Projector control for MultiBall

The projector plays a vital role in MultiBall systems, and understanding how to manage it can significantly enhance your setup efficiency. Recent software updates have introduced projector control capabilities, allowing the system to automatically manage the projector without the need for manual intervention at the beginning and end of sessions.

Standby mode

With projector control enabled, your system will now be able to enter the Standby mode. In Standby mode any currently active game (or menu) stops and projector turns off if it was correctly setup. This allows you to effectively turn off the system while still keeping it responsive. The ways to enter Standby mode are outlined below. To leave the Standby mode, just select Menu app on the Games & Apps page of your system under Games tab.

 

Projector control options

1. Serial cable (recommended)

Using a serial cable for projector control is the recommended approach because it facilitates direct communication between your system's PC and the projector, allowing for quick ON/OFF functionality. To set this up, you will need to purchase a USB-to-Serial cable from our Shop. Additionally, ensure that your projector is compatible, as currently, only Panasonic and Epson projectors are supported. If you own a different model, please contact us through our support channels (How to get Support?) to determine if integration is possible, as it depends on the serial communication capabilities of your projector.

After acquiring the cable, first connect the serial end to the projector and then the USB end to the designated port on the PC, which is located to the left of the blue port.        It is crucial to use only this specific USB port for the projector connection. Once the cable is connected, the system should automatically recognize the projector.

When your system transitions into Standby mode, as described in the Control from MultiBall admin section below, the PC will communicate with the projector to turn it off. To reactivate the system, simply select the Menu game on the control page. If the system does not respond as anticipated after initially connecting the cable, it is advisable to restart the system and attempt the process again, as the PC may not have established a proper connection with the projector initially.

 

2. HDMI cable

In the absence of a serial cable, you can still control the projector by making some technical adjustments. This involves configuring your projector's settings to activate power-saving mode when no signal is detected. The procedure can differ among various projector models, so we will illustrate the steps using a Panasonic model from our MultiBall package. Begin by accessing the projector's native Menu, which can be done using the remote control or the buttons on the device itself, and then navigate to the Projector Setup option.

Within this menu, navigate to Eco Management. , 

Within this menu, you will see Power Management options, including [SHUT DOWN] and [READY]. Choose the [READY] option and adjust the Timer to the shortest duration available, which is 5 minutes in this instance. Additionally, ensure that Auto Power Save and Signal Detection are activated if they were not previously enabled. And that should be it.

In summary, for other projector models, the procedure should be comparable: Access the settings menu, locate the eco/power save/standby mode options, and configure the projector to cease projection when a signal is lost and to resume when the signal returns.

When your system transitions into Standby mode, it will disable the HDMI signal, causing the projector to begin a countdown to enter the power-saving [READY] mode. Once the timer concludes, the projector will seem to be off but will actually remain in a state prepared to receive a signal. You may still hear some operational noises, which is why we suggest using the serial cable option for fully powering down the projector. Upon selecting Menu on the control page, the HDMI signal from the PC will be reactivated, prompting the projector to turn on again.

When selecting the [SHUT DOWN] mode in your projector's native settings, the projector will fully power down once the timer concludes. It will not automatically start when the signal is restored, necessitating manual reactivation. This option can be chosen if it aligns better with your specific requirements.

 

3. No automatic control

If you prefer to manage the projector independently, you can choose to disable the system's projector control feature. This will require you to operate the projector manually, using either the remote control or the buttons located on the projector itself.

 

Control from MultiBall admin

Projector control allows you to control the projector in following ways:

1. From control page

On your system's Games & Apps page, you have the ability to manage the projector by choosing specific games or applications. To transition the system into Standby mode and deactivate the projector, click on the Standby button located under the Actions tab (Games & Apps->Actions->Standby). This action will halt any game currently in progress and power down the projector.

To reactivate the system, navigate to the Games & Apps section, then in the Games tab select the Menu button. This action will return the system to the menu screen and power on the projector.

 

2. Automatic standby after inactivity

Within the Settings page of your system, under the Projector tab, there is a feature called Projector Inactivity. When activated, this feature automatically transitions your system into Standby mode, pausing any ongoing game and turning off the projector. You have the ability to set the specific time interval after which the Standby mode will be triggered. It is important to remember to save any changes made to the settings.

To reactivate the system, navigate to the Games & Apps page and select the Menu game.

 

3. Projector schedule

Further down on the same tab (Settings->Projector), you will discover the Projector Schedule option. This feature enables you to precisely set the daily times for the system to exit (Wake up) or enter (Sleep) Standby mode. By utilizing this option, you can program your system to automatically turn on or off at designated times each day of the week.