Introducing Scott’s Earthshaker Aftershock Project

Posted by Scott on December 15, 2013
Posted in: Arcade Posts, Hardware, Software. Leave a Comment

Earthshaker Aftershock Logo 1Hey Everyone,

I finally got around to starting my Earthshaker software rewrite project.  I decided to call this project Earthshaker Aftershock.

Overall Goal:
The plan for this project is to redo the entire code for Earthshaker and take advantage of it’s great playfield layout.  As we all know Earthshaker is a great game as it sits, but I feel it could be so much more.  I will be posting updates throughout the project and I hope to have something to show for Expo next year!  Let me know if you guys have any questions or suggestions.  I am always open to feedback (positive or negative).

This code will not be for sale but will be available on my GitHub account for those of you who want to check it out.

https://github.com/scottdanesi/earthshaker-aftershock

Please note that this code is built on the P-ROC and Procgame framework and cannot be run on an Earthshaker machine without extensive customization to the machine hardware itself.

Software:
I will be adding all new mini-modes along with new audio and display interaction.  I will keep the game easy to understand for novice players and deep enough for the most experienced.

Hardware:
I have in my possession Earthshaker prototype #2 (at least most of it) and I will be using that machine for my software re-write.  I do not plan on adding a DMD, I will be using the stock Alphanumeric displays (Thank you Jim).  I have also acquired one of Mark’s System 11 P-ROC interface boards!  This project is going to be great.

Updates:
I will be updating my topic on the Pinballcontrollers.com forum with technical updates.  You can visit the link here: http://www.pinballcontrollers.com/forum/index.php?topic=1001.0

As a first update, here is a video of my proof of concept code which allows me to test all of the hardware interaction with the P-ROC and the computer.

Bride of Pinbot 2.0 Oct 2013 Gameplay Video

Posted by Scott on October 23, 2013
Posted in: Arcade Posts, News. Leave a Comment

The Dutch Pinball Team has released a gameplay video of the latest version of the Bride of Pinbot 2.0 project!

logo

We recorded a game yesterday to give you the full overview of what is currently in the Bride of Pinbot 2.0 game software.  The YouTube description has a couple of timecode links so you can jump between the various goals and missions.  This machine (the one at Expo) is pretty brutal set up in order to keep ball times low; that’s why for this video we did a 5-ball game.

Thanks for the support everybody!

PS: The old main music was replaced by something less annoying (but too energetic for normal gameplay), but since our sound guy Jules is on a honeymoon we were not able to check this with him (the new music was composed by him too, we just weren’t using it anywhere yet). Basically everything you see is subject to change (for the better).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4EzjW03L1o

Arcade Tournament Manager v1.7.5 Released!

Posted by Scott on October 16, 2013
Posted in: Arcade Posts, News, Software. Leave a Comment

PostResultsHey Everyone,

I know I have skipped a few release numbers, but I promise you it is worth it.  I am excited to announce the latest version of the Arcade Tournament Software now with the new changes below.

  • Minor Bug Fixes
  • Tournament Final Results Posting to ScottDanesi.com! (see screenshot to the right)
  • Ability to import and export player lists when creating a new tournament

I hope you guys enjoy the new version!  As always, let me know if you have any feedback.

Latest version is posted here: http://www.scottdanesi.com/?page_id=161

Thank you.

Arcade Tournament Manager v1.7.2 Released!

Posted by Scott on September 13, 2013
Posted in: Arcade Posts, News, Software. Leave a Comment

Hey Everyone,
BreakoutWindowThe newest version is here!  Version 1.7.2 is a minor update with some cool fixes and updates.  I have created a heatmap on the standing breakout window that looks really good.  I have also added the ability to customize the size of the font on the breakout window as well.

The formal online user guide is updated with the new settings.  You can access it directly from the site or through the help menu in the Application itself.

As always, your feedback is very important to me, so let me know if you have any suggestions of find anything wrong with the software.

Thank you!

Get the latest version here

New Member of the Dutch Pinball Team!

Posted by Scott on May 22, 2013
Posted in: Arcade Posts. Leave a Comment

Hey Everyone,

I was just announced as the newest member of the Dutch Pinball project team!  I am very excited to be part of such a great team of professionals.

Below is the quote from their Facebook feed:

945554_439445836151575_927791255_nFollowing up on our Pinball Expo announcement, we’d like to introduce a new addition to our project team: Scott Danesi. He will be in charge of software testing and is also helping us with some essential hardware and software specific to our upcoming kit.

In the pinball community Scott is probably best known for his Arcade Tournament Manager software (check out scottdanesi.com). His many years of programming experience and prior experience with P-ROC projects make him a natural addition to our team.

Being a Chicago resident, Scott will also be providing the machine for the P3 booth. We are excited to have his beautiful, newly restored Bride of Pinbot at Expo and are looking forward to work with him to make his machine as perfect as possible (first on the list is providing him with a new replacement for his Popeye display panel :p).

Follow Dutch Pinball on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/dutchpinball

LockWhenLit NVRAM Installed in Funhouse!

Posted by Scott on April 30, 2013
Posted in: Arcade Posts. Leave a Comment

913689_10100573910096737_786019128_oHey Everyone,

I just wanted to let you know about a great little product that Rob Anthony sells.  It is called “anyPin NVRAM”.  It eliminates the need for batteries in your pinball machine.  It is pretty great because now I never have to worry about my batteries leaking or my precious high scores getting lost due to a battery failure.  I just installed it tonight in my Funhouse and I could not be happier.

Another cool thing about this chip is that if you have the DIP switch settings incorrectly, it will not harm the chip or your board, it just does not work.  You can simply power it off change the DIP settings and power it back on.

You can get it at Robs site here: http://lockwhenlit.com/anyPin.htm

Thanks Rob!