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This Guide has two sections:
Virtual Pinball “Software” Essentials videos for Future Pinball
and the rest is
Future Pinball, BAM, DOFLinx, and front-end setup Mega-Guide!
I recommend using the Mega-Guide first as it is more “up to date” with important details and changes not covered in my videos.
Then watch the videos if that helps you more, as they also cover some things not shown in the guide.
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The Virtual Pinball “Software” Essentials videos for Future Pinball – PART 1, 2 and 3
Future Pinball may be 11+ years old now…but that hasn’t stopped it from getting better and better…. thanks to Ravarcade’s BAM (Better Arcade Mode).
Today, Future Pinball looks much better, plays much better and has loads of new features that table authors and players can use. The potential has barely been tapped into.
This topic has A LOT of content, and I can’t cover everything in one video (there’s more coming)…but I cover the entire spectrum to give you all the basics so you understand what everything is and how it works. You will be up and running with Future Pinball, BAM, tables, and DMDs the right way… the FIRST time!
PART 1
BOOKMARKS:
Intro – 0:01
Install Future Pinball – 2:34
Install BAM – 3:58
BAM Head Tracking Demos – 5:13
If you see this dork on the street…. RUN! – 5:44
Install BAM OpenVR 8:02
Remove Watermark, restrictions, etc (modified Future Pinball.exe) – 9:17
FutureDMD, FPIntercept – 15:39
Exclusive Fullscreen vs Borderless Windowed – 17:35
How to Force Borderless Windowed Mode – 19:18
Functions of Files and Folders – 21:36
BAM: how basic physics works with xml files – .22:04
Future Pinball’s FANTASTIC Manual – 30:30
Libraries Folder – 30:52
Scripts Folder – 33:42
Tables Folder – 34:55PART 2
BOOKMARKS:
Editor and Options – 0:29
Table demonstration (Robots Invasion) – 1:06
DISABLE “Load Images Into Table Editor” – 3:56
Game Keys and Controls – 5:04
Manual Ball Roller – 7:03
Video and Rendering Options – 11:18
Arcade Mode, When you DO and DON’T use it – 16:04
Script Editor – 21:27
HUD DMDs and HUD Overlays – 23:07
FP Lighting vs BAM New Renderer Lighting – 29:56
FP Lighting Demo – Star Trek (Stern) (Ultimate) – 32:01
BAM New Renderer Lighting Demo – Star Trek (Stern) (Ultimate PRO) – 33:45
BAM Menu and Settings – 37:53PART 3
BOOKMARKS:
DOFLinx and Pinup Player – 0:21
PuP-Pack Demo – JAWS Ultimate PRO – 3:50
NO Roms – 9:51
Cabinets and Arcade Mode – 12:39
Post Processing with Light Presets – 21:39
BAM Mini-Playfield example – Star Trek Space Battle – 23:35
Website for Tables and Communities – 26:36
SLAMT1LT’s Pinball Emporium – 27:06
SLAMT1LT’s Youtube Channel – 29:31
VPU, VPinball, VPForums, IR Pinball – 31:01
PinSimDB and GoPinball – 32:52
Closing Thoughts – 37:11====================================================================
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Future Pinball, BAM, DOFLinx, and front-end setup Mega-Guide!
This guide is a good resource for Future Pinball, BAM and any other related files you may need. I cover all the basics you need right here!
Cabinet and Desktop:
While this guide was made for cabinet owners…it can also be used for Desktop users as well.
No ROMS or Backglass programs Needed:
Future Pinball tables currently do not support or use any kind of roms. Therefor you do not need VPinMAME or other emulating software to play any games made for it. It can display it’s own Backglass and score on a second screen for cabinet or multi-screen users.
Future Pinball and BAM (Better Arcade Mode):
First you need to install both Future Pinball and BAM (Better Arcade Mode). Future Pinball is old and hasn’t been updated since 2008! So BAM was created to not only allow for a new Better Arcade Mode (for cabinet views, etc), but it has loads of neat features like head tracking, new High Score Displays, stereoscopic 3D, and adds loads of new features that table authors can use on their tables. It also has a New Renderer that renders lighting on a per-pixel basis, bump / normal mapping, Shadow Maps, Ambient Occlusion, Post Processing effects and more.
Another significant feature BAM has, is the ability to access and change Future Pinball’s physics! For many people, Future Pinball’s original physics… mainly the flippers… were considered… not so good. With BAM, each table can optionally have its own basic physics settings in an XML file (named the same as the table).
New feature for BAM in 2018 is the ability to have scriptable dynamic physics! This gives far more capability to the table author to change the settings of physics per object, dynamically through the table script! This has allowed for a VERY significant improvement to the Flipper aiming, among other new features. This alone is reason enough to want BAM!
BAM also fixed numerous bugs in FP..and has loads of other features too numerous to list here.
BAM is REQUIRED NOW!
Many new features from BAM are now becoming the standard to use for FP tables. That means that you can’t play these new tables without BAM installed.
So from this point on….BAM is now regarded as a REQUIREMENT for Future Pinball! You will only load and play tables using BAM’s FPLoader.exe…NOT the FuturePinball.exe!
Be sure to check for updates to BAM, as Ravarcade regularly adds new features.
Installing FP and BAM:
-you can download and install Future Pinball from the setup file you get from the Future Pinball site.
….or even easier…get Ravarcade’s “BAM and FP” 2 in 1 installer at his BAM web site:
BAM updates:
To update BAM to the latest full release, you can just go here:
https://www.ravarcade.pl/download
Download the latest update zip, extract and overwrite the files in your BAM folder. If you have a BAM Default.cfg file with your own preferred settings, then don’t overwrite that file!
BAM thread and Beta updates
You can follow the main BAM thread at GoPinball for info on the latest BAM updates and features. Sometimes you need the newest beta for a new table to work correctly.
http://www.gopinball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=3249
BAM newest Beta File download:
https://www.ravarcade.pl/beta/BAM.dll
If you are only installing BAM because you already have FP installed, then BAM installs to the “FuturePinball \ BAM” folder.
BAM OPENVR
If you want to try the BEST virtual pinball VR experience, you can install BAM Open VR! The zip file is at the same link as the other BAM download files on Ravarcade’s site.
Download the BAM-OpenVR.zip. Extract the “BAM-OpenVR” folder to your Future Pinball folder (NOT in your BAM folder!). Then run FPLoader.exe from the BAM-OpenVR folder just like you normally run FP-BAM. Your BAM cfg files are kept in the “BAM-OpenVR\cfg” folder, so they won’t affect your normal BAM cfg files.
When running BAM Open VR, you can keep all the same FP settings, but you MUST have FP’s VSYNC disabled, as you are running a different fps and refresh rate in your VR helmet compared to your monitor / TV. In BAM’s in-game Addons menu, it’s also important to turn off Vsync as well. The latency setting you may need to set for personal taste. I prefer -1, otherwise it makes me feel a bit dizzy.
You must also have the second (backglass) screen disabled in FP settings.
While in VR, if you are running in Windowed mode… bringing up the BAM menu (~ or Q) will cause FP to NOT be in focus! So you need to click back in the FP window! You can avoid this by either running in Full screen, or forced Borderless windowed.
I also highly recommend replacing the openvr_api.dll with the OpenComposite version. This will completely bypass SteamVR and allows it to run much better with less hassle:
https://gitlab.com/znixian/OpenOVR/blob/master/README.md
More info about BAM Open VR can be found here:
http://gopinball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=6131
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Future Pinball Watermark:
BAM can now remove the Watermark on the original Future Pinball.exe
Future Pinball displays a watermark of it’s logo in the lower right corner while playing. This looks terrible in a cabinet view in particular, since it also gets stretched.
A new feature of BAM can automatically remove the FP watermark on the original FuturePinball.exe (it fades away 5 secs after table starts). You enable this in BAM menu – Addons.
This is handy for those guys who get crashes on some tables when using the modified EXE’s (read more below), or for those who prefer using the original EXE and maybe want to see the FP logo while the table loads.
Modded EXEs
There have been various versions of the FuturePinball.exe that have had the watermark (and other limitations removed). Keep in mind that some of these EXEs may give different results for some peoples hardware and may cause a crash. Here is a link where you can get all modified versions of the Future Pinball EXE, and some of them have the watermark removed.
http://www.pinsimdb.org/pinres/entry-1684-future_pinball_installation_and_alternate_executable_files
The “Future Pinball x64 1.1.exe” is usually a good one to use (rename it to FuturePinball.exe). If you have problems with it, then try one of the others.
That said, always use the original FuturePinball.exe if it works fine for you (while using BAM to remove the watermark).
There’s no need to use a modded EXE just to play the tables!
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Windows Settings:
DPI / Text Scaling:
Make sure your DPI / Text Scaling is set to 100 in Windows for all screens being used, or you may get a stretched and very large FP screen.
Screens:
If using more than one screen, be sure you have your screens arranged correctly. No negative values in the positions, and they should be arranged (from left to right) as playfield, backglass, DMD, Topper. The playfield needs to b the primary screen.
Future Pinball Settings:
Future Pinball plays great in a cabinet and on desktop. It allows for both a static camera and movable cameras all with fully 3D rendered elements!
Video / Graphics:
The Video / Graphics settings for both cabinet and desktop are mostly the same, except for the second monitor and rotation settings, as those need to be set for your particular setup. There will be additional settings in BAM when you load and play a table.
For cabinet use, configure Future Pinball with these settings. This is a MUST, for complete compatibility with all tables and BAM / Cabinet use! Some tables don’t like having the “Game Room” enabled as an example. Use these EXACT settings. You can change screen resolution (as needed) and anti-aliasing if you want (if your system can handle it), and rotation to 0 if you have your playfield screen set to Portrait in Windows. Also don’t forget to set your Backbox resolution. You may want to have “camera follows the ball” enabled for desktop usage.
(Arcade Mode)
Cabinet users with a second screen enabled must have both BAM’s “Force Arcade Mode” enabled and FP’s “Arcade Mode” enabled.
If you don’t have FP’s Arcade Mode enabled… the videos, some timers and other features while run way too fast!
If you don’t have BAM’s “Force Arcade Mode” enabled, then some elements on some tables won’t appear correctly in a cabinet view.
To do this, first disable “Arcade Mode” in FP’s Video and Render Settings. Then run a table. Goto BAM’s AddOn menu and enable “Force Arcade Mode” (since this is now accessible). Exit the Bam menu, and then exit the table. Now re-enable “Arcade Mode” in FP’s Video and Rendering Settings.
Desktop single screen users must NOT have “Arcade Mode” checkbox enabled, or you won’t be able to see the DMD text displayed on the HUD DMD. If you still want the Arcade Mode view, then leave “Arcade Mode” disabled, and then you can enable “Force Arcade Mode” from the BAM menu settings in-game.
Fullscreen, Windowed, Borderless Windowed options:
Future Pinball only runs in Exclusive Fullscreen, or windowed mode. It does not have a Borderless fullscreen option. So normally HD and 4K aren’t available options in windowed mode, but they are in Exclusive Fullscreen.
Future Pinball Borderless Windowed Fullscreen workaround:
In order to be able to use Borderless Windowed Fullscreen (required for FP and PuP-Packs on one screen), you need to use a workaround. Once this is setup, you don’t need to do it anymore.
FIRST set your normal Video / Rendering options and Resolution to Fullscreen. Make sure you can run the game ok to be sure its using the correct resolution.
Now go back to Video / Rendering options and ONLY uncheck the Fullscreen option. It will most likely now display 640×480 for the resolution. DO NOT change your resolution again! (the resolutions settings are still good!) From this point on you don’t ever change your resolution. Click OK to save the settings.
Run a FP table to be sure it is running in the same resolution… only now you will see the ugly window borders. This is normal!
Now you need to use a program that will automatically force Future Pinball’s window to run in Borderless Windowed. There are multiple options that work fine. I have used these two options, and both worked very well.
Borderless Gaming
https://github.com/Codeusa/Borderless-Gaming/releases
Windowed Borderless Gaming
http://westechsolutions.net/sites/WindowedBorderlessGaming/
…and other possible solutions…
https://pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Glossary:Borderless_fullscreen_windowed
Have one of those options setup for this window:
“Future Pinball – © 2008 BSP Software Design Solutions”
Now each time your Future Pinball table runs, it should switch to Borderless Windowed mode (no frames or taskbar) and be ready to go for PuP-Packs!
Editor Settings. VERY IMPORTANT!
Make sure you have “Load Image Into Table Editor” disabled (unchecked) in the “Preferences \ Editor Options” menu. This is important as you will get crashes and other strange things happen when you launch some tables!
Controls Settings and Nudge:
You can use a mouse, keyboard, gamepads, and almost any kind of controller with FP, all at the same and with their own unique settings.
Nudge: For analogue nudge using an AXIS, note that you will never EVER get a TILT Warning using analogue nudging. There is also no dedicated Tilt Bob control either.
Using Digital Nudge however (with buttons or keys), you will get a normal TILT Warning and TILT when nudging.
FIRE Button: Some tables support the use of a FIRE button! This may be mapped to possibly Special 1 or Special 2, or the 2nd Flippers on some tables. Special 1 seems to be used most of the time. You can always try mapping Special 1 and 2nd Flipper left to the same key / button, and same for the Special 2 and Right. Maybe this will work fine for all tables. Try and see what works for you. Examples of tables that use a FIRE Button would be Jaws Ultimate Pro, Iron Man Ultimate Pro, Avatar Ultimate Pro, and Transformers Ultimate Pro.
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TABLES and OTHER FILES. Where do they go?:
When you download Tables…they can contain numerous files in the zip / rar archive. It’s important that these files go to the the correct folder!
Table Files (fpt):
-copy your FP tables (*.fpt) to the Tables folder (NOT in their own self-named sub folders!)
Library Files (fpl):
-copy any table Library files (*.fpl) to the Libraries folder
Scripts Fies (vbs):
-copy any scripts files to your “Future Pinball \ Scripts” folder (create a folder if there isn’t one)
Physics – older tables (xml, zip):
-Bam can use table specific files for physics settings for older tables. Example of the version of physics over the years are (2.4,2.5,2.6,2.7, Zed, Custom, etc), If your table needs this (older tables), then just copy the table’s .XML (*.zip for Zed) to your Tables folder and rename it the same as your table. It MUST be the same name. Newer tables can now have all modern physics settings in the table script with no need for an XML file. (read more in PHYSICS section)
BAM CFG files (cfg):
– cfg files for BAM hold lots of settings for each table (POV, size, lighting, renderer,. You access these in the BAM menu (while playing the game) by pressing ~ or Q. They are auto saved and named the same as the table filename. These are located in the “BAM \ CFG” folder. The default.cfg located in the BAM folder is what settings will be used for all new tables when they first are loaded. You can create your own default.cfg from the BAM main menu.
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Real DMD and LCD DMD for Pinball Cabinets:
Future Pinball does a great job at creating it’s own backglass and DMD / scoring displays. This is perfect for 2 screen cabinet users that don’t need any kind of DMD or separate display.
For Real DMD and LCD users, Future Pinball does not natively support rendering scores or DMDs to a separate window or a Real DMD. Therefor you will need to use other programs for that. The limitations are:
– DMD support only
– no alpha numeric displays
– DMDs must be 128×32 (this may require some simple changes on some tables)Future DMD: For LCD users, you can use FutureDMD to display 128×32 DMDs on another monitor. Read through it’s excellent guide on how to install and use it with a front-end.
https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=8222
FP Intercept: RealDMD users can also display 128×32 DMDs from FP tables using FPIntercept. There is some colour DMD support.
https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=7493
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Overlay HUD for Videos, DMDs and Scores on the Main playfield Screen:
By default FP has it’s Overlay HUD for DMD, Scores, and other things appear on it’s main screen. (This is not the same as what is shown on the backglass). This will still appear when playing the game in a cabinet type of view (usually top left corner and stretched). This was intended for desktop view, so it needs to be moved “off screen”.
Just load the table into the FP editor, click on Translite. Make sure all layers are visible. You can see the the HUD Overlays and DMD you want to move typically on the top left. Select them all, and right-click on a part of it, choose Unlock. Now you can move them outside the Pink Box (that is the visible area of the playfield, we don’t want it there anymore). This pic show where you want it to be. Then just save the file and you are good.
NEW BAM Feature: the newer version of BAM has a new feature that allows you to hide all HUD Overlays and HUD DMDs, etc automatically. You can enable this in BAM’s in-game menu – Addons.
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PLAYING A GAME. Normal Loading and Usage:
Always use FPLoader (BAM) to load, edit or play a game. Never the FuturePinball.exe! When running a table from the FP Editor directly (no front-end), ALWAYS load only one table at a time, and ALWAYS close FP and re-open it after exiting a table! This won’t be an issue when launching a table from a front-end because each time you exit your game it closes FP..
Changing camera views on Desktop:
Future Pinball has numerous predefined still and moving camera views for desktop usage. BAM has additional advanced features that allow for custom camera views and attract modes.
Changing playfield and Backbox size and position:
These are no longer adjusted through the older Future Pinball method while in-game. Now you will use BAM’s in game menu and features to adjust almost anything you could ever want!
=======================================
USING BAM
When the table loads and is ready to play, press “Q” or ~ to access the in-game BAM menu. Here you can adjust numerous lighting, rendering, camera, post-processing, plug-ins, and other options. BAM is simply awesome!
BAM default.cfg file:
I have attached a nice BAM default.cfg for you to use for a Cabinet setup. It’s already setup for normal lighting with New Renderer, and the POV for the playfield is ideally setup to for most tables. Just extract the default.cfg file from the zip to your BAM folder. (backup the original file just in case) Now each new table that loads for the first time will use that file for its settings. You can also choose “Reset to Default” for any table at any time to use the Default.cfg file settings.
There are MANY menu options for BAM. Some are more designed for cabinet users…others are Global Options that affect ALL tables. Some options only affect each table and are saved to a different BAM\CFG\ file per table.
You will need to navigate to find some of the other menu settings:
Addons menu
Force Arcade Mode: Needs to be enabled for cabinet users. Normally disabled for desktop users. (global setting)
New Renderer: this is BAM’s New Renderer. Always keep set to allowed.
Ball Shadows: You can set Ball and Flipper shadows (per table setting).
Kick: can’t remember what it does, but keep it disabled.
Trails: remember “mouse pointer trails” for Windows? This is like that. Keep it off unless you are old and need such a thing to follow the ball!
DMD Bulb Size: change the DMD dots size. For VR users this is best set to 2.0
Hide FP Logo: hides the FP logo (it will fade out 5 secs after the table loads – global setting).
Hide Overlays: hide the FP DMD / Overlays / Videos that are meant for Desktop users (and would show up on the cabinet playfield screen – global setting).
Ball Brightness: You can set the Brightness of your Ball (per table setting).
Frame Limiter: This is NOT a VSYNC setting! This is more about internal FP timing. For many users they find they need this set set to OFF or they will get stuttering (especially in VR)! (per table setting)
Ideal settings for cabinet users:
Ideal settings for Desktop users:
Setting Up your Playfield and Backbox for a Cabinet view.
This is for the normal STATIC view. Head Tracking modes may need their own adjustments.
These settings can be very different for each user…but as a good start I would copy the default.cfg file I have attached to this post, to your BAM folder. That gives you a good starting point. Then you can make adjustments from there.
This video also shows some of the settings I used for POV and Lighting in the demo table example. I tend to have my settings a bit darker:
Mode: Static Cam
Real World Camera: X=0, Z=0, Y= really high value like 200
Table Scale: X, Y and Z should be the same…close to 1.0 or as needed.
Angle: usually around 10 to 20
Table Translation: X=0, Y and Z adjust to fine tune position.
Table and Lighting: Lights = New Renderer
Lighting Presets: start with Default….but then adjust to your liking for the individual settings (some tables may have this option Preset already to ideal settings when the table loads)
The above is a good “start”, but you may need to change it for your setup. You want to keep the table looking “correct” and not squished or stretched while also having the ball look round on all parts of the table. I find for my preferences, that most of the bottom of the apron needs to be cut off to fit the table nicely without stretching or smushing the look of it.
Backbox
Backbox settings in Bam can be adjusted in numerous ways for manual sizing or auto sizing. I find doing manual is best so you have the best control over each table, as fitting a square Backbox into a 16:9 table can be tricky.
Don’t forget that you can hold down Shift while adjusting with arrows keys goes much faster… or you can enter numerical values.
Once you have your table looking good, try to “Save to Default”. This will give you a default config for all tables to use when they load for this first time (and you can Reset to Default at any time for any table).
BAM Unique Table Configs (cfg files):
Each table can have their own settings for size, position (POV) and all the other BAM settings. This is auto-saved in the “BAM \ CFG” folder and named after that table’s filename. This way users can share their settings with others, so they don’t need to adjust anything!
You can look around the other menus and try setting things for your self. Lots of neat stuff:
– ambient occlusion “might” look nice, but can really kill your fps and cause artifacts. You’re probably better off disabling it.
– bloom can look good..but it can also make everything blurry when not set right. I normally have it disabled.
– ball brightness. This can be helpful for tables that have darker lighting.
– DMD dot size (FP internal DMD only)
– (POV) table size, position, offset, angle
– lighting and rendering…and much more.
Change Ball Texture while Playing:
While playing, BAM lets you change to a different Ball Texture in game by pressing N (or whatever key you configure). It use whatever files are found in “BAM \ Balls”. Press N again to cycle to the next ball texture. You can have baseball, basketball, soccer, fire, cue ball and more. You can create and use your own as well. (This won’t work on tables that use BAM to create Custom Balls in the table script.)
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PHYSICS:
Future Pinball had a reputation for not having the best physics. This used to come from a combination of older tables using older FP physics, or tables not designed properly…. or tables being used with incorrect physics, etc. Today any table can be updated to make use of modern BAM features for physics which makes a HUGE difference in how good the table plays!
BAM physics XML and ZIP files (for older tables only):
BAM has an XML folder that includes files of the different versions of “basic” physics changes (2.5, 2.6, 2.7, Zed, etc). To use these files you would simply copy the version of the physics file you want to use with a table to the Tables folder and rename the file to match the table filename. This is only for older tables that don’t use updated BAM dynamic physics and embedded XML in the table script. (read more below)
Collection of BAM XML files (for older tables only):
I have included a zip of a large number of XML files I matched to tables I “think” are the most accurate based on what the author’s intended. This is by no means complete or perfect…but using these files will allow you have a better setup for tables you may download. Just copy the file for the table you want to the Tables folder and make sure the xml matches the table filename! Note… these files are not to be used with newer tables that are updated to use new BAM physics!
New modern BAM Dynamic Flippers and Physics:
BAM now allows you to use modern scriptable Dynamic Flippers and physics as well as an XML file config within the table script with no need for any other files. You can change the options and other settings right in the table script to your liking!
The newer dynamic flippers can make a HUGE difference in how much better a FP table can play! This can be added to ANY table! For more information on how to do this, goto this post at GoPinball. Gimli and GeorgeH are the most knowledgeable in this area!
http://www.gopinball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=6676
BAM uses physics in a priority basis. This is important to understand as when you run a table it will use whatever it finds FIRST and in the following order:
- BAM first looks for modern dynamic physics and an embedded xml contained in the table script (newer / BAM updated tables only)
- if not found, then it will look for an XML file or a zip file (Zed physics tend to use zip) matching the table filename
- if not found then it will use the default.xml in the BAM folder
- if not found, it will use finally use whatever physics the FuturePinball.exe uses
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That should get you up and going for Future Pinball and BAM essentials! There is much more you can do with BAM however. Make sure you have the newest version as BAM is always getting updated.
For more information on the newest BAM developments, goto the main BAM post here:
http://www.gopinball.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=86&t=3249
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DOF support:
Virtual Pinball “Software” Essentials – DOFLinx
DOFLinx is the communications bridge that allows us to enjoy amazing light shows and feedback as well as PuP-Packs with Future Pinball and Pinball FX3 tables in our cabinets (or PuP-Packs only with Desktops), and much more!
This video has A LOT of content, but I cover the entire spectrum to give you all the basics so you understand almost everything about DOFLinx and how it works.
You will have DOFLinx ready to be used with Future Pinball, Pinball FX3, PuP-SSF and PuP-Packs the right way… the FIRST time!
Bookmarks:
Dramatic Intro – 0:00
Title – 1:25
DOFLinx Backstory – 2:39
Software Requirements for DOFLinx – 15:26
Install DOFLinx – 17:02
DOFLinx.vbs for Future Pinball – 17:56
directoutputconfig.ini for DOF – 18:38
GlobalConfig_b2SServer.xml for DOF – 19:33DOFLinx.ini SETUP for: 22:10
– Desktop users (only use PuP-Packs)
– Cabinet users with no DOF hardware, no SSF (only use PuP-Packs)
– Cabinet users with MX Leds or SSF, but NO other DOF hardware (also use PuP-Packs)DOFLinx.ini SETUP for: 35:04
– Cabinet users with standard DOF hardware such as solenoids, shaker, fan, gear, chimes, bells, beacon, strobes, led buttons, flashers, etc (can also include MX Leds, SSF, and PuP-Packs)DOF Config Tool for MX Led table config updates – 1:01:29
How to use DOFLinx – 1:02:44
Future Pinball DOFLinx demo – 1:07:43
Pinball FX3 DOFLinx Demo – 1:11:59
Other Emulators and Games with DOFLinx – 1:20:01
SUP (Supplementary) *.ini files – 1:20:43
DOFLinx Forums – 1:23:30Pinup System Install Guide Wiki:
http://www.nailbuster.com/wikipinup/doku.php?id=install_guide
DOFLinx Forums:
https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showforum=104
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DOFLinx:
Future Pinball itself doesn’t have native DOF support for cabinet hardware and lighting feedback. That comes from DOF and DOFLinx. DOFLinx also provides the ability for Pinup Player to work with FP for active video backglasses (PuP-Packs).
These are the other programs that are needed for DOFLinx to work:
VPX All in One Installer:
-install the VPX all in one installer. (10.5 or higher) This will Install the B2S server and all needed files. Yes it installs Visual Pinball X too, but you don’t have to use it (but there are amazing tables for it too).
https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=11573
DOF R3++
https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=39557&page=1
http://mjrnet.org/pinscape/dll-updates.htmlDOFLinx:
http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=12318
-install DOFLinx in the DirectOutput folder. This will allow DOFLinx to see DOFLinx.ini automatically.
-copy the DOFLinx.vbs file to the “Future Pinball \ Scripts” folder.
-copy one of the example DOFLinx.ini files to the same folder as DOFLinx. Configure the DOFLinx.ini for your cabinet’s setup! (consult the DOFLinx guide for more info)
-unblock ALL *.exe and *.DLL files within the DirectOutput folder or wherever you installed DOFLinx
-DOFLinx.exe set to “Run as Administrator”
-have DOFLinx always running in the background with the startup of Windows. I HIGHLY recommend that you do this as it’s how DOFLinx was designed to run, and it will save you a lot of headaches. You have been warned!=====================================
DOFLinx.ini :
(This is updated as of version 6.0)
Sections of interest (in the DOFLinx.ini file) for Future Pinball tables modded to work with full cabinet support. (Consult the DOFLinx guide to configure your entire DOFLinx.ini file! Not just these sections)
FP_LINK_WAIT_TIME=80000
– add this “FP_LINK_WAIT_TIME=80000” if it’s not there. This is the max time DOFLinx tries to establish a link (FP Link) with your FP DOFLinx modded table, before it defaults to its “key to output” type function. You change the time to a higher value if your computer takes longer to load some tables.
FP_ATTEMPT_LINK=1
-this is needed if you want DOFLinx to attempt to establish the FP Link with FP DOFLinx modded tables
Cabinet Toys:
The following is your cabinet toys setup. Anything with a # in front of it will be ignored. Make sure you put a # in front of any device you don’t have in your cabinet. (I don’t have a shaker or gear motor)
Consult the DOFLinx guide for more info on how to configure this section.
These entries deal with FX2 and FX3 as well as B2S Server. Adjust folder locations to your specific installation.
PATH_FX2=c:\DirectOutput\FX2\
PATH_FX2_B2S=c:\DirectOutput\FX2_B2S\
PATH_FX3=c:\DirectOutput\FX3\
PATH_FX3_B2S=c:\DirectOutput\FX2_B2S\
PATH_B2S_SERVER=c:\Visual Pinball\Tables\These entries are needed as well, and deal with DOF as well as addressable leds.
DIRECTOUTPUTGLOBAL=C:\DirectOutput\config\GlobalConfig_b2SServer.xml
AUTO_MX=1These are the solenoids for flippers, bumpers, etc. Make sure they are configured for your particular setup, device, ports, etc.
LINK_LF=101,25,8000,255
LINK_RF=102,25,8000,255
LINK_LS=103,75,1000,255
LINK_RS=104,75,1000,255
LINK_ML=105,75,1000,255
LINK_MC=106,75,1000,255
LINK_MR=107,75,1000,255
LINK_BL=108,75,1000,255
LINK_BC=106,75,1000,255
LINK_BR=110,75,1000,255This is the blower fan, shaker, and gear motor. (Note, I don’t have a gear motor)
LINK_FN=111,75,9999,255
LINK_SH=111,75,9999,255
#LINK_GR=111,75,9999,255Strobes and Beacon
LINK_SR=116,ON,0
LINK_BK=132,ON,0Start, Launch, Fire button (you can add coin, exit, etc)
LINK_ST=114
LINK_LB=115
LINK_FR=113RGB Flashers. These are configured with the Red port of each RGB flasher.
LINK_FLOL=129
LINK_FLIL=126
LINK_FLCN=123
LINK_FLIR=120
LINK_FLOR=117This section deals with RGB_OUTPUT devices. As far as Future Pinball DOFLinx modded tables are concerned, this is the RGB under cabinet lighting. Note: if you have any RGB_OUTPUT device configured the same as a RGB flasher, then the RGB flasher will be used when a FP DOFLinx modded table is launched!
RGB_OUTPUT=114
-RGB_STYLE, RGB_TRIGGER, RGB_MIN_TIME all effect the RGB_OUTPUT….but for FP DOFLinx modded tables this will only have any effect if the table modder chose to use these features.
This doesn’t cover the other sections of the DOFLinx.ini, or all the other numerous features that DOFLinx has…. but it should help to answer A LOT of the questions I get.
=====================
USAGE OF DOFLinx and Tables:
DOFLinx should always be running in the background. When you launch Future Pinball, it “wakes” DOFLinx which will try to establish a Link with the FP table. If the table has DOFLinx support added… after the table has completely loaded and starts, the FP Link will be established. It can take up to 20 seconds to establish a link on some tables. So don’t start the table until you know the link is good and you have DOF feedback and lighting!
After you exit the table and FP is completely closed, then DOFLinx closes the link and goes back to sleep.=====================
Pinup Player and PuP-Packs
Pinup Player is a program that provides “active video backglasses” that can be played on your Backglass and Topper screens. It can also provide SSF (Surround Sound Feedback) on tables and PuP-Packs that support it.
If you have DOFLinx setup for FP…then you can install and setup Pinup Player and use PuP-Packs with FP tables that support them!
Consult the Pinup System wiki to get started:
http://www.nailbuster.com/wikipinup/doku.php?id=start
====================
FRONT-ENDs:
Pinball X:
-setup Pinball X to launch FP tables with FPLoader.exe
Pinup Popper:
-ensure your Emulator Paths are all correct
-the default Popper Launch script for Future Pinball will work with the default install location
-if you want to use FutureDMD, ensure you have that included as well
Example of Pinup Popper Launch script with FutureDMD:
cd "c:\games\Future Pinball"START "" "FutureDMD.exe" table="[GAMENAME]" close=1START "" "[STARTDIR]Launch\VPXSTARTER.exe" 10 5 20 "Future Pinball"START "" "[DIREMU]\FPLoader.exe" /open "[GAMEFULLNAME]" /play /exit /arcaderender /STAYINRAMExample of Popper Close Script:
"[STARTDIR]LAUNCH\PUPCLOSER.EXE" WINTIT "Future Pinball" 2 1You need to login in order to like this post: click here
5 users thanked author for this post.
Hey terry thjs is a good guide I recall a member was having some issues installing fp. Hope he sees this
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Messing with the VPinball app and push notifications.
So if you haven't downloaded app yet what are you waiting for!?
for IOS and Android********************************************************
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Thanks.
Others may not know how BAM works with XML files, they may not have Future Pinball graphics setup correctly for SLAM’S tables (disable GameRoom) and also what’s needed for FutureDMD, etc…
Also, some people setup BAM by having the FPLoader.exe renamed to Future Pinball.exe. (this was recommended at some point long ago, but is not necessary for BAM)
This can cause issues for programs like DOFLinx that need to “detect” Future Pinball.exe properly. DDH69 posted about someone having this issue, so I figured this is a good time to do a “simple”, right to the point guide.
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Thanks Terry for putting this guide together. I might have been “that guy” having the fploader issue. So, I was thinking of posting the solution, but as always, not only did you beat me to it, but did far more than I would have done. Thanks for doing this.
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I’ve seen others that have FPLoader.exe renamed….not just you. :) Or they have Future Pinball.exe in their BAM folder,etc…
Some of them may have not tried DOFLinx yet, so I put that guide up in case they wanted to try it out….and hopefully this will help avoid any issues.
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Thanx for the info!
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Thanks Terry, following win7 deciding that I was no longer using a legit copy ( it was admittedly a long series of upgrade CDs from XP through Vista to Win7 and I couldn’t be bothered going through all that again .. ) I’ve splurged and upgraded to win 10, and now I have it freshly installed, I’m just about to embark on the FP install to see what it’s like, so your timing for me is impeccable !
Cheers,
al.
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Unable to download FuturePinball from Christophers website. Looks like it is an exe file. Is anyone else having issues downloading? Is there another reliable source?
UPDATE: Found it on VPU
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Hey Terry. No luck, have installed as per your instruction.
I get two errors, regardless of which screen I select as backglass it always comes up as my DMD monitor (which is monitor 3 on Win 10). I am setup as 1,3,2. Is the a file like the screenres.txt file in VPX for FP that I need to adjust?? – EDIT – It would seem like my cab doesn’t like the selection of Full Screen, this leaves the windows task bar on the left of screen, but at least the backglass is on the right screen – any thoughts on this would be great? I assume its not a ddraw issue like VPX??
I am using your cabinet file for MOTU and I get an error Pinball Meditation Error, Script Error Line 5328, Variable is undefined ‘FF_init’.
I have no DOF in my cab and this portion of the script appears to be about DOF. I played around with editing those out but I was chasing my tail then with a list of errors. Is there an easy way for a non DOF cab (No DOF files installed, at all) to play this version?
I have TFTC working but like above with the DMD and playfield issues.
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Hey Terry. No luck, have installed as per your instruction. I get two errors, regardless of which screen I select as backglass it always comes up as my DMD monitor (which is monitor 3 on Win 10). I am setup as 1,3,2. Is the a file like the screenres.txt file in VPX for FP that I need to adjust?? – EDIT – It would seem like my cab doesn’t like the selection of Full Screen, this leaves the windows task bar on the left of screen, but at least the backglass is on the right screen – any thoughts on this would be great? I assume its not a ddraw issue like VPX?? I am using your cabinet file for MOTU and I get an error Pinball Meditation Error, Script Error Line 5328, Variable is undefined ‘FF_init’. I have no DOF in my cab and this portion of the script appears to be about DOF. I played around with editing those out but I was chasing my tail then with a list of errors. Is there an easy way for a non DOF cab (No DOF files installed, at all) to play this version? I have TFTC working but like above with the DMD and playfield issues.
As far as MOTU, if you don’t have any DOF in your cabinet, then you need this version….hence why the DOFLinx versions of tables say they are meant for cabinet users with feedback hardware (DOFLinx).
http://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=12916
Your issues sound like windows issues and not FP. It’s best to try to have your screens as 1,2,3 playfield, bg, dmd . If you have ever remote desktop’ed into your cabinet, that can screw up you screen ID’s. (it did for me) So even though screen 2 shows as 2, it may actually be enumerated as 3,etc… Some people have this issue, and its a PITA somtimes to get rid of.
FP may be picky if your BG is not 2, so that could be part of your problem. There is no screenres.txt. FP and VP have nothing in common.
You should be using FPLoader (in BAM directory) to load tables. Once table is loaded, then you press “q” to bring up BAM menu and adjust your size, positions etc, of both your pf and bg.
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Thanks Terry, I saw Cabinet version and was blinded by it. I’ll use the DT version and adjust.
I do have my cab setup as 1 PF, 2 BG and 3 DMD and windows see’s that as 1, 3, 2. I’ll try and change it and adjust my VPX accordingly. I have a day off today so I’ll play around it with it.
Thanks mate.
EDIT – That solves it, changed the display to 1,2,3 instead of 1,3,2 but I can’t seem to get VPX and PinballX to play nicely with that change at present, more work for another day. All good though, the wife will be thrilled that she can play MOTU (as will I) and I can run it from the editor with a quick display change. Very much appreciated.
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Terry,
Why is it that you say to copy your FP tables (*.fpt) to the Tables folder (NOT in their own self-named sub folders!)?
I am guessing it has something to do with compatibility with pincab programs.
I set one table up in its own folder and it worked. I did it this way because I found 2 tables that have the exact same name for a library file and they are totally different.
George
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Terry,
Why is it that you say to copy your FP tables (*.fpt) to the Tables folder (NOT in their own self-named sub folders!)?
I am guessing it has something to do with compatibility with pincab programs.
I set one table up in its own folder and it worked. I did it this way because I found 2 tables that have the exact same name for a library file and they are totally different.
George
It’s because of the way front-end programs work. It can cause issues with the tables not working correctly with the needed path structure of the program. Same normally goes for VPX for different reasons. It “can” work, but you are asking for issues when setup with other programs.
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With the very recent updates to BAM and new tables coming out, I figured I should completely update this Guide with more details many may not know about…and also to include more details about BAM setup, Pinup Player, Real DMD and LCD DMD, and Pinup Popper.
I’ve covered almost all the main essentials one needs for Future Pinball setup in a cabinet!
If you know of something important I may have missed…let me know.
With SLAMT1LT starting to release his new Ultimate PRO tables tomorrow, I wanted a more thorough guide to cover the important stuff.
The first table is JAWS Ultimate Pro…and it is AWESOME. It looks sweet with BAM’s nicer lighting, it plays MUCH better with the new Dynamic flippers, sounds great including Ball Rolling, has a new Harpoon Gun (TWD LE style) and it’s almost a completely new game with new gameplay and many more modes.
I’ll try to get a ready to go CFG you guys can use. Not just for BAM default…but also for Jaws Ultimate Pro. Then it will be ready to go for a perfect cabinet view and lighting setup!
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I’m have a 4K TV for the Play field and I run windows at 4K, I have no problem with VP or FX….
When I run future pinball whether it’s set at 1080 or 4K it takes my desktop an throws it all over and the Play field covers all 3 screens
Is there a way of setting it so it doesn’t do this?
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I’m have a 4K TV for the Play field and I run windows at 4K, I have no problem with VP or FX….
When I run future pinball whether it’s set at 1080 or 4K it takes my desktop an throws it all over and the Play field covers all 3 screens
Is there a way of setting it so it doesn’t do this?
Make sure your DPI / Text Scaling is set to 100.
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That was it as far as putting future pinball Play field on all screens it still terrorizes the desktop some
The Pub packs worked fine BUT future pinball does not like DPI above 100%
Thanks for your help Terry
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That was it as far as putting future pinball Play field on all screens it still terrorizes the desktop some
The Pub packs worked fine BUT future pinball does not like DPI above 100%
Thanks for your help Terry
Yah..it’s not just FP either… other programs don’t like it. So far a cabinet setup in particular you need Windows DPI / Text Scaling set to 100, and nothing higher.
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That was it as far as putting future pinball Play field on all screens it still terrorizes the desktop some
The Pub packs worked fine BUT future pinball does not like DPI above 100%
Thanks for your help Terry
Yah..it’s not just FP either… other programs don’t like it. So far a cabinet setup in particular you need Windows DPI / Text Scaling set to 100, and nothing higher.
Unfortunately there is
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With Jaws Ultimate Pro now available on SLAM’s site, I’m posting a BAM CFG for you guys to use that will set it up just right for a cabinet view and the ideal lighting he meant for the table.
Just extract and copy the “Jaws ULTIMATE Pro.cfg” file to your “BAM \ CFG” folder. It needs to be the same as the table’s filename to work…so if you change that then this must also be changed to match.
This default.cfg file and Jaws cfg file are set for the normal “STATIC” view…not any of the Kinect, or other face Tracking views. So if you have that, then use my file but adjust the size for your setup afterward. Also the lighting may be a bit dark for OLDER tables. If so, then set the Lighting to default, and adjust as needed from there.
The default.cfg goes into your BAM folder. Backup the current one just in case. This is setup similar to Jaws, and should get you a good default setup to use for most tables. Just open the BAM menu, goto the main menu, and choose “Reset to Default” to have a table use the settings on this file. Any table without a cfg will use the Default settings at first loading.
Let me know how they work for you guys.
HUD OVERLAY and HUD DMD
For cabinet play of a new Future Pinball table, first you need to move the HUD DMD and Video Overlays (intended for desktop view, not cab view) so they wont appear on your playfield screen.
Just load the table into the FP editor, click on Translite. Make sure all layers are visible. You can see the the HUD Overlays and DMD you want to move on the top left. Select them all, and right-click on a part of it, choose Unlock. Now you can move them off to the left outside the Pink Box (that is the visible area of the playfield, we don’t want it there anymore). This pic show where you want it to be. Then just save the file and you are good.
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