So I just got a bunch of PM's from RGP as a result of a bump of an old thread about the CFTBL speaker panel mods I made about a year ago. For those of you who aren't aware of the mod, it is designed to work with the CPR repro speaker panel plastics with the light mask. It lights up the taillights of the cars, the moon, UFO, and chases the Starlight sign. I also offered a peel-and-stick vinyl light mask to be used with the original speaker panel plastic if someone didn't want to spring for the new panel. I have a video of it in action that I'll post once I find it again.

It seems there could be enough interest to do another run. I have had some people show interest in a version of this mod that had some lighting effects based on game triggers. So I am interested to know: a) are there are more people who want this mod, b) if there is interest, how much interest is there in a rev 2 mod that will have some lighting effects linked to gameplay, and c) if b, then what kind of effects are you interested in seeing?

Thanks,
Jeff

Well it seems like there is plenty of interest to make another batch...between here and RGP I must have at least 20 people interested. I think what I will be doing is making another batch of the same panels, since I have PCBs and some other parts left over from the first run, and I'll try to add an option to do some light effects based on the game using an add-on module of some sort. That way if you don't care about that feature you can just buy the panel itself and be done.

It would really help me if those of you who are (genuinely) interested in purchasing one of the mods could PM me so that I can make a list. Please only PM if you are definitely planning to follow through and buy one, as I will be using this list to place my material order. The cost this time around is going to be $85 plus shipping, as you all know the cost of parts and goods is only going up and even in the last year electronic components have gotten more expensive. Shipping last time around was a flat $15 to anywhere in the US and I think I can keep that the same.

I am still open to ideas on the game-based effects. Some people mentioned the "Move Your Car" lights as a potential trigger. I was thinking about that too, that and maybe having just the center car's taillights on at the end of a game as the car is driving away on the display - though I'd have to figure out how to detect that the game is over. Fortunately this doesn't have to be decided just yet and it won't stop me from moving forward on the build.

Thanks everyone!

Also I meant to post the link to the video...here it is:

https://picasaweb.google.com/108347230708611651054/CFTBLSpeakerPanelMod?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLrT6Ka6q-WqBg&feat=directlink#

They all appear as photos at first but the fourth one in the list is actually a video.

Thanks for the kudos everyone. Here are some answers to your questions:

1) Can I use the original panel?
Yes, I have created a custom-cut vinyl peel-and-stick mask for using the original speaker panel for $15. The original is set up for backlighting but Bally/WMS applied the black adhesive mask on the back of the panel like they do on many games that completely blacked out the entire panel. This needs to be removed with Goo Gone (or similar) and some elbow grease. If you are willing to do this, then the $15 will save you the cost of the CPR repro panel. Mind you, the CPR panels are very nicely done and the premium version includes the mirrored car bumpers which looks really neat. FYI the video I posted is of my original panel with the light mask as I scratched the crap out of my CPR repro during the development process (there are lots of sharp things in my workshop).
2) What is included?
The panel itself is baltic birch plywood (not cheap MDF like the original), painted black and custom routed to contain the PCBs and other hardware from the original panel. You'll need to transfer over all the metal parts, except t-nuts and display mounting screws, which are already installed, to the new panel. Speaker grilles are also included since the cutting of these is pretty intricate to create openings for the LEDS and i didn't want people to be cursing as they accidentally cut too much off their originals, or cut them jagged and scratched the artwork on the panel, anyway you get the idea. There is a plug and pass-through connector that plugs onto one of the +5V connectors on the power driver board. That's basically it. I will post the installation instructions for the kit when I get a chance so you can all see how it will go.

Now I have to go compile the list of responders...I've been swamped at work so those of you who have PM'd, thanks for doing so and I apologize for not confirming you yet, I will do my best to send out emails tonight.

Jeff

Just bumping this one to make sure that everyone who wants to be on the list for the next run of speaker panels is counted...I have NOT used posts to determine who is on the list, as it's too difficult to correlate them with PMs. So please if you want to be on the list and haven't already done so PM me and if you could include your email that will help make sure I produce the right # of panels.

Thanks,
Jeff

The way I'm proceeding on rev 2 is this: first off I've added independent control of all taillight LEDs (rev 1 had them grouped). Second, I've added an intelligent serial interface to the controller board that will be able to interface to another board that I will offer as an upgrade option later on. The upgrade board will be a snooper that looks at the switch and lamp matrices and will be able to override the default light show on the panel via the serial interface. Doing it this way will give people options and not put a financial burden on those customers who don't care about game triggers. When I make the upgrade kit I may offer a way for the end-user to customize the triggers, but only if I am able to make it easy to do. The last thing I'd want to do is make something that becomes a support nightmare.

Jeff

Hi Folks,

Things are moving along here and I thought I'd share the details with everyone. Apart from the holidays, we just found out we are expecting our fourth child (say a prayer for a girl!) and that put me into something of a frenzy. I ended up liquidating half of my pinball collection, partly for cash but partly so that I can actually start finishing my basement. I know in 8 months that won't be a possibility anymore...

Now for the CFTBL panel update: PCB design is done. PCBs are out for fabrication and parts are on order. I expect to have them back in a week's time, at which point I need to get my guy started building them, I don't think it will be cost-effective to have the PCBs machine built so they will likely be assembled by hand like the first batch. Also the plywood for the panels is in-house, it will take 4 5'x5' sheets of 1/2" Baltic Birch, planed down to 0.4" to match the original panel, to make the quantity of panels I need.

Because everything has been ordered at this point, the preorder is technically closed. However I do have 6 panels that are unaccounted for in this run so if anyone still wants in, now would be the time. I will be making these panels no matter what, so they will be available later if no one claims them now.

I hope to have another update in a week or so. At that time I'll talk about the new functionality that these panels have over the rev 1 panels that I ran last time. Until then, take care everyone and try not let the holiday stress take your sanity!

Thanks,
Jeff