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48productions committed Mar 11, 2023
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32 changes: 32 additions & 0 deletions FABRICATION.md
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# Fabrication
The PFCBoard is an open-source board design - though I (at least currently) do not sell pre-made boards with this design, it's not too challenging to make your own!

All components use large footprints to make hand-soldering fairly straightforward.

## Ordering the PCBs
First, you'll need the blank PCBs - these can be obtained through a service like OSHPark, PCBWay, JLCPCB, etc.

How this is done depends on the board manufacturer, but is usually done by uploading a .zip file containing the board design in the Gerber file format. Some services can take the KiCad project files directly.

[You can find pre-made Gerber files in the Releases](https://github.com/48productions/Perpetual-Free-Credits-PCB/releases) section of this repo, but keep in mind **different board houses may have different requirements for the board design and file format.** Your best bet is to check their site for details, and re-export a new set of Gerbers from KiCad if needed.

## Ordering the Components
PFCBoard v1.0 uses the following components. Connectors aside, all components are SMD. I'll link components I've personally used, here.
- U1: [555 timer IC, 8-SOIC](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/texas-instruments/SA555DR/555957)
- U3: [LTV-817S Optoisolator](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/liteon/LTV-817S/385837)
- C1: [10uF Capacitor, 4mmx4.5mm](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/nichicon/UWJ1C100MCL1GB/2550755)
- C3: [0.1uF Capacitor, 1206](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/kemet/C1206C104K5RAC7800/411248)
- C4: [10nF Capacitor, 1206](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/samsung-electro-mechanics/CL31B103KHFNFNE/3888735)
- D1-2: [Yellow](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/w%C3%BCrth-elektronik/150120YS75000/4489948), [Red](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/w%C3%BCrth-elektronik/150120RS75000/4489939) LED, ~2V/20mA max, 1206
- J1-2: [1713017 Terminal Block](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/phoenix-contact/1713017/2513977)
- R1: [1k Resistor, 1206](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stackpole-electronics-inc/RMCF1206FT1K00/1759616)
- R2: [20k Resistor, 1206](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stackpole-electronics-inc/RMCF1206FT20K0/1759766)
- R3-5: [330r Resistor, 1206](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/stackpole-electronics-inc/RMCF1206JT330R/1753819)
- VR1: [TC33X-2-103E 10k Potentiometer](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/bourns-inc/TC33X-2-103E/612858)

The following can be left unpopulated if the 5V regulator will be bypassed for a 5V coin blocker:
- U2: [MC78L05FA-TP 5V Regulator, SOT-89](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/micro-commercial-co/MC78L05FA-TP/13689757)
- C2: [0.33uF Capacitor, 1206](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/samsung-electro-mechanics/CL31B334KBFNNNE/3886796)

And if you're feeling really extra:
- Board Standoffs for a 3mm hole (such as [Digikey #732-9624-ND](https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/w%C3%BCrth-elektronik/702915000/5843784))
25 changes: 25 additions & 0 deletions INSTALLATION.md
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# Installation (10V-30V Coin Blocker)
1) Identify the positive and negative wires that power the coin blocker, using either a multimeter or the game's schematics.

2) Power off the game and disconnect the coin blocker. Connect the coin blocker wires to the power input terminals on the PFC board.
- Connect positive to the red power terminal on the board, negative to white. __Reversing the two may damage the PFC board.__
3) Attach the wires going to the coin switch itself to the "Coin Out" terminals on the PFC board.

- Like the coin blocker, connect negative (usually black) to white, positive to red. Reversing the two shouldn't damage anything, but the board will not function.


# Installation (5V Coin Blocker Mod)
If your game uses a 5V coin blocker relay (do these even exist?), you must bypass the on-board voltage regulator.

1) Cut the "5V Reg Bypass" and "5V Reg Enable" jumpers on the right side of the board with an x-acto knife. Check that the two pads of each jumper have NO continuity with a multimeter.

2) Bridge the bottom two pads of the "5V Reg Bypass" jumper with solder, leaving the top pad disconnected.

With these mods, the PFC board will *only* accept 5V power input and can be installed using the above steps. __Higher voltages will damage the PFC Board__.
To revert this mod, reverse these steps.


# Speed Adjustment
Turn the dial between the Power and Coin terminals with a small screwdriver to adjust the rate that the PFC board inserts coins at.

This is mostly up to personal preference, but may help with troubleshooting game-specific compatiblity.
64 changes: 13 additions & 51 deletions README.md
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It keeps compatible games fully credited up at all times, perfect for arcade games that either lack a Free Play mode, or are missing features in Free Play mode that are present in Credit mode.

It's designed for games with a **credit limit** that controls a **coin blocker** relay - when the game is accepting credits, this board triggers the coin input until the game hits the credit limit and stops accepting coins. Once you play the game (and thus it is under the credit limit again), another coin is inserted to put the game at the credit limit again.
It's designed solely for games with a **credit limit** that control a **coin blocker** relay based on this limit. If the game isn't at its credit limit, it powers the coin blocker relay (and thus the PFC PCB), which inserts credits until the credit limit is reached, and the game turns off the coin blocker relay.

---
## Compatibility/Installation

Note: This board design is very new and has not been thoroughly tested. Proceed with caution!
Note: This board design works, but has recevied only limited testing. Proceed with caution!

### Compatibility List
This board is **compatible** with:
- ✅ CHUNITHM PARADISE LOST
- ✅ crossbeats REV. SUNRISE S2
- ✅ crossbeats REV. SUNRISE S2*

This board is **incompatible** with (as they have no credit limit):
This board is **incompatible** with games that have a coin blocker relay, but no credit limit:
- ❌ SOUND VOLTEX EXCEED GEAR
- ❌ jubeat festo

*\* crossbeats: This board will continuously insert credits in test mode, since the game always powers the coin blocker in test mode regardless of the credit limit.*

### Checking Compatibility
**For games not on the list, your game MUST:**
Expand All @@ -30,63 +31,24 @@ This board is **incompatible** with (as they have no credit limit):

- Turn on the relay when the game enters attract mode (you'll hear it click on)

- **Has a credit limit, and will turn off the Coin Blocker when this limit is reached** (this is not always the case)!
- **Have a credit limit, and will turn off the Coin Blocker when this limit is reached** (this is not always the case)!

In modern games, the relay can usually be toggled on/off in the game's test mode (look for an "Output Test" menu).


### To Install:
1) Identify the positive and negative wires that power the coin blocker, using either a multimeter or the game's schematics.

2) Power off the game and disconnect the coin blocker. Connect the coin blocker wires to the power input terminals on the PFC board.
- Connect positive to the red power terminal on the board, negative to white. __Reversing the two may damage the PFC board.__
3) Attach the wires going to the coin switch itself to the "Coin Out" terminals on the PFC board.

- Like the coin blocker, connect negative (usually black) to white, positive to red. Reversing the two shouldn't damage anything, but the board will not function.


### For 5V Coin Blocker Installation:
If your game uses a 5V coin blocker relay (do these even exist?), you must bypass the on-board voltage regulator.

1) Cut the "5V Reg Bypass" and "5V Reg Enable" jumpers on the right side of the board with an x-acto knife. Check that the two pads of each jumper have NO continuity with a multimeter.

2) Bridge the bottom two pads of the "5V Reg Bypass" jumper with solder, leaving the top pad disconnected.

With these mods, the PFC board will *only* accept 5V power input. __Higher voltages will damage the PFC Board__.
To revert this mod, reverse these steps.
---
## Fabrication
**[See FABRICATION.md](FABRICATION.md) for instructions on how to fabricate this design!**


### Speed Adjustment
Turn the dial between the Power and Coin terminals with a small screwdriver to adjust the rate that the PFC board inserts coins at.
---
## Installation
**[See INSTALLATION.md](INSTALLATION.md) for instructions on how to install this board in your game!**

This is mostly up to personal preference, but may help with troubleshooting game-specific compatiblity.


---
## Troubleshooting

Two LEDs are on the board to assist with troubleshooting.

### Power LED never lights, game does not coin up
Check the power connections to the PFC board. Ensure they are not reversed.

Ensure the game's coin blocker output is working (via multimeter or by re-connecting the coin blocker relay), and that the voltage it outputs is in the right voltage range for the PFC board. 5V coin blockers require the modification described above.


### Power LED lights and coin LED blinks, but coins do not insert.
Check the coin connections to the PFC board. Try swapping the two coin wires around.

Some games may not accept coins when in test mode, regardless of the coin blocker state.

### PFC board keeps inserting coins even if the game isn't fully booted/after the credit limit is reached
Check that the PFC board is connected to the coin blocker signal and not to wires that are always receiving power (like for a lamp, coin acceptor power, etc).

Some games continue to accept coins, even when the credit display maxes out "99" coins. These games are incompatible with the Perpetual Free Credits board.

Some games may not accept coins when in test mode, regardless of the coin blocker state.

### Power LED on, Coin LED either stays lit or never lights
The PFC board's timing circuit is not working. If adjusting the speed adjustment dial does not fix this, the PFC board must be repaired.
**[See TROUBLESHOOTING.md](TROUBLESHOOTING.md) for instructions on how to troubleshoot common issues!**


---
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23 changes: 23 additions & 0 deletions TROUBLESHOOTING.md
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# PFC Board Troubleshooting
Two LEDs are on the board to assist with troubleshooting.

## Power LED never lights, game does not coin up
Check the power connections to the PFC board. Ensure they are NOT reversed.

Ensure the game's coin blocker output is working (via multimeter or by re-connecting the coin blocker relay), and that the voltage it outputs is in the right voltage range for the PFC board. 5V coin blockers require the modification described in FABRICATION.md.


## Power LED lights and coin LED blinks, but coins do not insert.
Check the coin connections to the PFC board. Try swapping the two coin wires around.

Some games may not accept coins when in test mode, regardless of the coin blocker state.

## PFC board keeps inserting coins even if the game isn't fully booted/after the credit limit is reached
Check that the PFC board is connected to the coin blocker signal and not to wires that are always receiving power (like for a lamp, coin acceptor power, etc).

Some games continue to power the coin blocker accept coins, even when the credit display maxes out "99" coins. These games are incompatible with the Perpetual Free Credits board.

Some games may power the coin blocker and not accept coins in test mode, keeping the board powered and inserting coins.

## Power LED on, Coin LED either stays lit or never lights
The PFC board's timing circuit is not working. If adjusting the speed adjustment dial does not fix this, the PFC board must be repaired.

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