Sonic Pinball Mania

Created by: TerryRed

Table version: 1.2 – PinEvent V2 (April 2022)

Get ready for the most EPIC Sonic pinball table ever created... and a pinball game like
you've never seen before!

This has everything a Sonic fan could want in one table. Green Hill zone scenery, Sonic
Loop ramp, animated bumpers, springs, item box, checkpoint, chaos emerald flashers, red
star spinner, launch tunnel, rotating goal sign, moving robots, animated characters such as
Sonic / Knuckles / Shadow... and even Dr Robotnik and his eggmobile which will follow your
ball with it's spotlight... and much more!

This table takes full advantage of BAM's latest features with full dynamic lighting and ray
cast shadows and shadowmaps to create a stunning visual pinball showcase!

What started as a quick BAM mod to update Brendan Bailey's classic Sonic table of 2005
(which was updated by SLAMT1LT in 2014), evolved into a complete overhaul to the entire
table. Everything in the table has either been updated or changed, and I've added so many
new things (new layout, art, models, lighting, modes, code, fixes, etc) that it's like a new
table.

The result is... Sonic Pinball Mania.

For an EPIC video preview of this table in action check out this video:

https://youtu.be/QICv4MiGCHU

Thanks of course to these awesome contributors:

Brendan Bailey (PinWizKid) - created the original Sonic the Hedgehog table in 2005
SLAMT1LT - sounds, music, code, DMD, etc from his Ultimate mod in 2014
Schlabber34 - new pre-rendered insert images
FLEEP - new mechanical sounds
All the FP lads at Pinball Nirvanna for ideas, examples, and support
Nailbuster - Pinup Player and SSF support
Ravarcade - for creating the awesome BAM and providing assistance with BAM features
Chris Leathley - creator of Future Pinball

PinEvent V2 features for this table:

 DOF
 PUP SSF
 PUP DMD
 PUP Stream
 Night Mode
 TILT BOB

Note: for PUP Stream there is no Playfield Mini Screen option

*** This table is single player only ***

Desktop Static Camera Views

 Press C to cycle through BAM's Desktop Static camera views (if using the included
CFG file)

SONIC BALL

 Special 1 or Special 2 key / button will toggle between Sonic and Chrome ball
texture (only in attract mode)
 This can be set in TABLE OPTIONS in the table script

Fire/Action Button

 Special 1 and Special 2 key / button will also act as a plunger during gameplay
 TABLE OPTIONS

BAM Ray Cast Ball Shadows:

 this table was created to look best with the new BAM Ray Cast Ball shadows
 this feature is disabled by default
 this feature requires a fast video card, and will use much more of your GPU
 if enabling it slows down the game... then your PC may not be fast enough to handle
it (and you should disable it)

You can enable this feature in the BAM menu, or in TABLE OPTIONS in the table
script

 open BAM menu while in-game (~ or Q by default), and goto "Addons - Configure
Ball and Shadows"
 Sharpness = 0.850, Dark Level = -0.800

To disable this feature, disable it in both the BAM menu and the TABLE OPTIONS

BAM Menu settings:

 BAM Lighting and Post Processing settings are set by the table script and will
ALWAYS override the user's settings
 this is needed to ensure that all lighting is set correctly at all times.

Physics:

 this version of the table has BAM dynamic physics (DF1) added to it
 TABLE REQUIREMENTS

All Visual C++ updates (to allow BAM to work properly)

 an easy All-in-One Installer can be found here (reboot after installing):

https://www.techpowerup.com/download/visual-c-redistributable-runtime-package-all-in-one/

Future Pinball and BAM (1.5-345 or higher) is REQUIRED to play this table!

 For new installs, you can get a 2 in 1 installer at ravarcade’s site (link is below)
 don't assume you have the latest BAM. If in doubt, update it!

https://www.ravarcade.pl/

If you only need to update BAM:

 backup your entire BAM folder

 download the latest BAM update zip file from ravarcade's site
 install the latest BAM update (replace all files)
 copy the BAM.cfg, Reality.dat, Default.cfg from your backup BAM folder and replace
the files in your BAM folder (these are your previous BAM settings)

Ready to go "BAM Settings" (good default pov for cabinets, and more)

 I highly recommend you install my "BAM Settings" files, if you have never done so
before!
 download my "Future Pinball and BAM Mega Guide" zip file (link is below)
 open the zip file for the setup you have (BAM settings for Cabinet.zip, or BAM
settings for Desktop.zip)
 extract the files (BAM.cfg, Reality.dat, Default.cfg) into the BAM folder (overwrite the
current files)

Future Pinball Video Settings and Editor Settings:

 you MUST have the correct Video and Editor settings for this table to work correctly
 I have included a picture of these settings in the table's zip file
 Future Pinball and BAM Mega Guide

 this is my guide that has all the essential info about Future Pinball and BAM
 it has helpful setup information and essential BAM setup files
 it has a FAQ with answers to most FP problems

https://vpuniverse.com/tutorials/article/3-future-pinball-and-bam-mega-guide-by-terryred/

https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=tutorials&article=165

https://pinballnirvana.com/forums/threads/future-pinball-and-bam-mega-guide-by-
terryred.20407/

If you don’t need to use any PinEvent V2 features, there is no additional requirements or
setup needed.

Simply install the table files and play it like any other Future Pinball table.

********** HOW TO PLAY THE TABLE **********

 only use FPLoader.exe (this is BAM) in the BAM folder to play this table. DO NOT run
directly from the FuturePinball.exe
 don't trust start menu or desktop icons, as they may point to FuturePimball.exe instead
of FPLoader.exe
 run FPLoader.exe in Windows 8 compatibility mode to prevent crashing
 ALWAYS completely close Future Pinball after exiting a table, or loading another table
 Future Pinball needs to start “fresh” every time you load or start a table
 ****** PinEvent V2 REQUIREMENTS ******

PinEvent_V2_Settings.txt

 download the PinEvent V2 Guide to get the PinEvent_V2_Settings.txt file

 copy PinEvent_V2_Settings.txt to Future Pinball \ Scripts folder
 edit the file (use notepad), and enable the PinEvent V2 features you want to use
 get the PinEvent V2 Guide from the links below

https://pinballnirvana.com/forums/resources/pinevent-dof-mx-pup-ssf-pupdmd-pup-stream-
for-future-pinball.5901/

https://vpuniverse.com/forums/files/file/6050-pinevent-dof-mx-pup-ssf-pupdmd-pup-stream-
for-future-pinball/?tab=details

https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?app=downloads&showfile=15601

Pinup Player:

 this is required for all PUP features

http://www.nailbuster.com/wikipinup/doku.php?id=install_guide

 you need the latest Pinup Player update

 1.4.6 or higher is REQUIRED for PinEvent V2 tables and PuP-Packs

https://www.nailbuster.com/wikipinup/doku.php?id=release_notes
DOF (Direct Output Framework)

 if you are using DOF in a cabinet for feedback and lighting, you will need to be
updated to the newest DOF R3++
 you will need to update your DOF config files from the DOF Config Tool website (to
retrieve the PinEvent table’s DOF config)

DOF R3++

http://mjrnet.org/pinscape/dll-updates.html

DOF CONFIG TOOL

http://configtool.vpuniverse.com/login.php

DOFLinx is NOT to be enabled while using PinEvent V2 tables!

 you can’t have DOFLinx detect FP and running while a PinEvent table is running
 this is because you don’t want both PinEvent and DOFLinx triggering DOF at the
same time, or it may cause the table to crash, etc.
 read the PinEvent V2 Guide for more info about disabling DOFLinx
 goto my Baller Installer FP Tips page for easy to use Popper examples (link is below)

Disable the Future Pinball Backglass and Arcade Mode (in FP Video settings)

 this is required when using PUP DMD features, to prevent the FP Backglass from
covering the PuP-Pack
 you can do this “for PinEvent V2 tables only” from your front-end
 read the PinEvent V2 Guide (Front-End section) for more info
 goto my Baller Installer FP Tips page for easy to use Popper examples (link is below)

Real DMD and LCD DMD (4x1) users:

 PinEvent V2 does NOT have PUPDMD options for a LCD DMD or real DMD display
 for this type of setup, you will choose the PUP-PACK Option that best matches your
Backglass resolution
 you can still use DMDExt to mirror the “FP DMD” to your DMD for all FP tables as well
as PinEvent V2 tables (that have a FP DMD).
 for other setups, be sure DMDExt is not run / displayed over top of the FullDMD display
 more info can be found in the PinEvent V2 Guide
 goto my Baller Installer FP Tips page for easy to use Popper examples (link is below)
Baller Installer Future Pinball Tips (recommended)

 this page has my handy tips and examples for running PinEvent tables easily from
Pinup Popper
 it shows how to easily disable the Future Pinball Backglass, DOFLinx, or other unwanted
apps “for PinEvent Tables only”
 it also has links to the most common needed apps and Guides all in one page

https://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/4934-pinup-popper-baller-installer-future-pinball-tips/

https://pinballnirvana.com/forums/threads/pinup-popper-baller-installer-future-pinball-tips.20484/

https://www.vpforums.org/index.php?showtopic=46535

********** INSTALL the TABLE FILES and PUP-PACK **********

TABLE file: “Sonic Pinball Mania (1.2 - PinEvent V2).fpt”

 this goes in your “Future Pinball \ Tables” folder

CFG file: “Sonic Pinball Mania (1.2 - PinEvent V2).cfg”

 this goes in your “BAM \ CFG” folder

 it gives cabinet users a proper cabinet POV
 it gives desktop users new static camera views (press C to cycle through them)
 it must be named the same as the table file to work

PUP-PACK: “FP_PE_SONIC_PINBALL_MANIA”

 this goes in your “PUPVideos” folder

 ********** CHOOSE PUP-PACK OPTION **********

There are multiple options you can choose in the PuP-Pack for different cabinet or desktop
setups.

To choose your PuP-Pack Option:

 go into the PuP-Pack folder

 click on the “How to Choose a PuP-Pack Option – Read Me!.jpg”
 this shows all the options in one picture for easy comparison
 double-click on the BAT file for the Option you need for your setup
 this will copy the correct files (from the PuP-Pack_Options folder) to the main PuP-Pack
folder
 your Pup-Pack is ready to go! Super easy!
 you can verify which option you chose by looking at Option selected.jpg

DO NOT MODIFY THE PUP-PACK’s Screen Mode Settings!

 they are set the way they are for a good reason in order for all layers of the PuP-Pack
to work correctly!

(How to Choose a PuP-Pack Option – Read Me)

Here are the PuP-Pack Options You Can Choose From:
PROBLEMS?

If the Table, PuP-Pack, PUPDMD, or DOF still isn’t working, check the FAQ!

******** DEBUG MODE ********

If having problems, you can try running DEBUG mode (launch with F9 from the editor).

I have included messages that indicate:

 what mode FP is run in (desktop, Cabinet, VR)

 if PinEvent Custom Settings from the table script are being used
 what is enabled and being used (DOF, PUP SSF, PUPDMD, etc)
 what DOF / SSF / PUP triggers are being used in real time
 and more!

PinEvent V2 tables will also automatically write everything that the Debugger shows to a file
named fpDebugTextLog.txt which is created in the same folder the table file is located.

This can be very helpful to narrow down what is happening behind the scenes!
******** FAQ ********

I have organized answers to the most common questions I get asked about PinEvent V2

****** STARTUP Problems ******

I get a Pinball Meditation Error like: “pDMDsetpage error, variable not defined” or
“initTrakedSoundBalls”

 ensure you have all the Visual C++ updates installed (reboot)
 ensure you have installed the newest BAM update properly
 ensure you have the correct FP Video and Editor settings
 ensure you are directly loading FPLoader.exe (this is BAM) and not loading
FuturePinball.exe
Table crashes shortly after it loads / starts…

 update to the latest version of BAM

 change FPLoader.exe to run in Compatibility mode for Windows 8
 disable PUP Stream in PinEvent_V2_Settings.txt
 reboot the computer
 some users may need to remove / disable the "Nahimic driver" or some of it's processes
(it's known to cause problems)

****** STEPS TO TRY TO SOLVE STARTUP PROBLEMS ******

Run FP in DEBUG mode (F9) each time! It will tell you what is happening to help you out!

CLOSE Future Pinball completely EVERY TIME you exit a table. Reload FP and try again.

Then try these steps in order:

 be sure FuturePinball.exe is NOT Run as Admin

 set FPloader.exe to NOT Run as Admin
 disable Windows Defender (it may prevent BAM from working)
 disable all DOF, PUP DMD, PUP SSF, PUP Stream options in PinEvent_V2_Settings.txt
 DON’T enable PUP Stream at all until you have everything working with no errors or
crashing!
 if the table now runs fine with DOF and all PUP features disabled… then the table and
BAM is working
 now try enabling either DOF or PUP options. Only one or the other!
 see what DEBUG window tells you to help narrow it down
 if you can get one or the other working on their own, that is good
 you may need to Run FPLoader.exe as ADMIN or NOT as Admin. Try both.
 it’s possible that either DOF or PUP will work with Admin set one way, but the other may
not
 if that is the case… then some of your pup files may be set to Run as Admin (and should
NOT be Run as Admin)
 or your DOF install may be restricting access to FP because of security / admin issues
 nothing on your system should need to be Run as Admin at all so it all works nicely
together

If you can’t get both DOF and PUP working at the same time (but they work if the other is
disabled)… that is not a PinEvent V2 problem.

Its a Windows security / Admin / access problem that you need to figure out. Something in either
DOF or PuP related files needs a setting change (not run as administrator), or Windows
Defender may have blocked / erased DOF or PUP files, or they may need to be updated to
newer versions!
****** DOF ******

I don’t get DOF with the table…

 make sure you have generated new and updated DOF config files from the DOF Config
Tool website and installed them on your cabinet
 be sure you have the DOF enabled in PinEvent_V2_Settings.txt for the FP mode you are
running in (desktop / cabinet / vr)
 you “may” need to change your UAC security setting level (higher or lower) or may need
to re-register DOF (read the DOF section in the PinEvent V2 Guide for more info)
 be sure DOFLinx is disabled / not running

****** Pinup Player ******

The PuP-Pack runs, but I can’t see it because FP’s backglass obstructs it…

 goto the FUTURE PINBALL BACKGLASS section in PinEvent V2 Guide for solutions

I’m having problems getting PuP-Packs to work…

 be sure your Anti Virus and Windows Defender is disabled FIRST when installing PuP
 be sure your Anti Virus and Windows Defender has “exceptions” added to the entire
PinupSystem folder! (or PuP files may get removed)
 be sure you are updated to the latest PuP version
 be sure that there are no blocked PuP files
 close out all other programs, and don’t leave other windows open
 DO NOT try to install VLC on your system or update the VLC within the PuP folder
 make sure your Text Scaling in Windows is 100 for ALL your monitors
 don’t have your PuP displays spill over onto another monitor
 don’t have PuP displays or Windows monitors positioned in a negative position (above
or to the left of your primary monitor)

I’m using a new updated version of a PinEvent V2 table, but now the PuP-Pack no longer
works (all other PinEvent V2 tables and PuP-Packs work fine)

 be sure you are using the new updated and “correct” PuP-Pack for the table
 PinEvent V2 tables do a “check” for the correct PuP-Pack, and if it’s not found, then all
PuP features are disabled, and the PuP-Pack never starts
 DO NOT mix old PuP-Pack files with a new PuP-Pack folder
****** PUPDMD ******

The PUPDMD Score and Text don’t fit the screen correctly…

 the PuP “FullDMD” display MUST be set to a 16x9 resolution

 if using a 2 Screen setup, your pup Backglass must be the correct resolution to match
your Backglass monitor
 you MUST choose the correct PuP-Pack Option in the pup-pack folder

On all the PUPDMD displays, the words are followed by numbers, like this:
“TerryRed|255” or “John Carpenter|78341″…

 you aren’t properly updated to Pinup Player 1.46 or higher

****** PUP SSF ******

PUP SSF isn’t working…

 be sure you have Pinup Player 1.46 or higher installed and setup properly
 be sure you have the NEW pup-pack (included with the table) installed!
 FP's sound levels are much louder than PUP SSF. You may need to reduce it using
HOME/END, PAGE UP/DOWN keys

****** PUP Stream ******

When I run the table, I see only white images where the PUP Streams should be…

 be sure you completely close FP every time after exiting a table, before trying to load
and start another table

PUP Streams show up as black…

 PUP Stream won’t stream from windows displayed on a monitor / tv in set to Portrait
orientation in Windows Display settings

PUP Stream works, but the pup displays streamed into FP are flipped

 this is the result of having one of your other monitors set to flipped
 there is no way for PUP Stream to correct this
 its best to have ALL of your monitors and TVs set to normal
The table crashes when using PUP Stream…

 PUP Stream only works properly when streaming from windows displayed on your video
card
 streaming from a window display on a monitor connected to a motherboard GPU can
cause a crash
 it may be possible that your setup may have something running that interferes with the
PuP plug-in
 if you cannot resolve the crashing problem, keep PUP Stream disabled

****** Future Pinball ******

In cabinet view, how do I get rid of the FP DMD / Scores / Videos on the playfield screen?

 while playing, press ~ or Q for BAM menu

 goto Addons menu
 Hide Overlays = always

How do I get rid of the Future Pinball logo watermark on the bottom right of the screen?

 while playing, press ~ or Q for BAM menu

 goto Addons menu
 Hide FP Logo = On
In Cabinet view, the camera / pov of the table looks horrible / stretched

 copy the included CFG file to your BAM \ CFG folder

 ensure it’s named the same as the table’s filename

The game doesn't look as nice as your video demos.

 you MUST use the proper FP Video and Editor settings. I show you what they are in an
image included with the table zip file

Some Tables crash when Loading or while playing…

 make sure FPLoader.exe is set to windows 8 Compatibility mode

 make sure you use my exact Future Pinball Video settings and the Editor settings
included with the PinEvent V2 Guide (this is required to allow all tables to run correctly)
 always completely close Future Pinball before loading and trying another table

The table loads and plays, but I see white squares on the playfield

 make sure FPLoader.exe is set to windows 8 Compatibility mode

 make sure you use my exact Future Pinball Video settings and the Editor settings
included with the PinEvent V2 Guide (this is required to allow all tables to run correctly)
 always completely close Future Pinball before loading and trying another table
 Future Pinball needs to be “freshly loaded” each time you load and start a table

The table loads but is stuck at “Loading Shadow Maps” or “Loading Ball”…

 for most people this is caused by having the wrong FP Video Settings
 make sure you use my exact Future Pinball Video settings and the Editor settings
included with the PinEvent V2 Guide (this is required to allow all tables to run correctly)
 you may not be able to run new tables on old PC hardware

I want to make changes to the table’s physics for my own personal preference. How do I
do that?

 Read the PHYSICS section in my Future Pinball and BAM Mega Guide

When I make changes to BAM’s Post Processing and Lighting… the changes I make
aren’t kept the next time I load the table…

 PinEvent V2 tables control all lighting and post processing from the table script. This will
always override the user’s setting in the BAM menu
How do I change the FP Backglass to fit my screen better, or get rid of the grill (when not
using a PuP-Pack)?

 while playing, press ~ or Q for BAM menu, then find your way to Backbox settings, and
adjust the Backbox size and position however you want

I have ball stutter or non smooth gameplay…

 run FP in Fullscreen, not Windowed

 try disabling ray cast shadows (if enabled) in BAM menu AND in the TABLE OPTIONS
in the table script
 try disabling the ball effects in TABLE OPTIONS in the table script
 try disabling reflections in FP Video settings

I want the option to play a PinEvent V2 table with PuP features, but also want to play the
same table without PuP features. How to do this?

 make two copies of the table

 on the table that will NOT use PUP features, edit the table script to disable PinEvent
 this table will no longer run with PinEvent features being used

END OF FAQ

BIG THANKS TO:

 Nailbuster for his PUPDMD Framework, PinUP Player, and help with all of the vbs code
needed for DOF and PUP… and for the COM Extensions plug-in for BAM
 ravarcade for his work on the excellent BAM over the years, and for help with the COM
Extensions plug-in for BAM
 ravarcade and DJRobX for the BAM PuP Plug-in (used for PUP Stream)
 swisslizard for DOF
 DDH69 for his work on DOFLinx… it’s what got me started down this path
 arngrim and @Deegor for DOF Config Tool
 Chris Leathley for Future Pinball. I wouldn’t have started this hobby without it

I hope you enjoy this table, the PuP-Pack, and PinEvent V2 features.

TerryRed
DISCLAIMER

Please DO NOT use PinEvent V2 code or the name PinEvent in your table mods

 “PinEvent” refers to my own specific work that I created to be used for my own table
releases only. Everyone knows that PinEvent = TerryRed releases.
 “PinEvent” has specific features and updates that represent my own quality of work
 please do not use the name “PinEvent” on any table mods, or when referring to pup or
dof mods of a FP table. I don’t want any confusion.
 I will not give tech support to any mods of PinEvent tables or code
 I will only give tech support and add updates to my own PinEvent releases

PinEvent V2 tables and mods

You are free to mod PinEvent tables, but please consider the following:

 please wait a long while after release, and ask me first as I am always adding updates
 I may make changes to both the DOF config and the pup-pack in the future which will no
longer be compatible with older table versions
 PinEvent tables have complex control code for PUP and DOF
 table mods may be used by some people in a cabinet with expensive feedback and
lighting hardware. If you can’t test all of these features, then you could be allowing the
table to cause unknown damage to the cabinet or hardware!
 DO NOT include the name PinEvent. I will NOT recognise any mods as “PinEvent”
tables, and will not give tech support for them. I will direct ALL support to you!
 I worked VERY hard to create a standard of “quality” and “support” for my releases.
Please respect that.

Please DO NOT modify my DOF configs for PinEvent tables on DOF Config Tool!

 I have VERY specific DOF configs that are designed to work with PinEvent updates only!
 you can make your own DOF changes on your own Private config
 DO NOT submit changes from your private DOF config for Public consideration! (if there
is a problem on one of my tables, please message me)
 I specifically added separate “PinEvent only” configs so that everyone is free to use the
normal FP configs to mod other FP tables for DOF

You CAN use PuP and DOF code in your own table mods! (you don’t need PinEvent)
  I have created a simple "starter" code to allow others to add DOF or PUP support to a
FP table. The links for each are here

https://vpuniverse.com/forums/topic/4902-how-to-add-dof-direct-output-framework-support-to-
any-future-pinball-table/

https://pinballnirvana.com/forums/threads/how-to-add-pup-pinup-player-and-pup-pack-support-
to-any-future-pinball-table.20457/

TerryRed