Fast and Furious v2.04 going into Calibration

Didj

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Hello All,

Happy Thanksgiving!

Now to the problem, bought this last week. I have a F&F loaded with v2.04 and it used to play fine, but without sound. Yes, it has a Dell, (although NOT a OptiPlex, it's actually a Dell Precision), so I know that version of s/w isn't supposed to work with Dell computers, (and can affect the sound).

As I said, game play wise, the game functioned fine, but after a power cycles, it now goes directly into Calibration after loading. I don't get a splash screen, although the monitor does show the file verification. Just doesn't load the game..


Any idea on what's the cause?

Thanks,

Didj
 
Like it or not you'll have to do a software re-install.
 
for the sake of doing it I'd find an optiplex 740 and the right software. Done and done.
 
Thank you, I'll take that advice. Ordered a OptiPlex tonight and going to get the v3.0X s/w from RT. Just wanted to make sure that it's computer related and not one of the boards going ape on me.

BTW, one thing, with the new OptiPlex and basically a working F&F, what would I need to change on the game to upgrade it to "drift". I see I might need a ZOTAC 8400GS, but that OptiPlex does have 2Gigs of Ram on board.

Anything board, wiring, or otherwise need to change? Might as well upgrade while I have the lid off.

Thanks,

Didj
 
First thing, F&F 3.00 is the ONLY version of F&F that works correctly on the Dell. The later versions might/will boot but you will still have sound problems.

Second, technically you can get away with NO video card if you have 2+ gigs of memory on the mobo. The video will be a bit choppy at times but its usually not noticeable. RT's locked down the video cards we can use but that Zotac you mentioned always worked for me. That and old school 7600's. I've got some Dell x1300's that should also work but they will need the dual head out to VGA/DVI adapter. I'd also recommend putting some sort of cooling on them as they are passive only.

To upgrade to Drift all you will need is the upgrade dongle and software, or the dedicated dongle and software. Neither are cheap though. Going that route will allow you to install the latest versions of the games (the upgrade, kit and dedicated Drifts all run different software levels) which will widen your pool of video cards you can use.

Wiring should be the same.

That Optiplex you ordered. Desktop or tower? The Small Form Factor (aka SFF) will run hot and may not work right.
 
Thank you again.

The unit I ordered was the wrong one apparently, see below

Dell Optiplex 740 SFF, AMD Athlon 4850e Dual Core 2.50GHz, 2GB, 160GB HDD, NO OS

That's a shame, I didn't catch that during all the reading on fixing this thing.

Thanks,

Didj
 
You can try it, may not work right. Its the same hardware but those SSF's just cook.
 
Thanks, I'll pull the case apart and fan it if starts acting funny until I get the right tower unit. And, I'll call RT to see what the dongle is running for the Drift and/or see if I can source an upgrade kit.

And, I want to say thanks to you and PCJOHN for all the F&F advice over the years. You guys have patiently explained how to work on these repeatedly and it's great to see that level of dedication and help. I read a lot of the previous threads before posting and didn't exactly see that level of detail I needed about the calibration (and tower obviously) so I posted.

Didj
 
Raw thrills isn't going to be of any help with that dongle. You need to go through one of their distributors. I'd start on eBay.

Can't speak for pcjohn but I'm sure he's as happy to help as I am.
 
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FWIW you should be looking for a desktop 740 not a tower (unless you think you have room in the cab).
 
The SFF is the small form factor. With that CPU and Ram you probably
won't need a video card (I have 6 of them on location and they work
fine). They are in a summer shore location. Solve your heat problem
by keeping the cover off.

The current version is 3.06 and works perfectly on the 740
regardless what version.

JD

Thank you again.
The unit I ordered was the wrong one apparently, see below
Dell Optiplex 740 SFF, AMD Athlon 4850e Dual Core 2.50GHz, 2GB, 160GB HDD, NO OS
That's a shame, I didn't catch that during all the reading on fixing this thing.
Thanks,
Didj
 
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When I see the prices distributors charge for computer repair/replacements
I am always happy to help someone get their game up and running without
having to donate an arm or leg !

That's the only advantage to using PC's in arcade games that I've
ever been able to see.

JD

Raw thrills isn't going to be of any help with that dongle. You need to go through one of their distributors. I'd start on eBay.

Can't speak for pcjohn but I'm sure he's as happy to help as I am.
 
Hello,

Update, I installed the new Dell and the v3.00 software from Betson and the game came up perfectly, (and with sound)! Plays great, I'd like to thank you all for the help. Working on the lights next.

Didj
 
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Thanks, glad to get rid of that old PC. While I have you, I am looking at the steering next. Very weak pulsing from the motor is about all I get.

I also found mystery parts in the back of the cabinet. A spring and sleeve, (uploading photo's is failing). Black metal sleeve, 2.5" long and a large spring 2" long. Spring clearly fits inside the sleeve. Sleeve has a pair of slots machined on one end and two small tabs on the other.

I at first thought they were part of the steering assemble, (potentially to return the wheel to neutral), but I don't see a spring or sleeve in any of the exploded diagrams. Have you ever seen these?

Thanks,

Didj
 
Thanks, glad to get rid of that old PC. While I have you, I am looking at the steering next. Very weak pulsing from the motor is about all I get.

I also found mystery parts in the back of the cabinet. A spring and sleeve, (uploading photo's is failing). Black metal sleeve, 2.5" long and a large spring 2" long. Spring clearly fits inside the sleeve. Sleeve has a pair of slots machined on one end and two small tabs on the other.

I at first thought they were part of the steering assemble, (potentially to return the wheel to neutral), but I don't see a spring or sleeve in any of the exploded diagrams. Have you ever seen these?

Thanks,

Didj

lets see pics. Those dont sound familiar at all.
 
I'm wondering if the cab isnt a some sort of conversion and maybe those parts are from the original game. Springs with sleeves on them sounds like a sega thing to do.
 
Hi,

I don't think it's a conversion not an expert on all the things that CAN be turned into a F&F but it's looks correct. Looks like pics are ok again so I uploaded the sleeve and spring.

Thanks,

Didj
 

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Hi,

I don't think it's a conversion not an expert on all the things that CAN be turned into a F&F but it's looks correct. Looks like pics are ok again so I uploaded the sleeve and spring.

Thanks,

Didj

I've seen that setup on the brakes on some sega or atari cabs (I think). The sleeve limits the brake pedals throw.

Take a pic of the cab and post it.
 
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