New Life Games Tech Forums

INTRODUCTION

Hi All - I previously posted here http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=15698.0 about my project to communicate to a SAS machine with a microcontroller instead of a PC based system.
I dont currently have a working machine or TITO hardware to test the project so will be post relevant info here in the hope that someone can use this and further develop the idea.

My main aim was to build a fit and forget box to plug into a machine and allow the user to add credits to the machine via SAS - Currently by toggling the call attendant button or automatically when the machine detects zero credits. Its clear that most US users also would like to see TITO funtionality. My proposal for home use and to keep cost down is to credit a ticket regardless if it has been previously validated. This eliminates the complexity of having to add comms between machines and keep tracks of validation numbers etc.

Would like to do this for under $20 - However for currently available off the shelf hardware cost would be closer to $30 or You would have to invest in additional equipment to program devices with.

PROGRAMMING

The project was developed using a basic compiler for PIC microcontrollers that can be downloaded from here
http://www.myamicus.co.uk/content.php?245-Free-AMICUS18-Compiler (http://www.myamicus.co.uk/content.php?245-Free-AMICUS18-Compiler)

This compiler is a demo version of ProtonBasic - It has all the features of the comercial version but is limited to 2 PIC microcontroller only.

HARDWARE

There are a number of off the shelf hardware options. The official Amicus board from the developer of the software is available here.
http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=2203 (http://www.crownhill.co.uk/product.php?prod=2203)

US members can also get it from Microchip direct
http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=TAES001 (http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=TAES001)

This is the most user friendly option as the IDE for the compiler programs the board directly but is also pretty expensive and uses the 3.3v PIC 18F25k20.

My preferred board is from a British company and is available from here - Will have to enquire about availabilty from US distributers
http://shop.ciseco.co.uk/xino-pro-for-pic/ (http://shop.ciseco.co.uk/xino-pro-for-pic/)
The board has an RS232 IC on board and can be ordered with the more capable 18F25K22 IC. You will however need a PC with a serial port or USB to serial adaper and the DS30 bootloader program (Also free). If You do order this specify the 18F25K22 PIC.

The third option is to use a PICAXE board and re program the IC with the DS30 bootloader code. Do do this you will need a microchip device programmer or clone. You will also need to add a RS232 interface of some kind as most machines use RS232 for SAS comms (For IGT we can use the DCS port and dont need RS232)
http://www.techsupplies.co.uk/epages/Store.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store.TechSupplies/Products/AXE401KIT (http://www.techsupplies.co.uk/epages/Store.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/Store.TechSupplies/Products/AXE401KIT)

NOTICE

The project is for home use only - Protocol info was decoded using data available on the public domain
To keep with the spirit of the project please share any updates and or improvements.

*

That's awesome!

So let me make sure I have it correct

 1- buy the little chip thingy
 2- program it
 3- wire it into the sas serial port

once this is complete -  whenever I press the change button I get credits or if I run down to 0 I get credits

the only problem with this idea is there is no way of knowing the credit amount of the ticket if you dont previously validate and keep track of validation numbers and amounts

Is the value not on the barcode? From the logs that Foster posted it looks like the value is in the SAS string thats reported from the machine

All that I can tell is no amount is coded in the validation number.

when you cash out a ticket the validation number and amount are sent to the host, the host records
when you redeem the machine sends the validation number to the host, the host looks up validation number, then the host sends validation number and amount to the machine, then machine credits the amount.

there are a couple more steps in the middle used to ensure host and gaming machine recieved correct info but that is the baiscs

in another thread someone mention about using system validation then encrypting the amount within the validation number, i havent tried that yet, but i believe it will work since on system validation the host creates the validation number and sends to machine.

Munch - Yes thats correct. That functionality has been confirmed working on a PE+. The great thing is that featues can be added simply by modifying code.

Zarob + Foster - Thanks for the clarification - Afraid standalone TITO wont be viable unless end user has only one machine. Will look into the best method of comms between multiple boards. The Xino board which I am using has an on board socket for a wireless serial module available from same supplier which may be interesting to add to the project.

Foster - The bridge idea You mentioned in Bhinkleys thread is certainly possible . Let me know if I can assist with this in any way.

I would like to know what it would take to do the bridge,

Can the output pins be configured as serial outputs or does it take some very careful and time sensitive programming to emulate serial I/O
I ask because this might also solve a problem for those with more than one machine, use it as a bridge and router
I know it might involve adding a few max232 to the design to handle each machine.

PC - uC - M1
        |
       M2
PC - computer
uC - Micro Controller with max 232 onboard for each machine that is connected via RS232
M1, M2 slot or EGM

How I would code the program for the uC is that address 1 is routed to port 1 and address 2 is routed to port 2 to keep it simple

The controller has 2 built in serial comms ports - Its possible to do emulated serial on the other pins but on SW serial its not possible to manipulate the wake up bits so unless something like RS485/fibre is used i think a single controller controlling multiple machines wont work.

Zarobhr / Foster - How are Your current PC based projects communicating with machines ? Do You have a seperate USB to serial convertor for each machine or are You using RS485/fibre

I have one machine and am using a USB to Serial adapter since Microsoft's SerialPort Class in .NET has issues with the Super I/O chip on my motherboard
I gather it does not follow 16550 UART or so standards, Andy's DLL and TestApp has the same issue with my motherboard.

A friend that I setup up my program on a computer he bought has 2 machines and using the 2 com ports in his computer. They must be 16550 UART's
His is running 2 forms in one program space, which helped response times with tickets.
Prior version I did for him had it as a program per machine created a lag issue for one machine or the other depending on which program had a higher priority at that time.
Theoretically my program should be able to do 4-8 machines as long as it the serial ports to match,
May need a rewrite or modification for multiple machines on a single com port (RS485 card or using a RS232 to RS485 adapter.

If You use the official Amicus board its got an onboard FTDI usb to serial converter. For the Xino board You can use a USB to serial convertor cable.
Do You think its practical to run them from a USB hub and assign each a seperate comm port ?

Will order some more Xino boards and bluetooth modules and start playing around with comms between boards.

Foster - Are You using a FTDI chip? Have You considered using their D2XX drivers instead of windows (http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/ProgramGuides/D2XX_Programmer's_Guide(FT_000071).pdf (http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/Documents/ProgramGuides/D2XX_Programmer's_Guide(FT_000071).pdf)

There is a DLL and example code on their site - http://www.ftdichip.com/Support/SoftwareExamples/CodeExamples/CSharp.htm

This may be a alternative for those doing PC based projects to get past the windows serial issues.

Yes by luck my USB to Serial is FTDI chip set
I dont know if I can use it in C#.

I have one of the Amicus18 boards with the PIC18F25K20 do i have to change the device in the program before loading? I hope to have time this weekend to try on my s2000

Hello Kibble

For the S2000 You can use the DCS port which works at 5V levels so You dont need and additional RS232 converter.

Where did You get the Amicus board from - Any additional supplier info in the USA would be good.

Regards
Ian

*

I got to load new program today the program loaded fine no compile errors, I did hook up to my machine but i don't have any communication I think. Have some family time today, will check out my configuration on the machine late tonight or tomorrow after work.

we got the board here but seems the price went up

http://www.newark.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=79R5806&CMP=KNC-G-SKU-AMICUS&mckv=s0s7B3Mt3 (http://www.newark.com/jsp/displayProduct.jsp?sku=79R5806&CMP=KNC-G-SKU-AMICUS&mckv=s0s7B3Mt3)|pcrid|10057067661|plid|

Hi Kibble

"For the S2000 You can use the DCS port which works at 5V levels so You dont need and additional RS232 converter" - Apologies my statement here was incorrect as the official amicus board runs at 3.3v. Not sure if its enough to switch the DCS port.

How did You wire it to the DCS port? Do you have maybe have a RS232 module to try it on the comms board?

Ian

Got it to work adds ten credits  here is a link to a crappy video and a snapshot of the parts i used,  :131- :267-

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tetPKV_PvQU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Great Stuff - Nice to see it working on somebody else's machine. Guess 10 credits is not really suitable for a 90 coin S2000  :96-
It looked like it worked ok on both zero credits and service button toggle?

Hello Kibble

Change line 79 in the add legacy bonus 10 subroutine to
HRSOut $8A,$00,$00,$10,$00,$00,$EC,$36.
This should add 1000 credits at a time

I fixed your youtube link
http://www.youtube.com/embed/tetPKV_PvQU (http://www.youtube.com/embed/tetPKV_PvQU)

Oh well, I thought that would imbed the video here.
Guess not.

Keep up the good work guys

This is so cool I have to put this on my pe+
It should work with video poker, yes?
TZTech , could you tell me what pins on the DCS connect to what pins on the serial port for a PE+

and, do you think this would work with using a Parallax Basic Stamp.  I have never programmed a PIC but I have a few BS1's and BS2's laying around.

Hi Big_D

Initial development was done on a PE+ - As long as Your XPxxxx supports SAS and legacy bonussing it will work.
Had a quick look at the basic stamp manual and it does not look like it can do the 9th bit manipulation required.
The syntax for amicus is also basic so a lot of the commands will be similar/the same.

TZtec, this is so cool I changed the code to put on 1000 credits and added a line
 
If Var1= $67 Then
   Call AddLegacyBonus10
  End If

now when I insert my ticket i also get 1000 credits and returns it so i can use it again, thank you for sharing this
I wonder if i can get my bally 6000 to work with this code

Great Stuff

I had a quick look on this section and found this post by You

Did You ever get this resolved? If so it should work.

No i did not get to see events, just add credits, just for giggles i hooked up to my bally and nothing i think i will play around with the settings the next time i am off

No it wont work unless it sees the relevant event to trigger the legacy bonus. You could wire your service switch directly to the board and trigger legacy bonus on a button push.

Hey, great project...

I was always thinking about trying to tap into the machines in this manner.. But It would have taken me to long to get all the proper "Code" ... I will have to have a good read over and see what else can be done.. I went the simple route of using the coin gear plug to pulse credits.. Works well also..

I am currently working on a interface that will plug into the "Service Port" on a ballys S6000 that will give me a timer and Tournament Display.. (*custom build) Will just log all wins in a certain period.. Machine will automatically add credits if they run out, if the there is still time left on clock.. I thought It would make it interesting for home use.. I guess the add on modules that can be made for these is endless.. Only If I had more time in the day.... Options would be endless..

Good Job..

Steve

 

Hello All

If You want to DIY here is the the circuit built on stripboard. More updates to follow.

Yeah man.. If you could send me any info would be great..

My Unit works great.. But yours will be a cool project..

As well I am certain we could build on it to do just about anything we want..
Another project I have on the go is building tournament displays for the IGT S2000 and Ballys S6000.. I hope to have it up and running in a month or so.. Just got my PCB's on Friday.. Installed in a S2000 Today and worked like a charm.. Although It is about 30 min for install.. It wasn't to bad. I made it with expansion.. so the tournament display will just plug in.

I have been swamped trying to get this all going.. But I will post videos off the finished project by this weekend.. I think there could be some interest ..

Take Care..

Red

Have a look at the first few posts where there are details about the compiler used and version 1 code. Will do some updates later this week together with DIY board details. The nice thing about SAS is that You add functions without having to add hardware. I was messing around with SAS progressives tonight (Finally have a working test machine again) and managed to send a top award to the machine with the microcontroller as per pic.

Hello All

See attached for DIY build details on stripboard - Anybody stateside want to design a PCB for this?
This will work as is on S+, PE+, Igame and S2000. To save costs and simplify build I did not include a RS232 module for other platforms. These are available widely available on ebay if required.

The third connector is for a USB to TTL serial convertor (also available on EBAY) and will allow You to control machine from your PC with a serial terminal. The PC link is optional

I am guessing the red squares with dots mean cut the traces here?

i have been working part time for a slot tech and this project gives me so many ideas. is there a list somewhere of the sas commands available? i would like to rig one of these so that i puts the machines he has on display into an auto play cycle. i know how to trigger the buttons with a pic from another project but can a play be triggered through sas.

There is no way to make a machine auto play via SAS.

didn't think so but like i said i know how to trigger buttons with one of the outputs from the pic. my thought is tho if i have it randomly play it will keep the reels from sitting for too long and fading strips on them from the lights, and my boss has a few pe+ machines on display that have brand new tubes it may help with burn in(already working on another solution for that tho).

Foster

Yep those are trackbreaks - Start with those and then add the wire links and then the components. There is a guide to working with stripboard here - http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/90

VTyler

The official SAS protocol can only be obtained from IGT by signing a NDA with them. Most of us that have been experimenting with SAS have used this document that is publically available and gives some insights as to how the protocol works - https://dojmt-zippykid.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/sasimplementationguide1.pdf

Autoplay can be done by SAS I have seen it on commercial systems before buts it wont work on poker machines as it needs the player to select cards.

There are plenty of spare pins available on the micro - You can add code to randomly trigger the select/hold buttons and deal draw / maxbet

I recall from the FreePlay project that stripboard was pretty hard to find in the USA. Bunker suggested Futurelec
http://www.futurlec.com/ProtoBoards.shtml#STPBRD1 (http://www.futurlec.com/ProtoBoards.shtml#STPBRD1)

Or if You dont mind the wait - http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-x-Prototyping-PCB-Circuit-Board-Stripboard-Veroboard-94x53mm-Copper-Free-Ship-/250973269653?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3a6f2c2e95

I would use a standard breadboard that is designed for IC use
It would help to know what pins the switch is wired to
it is hard to tell in that drawing
Even a simple schematic would be helpful

Now I know, this isn't a SAS device... This is a coin input device for Ballys 6000 and IGT S2000.. I have not looked into other models of machines, but it is possible that it would work.

I will post a video of it working this weekend if I get time.. I made them for a certain project I have been working on..

These are 100% redundant.. I have thought of everything when I made them. If it is fully installed there is about 10 wires that need to be connected. It essentially monitors different buttons and triggers of the machine. It is a great device for home use players that cannot use currency, or want an alternative to using currency.

It will allow you to enter 100, 200, 300, 400 Credits, or can be custom programed or adjusted via potentiometer on board to select which ever amount of credits you wish.
It will not allow any inputs to machine when adding credits....to insure no "coin input errors"
When cash out is pressed it will go to hand pay, silence the bell instantly then trigger key switch automatically. This way you don't have to wait for the hopper to pulse out every credit..
It will only allow credits to be entered when there is less then 3 on the machine. This way people cant add 9000 credits..
If a jackpot is hit and the bell goes off.. It will silence the bell after 5 sec and allow the player to clear the machine by hitting 'service". If they do not hit service it will clear itself in 10 minutes.
It has a trigger for hand play, I install a socket in the side of the machines to allow for a hand push button to plug in.. This way grandma can sit in her chair and play without having to reach the button panel. As well if the credits run out and she pushes the button it will automatically re-load 100 credits for her.. As well there is a 100 spin auto play mode.. by pushing and holding the hand button and service button for 10 sec. to shut off auto play you push "service once"

I am just in the process of finishing the "Tournament Counter" that will plug into the same device. It will include a 2 digit minute counter and 4 digit credit counter. When the tournament key is turned it will automatically set the clock to a per-selected time, add sufficient credits, and wait for the first spin. Counter will start counting down, and the credit meter will only add won credits as long as there is still "time" on the clock.. When the time is up, machine will lock up and wait for a reset key turn..

Maybe in the future I will design something like the SAS..

Steve







 

Steve, I'm looking forward to see your video.  :wa
As always I'm sure you did a good job with it.
Ford

Looks Great - Good Job. The tournament timer also sounds like a great idea.
Are You still using PicAxe?

Yeah I find Picaxe to be great program platform for the newbies.. I have been playing around with it for a couple years so I am getting pretty good at it for the most part.. As well you can do just about anything imaginable..; options are endless these days..

Your project is a bit more intense when it comes to programming.. I guess the hardest thing would have been sourcing all the code.. I don't know what all can be controlled, or what all information is all transmitted via SAS.. but i would assume just about everything is there..

I have been knee deep building this little device, and I am on a time crunch.. so I didn't want to get of course and change ideas.. But in the future I plan on digging into it a bit more.. Needless to say in a couple years the machines coming out of the "casinos" will not be equipped with any type of coin gear or wiring.. for that matter it will only be a tito, and bill machines.  So we all will need to put our heads together to make a new device for them... In a couple months I will have some down time.. and see what I can do..

For now its all about getting the tournament displays up and running.. More testing tonight..

Take Care..

Steve

Good luck with the testing

Picaxe is a great  introduction to micro's and their stuff is very reasonably priced - I will also recomend it for anybody wanting to get started with microcontrollers.
The proton basic syntax is very similar so You should not have any problems if You need a more powerfull platform. When I started this project I had the transmit part working on a 8 pin Picaxe - Will dig around to see if I still have that code hope its not another thing I lost with my HDD crash.

In the meantime if anybody else has any Pimp my Slot ideas let us know  :96-

Hello All

Foster suggested the idea of a serial bridge in another thread - Recieved some goodies from China yesterday and its now possible to control my machine from a serial terminal via a bluetooth connection. Currently running on a PC but could also be done from Android smartphone or tablet.

By sending a single digit control command the the serial terminal I can do the following
*  Add between 1 and 1000 credit via legacy bonus to machine
*  Enable and disable slot machine
*  Enable and disable sound
*  Enable and disable  Bill Validator
*  Enable and disable autoplay (Reel Machine)
*  Retrive machine details - IE denom ,maxbet RTP
*  Retrieve current Reel stop or card information
*  Retrieve machine meter info from machine

* the board will also decode any events recieved and send them to the serial terminal as plain text.

Attached is a Pic of the bluetooth module added to the XINO board and a screenshot of a serial terminal session showing data recieved from slot machine.

Can anyone give ma a run down on how to set up the S2000 in prep for communication with the Amicus board, I think I have all I need to give this a try.

Thanks, Frank.

Hello Frank

Have a loook at reply 4 in this thread where Foster did a very nice little summmary of the settings - http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=17983.0

Got it thanks.

has anyone seen this yet it has some features that have been talked a bought in this topic.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Real-Slot-Machine-IGT-LEGAL-PUBLIC-and-amusement-use-Remote-no-coins-bill-/390443859214?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D846170183387048024%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Real-Slot-Machine-IGT-LEGAL-PUBLIC-and-amusement-use-Remote-no-coins-bill-/390443859214?_trksid=p5197.m1992&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D14%26meid%3D846170183387048024%26pid%3D100015%26prg%3D1006%26rk%3D1%26)

free play and a timed auto cash out.

vtyler if your think this may be legal, depending on which state you live in, it does not matter with these features. You need to check your state for the law. Here is an example of
one state that does not allow slot machines;

SLOT MACHINE. A gambling device that, as a result of the insertion of a coin or other object, operates, either completely automatically  or with the aid of some physical act by the player, in such a manner that, depending upon elements of chance, it may eject something of value. A device so constructed or readily adaptable or convertible to such use is no less a slot machine because it is not in working order or because some mechanical act of manipulation or repair is required to accomplish its adaptation, conversion or workability. Nor is it any less a slot machine because apart from its use or adaptability as such it may also sell or deliver something of value on a basis other than chance.

Possession of gambling device.
(a) A person commits the crime of possession of a gambling device if with knowledge of the character thereof he manufactures, sells, transports, places or possesses, or conducts or negotiates any transaction affecting or designed to affect ownership, custody or use of:
(1) A slot machine; or
(2) Any other gambling device, with the intention that it be used in the advancement of unlawful gambling activity.

Ron (r273)

Ron,
I'll have to disagree with you at this time. Maybe you can convince me otherwise.
However that machine no longer accepts ANYTHING. It has no coin comparator/acceptor, No coin entry slot, No bill validator, No bill slot.
It APPPEARS to have credits place into the machine by pushing a button. I would ASS-U-ME... it is similar to what one member here posted where he could add credits with the attendant button by installing a micro controller he programed.

Most laws then state that the machine can not be READLY CONVERTED. I take that to mean, If you thing by using a token in a coin comparator your legal, but all you have to do is replace the sample with a coin. However if you re-wire the machine to install a permanent control board, you would have to have some level of skill to convert the machine back to a working slot machine.

In reality a slot machine converted to work without having to insert anything is an amusement machine. Just like a slot machine computer program on a PC. Infact with that special knowledge I could convert my PC running one of those slot programs to payout to a coin hopper and take in credits with a bill validator. But that doesn't make my PC illegal UNTIL I do that modification.

Yeah, I agree with you Neonkiss. That's the way I would interpet it too using common sense. :89-  It's a play on words that only a lawyer can twist around either way. The law I found says in part  "possesses a Slot Machine " under Prossession of a gambling device. Does not say in that part working or not. Printing a ticket could be construed as a prize to exchange for money. :30-

Really can't say these are legal in all states unless you check with the Attorney General (I bet they would not know for sure).

Basically I'm saying if they want your machines that state will get them. :37-

Ron (r273)

I agree with the interpretation issue. :89- I see that ALL day long and have to make that call myself every day in my job.
Luckily the codes I deal with have a clause that reads "Upon approval of the Authority Having Jurisdiction" so when there's a difference in opinion as to the intent, I win being the AHJ.
However if I used that all the time it could be interpreted as bullish and big headed so I tend not to use it and use the actual written law.
In criminal law it would go before a Grand Jury or State Attorney  to see if they want to move forward on it. They tend not to read too much into interpretation as if they loose it makes them look bad. But like you said by the time it gets there your already out big bucks and a lot of heart aches

If you had a machine like this I really don't see any complaint being made by anyone playing it. It didn't cost them anything to play it so they lost nothing therefore gambling never occurred.
I guess it's like, well prostitution.... It's illegal to pay for sex, but add a video camera in the room and she's now a paid actress in a porn film. A legitimate business and perfectly legal.....  :279-

 :212-  :89-

And now back to your regular scheduled program of SAS projects. :72-

Ron (r273)

I ordered the amicus board today. 

I'm going to give it a shot.   I may need help with the wiring to the machine though. 

It looks like you have it wired to the TX RX and PGD

Then you have 5V power and usb  hooked up :103-

Munch

Let me know when You get the board and I will walk You through programming and machine interfacing - What machines do You plan on connecting to ?
For IGT you will need RX,TX,Gnd and +5v to the DCS connector.

Ian

thanks

Planning on testing it with an S2000 and an I-Game

I'm trying to find a vendor for the OLED AXE133Y display here in the US

I'd like to have that for testing and verification too

http://www.phanderson.com/picaxe/ (http://www.phanderson.com/picaxe/)

thanks I just ordered that too.

Can you explain $8A,$00,$00,$00,$10,$00,$E8,$26

how changing $E8,$26 to $EC,$36 moves credits from 10 to 1000?

I'd like to understand what's going on so I could make values like 2000 or 5000

i would also like to know what the change in the last 2 bits is for but if your changing
HRSOut $8A,$00,$00,$00,$10,$00,$E8,$26
to
HRSOut $8A,$00,$00,$10,$00,$00,$EC,$36

your actually moving what bit the 10 is in so 10 credits becomes 1000 and the last 2 bits are crc but how are the calculated.

Yes the last 2 bits are CRC. I did find a CRC routine in assembler for Pic which should work but  have yet to implement this
At this stage though I am cheating a bit - I simply use Andy'sApp to check what it transmits for each credit amount and duplicate that.

*

love your idea

10,000 = 8A 00 01 00 00 00 C2 AF

 
  AcceptTicket1000:
 
     TXSTAbits_TX9 = 1                          ' Enable 9-bit USART TX  
     RCSTAbits_RX9 = 1                          ' Enable 9-bit USART RX
     TXSTAbits_TX9D = 1                        ' Set bit 9 (wake up) to 1
     HRSOut $01                                   ' Poll Machine with SAS Adress of 1
     TXSTAbits_TX9D = 0                         ' Clear bit 9 (wake up) to 0
     HRSOut $71,$10,$00,$00,$00,$00,$10,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$00,$18,$A7  'Accept ticket with 1000 credits
  Return

  If Var1= $67 Then
   Call AcceptTicket1000
  End If


If my thinking is correct - this should accept any printed ticket inserted and add 1000 credits
The ticket will actually be accepted into the cash can

Interesting idea

Not sure if it will work without the first part of the validation sequence been executed but its worth a shot. Keep us posted.

dont think it will work, since the validation number sent in the $71 code has to match the code actually read by the bill validator

I don't think it will work (easily) either. I was toying with a SAS microcontoller idea a while back and was not able to figure out the validation portion of EFT commands. 

I'll have to see what is returned when a ticket is inserted.   

I'm going to hook up my I-game to my laptop later tonight and I see what the slot is saying.

I guess the problem will be figuring out what that is - as I'm sure you guys have tried this

And if it's different every time, even with the same ticket.

same ticket will be the same info
get a 67
you have to do a 70 to retrieve the ticket info
71 to tell slot apply the ticket info to credits (redeem ticket)
get a 68
71 again to interogate the status

But will the 70 give you the same ticket info every time? I thought a "unique" number was generated every time, even for the same ticket. But I have not worked with tickets and am just basing my assumptions off of messing around with EFT transactions.

Each ticket has a theoretically unique number, it does in a casino, they may recycle a number eventually
I and a friend have had identical ticket numbers with different amounts, due to me and him changing games and using the same sequence number when we initialize enhanced validation.
To do ticket/voucher redemption the ticket number remains the same until that transaction is completed
if it is changed or the amount sent to the machine is 0 then the ticket is not stacked or redeemed and returned to the player.
I have had my software say a ticket was redeemed but because of a transmission error or taking to long the machine returned the ticket.


 

So will that same ticket be able to be re-used once it's accepted? Or can the "host" just continue to validate it each time it's inserted again?

In a casino that would depend on if they are allowed to re-use a voucher number after some period of time.
How I have programmed the redemption in my program is just to look up the voucher number in a SQL table - if found it uses the amount for that voucher
If the voucher number is not found or the bar code is misread by the BV causing it not to be found then the default amount of $100.00 is used
I used that amount to make sure I had the commands and data flowing between the machine and computer just right.

Which means I do not track if the ticket has been inserted before via the computer. after some time the BV can't read the bar code so they become unusable.
Oh in my testing I have found that the BV can misread the bar code
If it was  comm problem the machine would reject the ticket because  number sent by machine does not match number sent back by computer

So for this project it could just keep redeeming it (using some default value) since the microcontroller has no lookup table? Or I suppose it could have a small array that stored the main values as long as they match up with the tickets.

PM coming soon with a question as to not derail this thread.

and i on the utherhand actually lok up the valuses and mark the tickect as paid in the database so my tickets cannot be reused, i also deferintiate between promo tickets(no cashable) and regualar cashable tickets. also remember the $$ amount of the ticket is stored at the host. it is not embeded in the ticket validation number

i taught someone had already determined that the bar code/number on the tickets doesn't have anything to do with the value of the ticket. from what i have read before the number of the ticket is just an identifier that is used to recall the value that was submitted with the ticket number to a server when it was printed out. if this is true in my opinion the the ticket system would be pointless on the micro controller because you would have to network the chips and you may as well just use a cheap computer as a server, or it would be machine specific. if someone was to try and network multiple chips  with one being a hub containing a flash card or something similar to store the ticket numbers and values it could get very costly.

If You look at reply 41 in this thread http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=18559.25 it seems that there is a way to encode the ticket value in the validation number but we dont know what the routine to do this looks like and if it can be converted to run on a micro.

I still think for home use the original concept is much better - You have a easy way to add credits to the machine with no ticket printers/bv's required. As I dont have TITO hardware to test its not something I will be attempting but it would be interesting to see how others get along.

I now have my bluetooth link connected to a app on my android smartphone so now I can control machine via phone. Next step is to try and get SAS progressives working.

correct

http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19583.0 (http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19583.0)

Machine Control Via Smartphone

Found a nice free bluetooth serial terminal app on the android marketplace - Its now possible to add credits to machine via android smartphone/tablet.
The app has got twelve buttons that can be programmed to send out a serial command - You can customize these buttons to send any of the serial link commands.
The only issue I have with it is that it does not recognize newline and carriage return character sent by the controller

What is the name of the app? And what BT serial adapter does it work with?

The App is here - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=mobi.dzs.android.BluetoothSPP&feature=search_result
I am using the ITead's Bluetooth Bee as my Xino board has an onboard connector for Xbee pinout devices - http://imall.iteadstudio.com/im120606004.html
The Xino board is here - http://shop.ciseco.co.uk/xino-pro-for-pic/

however I am pretty sure that any of the $10 EBAY bluetooth modules should work

Hi All
More EBAY goodies have arrived and will be incorporated into the project soon

Inspired by Poppo's home brew progressive will be doing a standalone SAS progressive based on one of these
http://www.ebay.com/itm/220948637876?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/220948637876?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)
For now I will use the driver board that is available from the same seller - At a later stage I may build the functionality into the controller
http://www.ebay.com/itm/221050728290?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/221050728290?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

Also got a nice RFID reader module - Will probably assign credit values to tags/cards
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270853094014?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/270853094014?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649)

Also initial testing with JDKMunch on System validation is looking positive so standalone TITO is hopefully coming soon.

If anybody has any ideas/suggestions lets hear them :88-

Just curious, what would be the advantage of using SAS, vice the built in progressive capabilities?

once set up you can control all the progressive things amounts etc without keying machine its al controlled by sas and the host

Yeah, but how often is one going to change those things? Just seems like a lot of work and more complicated to reinvent the wheel. Of course I built mine more as just a "I want to see if I can do it", so I can understand that reasoning.

what i did with mine is made a display from computer of the different progressive amounts on different machines also its real easy for me to have multiple machines tied to 1 progressive amount

Mostly the same here - Also my PE+ test mach does not have that capability built in.
Does anybody know if there is a XP000xxx that has this functionality?

Zarobhr
What program do You use to display the amounts ? Some pics would be great

All our active casino gamblers
Over the last few year progressive displays have mostly moved to some computer type display. Do You guys think this adds anything to the casino environment?
Personally I think a LED display is just so much more attractive

theirs so much potential with sas and its relativity easy to wire. i have done a few custom themed machines and am researching a few bonus game ideas. as well as other sas projects.

Sounds interesting - Keep us posted

oh its nothing fancy yet right now it is just reading the progressive amount out of the database and displaying it on a PC screen, someone wrote a little c program for me that does some marquee type stuff with it. but it is standalone and i have not incorporated it into my program yet
with sas progressive nothing is stored in the machine it self. all settings and amount are on host side. and the poll is sent to the gaming machine at least every 5 seconds or the gaming machine will lock up.

what i do is have game events turned on. i then get the game start info with coins and amount played and add that to the progressive amount, store it to the database, then at every game end signal and every 4.5 seconds send the progressive poll out to the machines.

all my machines are direct serial, so no multi drop, have had 22 machines running and playing at once, 16 via a 16 port serial card in pc, 6 via tibbo ethernet serial adapters.

in my program each machine runs in its own thread so all timing polls, responses etc  only have to deal with the one machine. but all thread use the same common database.

Way back when this whole SAS and TITO thing first started, I always said that I thought direct serial to each machine would be the easiest way to go.

With my setup, all I do is monitor the coin in. Then I increment the progressive by whatever amount I want. I could even have it increment different amounts for each machine if they had different denominations. But I suppose that would not work for a multi-denomination machine.

You can do multi-denom 2 ways
either have a diferent progressive for each denom in a machine or one progressive for that machine.
I have done it both ways stand alone on a S2000

I was talking about using the simplest form like I did with my S+ machines, where I just monitor coin in. But with  multi-denomination one would need to know what is being played if they want to increment the progressive by a certain percentage of the wager. That would require something like SAS for a home brew solution.

any updated code available?

also any new code need to be added to add credits via the android app via the BT serial?

*

TZtech. Thank you for your project. I am testing SAS on old novomatic gaminator machine.
But maked some changes.
For poll it should be $80, $81.
For long poll it should be $80 $01 (machine id) $1a command. Works only so.
IGT SAS version 5.10.
I am also  looking for igt sas test program.

When you poll a Machine it is nothing more than a $80 $81 
then you will get a response from the machine, depending on what that response is you might get:
   short poll response which might require a particular long poll sent.
   long poll response if they even happen when you send a 81 (machine address $01)
   acknowledged or not acknowledged are also possible as specified by IGT.

I have been running my own homebrew TITO system for sometime now.
I honestly cant think of when my S2000 has sent a long poll repsonse from machine polls
the only long polls I use are for ticket in and out, SAS Version and Machine Serial Number, a pending handpay which I can reset via my program or the JP key
I have a couple things I am working on that I want to do my way:
adding credits to the machine with EFT when service button is pressed 2 times,
maybe if I am up for the challenge read the accounting meters and load them into a Excel spreadsheet.

In other words unless you need to handle some specific event with a specific long poll, you don't just send out a $80 $01
I might have to do some experimenting when I am up to it and see what happens if you do

*

TZTech
Game play disabled when SAS host down is one thing
Nost S2000 unless you actually change it are configured to allow play when SAS is down

FTM
I think what  you was saying is that a Generic long poll to a particular machine should be issued
From my understanding of the SAS docs I have read  this is not the case.

when i and IFFV68 (using my app) had Enhanced Validation enabled
The slot would lock out play "Primary SAS down" on the S2000 VFD display. we would have have to init enhanced validation
The problem solved when we went to System Validation (Host provides ticket or voucher number)

I have mine and IFFV68 configured so that they can be played even with SAS down, if the our machines do not get a response on a cash out they go to hand pay mode.
IFFV68 changes games very often so enhanced validation would cause him some down time on a machine after a game change

Thanks to TZTech and JDmunch I figured out System validation that allows the SAS host to assign the voucher or ticket number for the pending cashout.
Amount basically equals ticket a ticket number (ok it start out with 01-0000-0000) but it works
Because the SAS docs go into a algorithm that creates the voucher number, it confused me for a short time until I re-evaluated System Validation.


 

OK, I undestand.
Now all is working, but I am getting error on EFT $69:

TX 01 69 01 00 00 00 00 25 87 16
RX 01 69 01 00 09 00 00 00 00 4E FC
TX 01 69 01 01 00 00 00 25 C3 1D
RX 01 69 01 01 08 00 00 00 00 21 F3

So, 08 = no ACK
When the first $69 command transmitted I have "Cashless transfer - please wait" message on EGM screen.

EGM is novomatic gaminator. There is protocol setup in the "initial setup" menu. Cashless ON/OFF.

on your first RX line you have a status code of 09 which is "In Game Play Mode" which bascally is a rejection of the load cashable credit
so you will get an invalid ACK from transmitting your 01 69 again,

when i get home i will reply with what shoulf be recieve from th 01 69 command in order to send the second one

ok here is the proper return not sure what you are doing at machine when issueing your command but you should get a 0 status


TX  01 69 01 00 00 00 00 25 87 16
RX  01 69 01 00 00 00 00 00 25 85 db
TX  01 69 01 01 00 00 00 25 c3 1d
RX  01 69 01 01 00 00 00 00 25 ae df

also remember that this particular command is in CREDITS (accounting denomination) not $$$

FTM

Currently the project dowloads credits as a legacy bonus - You should be able to enable bonussing from the Gaminator menu to make this work.

Zarobhr

How are You handling the transaction ID sequencing with Your SW ? I have the amicus sending the exact same string as from SASTEST but does not work - Must be missing something small.

i store the tran id in a database (each machine keeps its own) then every time i send a transaction i increment it in the database as well are you getting any response when sending string from amicus? if so what response you getting

TZtech, thanks for the updated code. waiting on my Xino pro for Pic to arrive along with the Bluetooth module.

have you poked enough at the SAS protocol to see what happens when a player puts in a player tracking card
in the reader and add credits that way also??

*

ZarobHR - I will add some code to see what is coming back from EGM and Let You know.

tztech,
i could contribute to help offset shipping costs to help get you a mastercom 250 into your hands...

i need to track down a players tracking setup for my S+ as well.

SunCatalyst

Thanks for the offer - will PM You. ZarobHR has very kindly offered to sponsor hardware.

*

you can also use
$29 for dollars instead of credits
$23 for promotional dollars ( cant typically be cashed out)
$63 for promotion credits

i like 23 and 29 better since you dont need to know the accting denomination of machine in order to get correct amount

imagine the difference 1000 credits on a 1 cent acct denom vs 1000 credtis on a $1 acct denom machine

Good info - will do sub routines for all the different options.

just curious how much code can you actually get into one of those i see so many potentials to controll the machine but worried that would no be enough room to hold it all

my program has almost 10,000 lines of code in what i have written into it

Currently on almost 1000 lines and it reports 64% of program bytes used.

Good point Though - If we do get keypad / VFD / Cardreader combo working what functionality would NLG'rs want to see ?

TZtech,

thank you for what you have done. this is awesome so far...  :244- :244- :244-

as far as the keypad/VFD/Cardreader:
being able to add credits to the machine via the card.
seems the S+ slots dont have support for TITO , so be one more easy way to add credits
without having to have the Bluetooth.

i will soon be getting a Game King , and that machine does TITO and has player tracking too.

also appears that the Xino Pro for pic will take the Ethernet Shield. and being able to network
these together for a gaming room would be awesomely cool.

For S+/PE+You can add credits by toggling the servive button. There is also the option to auto credit when machine reaches zero.
I have tried to keep the project stand alone to save on cost and complexity. This worked Ok for TITO but not to sure if I will be able to make this work for cards ( I think the mastercom uses mag cards and can only read card not write to it).

If we do interconnect machines/pc would like to explore wireless options
The company that makes the Xino also do some nice radio modules that fit on the Xino board.

as far as the mastercom 250's . yes it appears to be a magnetic card that just is read and the backend server has all the info...

the wireless would be cool and maybe could use another xino pro for pic as the backend for the database or maybe the rasberry
pi with Linux would be better for the backend.

thanks again for making this available ALONG with the Basic source code.
its nice to be able to look at the source and see whats going on...

shoot you could even program it to use any credit card, read any credit card if its not in back end ask for a pin twice and store it, next time it is entered it will know the player. (dont use the same pin as your CC


( i would only use a credit card that is cancelled or expired) and at home never in live gaming room

Have You had any experience with the PI?

Not yet. its a VERY cheap (pricewise) platform based on ARM chip. and with Linux already running on it ,
it *Could* be a good backend server for a small gaming room with the xino pro for pic running in each machine.

i have currently a Pandaboard ES (alot more expensive) arm based board Similiar to the pi and have linux running on it.

I am attempting to do this with the Arduino Leonardo board and a max232
Powered from USB  max232 wont over do it.

I just have to figure out how to add 9 bit serial to the arduin

anyone have any ideas?

it would be cool if i can get this player tracking system to interact with my tito system...... player tracking reads casino cards..... i wonder if theres a way to be able to enter free play with this tracking system and tito.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twe7fAVbuCA (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twe7fAVbuCA)

I love player tracking

$500 per credit!!!!

i like that player tracking system......i lucked out and the machine had the player tracking in it already........this came from Bellagio as a $500 top dollar i wonder how many people lost there balls on it  :72-

Foster

Please keep us posted - The Arduino is much more readily available.
I found this post after deciding on the amicus platform - http://arduino.cc/forum/index.php/topic,91377.

The Arduino Leonardo cost me $20,
program it via its usb connection acts like a com port to the PC and can be used to communicate fully with the PC when your code is running on the Leonardo.
if I use the DCS port instead of RS232 I won't have to wire up a max232
which I will do for my initial testing just see if get comm between the machine and the arduino I am going to use the DCS Port I may find my homebrew  S+ DCS to RS232 board.
So I can just move the RS232 cable between my Application (as it works now) and a small test app that I code to grab the bytes from arduino.
I did d/l the Amtel studio 6 just in case I need it
I goal is to have the arduino be a bridge at first and add various things my application does later if it can handle it.


It has 2 USART one being tied to the USB interface (acts as com port (once drivers are installed)
their is a mega???? arduino that can handle more Serial I/O for those with more machines

Foster

I have the older arduino UNO - Will dig it up and see if can get at least the bit manipulation done.
While going through all my saved links I came across this - http://www.reenadu.com/?p=261. Maybe this will solve the issues You are having from PC side.

Although the DCS port pinouts are the same on S+/PE+ and S2000/I Game it seems the interface circuits are not. I can talk to the PE+ directly from the micro but neither me or JDKmunch could get it to work on the IGame platform. Need to have a good look at the schematics to figure out why.

*

I have not bought any LED displays but I guess I could have the an LED match the change lamp (just to see if comms are working)
I am manipulating the parity bit in the same way problem is the machine responds before the UART is switched from mark parity to space parity, due to it being Windows and managed code.
A micro controller in the EGM is probably sending the response faster than windows can get the parity mode changed due to the OS overhead involved


EDIT to add:
I do not know if I had a bad max232 or didn't get the max232 done correctly, so I grabbed a another one from a bad cham II+ I have and rebuilt the circuit (had to re-use the caps and board)
I changed the code so it would light an LED connected to digital pin 13 would match the change light as well as printing to the Serial device on the Arduino Leonardo
The Leonardo has 2 Serial ports called Serial and Serial1. Serial is the USB connection (COM4 on my PC) Serial1 is where I connected the Max232 for the S2000
Then I added a couple of lines for the main door events
  When I opened and closed the main door I only got 1 report of each event. not multiple lines of the same event in FosterSAS
  Which tells me that the .NET framework SerialPort class leaves a lot to be desired by a programmer.

now to modify the code so it becomes a bridge, and eventually add functions to it.

More Incentive to port to the Arduino platform

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-X-ATMEL-Atmega328-Atmega168-PCB-RS232-Arduino-reset-/280529045502?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4150d587fe (http://www.ebay.com/itm/10-X-ATMEL-Atmega328-Atmega168-PCB-RS232-Arduino-reset-/280529045502?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4150d587fe).

This should make the >$20 target reachable. I have asked the seller if they would consider doing a PIC version but have not yet had a response

do those work with shields also??

No its not the arduino standard pinout

Great News
I have a fully functional Arduino Based TITO with a legacy bonus function
A PC running a terminal program can log events from the Arduino

Good Job - K+

good job foster,mine is in testing, but going to use the arduino as the bridge to my software, it will handle the actual polling but send the info to the program on pc and is network ethernet based so no more serial ports

I tried the bridge as you described and for some reason it failed.

now that I have the Arduno SAS TITO code finished other than the pesky repeated responses
they only show up on the main door events, Legacy bonus has occurred,
and have it programmed to log any unhandled SAS responses to the PC,

I haven't followed this thread really but I wanted to ask if someone could quickly sum up/simplify the differences
between this SAS system and the one we worked on couple of years ago?
Esp. in data and information being transmitted to a laptop.
I'm curious if I should stick my mind into this again this winter...lol
 
Thanks!  :89-

using a microcontroller you can send and receive sas commands on a hand held device.

Such as a cellphone? That would be cool!  :133-

See post no 85

You can add credits / see meters / Lock/unlock machine or BV. Turn sound on and off etc etc

Thanks TZ,
I'm going to read this thread soon and see what's going on!  
I've been out of the loop lately!   :5-

Now hwre is my complted Arduino Leonardo setup
Total investment besides my time about $35.

Good Job

Much bettor than paying $100 for a product with dubious origins

Excellent work guys!  :3- :131-
I really really like what you were able to accomplish here!
Great stuff and....originality! :89-
Karmas + to you guys!

I would like to respond to this post as I take offense to it.

I am the manufacturer of the k-series tito devices .  The origins of this project can be traced back over two years with AndyP’s SAS DLL.  
In fact if you look back I wrote an NLG TITO program using the pc back then.    

TZ – several months ago you did not have a working TITO.   It took hours testing and writing code to get it to work.    The device that I made was not mentioned publicly and was tested, coded and developed solely by myself.  In addition the code is completely different and incompatible from what we worked on.    

It wasn't until I released the picture of the Atmel processor that programmers jumped on to Ardunio.     What are you looking for? recognition? You have it, along with AndyP, Foster and Bunker (for helping me with cables) and EVERYONE on NLG!   This product would not be possible without NLG.  

Simply put that’s why a donation is made with every sale.  

I truly believe that $100 is more than fair for a turnkey TITO solution.  
                Here’s why:
                                First – even before a sale is made the customer must make sure their machine is compatible.   In most cases this requires the customer to take and send pictures to make sure their BV, printer and comm ribbon are installed and compatible.    This takes time – on average so far about ½ hour.
                                Second -  most customers need over an hour of phone support to walk them through installing the device keying the machine and setting up the proper settings.    Some don’t even have the proper key chips to setup their machine.  
                    
                                Third – to build and construct the device takes over ½ hour per unit.  The unit must be built, programmed and cables must be soldered.    Then the unit gets tested to make sure all of the components are working properly.  
People have options - if they want a pre-made plug and play device that they can have up and running in an hour they can buy it.  If they wish to experiment they can build their own.

TZ – neither you nor I can take full credit for a TITO solution.  What I have done is bring a turnkey solution to many users who want it.    The fact is without tech support from Bettor Slots – users wouldn't be able to benefit from this.   And it all takes time, effort and money.

 :244- :244- :244-  :212- :259-

Lets leave it to NLG'rs to consider the evidence and decide if this is something they want to support.

It is good to see You admit that You are behind the K Kompany - K+ for that and good luck with Your product.
 
I think this thread should give everyone a pretty good idea of how this product evolved - http://newlifegames.net/nlg/index.php?topic=19583.25

This is the PM I sent Bettor Slots shortly after the launch of the product with my concerns -

I would error on the side of caution
that is all we need is some corporate lawyers breathing down Joey's and our necks.
 

"Lets leave it to NLG'rs to consider the evidence and decide if this is something they want to support.
 Quote TZtech"

I for one, am very satisfied with my TITOs from K-Kompany and technical support provided by Bettorslots. I agree it was collaborative effort with NLG members to design it. But it looks like jdkmunch took his knowlege and finished the project into a product that works.

As far as the money, I feel I have to pay for the long months of programing, design work and support. I gladly do because all of it is way over my head.  :103-   I have been waiting for several years as other members have and did not expect it to be cheap. And the best part is some of it goes back to NLG!

Ron (r273)

It took me one weekto develop my version
which was some easy I just had to figure the 9 bit setup on the arduino, do to TZ Tech helping me.

My only issue with is with some one actually selling a product they developed with a protocol they may not be authorized to sell.
Even though I have not met 99.99999% of you I do not want any of us in a legal tangles from this.
They may not have a leg to stand on but they have more money than we do for the most part.
There is a difference between fair use and commercial use.
Selling something that does anything related to S A S or T I T O would be commercial use.

Foster - I'm not going to get into it with you as we obviously have competing interests  -

However I will say that for my product  - the k-series - it is 100% legal with no issues at all.


As TZ said and I agree - the NLG community will decide this has been years in the making and I'm sorry feathers have been ruffled .  
 I do not want a flame war or anything similar - on this thread or board



All I can provide is top notch service so NLG users and others can enjoy a service the desire.  

i for one luv the tito system and if it wasnt for jdkmunch and his help i wouldnt be able to play my $500 denom machine as much as i do..... even though i dont have the k serious tito im perfectly happy with my titto systems on my machines......i didnt pay 100.00 for my titto but come on we piss away 100 bucks in seconds at the casino...... i think thats a fair price.....thats just my opinion.....

I have my concerns about this very topic.  The Internet has eyes that cannot be seen and one never knows who's reading and what the interpretations are.  I have my opinions on how things went down as well, but blowing this gadgetry up into the bright lights has me a bit concerned.  Just sayin.  Just don't want to see anyone go down in flames.

Jason

I did not do this to make any money
I did it for the:
1 the challenge
2 I actually just wanted it to be a bridge but that was not working, so I had to make the Arduino do it all.
3 when I come up with a commercial product for home slot owners it will be worth it. I got ideas for 1 or 2.

my concerns are:

take any regular attorney the regular company can afford against the 800 pd gorilla (i.e. IGT) with the best attorneys money can buy... whos gonna win?

IGT gonna either bankrupt your company and you personally and possibly your distributor...

could be very ugly since google DOES index NLG.

hopefully none of it happens...

Let's not forget Tom4100
Without System Validation, we would still be spinning our wheels.

 :259-

His thoughts on this could be interesting

I have my Microcontoller now working along with my program, it actually is more reliable it seems, than just using program via serial ports.

my program does alot more than just TITO, it has SAS progressive, AFT, EFT, Basic manually initiated player tracking, automatic match play based on what the player played, meter reading, drop deaction (when cash cans pulled) for calculating the drop on that game. anda few other goodies all using serial ports from PC (currently using 22 of them). in implement true player tracking it became neccessary to redesign. Using an arduino UNO and the W5100 ethernet and a max 232 i now send the polls from pc to UNO via Ethernet, then the UNO sends the polls to the gaming machine. I can also control the VFD\LED display, card reader, and keypad with the UNO and i will soon have full player tracking.

 :3- :3- :3- :3-  Sounds like one great setup

will it work without a pc? im confused a little.....

Sorry No this will require a PC

Hi All

As those of You that have tried the DIY route know the Amicus board is a bit hard to find and rather expensive. Saw this project recently on Kickstarter which is a Amicus and Arduino developement board rolled into one. If You are interested in the DIY Route please support it.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1411349329/picnduino-dual-microcontroller-development-platfor?ref=category (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1411349329/picnduino-dual-microcontroller-development-platfor?ref=category)

Good stuff TZ!
K+ to ya!  :131-

100 minutes to go on the Kickstarter campaign - last chance to pledge for a dual arduino/amicus dev platform at $17

Sorry I missed this at the first posting.
It looks like a great project.  :91-

K+ for posting here again

Hats off to everyone involved for making home TITO a reality!!!

 :244- :244- :244-

Regardless of how you get it (DIY or Bettor K-TITO or ???), it adds a lot more enjoyment at home.  I'm able to play higher denominations for longer periods of time with the reuse of tickets.  It's completely reinvigorated my joy of the machines, so I humbly thank every single one of you that contributed to making TITO work.

 :131- :131- :131-

I'm pretty excited now about going the next step with home entertainment player tracking system.  Can't wait to see what you all come up with next!  I'm already saving up for it! :89- :71- :91-

thanks , BTW mine is coming soon, the first iteration requires a computer, network, and the display,keypad, and card reader that are used with Master 250 setups

more info to come

Guys

Robert has been keeping me updated about His progress and He has achieved a incredible amount of functionality in His system. NLG'rs are in for a treat.

I will have a update for the DIYers soon as well.