FX3 help

[ACDNate]

Upgraded my cabinet this year with a new 144hz playfield and new computer build. I've been plugging away at getting Popper rebuilt. Popper, DOF, DOFLinx, FP, and VPX have been smooth sailing. FX3 on the other hand i feel like a rookie all over again. I recall struggling a bit when i first set it up in the cabinet a couple years ago but this seems like I'm missing a few key elements.

 

I've used Nailbuster's guide and sample scripts along with the new game file etc and am still struggling. I've downloaded the Pup pack files and placed them in the proper folder. Screens are setup and where they are supposed to be including the DMD. Games will launch from popper but I have a few things not working correctly.

 

1. SSF isn't working. I'm hearing what I believe are the SSF sounds through the backbox speakers. (SSF works as expected in VPX/FP)

 

2. I can't exit fx3 back to popper. I've mapped exit emulator to the same button i use with VPX/FP to exit and when i try to exit it goes back to the FX3 menu. If i exit from the menu i end up on the desktop with no taskbar. 

 

3. My led lighting may or may not be working correctly. DOF files are updated. When i go into a game I don't have any activity on my teensy driver leds. I don't recall at this point if i did on my previous build or not. 

 

4. When i loaded the table data in Games Manager this time i have a few "tables" that seem to be config files of some sort that are now in the playlist. For example "Preview", "PTS Data", and "sfx". How do i address these?

 

for reference if it's relevant here are my fx3 start and close scripts

 

Quote

@echo off

rem remove next two rem to use or setup DMDEXT for FX3
rem cd /d "%PopperInstDir%\VisualPinball\VPinMAME"
rem start /min "" "dmdext.exe" mirror --source=pinballfx3 -q -d auto --virtual-hide-grip --virtual-position=x y w -o PinUP\[GAMENAME]

rem remove the next two rem lines to setup PUpDMD for FX3
cd /d "%PopperInstDir%\VisualPinball\VPinMAME"
start /min "" "PUPDMDControl.exe" FX3 PINUP\[GAMENAME]

REM SET ALTPARAM=-class
REM if "[ALTMODE]"=="arcade"  (SET ALTPARAM=)
REM If you prefer arcade Change the 1st 2 lines below to look like ones above
REM Default is classic and arcade

SET ALTPARAM=
if "[ALTMODE]"=="classic"  (SET ALTPARAM=-class )
if "[ALTMODE]"=="hotseat2" (SET ALTPARAM=-hotseat_2 )
if "[ALTMODE]"=="hotseat3" (SET ALTPARAM=-hotseat_3 )
if "[ALTMODE]"=="hotseat4" (SET ALTPARAM=-hotseat_4 )

START "" "[STARTDIR]Launch\VPXSTARTER.exe" 5 5 20 "Pinball FX3"

START "" "[DIREMU]\steam.exe" -applaunch 442120 %ALTPARAM% -table_[GAMENAME]

timeout 5
START /min "" "[STARTDIR]Launch\SendFXNewGame.exe"

 

Quote

"[STARTDIR]LAUNCH\PUPCLOSER.EXE" WINTIT "Pinball FX3" 4 1]
rem          Remove "rem" on the next line to close DMDExt after exiting a table.
taskkill /f /im "dmdext.exe"

 

Edited September 5, 2025 by ACDNate

[Rappelbox]

 

1. you need doflinx to make fx3 use ssf

2. don't use "esc" as emulator exit key, often it works, sometimes not... don't use FX3 in fullscreen, but instead in "borderless window" mode -> graphics settings
3. same as 1.)
4. right click in games manager import and hide them

[ACDNate]

6 hours ago, Rappelbox said:

 

1. you need doflinx to make fx3 use ssf

2. don't use "esc" as emulator exit key, often it works, sometimes not... don't use FX3 in fullscreen, but instead in "borderless window" mode -> graphics settings
3. same as 1.)
4. right click in games manager import and hide them

 

Appreciate the input.

 

1. So where/how do i get SSF up and running?

 

2. I have a semi-typical button layout on my cabinet with 3 buttons left side (Start, Ex Ball, Exit), 1 right (launch ball) and coin 1/2 buttons integrated into my coin return.  What do you recommend as emulator exit since any change i make would alter how it works in VPX wouldn't it? 

 

3. I thought doflinx was the only way to get DOF and addressable lights in FX3, or at least that's the way it was a few years back when i set it up the first time.

 

4. Thanks!