This MOD is no longer being manufactured. However, I will continue to support any/all existing customers to the best of my ability. Best wishes.

Mike

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Here is a sample video for our new and improved Creature Hologram MOD

These are available for sale at our website here:

http://pinballmiked.com/?product=cftbl-hologram-mod

Here are the Installation Videos (3 part video - note these are for V1.0):

Answers to Questions Posted Here:

(1) Question: What does the MOD cost?
Answer: The V2.0 MOD is $369.99 (TV not included)

(2) Question: Will glifs work for "FILM" letter images?
Answer: Not at this time, possibly with a future software update.

(3) Question: How do I get on the waiting list?
Answer: Please email me directly at [email protected] to get on the waiting list.

(4) Question: Are you using X for the Raspberry Pi?
Answer: V2.0 was a complete rewrite, but ultimately we found X to be the best solution for our application.

(5) Question: Will a Flipper Fidelity speaker upgrade fit with the MOD installed?
Answer: If the highest part of the speaker is only 4.5" from the MDF floor panel you should be fine. The TV stand is pitched, so that the rear of the stand is 7" off the cabinet floor.

I will continue to post Q/As here as the thread grows. This way all questions and answers will be in one convenient spot.

Software Manual (starts here):

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Software Manual (continued):

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Installation Manual (for Version 2.0):

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Yes sir.

Here is the link to the TV:

http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/televisions/NS-19E310A13.html

It is an Insignia 18.5" (19 inch class) 720P HD LED TV. These are sold at BestBuy.

I have updated the thread with info for:

(1) Question/Answer Section
(2) Video Editing Software Manual (PDF included with MOD on USB drive)
(3) Instillation Manual (PDF included with MOD on USB drive)

This info is towards the top of the thread.

You should be fine.

FYI - Answers to all posted questions are located at the top of this thread in the "Question & Answer" section.

No worries, just wanted to make sure you got it up and running

Nice job on the pf swap.

As a side note, if you want to improve visibility of the TV screen you can adjust the black cardboard piece mounted below the lagoon window (see the picture in the installation manual previously posted in this thread). Making this modification greatly increases what you see on the TV.

Thanks for all the kind words. I'm looking forward to seeing some of the original videos you guys dream up.

Beat me to it

FYI - If you guys copy the "Extras" and "User Manuals" folders to your PC you can delete them off of the USB. This would give an additional 4GBs of storage capacity for extra videos. Food for thought.

Screen Shot 2014-01-28 at 8.05.29 PM.png

To clarify, make sure you don't delete the following folders off of the USB drive: "Bck", "Debug", "Hologram", and "Standard." These are all used and directly referenced in the code on the SD card.

Now let’s see some custom FILM images and video screen shots

Cool. Looking forward to it.

FYI – I have a few more spots that have opened up in this run (was able to get some extra boards). Email at [email protected] if you’re interested. Thanks.

Cool. I'm sure they love it when you find the creature now

Both manuals are on the USB.

The MB video is triggered by the mirror motor, so the MOD should function the same way the original hologram did? When we see the game energize the mirror motor on, our program stops any active video and starts the MB one.

Check and see if the 3rd LED (the thrid one from the top on the 10 LED block) on the interface board is illuminated. That LED should light up when the game commands the mirror motor to run. FYI - the 4th LED will light up when the hologram lamp is commanded on. We only use the lamp to trigger FILM images, so if the lamp 4th LED is on and the 3rd LED is not then you wouldn't see the MB video.

PM me your number and I'll call you, probably easier to trouble shoot it over the phone than via email.

What is the status of LEDs 3 and 4 when the ball is in the shooter lane?

Interesting. If LEDs 3 and 4 aren't on, then the machine isn't actually commanding the mirror motor or hologram lamp to run. Sounds like you guys found a software bug in the games ROM.

Maybe Stern machines aren't that bad after all

Too funny. Good luck, kids are tough

My Luci is on order

Might be able to revamp the software to enable YouTube downloads. We'll look into it.

Ya, you betcha....

In order to better focus our efforts on new product development we are discontinuing production of the CFTBL MOD for the remainder of 2014. If you have been waiting for a unit and haven’t received an email from me regarding payment, please email me directly at [email protected]. I do have several units left, but they will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

To be clear, we will continue to support the MOD and we do have plans for a free update, making the video editing software more versatile and user friendly. I like the idea of adding the capability to download YouTube videos via the software, so we will definitely add this feature to the video utility. I’m sure we will do another run next year, but we are excited to move forward with some other projects. Trust me, the next MOD will be even better.

Only 5 More units left.

The MOD is $369.99 plus shipping (TV not included). You can purchase the TV directly from BestBuy, usually priced around $120.

Only 2 left.

I'm all sold out.

However, if you're interested please email me (in case someone backs out - you never know).

We aren't planning on producing any more CFTBL MODs until next year, but if enough people request one we might do another holiday run.

Thanks to all of the pinheads that supported this project. See you guys on the next MOD

If you own an ACDC then I'll have something for you

Quick Update – As promised, we’ve been working on the video editing software to include an additional tab for downloading videos directly from YouTube. This will give you the ability to share your custom video creations with others, just upload a file on YouTube and email your fellow CFTBL owners the link. He/She can then download the video file and paste it into their MOD’s file directory as desired. Once the software is completed we’ll post further info. Again, this is a free update to all our customers.

Thanks,

Mike

I’m using my Luci for the MOD design, but I don’t think it will matter. Still early in the design process, so we’ll see.

Here's a screen shot of the software running with the new YouTube feature.

You just cut and paste the YouTube URL into the field as shown, specify the location where you want to download the video on to your PC, and click on the "download" button - that simple Our software will automagically convert the YouTube video into a useable format for the MOD’s video player, so you just have to put the downloaded video on the USB and you're done.

You could also use this software feature to download any YouTube videos you want to manipulate and add to your MOD.

If you are an existing customer and you would like the latest video editing software, email me directly at [email protected] and I’ll have Rusty email you the utility.

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FYI - For folks that are less computer savvy the “URL” is the portion of the link highlighted as shown in this example:

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More will be available later this year.

No worries, just glad we got it working. Now get back on that Creature

Quick Update:

(1) Yes, we will be doing another production run later this year. If you’d like to be added to the customer wait list please email me directly at [email protected].
(2) The original Insigina TV used for our MOD has been discontinued. What does this mean? It means that moving forward we’ll have to modify some of the programing on the RPi in order to accommodate the new TV screen. What if I already bought the old TV? No worries, you’ll just have to let me know which TV you bought (the original or the new model), so we can load the correct programming on your specific MOD.
(3) I have been promised by my PCB vendor that more boards will be ready very soon, so it shouldn’t be too much longer. Sorry for the wait.

Yes, that is the correct TV. Here's the link:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-19-class-18-1-2-diag--led-720p-60hz-hdtv/2799043.p?id=1219077483779&skuId=2799043&st=categoryid$abcat0101001&cp=1&lp=2

Good news for you creature fans, we've started production again

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All of the MODs in the upcoming production run have been spoken for. We'll begin contacting folks on the waiting list next week. Here we go.........

The new MODs will now be shipped with RPi B+ boards.

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Ok, back to work

If you are interested in purchasing this MOD please email me directly at [email protected]

Yes, we are back in production

When revamping the MOD for V2.0 we tried converting the FILM images to videos. Ultimately, This just didn’t look as good as the images. Remember, every time you start and stop a video you’ll have some delay (thus a black screen). The hologram lamp trigger is only on for roughly 1 second, so it didn’t make sense to have a one second video –just ended up looking choppy on the LCD. We actually programmed the trigger input to latch in until the FILM image is displayed for 1 second to make the FILM images more substantial. We spent hours toying around with different stuff; we went with what we collectively though looked the best.

Yes, you can display as many different images as you want. The only limiting factor is the size of the USB. I have about 40 different ones on my buddy’s machine.

For now

We're working on several really cool WPC MODs, but those would be topics for another thread.

For folks on the waiting list, please be advised that we are taking a few weeks off to finish up some other projects. If you've already received an invoice then you're set; I have your MOD ready to go once payment is received.

We should be back in production by the end of October.

Mike

I did get conformation yesterday that GLM will be shipping a small batch of boards later this week. So, we should have a handful of additional units ready for the holiday season. If you’re not on our customer waiting list and you’re interested in one of our CFTBL MODs, please email me at [email protected].

Also, we should have our new Universal WPC Power Supply MOD ready in the next few weeks. This will allow customers to power our LCD MOD (as well as other vendor’s MODs) directly from the service receptacle, bypassing the game’s power driver board. We know CFTBL is a heavily modded game (speaker panel, ColorDMD, speaker kits, etc.), so this will free up your 12v circuit and provide up to 10amps of modding power

I haven't worked up an actual cost yet. I'll post here when they are ready along with all the details/specs.

No worries, gald you are enjoying the MOD

Man, you guys are making me blush

Just keep it clean

Here's our new power supply MOD for the CFTBL LCD MOD:

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This unit provides up to 15Amps of 120 VAC power (independent of the power driver board) for every creature MOD imaginable. This can be used to power our MOD (RPi & TV) or even a surge protector to accommodate additional MODs, you name it. This unit only powers connected devices when the game is turned on. The power supply MOD is $40 + shipping. Please email me at [email protected] if you're interested in purchasing one.

Here are some pictures of the installation:

The case can be attached to the cabinet wall using double side tape or 1/2" #6 screws (the extra screws you should have after removing the hologram bracket off the bottom of the playfield). You just plug the power cable into the service receptacle as shown. The 12VDC cable used to power the TV is then plugged into the black power box as shown below:

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You can then plug the TV into power MOD (using the factory provided Insignia power cable) or add a power strip for additional connections.

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Here's where I've plugged a phone charger (must be a 5VDC micro USB unit rate for 1Amp or more) into the power supply MOD in order to power the RPi independently of the power driver board.

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So, this isolates the MOD for the game and powers everything from the incoming 120VAC power source at the service outlet.

Yes the service receptacle is always hot, but the power supply MOD only passes juice to connected devices when the game is powered up. Take a closer look at the first install pic

Bingo

FYI - I have a few of these currently in stock and available through the web store:

http://pinballmiked.com/?product=cftbl-hologram-mod

Originally I offered the MOD two ways (with the TV or without). Most people elected to just purchase the TV directly from BestBuy as this was just more convenient and cheaper (I have to put a markup on the TVs to cover my time and expenses). So, now I don't include the TV. However, the price of the MOD is discounted accordingly.

Sorry for the confusion the videos are over 2 years old now.

I only have 2 more units left in this run; I'll get them added to the web store this morning.

Got it, I'll get everything packed up this weekend, so it will ship Monday

I'm working on another batch of these, shouldn't be too much longer. I also need to update the website store to include the PS MOD.

A handful of Creature customers have had power issues, so I wouldn't say the PS MOD is a must have item. However, with CFTBL being a 20+ year old game I have know way of know what the condition of your power drive board might be. The PS MOD simply eliminates the potential for the PD board becoming an issue. We actually created the PS MOD in order to power another product we're working on.

Initially, we looked at building our own screens, but it was actually more expensive. The RPi's boot time, TV's screen resolution, placement of the graphics in relation to the playfield window, TV's mounting hole layout, TV's low power draw, and the fact that the TV is powered 12VDC all played a part in why we chose the Insignia TV.

In order to ensure an alternative monitor would work we'd have to thoroughly test it first. This means I'd probably need to modify the mounting stand and graphics to accommodate a different TV. Then I'd have to sell multiple version of the MOD, which just gets confusing and creates opportunities to make mistakes.

Yes, I'm working on another batch now. I hope to have them ready in a few weeks. I'll post when they are ready to go.

Shoot me an email and I'll drop you a line when more are ready. Slowly but surely I'm getting the website up to date, adding all the new MODs to the store page. Moving forward that will be the place to go. It's just easier for everybody.

I have a few of these back in stock:

http://pinballmiked.com/?product=cftbl-hologram-mod

More units will be in stock by the end of next week (3/6/15)

No, we've delayed the release to account for some needed program changes (new version of RPi = new SD card image). That's why we bench test everything before it ships. Sorry for the delay.

3/11/15

They're backkkk!!!!!

Only have a few of these left.

Down to two units.

We're currently sold out of this product. If you missed out we'll be doing a small production run in April.

Everything you need to know about the CFTBL Power Supply MOD

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Ok, so what is the "Power Supply MOD" and what does it do?

The PS MOD was designed to power the PMD CFTBL LCD MOD independently from the pinball machine's power driver board. The PS MOD plugs directly into the game's 120VAC service outlet, so it's important to note that this MOD will not work for pinball machines outside of the US. The PS MOD utilizes the game's 12V circuit to determine when the machine is power on or off. Therefore, devices connected to the PS MOD will only be energized when the pinball machine is turn on.

Great, so why would I need the Power Supply MOD?

The true is most people probably don't need this product. We designed this MOD solely to accommodate customers with weak/questionable power diver boards. Remember, the LCD MOD utilizes the pinball machine's 12V circuit to power the Insignia TV and the game's flasher circuit to power the Raspberry Pi. If your game's 12V circuit is overloaded then you may lose power to the TV. Likewise, if your flasher circuit is overtaxed the Raspberry Pi may experience a voltage drop, forcing it to reboot (like the infamous BR2 MPU reboot scenario commonly seen in WPC machines). We use the flasher circuit to generate 5VDC power for the Raspberry Pi, hence the large heat sink on the LCD MOD's interface board. Anyway, if the 5VDC power drops too low, even for a few milliseconds, the RPi will reboot. Then you'll see a "NO SIGNAL" message appear on your TV screen.

Ok, so I want to use the PS MOD to power the LCD MOD, do I need anything else?

Yes, you'll need a 5VDC 1A (or greater) micro USB wall charger. Here's the one I use to bench test every CFTBL LCD MOD prior to shipping:

http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/computer-speakers-accessories/NS-AC1U2M.html

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This unit is available at your local BestBuy. It's rated for 2.4Amps, so it has more than enough power to run the RPi. You could probably find one cheaper at Amazon, just make sure it meets the specs listed above.

You'll also need a power strip, like this one:

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/insignia-6-outlet-surge-protector/5741024.p?id=1219153732253&skuId=5741024

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Here's a cheaper option from Home Depot (Only $3.72):

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Belkin-6-Outlet-Power-Strip-F9P609-03-DP/100654575?N=5yc1vZc4o9

Hopefully, you kept your TV's power cable. If you didn't then you'll need a 12VDC power adapter like this one:

http://www.insigniaproducts.com/products/home-office/NS-AC501.html

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I'm sure cheaper alternatives are available, just have to shop around.

So, how do I hook all this stuff up?

(0) UNPLUG YOUR PINBALL MACHINE FROM THE WALL OUTLET!!!! Remember the service outlet is hot even when the pinball machine is powered off.

(1) Install the PS MOD, mounting it to the side of your cabinet as show in the picture below:

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Use 1/2" #6 screws to mount the PS MOD (you should have a few that were removed during the install of the LCD MOD).

(2) Now, plug the male pig tail into the service outlet and plug your power strip (or power splitter) into the female outlet connector on the PS MOD as shown in the picture below:

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(3) Unplug the LCD MOD's 12VDC power cable from the TV and plug it into the PS MOD as shown in the picture above. Again, this is how the PS MOD knows when the pinball machine is powered up.

(4) Now, plug the 5VDC Micro USB Charger into the power strip (or power splitter) and connect the RPi as shown in the pictures below:

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(5) Now, plug the TV's 12VDC power cable into the power strip (or power splitter) and connect the other end to the TV.

(6) Route the power adapter cables around the TV stand, so they don't obstruct your view of the TV.

(7) Finally, you can now plug the pinball machine back into the wall outlet.

Ok, I installed the PS MOD as described above, but now my MOD doesn't boot up - what gives?

For the MOD to properly work, the TV must be energized first. When the Raspberry Pi boots up it will scan it's HDMI port looking for any connected device, so if the RPi boots up before the TV it won't see anything connected to it's HDMI port and the MOD will not activate the video player. Because your 12VDC adapter is larger than your 5VDC adapter, it takes slightly longer to power up the 12VDC adapter on a cold start.

Ok, so how do we get around this scenario?

DON'T PANIC

You just need to adjust the "boot_delay" setting on your MOD's SD card. With your game powered off, remove the SD card (or Micro SD card - depending on which version of the LCD MOD you own) form the Raspberry Pi. Plug the SD card into your computer. FYI - you don't need a PC to edit this file. In fact, I'm type this write up on my MAC, so I'll demonstrate how to make this simple adjustment using a MAC.

Open the SD card and you'll find a file named "config.txt" on the root of the SD card as shown in the picture below:

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Open the "Config.txt" file and scroll to the bottom. In this example you'll see "boot_delay=2", see picture below:

Boot Delay.png

In this case I'd change the 2 out with a 3 and test the MOD to see if the adjustment made a difference. Every game is different, so there isn't a fixed value that will universally work for every Creature pinball machine. Plus, the boot delay is heavily dependent on what adapters you're using with the PS MOD. If a value of 3 doesn't fix the problem then try a value of 4, and so on. I've had guys report anywhere from 2 to 6 (also, only use integer values for the boot delay parameter).

An important thing to remember, is that this problem is often only seen on a cold boot up. So, if you power your game up for 2 minutes then power it back off and on the MOD will probably work just fine. This is because the circuits in both the 5V and 12V adapters have a capacitor that will hold the charge (thus they stay warm for a certain amount of time). So, make sure you test your boot delay adjustment when the pinball machine is cold, meaning it hasn't been powered up recently.

I hope this info helps.

You just plug the original TV adapter into the power strip on the 120VAC side and then plug the 12VDC round barrel connector into the TV (basically like you're setting up the TV if you purchased it for conventional use). The power cable that came with the MOD (what is currently being used to power the TV) must be plugged into the PS MOD. Hope this answers the question.

Doing one more small run and then it's nothing but SDMD's for the foreseeable future.

I've updated the inventory at the web store for those interested.

Due to my current work load outside of pinball, I’m only going to do one more batch of CFTBL MODs until the holiday season. I’ll post when more units are available and in stock.

I have a few of these available if anyone is interested. I'll be taking a break for a few months and focusing on some other projects, so this is the last batch for awhile.

Sorry, this item is currently out of stock.

We'll be doing another run later this year.

Good news, just got some more boards from GLM

I should have some more units ready to go by the end of the week.

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The web store has been updated, more units in stock. However, I will be traveling out of the country from 6/5 through 6/15, so I'll only be able to ship product until next Thursday (6/4).

Not at this time.

Here's a link for folks interested in building their own power MOD:

http://www.powerswitchtail.com/Pages/default.aspx

FYI - some Creature pinball machine's 12V circuit runs hot and the 12 volts is more like 13 volts. In that case you'd need to modify the board (this is what I do), replacing the resistors to accommodate the higher voltage.

Moving forward I'll be shifting all PMD restoration & MOD updates to our new Facebook page.

I'll post a link when it goes live, but it will be PinballMikeD

Creature MOD's are back in stock

http://pinballmiked.com/?product_cat=creature-from-the-black-lagoon

FYI - here's the link to the Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Pinball-Mike-D/833126766772059

Only 4 more units left. Once these are gone this MOD is being retired, at least for 2015 anyway.

Due to my current work schedule, the next batch of CFTBL MODs will not be manufactured until 2016. Sorry for the delay.

To all,

Due to my increased professional and family responsibilities, I will not be able to make any CFTBL MODs in the foreseeable future. I'll post more info regarding this project if/when things change. Here's wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Regards,

Mike

Don't worry, more will get made. I'm just slammed at work right now. I'm sorry I couldn't get another batch done sooner

PMD is still around

I'm just in the middle of relocating, so everything in my workshop is packed up for the move.

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Plus, I'm busy doing other stuff 7 days a week at the moment, pinball doesn't pay the bills:

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But, don't worry.... CFTBL LCD MOD Version 3 is in the works

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For the new version we're moving everything (except the TV of course) to the back box, so it will be much easier to install.

Once I get the new workshop up and running I'll get back to modding and restoration work.

Don't buy a tv as the new version may use a different model.

Smoked it goofing around.

Sorry guys, I've run into numerous supplier issues and my work life doesn't appear to be easing up anytime soon. Therefore, I've decide to discontinue this product. I hate leaving people hanging, but I just don't see a realistic time frame for making anymore of these MODs in the foreseeable future.

Videos are back up.

I'll give you a call this afternoon.