Netplex Protocol

[Neonkiss]

Ok, we now have SAS figured out as everyone has made and programed TITO systems.
Now, does anyone have any info on the Netplex Protocol?

[Foster]

From what I can tell it is a address or ID based serial bus,
Either based on 5V or the 13V logic IGT uses in other places in the machine
The one place that I know where 13V logic is used is between the comm board and MPU.

I have not tried to meter the RX TX netplex lines to see.

[Neonkiss]

Best I have so far is that it's a asynchronous serial bus signal that is sent at a specific speed and not a pulse signal.
Now if anyone has any info on the speed of the signal. 

[Foster]

That means one of the signals is a clock signal
clock speed will be the bits per second.
I suspect it is a newer version of the S+ serial for the display and the S+ progressive displays
one of these das I will see if I can get my meter to give us the speed. I think my meter is limited to 100Khz or such

[TZtech]

My guess would be the same baudrate as SAS - Any specific application in mind?


I am assuming the author of this document is HPeeler who contributes regularly on Slottechforum

http://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=8&cad=rja&ved=0CGsQFjAH&url=http%3A%2F%2Fslotsmith.com%2FSpryAssets%2FSlotStuff%2F_%2FThe%2520Herschel%2520Peeler%2520Collection%2FSecond%2520CD%2FSlot%2520Machine%2520Basics%2FNETPLEX%2520Devices.doc&ei=dn-8UunHGIPQ7AaC94HYCg&usg=AFQjCNHNxjc2ks-i1OChXUMcXZ8quDIZvA&sig2=qg7JjFYykrs3iMxMW1v9qA&bvm=bv.58187178,d.Yms


From - http://media.igt.com/marketing/Newsletters/PointToPoint/Newsletter_P2P_02_January2001.pdf

What is NETPLEX?
The NETPLEX system is a distinct communication channel and
protocol (language) for serial communication between the
processor board and other complex auxiliary devices within an
IGT machine with an 80960 processor. A QUART chip on the
processor board facilitates bi-directional serial NETPLEX communications.
Standard complex auxiliary NETPLEX devices
include:
Vision™/S2000™ Game King®
• Bill Acceptor • Bill Acceptor
• LCD (Vision™ only) • EZ Pay™ Ticket Printer
• EZ Pay™ Ticket Printer • Touchscreen
• Vacuum Fluorescent
Display (VFD)

[Foster]

Ok so it is not Synchronous Serial, I should have realized it was not but I was tired when I looked at the posts and replied

I hate when I do that.

Since IGT likes 19,200 bps for DCS, and the comm board. I suspect and a biased guess they used 19,200 for netplex

Also add Spectrum (looks like the S+ spectrum but made for Netplex) and Spectrum II to the Netplex device list.

[Tilt]

You can view the Netplex serial communications on an Igame/GK using the communication analyzer in the diagnostics menu.  The Comm analyzer shows it on Channel #5, 19200, 8, 1, Wakeup.  

[TZtech]

Great tip - never thought of that - K+.

Comms looks pretty basic - which netplex devices are connected ? (Assume printer and BV)

[Tilt]

On mine, touchscreen, BV, & Printer.

[TZtech]

Forgot about the Touchscreen - That could make some really interesting hacks

[Neonkiss]

You can view the Netplex serial communications on an Igame/GK using the communication analyzer in the diagnostics menu.  The Comm analyzer shows it on Channel #5, 19200, 8, 1, Wakeup.  

Awesome Tilt...
That will sure get me going on this.  
 
I see a karma storm brewing...

[hassanshirazi]

Hello,

Any body had luck with recieving the netplex data on your PC ?

One thing i know is that the netplex is a multi-drop serial protocol that uses 9-bits of data, the 9th bit is the wake-up bit.
The wake-up bit represents the address or data.
When it is '1', it means the machine is sending the address and for '0' it means the machine is now sending the data to the addressed device on the bus.

But i am not receiving the data as it is shown on the communication analyzer,  any body trying to do the saem what i am doing ? any help ?

Thanks