Harlem Globetrotters¶
Bally 1979 table featuring toolkit workflow and kicker implementation details.
Build Guide¶
Update Existing Table Through Toolkit¶
Updated existing Mika123 table through toolkit. Process:
- Updated plunger/slings/flippers and general table physics to match weekly play experience
- Running through toolkit with 1k bake
- New objects and materials added
- Use VPM inserts, fixed GI, added missing leaf switches
TODO list after update:
- Check VR rooms
- Remove targetbouncer from lower posts
- Add movables to VLM results
- Check odd bounces on flippers at EOS
- Add tweak UI menu
- Add room/ball brightness
Period-Correct Kicker Models¶
Parts library kickers not correct for this era Bally. Bord provided correct kicker model from Boomerang project.
Must turn camera visibility on after copy/paste otherwise won't show in renders.
New Playfield Integration Checklist¶
After integrating new playfield scan from Clark Kent:
- 2k batch completed
- New playfield mesh with kicker bevels
- Add tweak UI menu & room/ball brightness
- Replace pegs/rubbers
- Material updates
- Fix target kicker angle
- Re-align entire table to new PF scan
- Extensive insert light tweaks
- New kicker models
Much more work than expected when swapping PF - essentially re-alignment of entire table required.
Playfield Swap in Blender¶
To swap playfield in Blender keeping other work: Import new playfield (ensure correct size).
After swap, insert lights may not work - appears as lighting issue. Lights visible where holes cut in PF but not through PF body.
Problem: PFTransparency texture node blocks light transmission. Disconnecting PFTransparency node makes lights come back. Need to reconfig transparency settings for insert light visibility.
Scripting¶
Flipper Elasticity Inconsistency¶
Lower two flippers had different elasticity (0.6) than third flipper (0.88). This was not intentional - should be consistent. Demonstrates importance of checking all flipper settings for consistency.
Kicker Implementation: Object vs Trigger¶
If kicker object gives trouble, alternative approach uses trigger instead of kicker object (shown in ROM example table). After following tutorial video, kickers working properly.
Choice between kicker object and trigger depends on specific implementation needs and troubleshooting results.
Troubleshooting¶
Invisible Playfield Mesh in Editor¶
Playfield mesh invisible in VPX editor despite being present. May cause ball physics issues with kickers. Resolution process involved following Bord's kicker holes tutorial. Related to camera visibility settings on mesh object.
Outstanding Issues List¶
Remaining issues after major update:
- Flippers bounce when at EOS and ball hits them
- Can't get plunger cover to render
- Apron decal on left rail at top needs placement
- Desktop score display disappeared
- New backdrop? Current one kinda bright
- Need to check VR
Demonstrates systematic issue tracking during final polish phase.
Texture Scaling in Blender¶
Issue with texture scale on model. Solution involves vector node on material. Material node manipulation for texture scaling is common need when swapping assets.
Best Practices¶
Physics Material Borrowing¶
Borrowed physics materials from OXO table. Those adjustments "really fit late EM/early SS feel" - will remember for future.
Physics materials can be successfully transferred between tables of similar era/manufacturer. OXO physics good reference for early solid state Bally feel.
Playfield Scan Availability Check¶
Current playfield image "has been around the block a few times" - not necessarily most accurate. Don't have to rework existing work, but new scan would be desirable.
Timeline consideration: Want to finish within week. New PF scan desirable if doesn't cause too much disruption.
Table Dimension Variance Tolerance¶
Small dimension variance is "so minor" - leave it unless have scan to work from. Don't chase perfection on minor dimension differences without proper reference material.
Resources¶
- Bord's Boomerang project (correct kicker models)
- Kicker holes tutorial (Bord1947)
- IPDB entry: Harlem Globetrotters