Coin Timers [software vs. hardware] (pro's and con's)

[dab_s_bad]

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I know that there has been some threads regarding this one but not that elaborated [on a single post].
This very thread can also belong to the 'software' thread but it seems that it is also appropriate to put it here.

also..., I'm encouraging real owners to give feedback on their units AND I will enlist any usefull info that is not added here.



Hardware Based Timer
PRO's
● function independent on 'host' [CPU]
● time is seen visually externally outside
● beeps when time is already near end (very annoying for me)

CON's
● low quality build [some deteriorate immediately and some other lasts]
● limited to 2 Coin Slots only? (need feedback on this)
● not that accurate [time]? (need feedback on this)
● time adjustments is on the minutes range only? (need feedback on this)
● Need some degree of Electronic skills like 'soldering' and 'diagram' tracing (not a problem if 'magpabuhat lang ka')
● Mechanical Relay
-> the built-in relays deteriorate really fast
-> need to change the relay to a more 'heavy duty' one to make it last longer



Hardware Based Timer/Coin System Power Source [from PSU vs. dedicated] (pro's and con's)
from PSU
PRO's
● no need to buy an additional power source

CON's
● if PSU turns off..., so as your timer

from a dedicated Source
PRO's
● it operates independently regardless of CPU state [on/off]

CON's
● need to buy additional transformer, DC circuitry



Software Based Timer
PRO's
● unlimited number of Coin Slots? [via serial port (1Coint Slot per Serial Port) OR USB]
● highly accurate time
● time adjustments can range from a second to infinity? (need feedback on this)
● with added perks and features that can't be done with hardware timer

CON's
● highly dependent on CPU's state [if CPU hangs, then so as your timer]
● suceptible to some degree of hacking [if hacked, then time is free! ]
● you cannot see the 'time left' directly if you are playing on full screen
● have symptoms on exclusive full screen applications



TIP's for PISO2x
● power source for your Timer/Coin System can either be sourced from your PSU or a dedicated exclusive power source
● as an alternative..., instead switching off the monitor, you can switch off the keyboard/mouse or even including the monitor!
● you can add a 'shutdown' feature on your hardware based timer from using its second relay
● be sure that the Coin/Timer System is fully secure and not susceptible to 'shaking'
● use 'glue gun' [or any adhesive of your choice] to fasten up the Coin Slot's trigger mechanism
● if dili na 'mu-off' ang display..., its time to change the mechanical relays
● it is suggested that you change the mechanical relay with a "super heavy duty" one before using it the first time as to have no more problems later

[edoy]

software based timer con's :
-not suitable for gamers, kay naay compatibility issues sa uban gaming softwares, that's why wala nilahutay ang Marzhx timer

[pushbutton]

software timer nako Marzhx timer...
easy to setup and naa halos tanan features need nimo like security/inventory... pwede dual coinslot gamit pud.
kani nga software OKI unta sya sauna nga wala pa na diskobre sa mga bata ang style saon pag duwa bisan (0) na ang time.
nya naa pud problem lalo na sa player nga salto kaau or maro. kay mo duwa sya mo hulog tapos i off sa ang unit kay mo uli or mag luto pa sempre dili man mwala ang time kay design man sa software... mao lang na ang lamang compara sa digital.. walay issue sa coinslot kung kabalo lang ka mo fix sa wirings kay mao na dahilan usahay mo saka ang time...
auto shutdown pud ni sya pag zero na ang time

tools/parts needed for software timer
coinslot
electrical tape or masking tape
screwdriver


sa digital timer...
para nako its better than software.
ang issue lang nako sa digital kay inig mo brownout pati iyang ge hulog nga kwarta brownout pud hehehe
pwede ka mag dual coinslot 5 or 1 in 1 timer. kani ako na setup ALLAN nga coinslot ni ug timer...
dapat ang wirings ani kay safe ug secured paka buhat labi na sa iyang sensor.
auto shutdown pud ni sya pag zero na ang time so wala nami kalayoan sa features sa marzhx hehehe

tools/parts needed for digital setup
timer
coinslot
transformer 1 or 2 amp
diod 1amp for center tp design (if mo gamit ka ug duha ka timer bale duha na ka unit ang supplyan nya)
soldiring iron
starscrew
electrical tape or masking tape
glue gun

[dab_s_bad]

ok, salamat sa info, I'll try to put it on the first thread para ma-organize nato ug sakto for other istoryans to view it ^_^

[butitoy]

cons of auto shutdown is that inig hulog pa sa piso ma-on

naa ko ani sample bfore

luoy ang cpu madugay cge ug on - off, labi na ang HDD inig oFF kay diresto OFF inig zero


much better ang kana karon coinslot type na using flexi


ang cons ani pay PWERTING BATIA pagka Manufacture

usahay dili mu-count kay na tang-tang d i ang isa ka led kay dili fixed sa

nindot pud ang dual relay kay back ang isa ang blema kay dali pud maguba


kapalit ug 5 ka sets here sa istorya

2 of 5 relay gubaon na and pa warranty ako to

ang 1 of 10 coinslot just died


nindot nga technology

PIRTING BARTIA pagka manufacture, naa pay sulda magulang lang gamay sa pilit sa laway

saun man MADE in CHINA < cheap and low quality copy

[pushbutton]

^ ang ako unit nga currently running karon sir mo hulog sa ka una bago ka maka power on press sa nimo ang power button. dili sya automatic mo on inig hulog...
nya pag zero na ang time ani dili gyud ingon ma mo patay kalit ang unit... ma close pa ang mga application nga open sama sa mga games etc. bago mo gawas natong windows is shutting down. ana ako setup...

IDE pa gane to ako HDD gamit so far until now still running gihapon...

[pushbutton]

Spoiler! 

pa delete ani palihug na double post sorry mods...

[Jason4eveR]

For me mas ok nako ang hardware based nga timer kay mas secure and easy to manage pud. 20 months nako ani nga business and wala pa nangaguba sa akong timer, relay and coin slot.

Sa TPC naa sila gamit hybrid software and hardware based timer mas more secure.

[dab_s_bad]

For me mas ok nako ang hardware based nga timer kay mas secure and easy to manage pud. 20 months nako ani nga business and wala pa nangaguba sa akong timer, relay and coin slot.

Sa TPC naa sila gamit hybrid software and hardware based timer mas more secure.

sir, kindly give links sa 'hybrid' nga imo gi-mention

[danzteo]

sa digital timer...
para nako its better than software.
ang issue lang nako sa digital kay inig mo brownout pati iyang ge hulog nga kwarta brownout pud hehehe
pwede ka mag dual coinslot 5 or 1 in 1 timer. kani ako na setup ALLAN nga coinslot ni ug timer...
dapat ang wirings ani kay safe ug secured paka buhat labi na sa iyang sensor.
auto shutdown pud ni sya pag zero na ang time so wala nami kalayoan sa features sa marzhx hehehe

gi unsa ni nmo pag set up boss nga mka auto shutdown?........