pedal and report back soon

[Xiaou2]

Geecab...

 Just a note about different Pedal Assemblies:

- PCs use a 10k pot,  and many of the assemblies might not even use Gearing on them.

- Arcade pedals use 5k pots,  and every one that Ive encountered, uses Gearing, to be able to spin the pot more per each pedal degree depression.

- Spy Hunter , is one of the more rare games that actually uses "10 turn" pots, and a very high gearing ratio, on both the steering and pedal assemblies

 Spy Hunter likely uses this setup, for a much higher resolution in its controls.

- Race Drivin also uses 10 turn pots on its steering wheel assy.  Its wheel can turn like 3 full rotations,  and its "Direct Drive" (no gearing).
- Race Drivin's pedals are a combination of geared Pots for the Gas, and a "Strain Gauge" (pressure sensor) for the brake pedal (I believe the brake also has
a geared pot.. and the strain gauge is read after the pedal is fully "floored".

 Gearing of his original Arcade pedals, may be causing a difference in Pot Values.
 Also... not sure if there is a rotational difference, between the arcades 5k pots, and PCs 10k pots.

[geecab]

Hi Xiaou2!

Thanks for that, interesting stuff

Something worth adding that I've just been reading about, is that Monaco GP cabinets didn't use a potentiometer for the gas pedal, they used 2 optical switches.

Its difficult to find much information about it on the web, but I did come across this video where you see the pedal assembly (See 3.37 and at 6:50):


The video quality isn't great, but you can see the metal bar with holes in it, that slides in-between the 2 optical switches as you press and depress the pedal.

So I reckon the accelerator had 4 speed settings, something like:-

opt1:OFF opt2:OFF  = SLOWEST
opt1:ON opt2:OFF    = SLOW
opt1:ON opt2:ON      = FAST
opt1:OFF opt2:ON    = FASTEST

[geecab]

Geecab - I just installed the latest version (V1.5.1) and everything works great.  I also see you released a version for Linux/RPi that I hope to test soon.  Thank you!

One quick question.  I am using the original game accelerator (linear potentiometer) with the Ultimarc A-Pac.  Everything works well enough but the accelerator range seems to be quite narrow.  It's most notable during the bride sequence as it very difficult (if not impossible) to match the speeds of the other cars.  I have my analog range set at 0 to +1.  Best guess, all of the acceleration occurs in the first 30% of the pedal press.  Is there a way to spread out the acceleration through 100% of the pedal press?  No worries if it can't be changed.  These comments were more of an observation as this game is pretty darn near perfect.  :-)

Thanks again for all your hard work!

Hi xfassa!

When testing with my analog pedal, I notice when I look at the windows calibration settings (raw values), I see values from 0 to 1000 reported as I press/release the pedal. However, the game library I use gives me the pedal position values from -1.0 to 1.0. When I change MGPr's range setting to "0 to +1" I notice the same issue as you (all the acceleration happens in the first 30% of the pedal press). When I set the range  to "-1 to +1" things work as I expect. Can you give the "-1 to +1" range a try?

At some point, I think I'll add a MGPr option where it can display the raw values received for all analog controls, so that'll allow users to work out what range setting is best suited them.

Personally, I'm not really happy with the way the game feels with an analog pedal. Now that I'm aware of how the original pedal assembly was designed, I'm thinking I should try and simulate that...

I'll wait and see what you think

[xfassa]

Geecab - Thanks for the response.  I set it to -1 to 1.  I now have full range.  Honestly, I'm not sure why I had it set to 0 to +1 (my bad).  All that said, I still can't match the speeds of the other cars.  It appears the other cars will adjust their speeds to either be faster or slower but not the same speed.  I may be wrong but I thought you could match the speed of the other cars in the actual arcade (which is helpful on the bridge).  Again, no worries, just observations.  Thanks!

[geecab]

Good stuff xfassa, glad the range thing is sorted!

Yes indeed, the opponents in MGPr don't like you to speed match. If they did, then in extended play, you could just cruise behind an opponent, get faster and faster with them for ever more, building up distance points. Watching videos of arcade machine being played, it looked to me like the opponents became increasingly difficult to speed match the longer the game went on for. So with that in mind I made MGPr do this:

If the opponents notice you are speed matching, they accelerate away. If you continue to speed match, then when they reach their maximum speed they'll eventually slow down and begin that cycle again. Early on in the game, the difficulty is low, you'll hardly notice this is happening, but when you've been playing for ages (Definitely by the time you reach the 2nd bridge), the opponents will run this cycle much faster. If you keep trying to speed match, it'll be impossible to keep up with opponents when they accelerate away (So someone might drive into the back of you), and it'll be impossible to slow down as quick as they do (So you might go into the back of someone). So speed matching should only really be a temporary tactic, the only consistent thing about the opponents its that if you are driving flat out, then you'll always be able to overtake them.

I've also made the game generously award points for the faster you drive and overtake. You might be able to speed match for a longer game, but you'll never get a high score doing that.

I'm interested to know what you think to all this, what you remember from your arcade version so we can get MGPr as close to the original as possible. All I have to go on is my old memories of the game and the youtube vids that exists

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

That's it, I've done several tests and frankly what a joy to be able to add toys!!

Namely the 4xrelay works very well!!

Command line: scoreboard_to_relays.exe 3 CH340 Police,None,Skid,Police when I try 2 times police in the same command line this bug because I wanted to launch the blue and red flashing light at the same time FYI

i recommended a new vibration motor which should arrive next week It's frankly great the reaction of the toys with the game!!

Otherwise I received the cable for the 8xRelay FTDI but it doesn't work because in Program Manager it detects nothing in COM port while the USB 8 Relay Manager v1.4 software works fine. FYI I ordered the 8x card

relay ch340 because it works very well I'm curious to know how you are going to add in mgpr the options with the relay card to be able to add the toys!!

What a joy to be able to add toys!!

 I'll make you a new video soon with the toys you'll see it's great!! total immersion!!

 especially when it's dark lol!

thank you GEECAB!

[geecab]

Sounds good to me GPForverer2024!! I can imagine how much it adds to the game!!

I really think CH340 relays are the way forward, they are newer technology than the dated FTDi chips, they are easier to get going straight out the box (No drivers to install, easy to understand serial port command to change the state of the relays), and they also don't do random relay switching when initialising.

>>Otherwise I received the cable for the 8xRelay FTDI but it doesn't work because in Program Manager it detects nothing in COM port while the USB 8 Relay Manager v1.4 software works fine.

Well, I guess getting the FTDi device running is less of an issue now the CH340 devices are working well. That said, I am intrigued by the FTDi 8xRelay, they do seem to be used quite widely in virtual pinball tables, yet their scetchy documentation makes them so tricky to use lol!... If you decide to still try and get it working, then I reckon you need to check (Somehow) if you have the additional VCP driver installed, this should enable us to send the send serial data to it. Have a read of this page:

    https://ftdichip.com/drivers/vcp-drivers/

After reading the stuff about VCP and D2XX drivers, I reckon you must have installed the D2XX driver ok (because the Relay Manager v1.4 works ok), but not the VCP driver. When you ran the installer, was there an option to install an additional VCP driver as part of the process? Just guessing here...


>>relay ch340 because it works very well I'm curious to know how you are going to add in mgpr the options with the relay card to be able to add the toys!!

I've almost finished a new version of scoreboard_to_relays which will give you access to a load more in-game information (When Firetrucks are on screen etc...), you'll also be able to handle some simple logic (I.e. "police|firetruck,none,none,police&firetruck"  would ensure relay1 would power on when police OR firetrucks are on screen, relay4 would power on only when both police and firetruck are on screen at the same time). I'll need to give you a complete debug MGPr package next because you'll need a new mgpr.exe that exports the new information. When we are happy with everything, I won't be adding any relay options to the game, I'll just provide the scoreboard_to_relays tool (source and exe) in future MGPr packages. Hope that makes sense?

[GPForverer2024]

Hi GEECAB!

yes indeed you are entirely right the CH340 chips are much more stable and newer than the tfdi chips which are for pincabs !!

 so yes let's focus on the CH340 chips which works wonderfully!!

 I'm waiting for your new mgpr debugging version with the scoreboard_to_relays tool And of course it makes sense once again

 I repeat myself bravo GEECAB excellent work!

I can't wait to make a video for you soon 

[Xiaou2]

Hi Xiaou2!

Thanks for that, interesting stuff

Something worth adding that I've just been reading about, is that Monaco GP cabinets didn't use a potentiometer for the gas pedal, they used 2 optical switches.

Its difficult to find much information about it on the web, but I did come across this video where you see the pedal assembly (See 3.37 and at 6:50):


The video quality isn't great, but you can see the metal bar with holes in it, that slides in-between the 2 optical switches as you press and depress the pedal.

So I reckon the accelerator had 4 speed settings, something like:-

opt1:OFF opt2:OFF  = SLOWEST
opt1:ON opt2:OFF    = SLOW
opt1:ON opt2:ON      = FAST
opt1:OFF opt2:ON    = FASTEST

 Sega's   "TURBO"   also used the same optical pedal system.   (I used to own one... but sadly, had to sell it)

 Another Arcade Oddity, was TX-1..  which used optical-wheel encoders (spinners), for its Gas and Brake pedals

[geecab]

Sega's   "TURBO"   also used the same optical pedal system.   (I used to own one... but sadly, had to sell it)

 Another Arcade Oddity, was TX-1..  which used optical-wheel encoders (spinners), for its Gas and Brake pedals

I didn't know that about Turbo, thanks! I wonder what mame would do if you had that type of pedal and wanted to connect it up... Might have a look at the mame source to find out if its possible. It would be good if I could see how Turbo handles the 4 pedal positions when it comes to trying to match the speed of the opponent cars. There is a chance Turbo's gameplay was slightly modelled on Monaco GP (Both Sega and both using the same pedal). I shall investigate!

@xfassa - If you're reading this, hopefully in the next debug package I'm putting together, I'm shall try and simulate the 2 optics with your analog pedal. Currently, when you hold the gas pedal in a specific position, the car will either accelerate or decelerate to a specific speed at a rate determined by a single acceleration curve. I plan to make it so that there will be 4 acceleration curves that will come into effect depending on pedal position (1st between 0%-25%, 2nd 25%-50%, 3rd 50%-75%, 4th 75%-100%). Hopefully, the pedal will feel more responsive.