SmartyPi update 26-08-21
Apologies, Its been a while since my last progress update, here's a rundown of where we are,
The PCB is now revised and has built in connections for Out Run style cabinets, the majority of components as now surface mount which enables easier external assembly I'm expecting 80% of the interest will be with wanabee Ferrari drivers!
The Connector layout now matches the original Out Run PCB, making connecting SmartyPi easier with less adjustment to cabling positions within your cab.
I have altered the MAME rom sets that will work with SmartyPi. I have been given permission from
Chris to support the latest Version on Out Run enhanced. Combined with Cannon Ball, Turbo Out Run and Power Drift this is a real nice package to compliment you original Cab and PCB even if it still works.
After Burner cab owners will be pleased to know Chris's Enhanced Edition of AB is supported and will be the default rom for After Burner users. Full info of the additions over at Chris's site. As a token of thanks, each sale of a SmartyPi board will include a donation to a Charity that is significant to Chris; 'The Brain Tumor Charity' Read more about this on Chris's Just Giving page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/outrunappeal
Hang-On & Super Hang-On owners can also Play Hang-On LE which was a Super Hang-On redesign for use with the ride-on bike, the courses are simpler to play with less difficult corners taking into account the leaning of the sit on bike. Sega's 1989 game Racing Hero has also been added to the supported game list. This is an X-Board game and plays well with all the required controls of the Hang-on/Super cabs.
Out Runners has been tested, it does play, but due to the controller differences in the Gear selection and lack of controls for the radio station selection I have decided not to include it for the time being. Rad Mobile and Rad Rally have also been play tested, and while the controls match Out Run style cabinets, the emulation isn't perfect, with sound being the most notable issue. Again these will not be supported at the present time.
Thanks to the help of various people testing pre release boards, I have now included a calibration system which automatically maps the range of analog controls (Steering, Accelerator etc) to the cabinet that it being used in. For example Out Run and Hang-On have a completely different physical turning range, this is now reflected in the control range that the software see's. This may become customizable in the future if you want to fine tune and tweak controls for now each cabinet has has its values recorded in calibration mode and these values will be used as a default setting.
The ability to control the output signal (Start Lamp, Motors etc) is now configurable in the configuration file on the microSD card. - You can selection to have All outputs, Start Lamp only or No outputs active. There are various use cases where this might be helpful, I'll discuss further nearer the time of release.
DLX owners.... At the time of writing I have not been able to dedicate the time to test my design, this will be completed post launch of SmartyPi which with support Upright & Midi cabinets initially.
If you've been following along in any tech news circles recently you will likely have seen reports of component shortages and price increases, Raspberry Pi 4 is currently in very short supply with limitations of very low quantity orders in most cases. What does this mean...We at this point not a lot, reworking of my parts list is in progress, even Chinese clone parts that are in ready supply have increased in price it's now common that something that was costing £3 six months ago is now £6-£8, with Brexit now in place in the UK we also get 20% tax added at point of sale from most countries including China, these are not show stopper issues, but will probably mean boards will be sold in batches of 10-15 per month once my production line is up and running the board is released. Due to this self imposed limitation, it will be one PCB per person at the current time so keep things fair so all those wanting a SmartyPi will have equal chance to get hold of one.
When can you get one? Soon, is all I will say at the moment, I have a small batch of what I'm saying is the final design being built. If they work as expected I will buy a larger PCB batch and then get an interest list started which I'll work through as the boards are built.
Day one release will be for Out Run Style cabs; Upright & Midi along with the Turbo Out Run Midi. Hang-On and Super Hang-On cabs will be supported with use of the additional adapter. An adapter for Power Drift Uprights is also made, it just needs to be verified in a real cab - Technically it's identical to Out Run Uprights, assuming my pin remapping works these will be also be available on day one.
The Enduro Racer is being tested in a cabinet this weekend, Space Harrier will also be getting rechecked in the coming weeks.
After Burner needs more testing for compatibility due to the use of multiple output drive signals for lamps and shaker motor, we're verified as working OK, I just didn't get enough time with the cab to be 100% happy with all functions.
You'll hear about any updates in this UKvAc thread first..
Thanks again for the interest shown in these threads and via pm's.
smarty2021-08-26 19:36:05
haha
