Author Topic: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets  (Read 7062 times)

vernimark

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ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« on: April 05, 2018, 07:15:02 PM »
a couple of years ago I needed to make something in order to set old games in free play. In fact some games don't support free play mode and some others haven't attract mode if free play is set.
I used an Arduino to do that. Pressing START1 arduino first of all inserts a coin and then press START1. THe same for START2, inserting 2 coins instead of one. I used Arduino Nano and a relay board. Cost of the kit less than 5 euros.
But now this project evolved.
Now this Arduino implements a Bluetooth protocol and using a smartphone you can
- activate/deactivate free play mode.
- power on/off the game
- reset the game
- insert coins / press start buttons
- activate test mode
- press service buttons
- modify delays between coins or buttons
- activate/deactivate coins (stop playing)
- control the status of several counters (supports counters for free play mode and for coin mode, save separately single games and double games
- activate/deactivate sound
Setup is saved on its EEPROM so Arduino remembers the last status.
Is it useful? Actually I don't know.
It can be useful during arcade events so you can interact with the game without opening it but actually this is only an experiment.
The smartphone app doesn't exist yet (next step), I'm using a BlueTooth terminal application now.
Am I wasting my time? Any suggestion?
For instance: internal temperature monitor? voltage control?

Digimon

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #1 on: April 06, 2018, 07:46:13 AM »
that sounds like a good projects:)

Even the ´non app´ solution.

Is the old solution available? I am looking for something similar.


Searching Zaccaria Stuff: Zaxxon CPO, JumpBug CPO or CPO Repro
next project: assemble Zaccaria Vanguard.

baritonomarchetto

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #2 on: April 13, 2018, 08:15:42 AM »
The app still exist (there are plenty actually) and is at your disposal: remote XY is the name. It's free for up to 5 elements on the screen.
Another good choice is bluetooth serial controller, 100% free but with a lesser appealing GUI.
« Last Edit: April 13, 2018, 08:42:24 AM by baritonomarchetto »
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level42

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #3 on: May 15, 2018, 12:21:41 AM »
What Arduino did you use and what language did you use to program it ?

I've ordered some Arduino stuff and like to give some projects a try....IF I can find a bit of free time.... :D

vernimark

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2018, 11:51:34 AM »
I used a chinese version of Arduino nano but if you want to experiment I suggest Arduino UNO.
Pay attention to newer versions because they use 3.3V only and applying 5V I/O burn for sure
If you download the official SDK you can program it using a sort of C, very simple and immediate.

baritonomarchetto

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2018, 12:18:23 PM »
Both 3.3V and 5V logic arduino nano boards are currently developed.
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vernimark

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2018, 01:51:33 PM »
yes. I was talking about arduino due

baritonomarchetto

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2018, 01:57:59 PM »
Arduino DUE is totally another beast! It doesn't replace the UNO (or any other atmega 328 microcontroller based board).
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level42

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2018, 11:32:58 PM »
I'm actually in need of the smallest possible Arduino so I'm playing around with a Digispark (clone) Attiny85 now. Only a few pins, but enough for my project :)

Yeah I downloaded the Arduino IDE and it works nicely enough for small projects. It is a good thing that I learned to program C back in my electronics school years (during a practice year at a company). I had mastered BASIC way before that and we had some PASCAL at school, but C is really quite different and more powerful...so now this pays off :)


baritonomarchetto

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Re: ARDUINO project for classic cabinets
« Reply #9 on: June 05, 2018, 06:31:19 AM »
Those Attiny85 boards are as small as tedious to use. I prefer those new nano compatible clones without USB connector for project where the form factor is important: max compatibility and minimum dimensions ;)
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