Holomodsp is a sophisticated interactive system that replaces the damaged and obsolete hologram in the Creature from the Black Lagoon pinballs with a high quality video animation system. Installing Holomodsp is a radical change, practically having a new machine that is much more attractive and entertaining.

The product consists of a 11.6-inch high resolution screen (1920*1080), an electronics to interact with the game and the necessary wiring. The product is upgradeable to add new features, correct bugs or increase the number of video animations. Right now the Full package includes 24 videos of the highest quality, and an Optional Pack with 6 more videos (Search, Movie Madness, 4 x Snack Attack) for a total of 30 videos (base pack + optional bonus pack).

The installation of HolomodSP is very simple and safe. The firmware is fully compatible with Rom L-4 and Rev5. The main board of the product can install a micro SD card for firmware update tasks, configuration and activation of optional extras.

Holomodsp (FULL package 24 videos), price 725 Euros.
Lead time, 5-8 working days from receipt of payment.

Payment Methods:
Bank transfer (TT).
Paypal [email protected] (+5.5% fees)

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Optional extras
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1.- Micro SD card, 17 Euros.
2.- USB Pendrive memory, 19 Euros.
3.- External power supply, 21 Euros.
4.- DIP Rom chip, L-4 or Rev5, 21 Euros.
5.- Extra video Package (6 videos), 398 Euros
     -Movie Madness
     -Search
     -Snack Attack (Teeth)
     -Snack Attack (Watch)
     -Snack Attack (Super Scoring)
     -Snack Attack (Million)
6.- MiniScreen Kit: 3 interactive mini screens with 11 videos, replacing the three playfield posters. Under development.

Shipping costs:
Spain / Portugal ---> 13 Euros
European Union countries -> 29 Euros
United States / Canada -> 65 Euros.
Other countries ---> Contact for a quote

Web site:
https://www.facebook.com/Pinballsp

Github to download firmware Updates and User Manual:
https://github.com/pinballsp/Creature-HOLO-ModSP

Youtube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/user/PINBALLSP/videos

Contact for orders and inquiries.
Email: [email protected]
Skype: pinballsp
Telegram: pinballsp
Whatsapp: +34693344445
Telephone: +34 693 344 445 (only Spanish language)

 
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Thanks everybody for support.

I know that videos are important, no problem about it, I have do some test with video editor and original movie scenes, from first and second films. Also no problem to do 2D animations or mix movie scenes with animations, pictures, texts and masks. The real only problem about videos from original movie is copyright, but I have think also about it.

Like I said, my product will be 100% original, hardware, firmware and videos, I have my own ideas. Product will be ready to work, with video animations included.

Don't worry, my videos will be ALL edited by me, with a mix of movie scenes, 2D animations, texts and pictures. Do not need buy any video or images to Mike.

Full films are both available (1954 and 1956), and mix movie scenes with masks, pictures and 2D animations is not so hard, I may do it with any video editor software like Premiere, Pinnacle, Corel, etc..., and I have a lot of experience with Corel Photopaint to edit pictures.

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Two days ago I received the TFT display, a 13.3 inches IPS, I have test it and work very well, good quality, high contrast, brightness and wide vision angle. Time ago I ordered a 10.1 inches, no IPS, and was very poor quality, narrow angle vision and low resolution.

About Raspberry Pi, time ago I have here the RPY 3, but also I have order and received today the Raspberry Pi Compute 3, this is a very compact version, SODIMM socket, to do custom projects. May be I use for this project, and also I have some another ideas like a Topper to play videos by events, according with status of switches and outputs (lamps, bumpers, flashers, motors, etc...) with TFT or LED panels.

In the begining my idea was a controller board to read status of matrix and transmit its wireless (wifi/bluetooth) to a tablet or Raspberry. But now I think may be better that the Raspberry work also like a controller board reading both matrix and playing directly videos, so probably I will develop and manufacture a shield (small board to connect directly to RPY), with two por expanders by SPI (64 IO ports) and some level adapters. This RPY will be placed in pinball head, close to the CPU and connected with two flat cables to get input/output signals. Will need two power supply voltages, 5v for Raspberry and 12v for TFT display, do not know yet if will get it from driver board or will add external power supply to connect to 100VAC, I must to check it yet.

The TFT will fix to original holo bracket, probably with an acrylic frame and plastic flanges. I see in the holo bracket if remove the hologram, there are two round holes, so may be useful to attached the frame, and in the frame fix the TFT and the video controller board. So will have one RPY in head with a custom shield, and connect with HDMI cable to TFT+video controller board in holo braket, also will need connect a 12VDC cable to TFT to get power supply.

To store videos and user configuration, will connect a USB Memory Pendrive to Raspberry, so will be very easy update files. And may be in the next firmware version I will add option to update wireless by WIFI or Bluetooth from cell phone.

Also thinking about the videos to play by events (inputs/output status). Any suggestions?, Something different from the previous mod, I do not want to make the same videos even with my editions.

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I'm preparing a prototype, only with Raspberry Pi 3 and a small shield board to connect directly to pinball CPU matrix, to read status of all switches and outputs. This weekend I will test it. I do not have here the full machine, but I have a CPU board and ROM to burn and test game in my working table.

Also testing several video editor software to do videos, probably I will use Sony Vegas Pro. I must check yet what movie scenes extract to do videos mixing with texts and masks. If somebody want suggest some movie scenes to do videos, there are two films, first and original from 1954 year and second part 1956.

Fine, thank you, I will appreciate any suggestion about film scenes or additional features for mod.

This mod really will may be used in any pinball to do for example a Topper with TFT display (bigger TFT 18 or 21"), and then play any video or animations trigger by any playfield switch (targets, lanes, etc...) or outputs (lamps, bumpers, flasher, motors, shaker, etc...). So really with this mod I'm developing also the topper I want design time ago, and this also will may connect with my DMDMK64 to play special animations by DMD keyframe.

No problem to ship to any country, but Australia is very far from Spain, so suppose freight cost will not be cheap (the cheaper I think is Packlink). In fact currently I sell and ship my multicolor DMDST32 to many countries, I shipped already some controller boards to Australia.

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Today testing Adobe Premiere Pro video Editor, to extract and edit movie scenes.

A friend suggest me use this instead of Sony Vegas. When I decide what movies scenes use, I must apply a mask, edit color, add texts, background picture and some special effect.

I may also save Soundtrack of the movie, then Raspberry audio output may be connected to pinball audio board, in my board I may put a volume control potentiometer to adjust sound level. What do you think, It's interesting ???.

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First test with Movie scene extract and Mask. Seem easy, next will be add background picture, picture texts and colorize with masks.
Finally I will work with Adobe Premiere Pro.

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Monster move arms, main scene

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Same scene duplicate (double time), main scene.

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One loop with lower speed

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Testing Logo text on video. I must improve quality of text logos and also Youtube makes video quality worse, but these are only first tests, final result will be good quality high resolution.

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RGB, Green color correction.

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Full HD 1920 X 1080

Yes, that's good idea, I thought also about it, order several people together from same far country in one order, so freight cost will be cheaper by person and save a lot of money.

Up to 3Kg freight cost keep same, I hope the full kit will be light, so in same package may put several units with same freight cost.

Yes, I think the same, I made slow speed to increase time of scene because it's very short. In final video I will apply normal speed, and I will increase time, chaining same scene several times. If chained correctly, practically do not notice that is same scene several times.

At any rate these are first tests, I must apply yet more technicals, like the mask tracking, so will may apply black color to monster eyes and red color to monster lips, and diferent color to background of scene. Also in this scene must apply a background picture, with some dark skye or may be a swamp.

Many ideas, and many tests to do to get final videos. At any rate I have the tools and I know how to do it.

This hardware/software allow read status of all playfield switches and all outputs (bumpers, flasher, lamps, motors), and so may trigger to play any video according with status of inputs/outputs. Not only one video with moster to replace original hologram, but any quantity of videos that you want triggered by any input, output or combinations of several inputs/outputs.

I will do several videos, I must to check rules of game to see what trigger interest and what videos to do. Also user may config and add any video triggered by inputs/outputs, no limits about it. I will provide several videos, but user also may add his own videos to customize the product.

All config files and videos will store in a USB pendrive connected to Raspberry, so very easy to update it, and in a future update I will add option to update wireless by WIFI from cell phone.

Yes, I will provide a product ready to work with several videos triggered by events (inputs/outputs), but if in the future you want customize product with your own videos, you may do it, or add more trigger by inputs/ouputs, or change my config triggers, you will may do it. All options available, so for people that want product ready to work, and for people interested in customize product.

Well, replace DMD by this product has some problems, because DMD also display scores and some information like ball in game, etc..

This product may be used also like a Topper with a bigger TFT 18 to 21 inches, and customize with special animations, visual effects, sounds, texts warning about some game condition, etc... Really from this product I will develop also a Topper for any pinball, with connection to my Multicolor DMDMK64 to play also special animations by Keyframe, though I think that best is play animations by trigger of inputs/outputs, there are no limits to customize product.

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Testing hardware.

If somebody want suggest videos according with status of playfield switches, lamps or solenoids/flashers. I'm checking the Creature rules to understand where may be interesting trigger a video.

http://pinball.org/rules/creaturefromtheblacklagoon.html

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HOLO MODSP Hadware is practically ready to send to manufacturer. Also last weekend I was working with firmware, developed with QT Creator and C++ language. Also testing videos with Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects.

Features for first firmware version and hardware:

1.- Based on Raspberry Pi 3 (so include WIFI and Bluetooth, for future wireless updates).
2.- Read ALL playfield switches status (switch matrix, 8x8, up to 64 switches).
3.- Read ALL lamps status (Col-Row Matrix, 8x8, up to 64 lamps).
4.- Read ALL power outputs status (up to 32 bumpers, flashers, motors, and any output in playfield).
5.- PLug and PLay, do not need cut or solder any wire.
6.- Display TFT 13.3 inches, Full HD resolution (forget big TV on cabinet with custom heavy expensive bracket).
7.- Include custom small acrylic bracket to fix the TFT and video controller board directly to the original hologram bracket.
8.- Very easy and fast connection, with 3 x flat cables from HOLO MOD to pinball CPU, do not connect anything to high voltage.
9.- Firmware updatable, with download from Internet (Github or similar.)
10.- Store ALL videos and config in USB Pendrive connected to Raspberry USB, so very easy load videos or change config.
11.- Easy to config with multiple trigger to play videos, according with status of any input/output or combinations.
12.- May config trigger same event with several videos playing randomly
13.- May be add some option to connect sound of videos to pinball (I must check it yet).
14.- Future firmware update will allow upload videos and config wireless from cell phone by WIFI or Bluetooth.

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I do no have calculate yet final price, I will try to offer as cheap as possible.

I have think offer several options, Full kit ready to work, or without the TFT, Raspberry and/or HDMI cable, so if somebody has already the TFT or RPY, may save money. Kit must include always the shield board to connect RPY to pinball, power supplies cables and SD with firmware for RPY, and optional may be the TFT display and acrylic bracket to fix the TFT.

What was price of Mike Mod ??. I think that did not include TV/TFT.

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Ok, thanks, I have found already the post with price of Mike MOD (its was 369.99 USD and TV about 90 USD, so total was about 460 USD). I understand this price did not included freight cost.

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I may offer mine cheaper, sure (all included, 13.3" TFT display too, probably between 300 and 350), and with improved features like may trigger by any switch/output or combinations, PLug and Play, upload config/videos wireless by WIFI/Bluetooth, TFT 13.3 inches directly installed in the original holo bracket, etc...

At any rate as soon as I calculate all, I will inform about final price. I will try to offer some optionals, for people that want save money if have already the Raspberry or the TFT. For TFT its valid any full HD with HDMI connector.

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I made last revision to board design, and today I sent to manufacturer, I will receive it in about one week, then I will assemble first prototype.

This final design, allow connect J207 and J209 directly to the CPU switches matrix connectors, so do not need flat cables and also allow fix the board directly to the CPU. The board need connect a flat cable 2x9 to CPU J211 to read all outputs status. For power supply there is a 2 pin screw terminal, to connect directly to 12VDC in Driver board, and there is a round jack to provide 12VDC power supply to video controller board. Also from Raspberry will connect video to TFT with an HDMI cable.

Until I receive the board from manufacturer, I continue working with firmware and videos.

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The acrylic frame to fix the TFT 13.3" display and video controller board, already designed, and ready to send to manufacturer.

This piece will be manufactured in black acrylic 3 or 4mm thickness, laser cutted. Include several mechanized holes to fix the TFT and video board, with black plastic flanges, and also holes to fix this piece to the original hologram bracket. To get access to the original bracket holes, only need remove the hologram, then there are available two holes, enough to fix my frame to the bracket, easy and safe.

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I will develop more devices based on same controller board, for example a Topper with TFT monitor (18 to 22") to connect to any pinball, to play video animations or movie scenes triggered by any playfield switch status or outputs status (bumpers, flashers, motors, etc...). Also may control thousands of addresable RGB digital leds for visual effects in playfield, etc...

I may program the Raspberry Pi to send status of all inputs/outputs to any mod by USB, Ethernet, WIFI or Bluetooth, so its possible control any mod.

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One more photomontage, to see how the real product will look approximately. I think proportions are correct about TFT 13.3 and frame in hologram bracket, so real look will be very similar. I think the 13.3" size of TFT is perfect, not very big for easy assemble, and not small, so the video will fully fill the playfield hole, and with the mask technique, the video look I hope will be really good.

At any rate when I have the real frame, I will assemble all, and I will send a prototype to a friend that has a CREATURE to take real pictures and also when the MOD work, will take videos.

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Thank you everybody for support. I will keep you informed of tests and progress.
Now I'm testing with Adobe After Effects software, editing, remastering and coloring the scenes of the movie, to be able to offer high quality videos in color.

Along this week I will receive the PCB for the HOLO MODSP board, then I will may assemble first prototype and start to test with Raspberry Pi3 and develop software with QT Creator in C++ language.

About movie scenes to do videos, I like this example to trigger event "Shoot to the Left or Right ramp" (for right ramp, its same but image inverted horizontally, I may do it with Adobe Premiere or After Effects software).

Obviously I will extract all movie scenes from original film with better quality, properly dimensions for vertical video, will zoom correctly, will remaster, modify speed, Add logo text with Blink effect "Shoot to the..." , chain several in loop, apply mask and color.

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I'm waiting for PCB boards, I will receive tomorrow or Monday. Then I will may assemble and start to test hardware, I have already all components to assemble board.

Also I have here a WPC CPU board, Creature Rom file, a virgin Rom chip, programmer to burn Creature Rom, video board and DMD, all to run game at my working table. And to replace playfield I connect this board I developed time ago with the full matrix switch (up to 64 switches), so I may play any game without the full machine, for test all my products (mainly now DMD).

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Finally I will receive PCB boards tomorrow. According with DHL tracking, package from China, is now in Germany, and when this happen, DHL always delivery my package next day.

Also I have order a TFT for a portuguese friend that has the Creature machine, so as soon as I assemble a full prototype, I will send it to my friend to install in a real machine, test and take pictures and videos about install process and product working.

Today I received a new kind of quick splice connectors with plug-unplug feature, for easy and fast install to get 12VDC, to provide power supply to TFT display. And my board install a 5v switched DC-DC to provide power supply to Raspberry Pi. Practically all is ready to assemble and test first hardware prototype.

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Yes, from this mod I will do a Topper, versions with TFT and with P5 Led panels. I think the best hardware option for a Topper is a Raspberry Pi instead of a microcontroller, even to do a DMD is also better a Raspberry Pi (may be I will try to use RPY Compute 3 for a DMD).

No.
May share most of source code with different hardware (these, both are ARM and even compile with same C++ GCC compiler), no problem about it. Also software to colorize may be always same.

DMDMK64 based on Kinetis is yet a prototype, all software routines may translate to different hardware, no problem about it. Finally will be only one system, but do not know yet if will be a Kinetis MCU or a Compute 3, its not important, product keep same features or may be even improve .

With Compute3, there is also HDMI video output, big flash memory for more complex sofware, faster, cheap. Really there are many advantages work with a SOC instead of work with a microcontroller. But this is only internal features for my development, user only will see a DMD multicolor working with advanced color.

I must test yet, but currently all software is developed for DMDMK64 with Kinetis. For Raspberry I have libraries to control led panels and also to read pinball data, only need apply routines to colorize by Key Frame.

Really I may develop standard routines and use it in both systems, no problem about it. Each system has advantages, Kinetis does not depend on third party products, but RPY is more powerful. I like both, so to work with both I have decided to do the Topper with Raspberry, and currently keep Kinetis for DMD.

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I can advance where the power supply voltage of 12v DC will be connected in the HOLO MODSP kit, with two quick splice plug-unpplug connectors, so very easy and fast. The HOLO MODSP board install a DC-DC switched to get 5 volt for Raspberry Pi, and with a round jack provide 12V DC for TFT display.

As soon as my friend install the full kit in his Creature, he will take pictures about product installed, to see with details how install it. It will be very easy, I will provide full instructions, pictures and videos about it.

Unfortunately I did not receive the PCB board this Friday, because it was local holiday, so I will receive it on Monday.

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Hello.

As soon as product is ready and 100% working, I will fix price and will offer to may place order.
There is no pre-order (order/pay before product is ready), and I never request money in advance.

Don't worry, I manufacture the product, so not problem about availability, the only that may delay is if TFT display is out of stock, at any rate I have several providers about it.

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Today PCB boards received, so along nex days I will assemble prototype and will start to program the firmware and test videos.

In final version, probably, I will do some small modifications, the flat cable to connect to outputs will be 2x8 instead of 2x9.

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And some more pictures, to see the look of the board connected to Raspberry Pi3, fit perfectly.

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Board assembled, and ready to develop firmware and videos, at any rate I have do some modifications to final design and send today to manufacturer.

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One more picture, this to see how MODSP board connect to pinball CPU, very easy and fast, plug and play. Only need connect also a flat cable 2x8 from MODSP board to output connector in CPU with a small board adapter, and the power supply cable to 12VDC.

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Yes, of course, you may add your own videos in AVI or MP4 (full HD resolution) and store in USB pendrive connected to Raspberry.

There is a text file, stored in USB pendrive, to set the playback of videos according to the trigger of an event (playfield switch, lamp, bumpers, flasher lamp, motor, etc...)

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Two more pictures to see where connect the flat cable (2x8 in final version), this is to read status about all ouputs, 32 direct outputs for all bumpers, flashers, motors, etc... and lamp matrix 8x8, up to 64 lamps. Flat cable connect to CPU J211 with a small adapter.

Also in pictures, two options to connect HDMI video cable, one with a 270 degree adapter and standar HDMI cable, and another with a 270 degre HDMI cable. I think the best option will be the 270 degree cable, to avoid that may touch with the speaker frontal panel.

I still have to check the proper length of the cables (HDMI and power supply for the TFT), I think 2m. will be enough.

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If required, may add spacers (metal, plastic, rubber) between Raspberry and bottom of cabinet. It's not a problem now, final details I will check in machine.

Also may attach the Raspberry cables to other pinball cables with plastic flanges, to reduce the weight on the board. And the flat cable from J211, does not add weight, but lightens it, because hold the boards.

There are options to solve that problem, if really is a problem.

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No problem about it, in last PCB revision I have reduced width from 76.5mm to 72mm, I have moved the connectors 6mm (so total reduce width about 10mm) and may reduce even more if need. Real board in pictures is not final product, but a prototype to develop software and videos.

Dimensions of board it is not my priority now, a friend will check in his Creature to see if need reduce again more the width, even may I do a double vertical adapter board to keep only width of the Raspberry, and connect a 270 degree HDMI cable. And a friend suggest to do a Vertical board design, I will check it. The final mechanical design of PCB will be the last task, now I want start to develop firmware and videos.

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Well, I have think about final version of the hardware, and I see two options.

1.- A vertical desing, similar to current, attach directly to CPU with two female connectors, and one flat cable, but in VERTICAL position, so not problem about lack of space to place board and connect the HDMI cable and USB pendrive. This is fast to install, but only compatible with WPC89 CPU, so can not use same design to do a universal device to connect to another pinball manufacturers, to do for example a topper or to trigger any other mod, for example to control addressable leds WS2812, Led panels, etc...

2.- A Universal design, so the board with Raspberry Pi, must to fix inside de cabinet in Left lateral internal (close to CPU), may fix it with plastic adhesive spacers. Then connect to CPU with two flat cables, one to read inputs (with one additional adapter), and one to read ouputs (also with an adapter, and probably with some buffer chips to prevent it from affecting CPU signals). With this design, I may do some custom small board adapters to install in any pinball manufacturer.

Currently I ordered a second prototype with some improvements, but yet according with same first prototype connections (horizontal position, though closer to CPU). I think, along next week, I will define final hardware design, meanwhile to develop firmware and videos I will work with second prototype, I will receive next Tuesday, will assemble, upload pictures, and start to test product with firmware and videos. Also I will send a second prototype to a friend that has a Creature pinball to do pictures and videos with real full machine.

The good to work with a Raspberry pi3, instead of with a microcontroller, is that may connect to another devices by Ethernet, or wireless by WIFI or Bluetooth, also may program updates, config and upload of videos wireless from cell phone.

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This weekend I was testing tools (QT Creator) to develop software (C++ language), and tomorrow I will receive the second PCB prototype with some improvements, though not yet the final board it's good to develop and test all.

Probably I will develop a universal board to connect to Raspberry Pi to may use for another applications, like an interactive Topper, interactive display for playfield, Playfield multi light effects, etc...

Also tomorrow I will receive a second 13.3" TFT display to prepare a full kit prototype for my portuguese friend, he will test all in his Creature pinball. My tests will be here in my working table with a real WPC89 CPU, DMDST32, matrix switch PCB and laboratory power supply.

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Videos will store in USB Pendrive, user do not need connect with Raspberry to upload or update. And also to update firmware, new version compress in RAR file will store in USB Pendrive and boot firmware will update to new version.

User only will work with USB Pendrive and in future firmware also will may update wireless by WIFI from cell phone.

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My friend Jose Manuel from Portugal, has sent me a picture about the internal pinball head, to see where place the board with RPY3.

I have here also a full pinball head, I will install my CPU WPC89 and Driver board to may check exactly where place the product, seem there is not a lot of free space.

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Yes, but my design is very different, I must connect directly to CPU with two flat cables (2x8), so must place my boards in pinball head, and very close to CPU, can not place in cabinet.

The matter, is if connect directly to CPU like in pictures I have post, or place in left side of pinball head. I will test about it with a pinball head I have here.

Thanks for suggestion about problem if somebody try to replace speakers or add some mod to front panel. I think finally I will do a universal board and will place, with adhesive spacers, on the left inner side of the pinball head, and will connect with two flat cables and two small board adapters. So also will may connect to any other pinball manufacturer and use it for other applications (next probably will be a topper or an interactive small display for pinball playfield)

OK, I will study the final details of the design, when the prototype is functional (firmware and videos working).

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Today I received PCB boards to do second prototype. I modified something (remove some chips, replace inductor THT by SMD), I have corrected some mistakes, I changed size and dimensions of board to connect closer to WPC CPU. With this board I may work already to develop software and videos.

At any rate, probably, this board will not be the final design. I must check yet if it's better do to a universal board to may connect to any pinball for another applications (topper, mini interactive display, multi light effects, etc...).

Now I start already to develop software, and I prepare a second prototype to send to my friend that has a Creature to test all I do here (I will send to him, firmware and videos by email to update and test kit).

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I do not have calculate yet final price, but suppose will be between 300 and 360, + freight cost. And I will try to offer a cheap freight cost by some special courier service like Packlink, mainly to USA.

Don't worry, do not need add your name to a waiting list yet. Now product is yet under development, as soon as it's close to be ready I will warn about it, I will fix price, and then anybody will may order or open a waiting list, but only when I'm sure product is practically ready and tested.

No big difference USD or EUR, current currency exchange is close to 1

I think about 3-4 weeks.

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Yesterday I assembled the second prototype, this is not yet the final product, but I may already start to develop software and test all. This weekend start with firmware.

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Hello.
Now I'm working with software development, I think soon will be ready a first firmware version, then I will start to do the videos, and finally I will do the final hardware version.

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I have think add to final hardware version, an output to may control digital leds, to apply special effects in playfield, speakers, under cabinet, etc... according with status of inputs/outputs.

Today I received the APA102 digital leds (5x5mm and 2x2mm), these allow connect hundreds or even thousands chained and control it with only 2 wires (and 5v supply). Leds in pictures are to solder in my board designs, but also available in strips.

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Testing already prototype with a real WPC89 CPU, in my working table. Final product probably will not connect directly to CPU, but will place in left lateral of pinball head, so then will need add a second flat cable from HoloMod board to CPU with a second small board adapter.

And probably the Output capture adapter, will need add some buffer chips to avoid alterations in the data bus signals of the CPU.

Also final version will add one or two outputs, to control APA102 digital Leds (single or strips), several hundred or thousands by each output. And I will check if may add some circuit to mix sound of mod with pinball sound.

So this mod will may capture following input/outputs to trigger videos or Led visual effects:
1.- Status of all matrix inputs, 8x8, up to 64 playfield switches
2.- Status of all matrix lampl, 8x8, up to 64 underplafield inser lamps
3.- Status of all direct power outputs, 32 power outputs to bumpers, flashers, motors, etc...

Config file and videos stores in USB pendrive connected to Raspberry Pi3 board. In future firmware update, will allow config and upload videos wireles from cell phone by WIFI or Bluetooth (probably WIFI, because its faster)

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The TFT display is a 13.3" 1920*1080 8 Bit Display Screen IPS 1080P. And videos will be in that resolution with TFT in vertical position, so like GorillaBiscuits say, 1080*1920 pixel.

But I still have to check, what size should be the video, to fill the entire hole of the playfield. Maybe filling the entire screen, the image exceeds the hole in the playfield and does not look complete, I do not know yet, this will test a friend in his Creature.

No news yet, lately I was busy with a product on request for a client. I hope to continue with the Holo Modsp project by the end of next week.

Yes, sure. With this mod I want develop also a Topper for any pinball, to play videos triggered by pinball input/outputs. Probably with a 18 to 23 inches TFT monitor will be good for a topper, many use any computer monitor with HDMI input.

What do you mean ??.
If may you develop your own videos ?, yes, of course, any in AVI or MP4 format. Even I may help to edit videos, apply mask, colorize, etc...

Thank you, you may send it to [email protected]

Working with project, though I do not update the post.

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Ready to introduce first full test about this mod along next week. All components of firmware were tested individually, Video play, Capture of ALL input/output signals, Firmware Update system, License check, Vertical display, Config file.

So, now I only need mix all components to release the first full firmware. I also will assemble my new DMDMK66 multicolor DMD for tests with a real Bally/Williams CPU, I will do a video about product working. After all firmware tests, only need develop video animations by events, manufacture the bracket to fix TFT to pinball, and product will be ready.

There was some delay because of I was busy with some personal and professional matters, but its already time to finish this mod. I think, if there are no unforeseen circumstances, I can offer the full kit in about two or three weeks. As soon as all tests pass, I will fix price and freight cost. Payment by TT or Paypal, I ship worldwide, by courier with tracking number.

All updates will be for free, I will open a Github to may download. Update and config is very easy, simply store videos, config file and firmware update in a USB Pendrive connected to Raspberry board. I will provide the kit with videos, and also anybody will may replace and custom product with his own videos, no problem about it, format of videos will be Full HD H264 Raw (I will provide information to convert from any standar format like AVI, Mpeg2, Mpeg4 to H264 Raw).

In final hardware interface, I will add some switches to may test and play videos. In first release of firmware all updates and config will require physical access to the USB Pendrive, but in next updates I will add wireless WIFI update to may do all from cell phone. Also I go to add outputs to may control digital led strips or custom boards with digital leds (I will manufacture it too).

Easy to install and configure. If someone wants to put custom videos, I can provide support for apply mask, convert to vertical resolution (1920*1080 to 1080*1920), convert to H264 Raw, add texts or some special effects. In any case, with the video animations that I provide, the product will be ready to work.

Regarding the hardware installation, it is only necessary to connect a 2-wire cable to the 12VDC of the Drivers board, to get power supply voltage, and two 2x8 flat cables to the CPU. From my board to the TFT screen, connect an HDMI video cable and a cable with two round connectors to provide 12VDC power.

The TFT attachment to the original Holo bracket is made with a black acrylic frame and plastic flanges. I will also provide some plastic flanges to secure cables under the playfield, for a clean and safe installation. The board with the Raspberry is installed on the left inner side of the pinball head, fixed with adhesive plastic spacers.

Product will be practically plug and play, do not need any special tool to install it, do not need cut or solder cables.

Thanks.
After test here and do a video working, I will send a full kit to my portuguese friend. He has a Creature pinball, so he will install and test again with the full machine, also he will do a video playing the pinball.

If you want both, it's possible. Test with DMDMK64, all work fine too.

Yes, but current DMDMK64 work, I have here PCB and chips to assemble. DMD with SAM S70 MCU need a new PCB design and export firmware, need some more time for a S70 ready product.

First firmware software, I will provide loaded in a micro SD card with full Raspberry operating system (Linux Raspbian). Next updates, user must download from internet a firmware file (from a Github web site), put file in USB Pendrive, start device and will update firmware automatically. Very esasy.

If I provide the Raspberry Pi3 board, product is ready to work. If user put his own Raspberry pi3, then will need request a key license to activate firmware, TFT show code to request activation if license not activated.

In USB pendrive, store configuration file and videos, so to update, add or modify videos simply store it in USB Pendrive, I will provide instructions about file names and video format (H264 full HD, Raw). Configuration file is a text file, may edit with any text editor to config trigger for each file according with status of switches, lamps, bumpers, flashers and any input/ouput in playfield.

Soon will be available.

Im preparing a full prototype to send to a friend that has a Creature pinball, to test it. He will install and will do some videos about product working and instructions to install it.

After all tests passed, I will do final version and will offer product. I think full kit soon will be ready, some times there is some delay because I must do some more developments for clients, but this kit is close to be ready.

PCB without components can not decrease the cost, because cost of components in board are very cheap, and I assemble all here with several infrarred IC heater. Also weight of controller board with or without components can not decrease freight cost. And all components in PCB are SMD, small, not easy and safe solder with a standard tool.

May save some money if user put the Raspberry Pi and HDMI cable. TFT and bracket need always, at any rate if somebody want to put his own TFT and bracket, no problem, but I can not provide support to config a TFT not provided by me (resolution, vertical/horizontal, fix to bracket...).

Kind Regards

Seem you are in France, Im in Spain, we are both in Europe. Currently, freight cost I charge to all EU countries, is 26€ for all shipments I do about my multicolor DMDST32 and soon DMDMK66, this is up to 3Kg total weight.

So, probably freight cost to Europe about the Creature full kit, will be also 26€. You may save some money if you have already the Raspberry Pi (version 3), the HDMI cable (2-3m length), TFT and USB Pendrive.

About TFT, if you order one unit to China, will be more expensive than my TFT, because I will order in quantity and all in one shipment. You may save money if you have already a TFT or if you install some old PC monitor (with HDMI input, full HD 1920*1080 at least), but will must to fix it to the original bracket by yourself.

So, probably options will be:

1.- Full kit; include ALL, Raspberry pi3, Micro SD card with Firmware, TFT 13.3 inches full HD, video controller board, HDMI cable, Shield board for Raspberry, bracket for TFT, power supply cables, flat data cables, USB Pendrive to store videos and configuration, Plastic flanges for cables and TFT bracket fixing.

2.- Optional Remove; TFT + Video controller board, Raspberry, HDMI cable, Acrylic Bracket to fix TFT, USB Pendrive.

If remove TFT+video controller board, you will need to do a custom power supply cable with a power round jack to connect to Raspberry Shield and a properly connector to your video controller board.

ALL options with access for free to download updates from a Github. Probably also with options to share custom videos (if no copyright violation).

DMD functions require additional electronic, and display in same TFT is difficult because DMD is horizontal proportions 32:8, but TFT for this mod is vertical 9:16, so its hard put a 32:8 horizontal screen in a 9:16 vertical display, do not fit. If the screen attempts to display the DMD, it will be very small.

This kit may detect shots to any target in playfield, but calculate scores according with shots may be hard because must apply all rules to calculate it.

May show messages, play video animations, pictures, show specific score for a target when shot to it, etc..., but calculate and show total score is not easy. I will check to see how hard may be to do it, firmware must check status of all targets and matrix lamps, then apply rules and calculate total score.

No yet, but full kit with all components may be between 350 and 400€.

If remove components, then save money, approximately TFT -55€, Raspberry -35€, Bracket -3€, HDMI 2/3m -3€, USB Pendrive -6€... I will detail exactly when product is ready.

I will try to do special offer to USA and Canada (because freight cost is more expensive than to Europe), also may be special price according with quantity. Also suggest if several people in same country or city, cheaper send several units in same package, save freight cost money.

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Yes, you are right, and not only with pinball mods, but with any electronic design. I design professionally years ago, and always need modify a lot of things when I develop a device. Currently I'm designing several devices for clients, and with one of the current developments I have do already 6 different prototypes.

This in picture attached, is a design for a client, it's a wireless shotgun system for an Xbox video game console, a very complex device, with many options. Therefore, sometimes other designs are delayed.

About the Creature mod, the only problem may be if manufacturer stop to manufacture the TFT screen that I have choose, though there are another similar products, rest of components are very common, the Raspberry and my custom board, so hope no problems in the future when product is ready to offer.

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Yes, don't worry, product will be available, sure. Lately I was a little busy with some professional projects and with DMD designs, but this summer with more free time I will finish this mod.

Ok, thank for your support.
I will finish the kit along August, now I have more free time.

Yes, sure. I do not have a Creature pinball machine, but I have a friend that help me with it, he has a Creature and he will install, test and will take pictures and videos.

I do here tests in my working table, with the WPC CPU, my DMDMK66, the TFT 13.3 inches and the electronic board. Just all I need to do all tests.

 
After some time, today I have work again with firmware, testing video routine to play videos, work fine. I'm not sure yet, if when firmware is playing a video animation, and there is a new event, must stop current video to play a new video.

My video routine allow stop video after play at least 2 seconds (for a Full HD video, raw H264 format), then may play a different video. So when start the firmware may play a long background video until there is some event to play a video animation. I think I will allow that user may configure it.

Option A, play a video and do not stop to play a new video until first video end.
Option B, allow that a new event stop current video animation to play a new (but first video must play at least 2 seconds).

My video routine plays a video animation right away when an event is triggered (switch, lamp, bumper, flasher), so this work fine, its very fast, there is no lag to play a video.

Now I go to test the capture of data signals from CPU to Raspberry, then I will check to play videos when close switches, lit lamps, etc... When this is tested, I will may send a first firmware version to my portuguese friend to test in his Creature. Meanwhile I will develop the protection and update routines to allow update firmware and protect it with license key.

And finally, I will do the video animations, with Adobe Premiere and After Effects. I think all will be ready along August.

Testing firmware, I only need add a routine to read the USB Pendrive with config file and videos, then I will send a Prototype Kit and Beta firmware to my friend to test in a Creature and take pictures/videos, I think may be next week.

Also I continue here doing my tests, I hope to do a video this weekend, where may see how several inputs/outputs (switches, lamps, bumper, Flashers) trigger video animations. I already tested each routine individually (with success), now I only need mix both in source code and run.

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Yes, I've started working on the project again.

The essential thing is done and tested (playing videos and reading signals from the pinball CPU). With the tests that I will do this weekend, I will only remain to do the details that I have indicated (firmware update, protection by license and create the video animations).

In any case, as the product will be upgradable, after selling the product with the first firmware version, If need I will make improvements and additions to the firmware (also fix bugs, if some), which can be downloaded from this Github (web site):

https://github.com/pinballsp/Creature-HOLO-ModSP

Also through Github, anyone can make suggestions or report bugs.

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Updated Github with tool and instructions to convert any video file to H264 Raw. This is the video format (h264) of HOLO ModSP video animations, so this tool will be useful for people that want customize the kit with their own videos.

https://github.com/pinballsp/Creature-HOLO-ModSP

Convert video file to Raw H264
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Download tool from this link: https://mega.nz/#!pVdAxAza!3zsAmpZDwePizIyIggnU7Osevn-5LmAVQH7KPE_7ePw

HOLO ModSP work with video animations in Raw H264 format, so can not use directly any standard video/audio files. At any rate, with ffmpeg tool, you will may convert easily any video file to h264.

ffmpeg is a command line tool so you'll need to open a terminal on your computer and navigate to the directory that contains your video. Then run a command like this:

ffmpeg -i video.mp4 -vcodec copy -an -bsf:v h264_mp4toannexb video.h264

Where video.mp4 is the name of your video to convert (don't worry ffmpeg supports almost all video formats, so you can send it a .avi, .mov, .mkv, .mp4, m4v, etc.) and video.h264 is the name of the output file (in raw h264 format).

Make sure to keep the .h264 extension on the output file as it's required when using Creature HOLO ModSP. After ffmpeg finishes running (usually the operation is quite fast since it's just extracting the H.264 stream) copy (and rename if need) the output .h264 file to the USB Pendrive of your HOLO ModSP.

Remember you must configure your HOLO ModSP to trigger any new video according with status of playfield switches, lamps, bumpers flashers, etc... Check User Manual for full instructions.

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Now I'm testing the trigger software of the videos, and work fine. I have also completely modified the hardware design, after long time thinking and changing, finally this is the hardware.

This design is to connect directly to pinball CPU in VERTICAL position, not in horizontal position like may see in my before pictures, so installation will be very compact, clean and fast, simply connect the HOLO ModSP board to J207-J209 input connectors of the CPU board, and one flat cable to the CPU output connector with a small adapter board.

I have added some improvements, one output connector to may control thousands of digital LEDs RGB APA102 with only 4 wires. Two switches to test the board, I will program one switch to play the video animations stored to check it (one video each time that push the button), and second switch may be also to play all the video animations in sequence. Also I have add 3 Leds for test purposes, Led1 to check that the Playfield Switches Matrix work (ULN2803 working), Led2 to test the Lamps Matrix, and Led3 to check that all the Power Outputs work (Bumpers and Flashers.). Also there is a Red Led to test power supply voltage.

Finally I do not have added any key license system, but I have added a hardware protection against copy, so product will not need request any key license, even if need replace SD card, Raspberry or USB Pendrive. And for updates I will provide a full OS image (Raspbian), ready to install in any micro SD card, with Holo ModSP firmware. So for future updates, simply download OS image from Github, save to your SD card and that's all, I go to add to Github also the software tool to write a full SD card and full instructions.

And with this, I think hardware is ready, this is the final version, on Monday I will send the PCB board to manufacturer. So, currently only need finish the firmware and the Holo ModSP kit is ready for sale.

Current status of project is about 80% finished.

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