Cross posting here in case anyone else has come across the same issue. Thanks!

https://pinside.com/pinball/forum/topic/bop-playfield-lamps-take-a-few-minutes-to-come-on

Thanks to an idea from @rubberducks, I've been working on a pinduino replacement for the helmet lights:

Finished installed the helmet back in my BoP and have updated the code. I think it came out really well (and kicks the snot out of the stock lighting).

Code, as always, is open source: https://github.com/elyons/professor_pinball_pinduino_sketches/tree/master/BOP-ramp-head

If anyone is interested in a plug and play kit, just PM me (and I'll get this listed in my Pinside store). I think the cost will be $125 (or you can DIY for around $40-$50).

I have this now listed in my pinside shop: https://pinside.com/pinball/market/shops/1025-professor-pinball/01376-pinduino-bop-helmetlighting-kit

Also, I wrote up instructions for building/installing: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kTpFVe-YBrWfoj62PlGlrLQYIF78DTn__jdQGrwmKTk/edit

Paul, you had asked similar questions about the Pinduino kit for the ramps and face -- this uses exactly the same system. It changes lighting effects based on game play (the Pinduino is programmable, arduino-based microcontroller than monitors pinball activity through J126 on the power driver board).

That is the magic of the pinduino: it is a generic and customizable controller that lets anyone doing anything. I've released all code as open source to let people design anything they can imagine (well, to a limit, with programmable LEDs being one of those limits. ). I've also released (open source) the board files for the the more powerful and flexible pidnuino system (which uses an Arduino Mega rather than a Nano) that let's people control addressable LEDs and 12V RGB LEDs: https://github.com/elyons/professor_pinball_pinduino_sketches/tree/master/board_files. Just imagine how much more awesome your Lighted Legs could be if they changed colors based on game play (your leg kits are already awesome).

It gets power from the power driver board, using 12V to power the arduino and pinduino onboard circuits, and 5V for the LEDs. The helmet is using 16 LEDS, which would draw about 1/4A of current when set to white on full brightness. The ramp and face kit use ~60 LEDs, which draws about 1A. I've have both of these running off my power driver board, which I have updated with a MUCH better 5V and 12V voltage regulators:

http://www.ezsbc.com/index.php/featured-products-list-home-page/psu3-12.html#.Vyo-L2Za4yM
http://www.ezsbc.com/index.php/featured-products-list-home-page/psu5.html#.Vyo9i2Za4yM

Every WPC system I bring in gets these puppies put in (along with NVRAM).

I have overtaxed the 5V circuit on a couple of designs. My TZ has around 150 addressable LEDs and my Tron has about 250. For those, I add in an external 5V/12V switching power supply.

Sorry for the long post, but hope some of the info is useful. Feel free to PM me if you have any more questions -- I'm always happy to help people get their ideas and creations off the ground.

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Hi Paul,

Glad you like the Pinduino helmet! Such a great improvement.

When I replace the 5V and 12V regulator, I've now remove the 5V heatsink, leave the 12V heatsink in place but don't both attaching it to the 12V voltage regulator, replace C2 (I have a pile of these), and don't both replacing C3.

I hadn't read about removing C2 and C3, but leaving them in can't hurt (unless they leak).

Best,
-eric

Made a video showing the Pinduino controlled helmet lights using BoP 1.0:

The same code for the Pinduino is used for both BoP 1.0 and 2.0:

Proffesor Pinball , upgrading the 5v and 12v regulators: does this also apply to Rotten Dog replacement power driver boards?

Not sure -- I haven't had one of those in any of the games on which I've worked.

Thanks Eric, I know the Rotten Dog boards were designed to correct some of the problems with the original wpc boards. I just dont know exactly what it is. I will let you know if its needed when I have the Helmet ,face, and ramp lights- two pinduinos, fully operational later this week. LOL

The BOP at work has developed laryngitis with no sound coming out of speakers. This just randomly happened with no apparent cause. Do hear occational pops/clicks which would seem to indicate good AMPs.
Went over the piniwiki recommendations in addition to checking fuses and voltages.
both -12 and +12 audio amps seems to have good voltages.
+5 is a little low at 4.8VDC; but not sure that is a cause.
Speakers do not have opens.
Scope checks at caps to the amp stages seems to show no audio input.
8MHz oscillator to SND MPU is operating at W8. Reset to MPU is high.
3.58MHz oscillator which feeds U10 (YM2151) does not appear to be oscillating (checked with portable scope).

Plan to go to Frys tomorrow and get a replacement U22 (74LS04) and replace. That should fix it.

The BOP at work??? Are you hiring?

Mancave sorry for the delay, but here is what I was thinking for the ball lock cover. Its still a little rough but I wanted to run it by everyone. This would simply be a sticker and would wrap the ball lock cover as shown. Let me know what you think.
Thanks

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Cool idea and nicely done!

Awesome looking

Very well done!

Great job! I’d put that on my BoP.

Polygamy the easy way?

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It’s a 1991 expo flashback

With pre-faded cabinets, what a novelty!

Well here it is in action. I see that I have a little more work to do- like heavy up the line work on the astronauts and adjust the angle of the trim-out, where the side meets the door, but for a "one off" I am fairly happy with the results. I have attached pictures of the "install" It was tricky lining the sticker up because the Lock When Lit cover is not symmetrical as you can see if you look closely at my photos AND... my artwork is! Take a look and let me know what you guys think . Thanks

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I like it! I'll take one!

I like it! Put me down on the list when they are ready. Great job.

Indeed-super nice-great job!

That's actually really cool.

Looks great!

After work today, it's time to change out bad bulbs on my BOP again (there's always one necessitating the removal of the mini playfield...sigh!). Also out are all four of the inserts leading to the loop on the left (just right of the shuttle ramp entrance.) The loop still scores correctly, but they don't light up. I assume it's too much of a coincidence to be all four bulbs. If it's not the bulbs, what next?

Power going to the light board. Check to makes sure the wires are intact, no cold solder joints, etc.

Looks like some interesting stuff going on here. Here’s my BoP in (Australia) keeping the theme going (plus obvious friends). Excellent game to play, and was a little tricky to track down here. The wife insisted we get the Bride. I like the simple mods you can do to this era of Pin,.. I’m trying comets matrix posts to light it up a bit. I’ll be keeping an eye on these mods,.. the ball lock cover looks cool,.. the stock one is underwhelming given the rest of the stuff on the pin.

Will read thru all the posts,.. hoping to find answers to some nagging questions.

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Not following updates on news lately, but I am looking for a playfield for my BOP. I contacted Peter in Germany and was "put on the list" and then a week leter he's requesting full payment as the PF is going out for clear? Is this company in good standing at the moment? Seems a little fishy as to how quick that happened unless my timing was impeccable(which it is usually not in my case).

Before I pull the trigger on a new one, if it's legit, does anyone here have one to sell?

Thanks, Jon

I think we can only comment on our experiences. Mine was excellent, my playfield showed up looking great. There has been a long list, and like you, I jumped ahead when someone cancelled. My recommendation is to jump on this.

The only thing I can say is that some folks have seen some minor clearcoat "settling" around the insert edges after considerable time. This is a function of his clearcoating process and I'm sure improves with each batch. Even if you had one with this effect, you can always re-clear.

I was on his list for three years for the first batch. While it was a long, long wait, it was worth it. He is legit.

Yeah, I also have one of his PF's. Great quality job, I just don't care much for his sense of humor

Thanks guys. I was on the list years ago with Planetary Pinball IIRC, but never got a notice. Missed the boat. I just don't watch the forums like I used to. I'll go for it.

Does anyone know where you can get decals for both ramps?

Give Larry a call at Starship Fantasy. He may have some decals kicking around

I just finished installing the playfield I got from Peter and am more than happy with his product! Get one while he has them available you will not regret it

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Where did you get the decals for inside the cabinet? I haven't seen that version before and I like that variation better than the others.

Not sure exactly it was a while back I ordered them. I did find the same ones for purchase.

https://www.retrorefurbs.com/shop/bride-pinbot-pinball-sideblades/