Manager’s Control Unit (XLi MCU)

Installation & Operations Manual

P/N 400-088-051 Revision A

 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

All rights to this guide are the property of QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Inc., including the diagrams,
figures, and technical specifications. Reproduction or transmission of any of the material contained in
this guide is strictly forbidden without the prior permission of QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Inc. All
of the product information contained in this manual was carefully prepared based on the latest
information available and, to our knowledge, was believed to be correct at the time of printing.
However, this publication could include inaccuracies or typographical errors, and QubicaAMF Bowling
Products, Inc. cannot be held responsible for inadvertent errors or omissions that may appear in this
document. QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Inc. reserves the right to revise and/or update this manual
at any time without obligation to notify any person or entity of such revision.

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DOCUMENT UPDATES

In the interest of continual product and services improvement, QubicaAMF reserves the right to
revise or update this manual at any time without obligation to notify any person or entity of such
revision. The document number and revision date below indicate the edition and printing date of this
manual.

Copyright © 2014 QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Inc.

Document Part No. 400-088-051
Issue Date: 8/26/2014

QubicaAMF Bowling Products, Inc.

8100 AMF Dr.
Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Manager’s Control Unit (XLi MCU)
Installation and Operations Manual - P/N 400-088-051
Rev. A

Summary of Changes

Change No. ECR No.

Rev. A 14-1097

List of Effective Pages

Page Change No. Effective Date

All Original 8/26/2014
 CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................................. 1

1.1 How to Use This Manual ................................................................. 1
1.2 XLi MCU Description ....................................................................... 1

2.0 XLi MCU Installation ................................................................................. 3

2.1 Before You Start .............................................................................. 3
2.2 Power Requirements ...................................................................... 3
2.3 Communications ............................................................................. 3
2.4 Connecting the Homerun Cable ...................................................... 4

3.0 XLi MCU Operations ................................................................................. 5

3.1 Main Screen .................................................................................... 5
3.1.1 File Menu ................................................................................................ 6
3.1.2 Total Lanes Adjustment .......................................................................... 6
3.1.3 Port Number ........................................................................................... 6
3.1.4 Communication Pane .............................................................................. 6
3.1.5 Chassis Range .......................................................................................... 6
3.2 Lane Selection ................................................................................. 7
3.3 Commands Menu ............................................................................ 8
3.3.1 Settings ................................................................................................... 9
3.3.2 Functions ................................................................................................. 9
3.3.3 Advanced Mode ...................................................................................... 10

4.0 Troubleshooting .................................................................................... 11

4.1 Communications Problem ............................................................... 11
4.2 Lane xx Failed Writing Data/Lane xx Command FAILED ................... 11
4.3 Lane xx is OFFLINE ........................................................................... 11
4.4 XLi: xx The Operation has Timed-Out ................................................... 11
4.5 XLi Error ............................................................................................ 11
Manager Control Unit (XLi MCU) Manual

1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 How to Use This Manual
This manual was written for QubicaAMF Manager’s Control Unit (XLi MCU) USB Converter Kit P/N 610-088-119
with software version 1.0.65.

This guide is divided into four sections:

1.0 INTRODUCTION
2.0 XLi MCU INSTALLATION
3.0 XLi MCU OPERATIONS
4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING

Items in italics are references to menu items that will be seen on the display or a state that the screen is in. An
example is shown below.

Auto Backend Shutoff, Main Screen

1.2 XLi MCU Description

The Manager’s Control Unit (XLi MCU) provides a means of remotely controlling the various modes and
functions of a pinspotter or a group of pinspotters. The converter kit consists of:
 RS-485 USB Converter (XLi MCU)
 XLi MCU Homerun Cable
 USB Key with XLi MCU Software
 Cable Terminator

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2.0 XLi MCU INSTALLATION

2.1 Before You Start
Check the shipment against the packing list to ensure that all ordered parts have been included. Report any
damaged or missing parts to QubicaAMF Bowling at (866) 460-QAMF (7263) or (804) 569-1000 between
8:30AM and 5:30PM Eastern Time. You may leave a message on the voice mail system after 5:30PM. Our 24-
hour fax line is (804) 559-8650. Address faxes to Tech Support. Tech Support’s e-mail address is
emtechsupport@qubicaamf.us.
The XLi MCU software will only work on a Windows OS and should be installed at the front desk. One USB
Converter (XLi MCU) will control up to 32 lanes (16 chassis). An extra USB Converter and homerun cable will
be required for each multiple of 32 lanes. Centers with split pinspotter arrangements will require a second
USB Convertor and cable. All USB Converters should be connected to the same PC.

2.2 Power Requirements

The USB Converter (XLi MCU) accepts power from its PC connection via a USB cable.

2.3 Communications
The XLi MCU software communicates with each pinspotter chassis via the USB Converter and a serial data link
(home run and daisy chain cables) to minimize the number of interconnections between the pinspotter chassis
and the XLi MCU. The unit should be operated from the front desk PC with the XLi MCU software and a USB
output. The XLi MCU-PC application must be installed before connecting the USB Converter.

Communications Ports (refer to Figure 1)

 There is one USB port for communications to the PC.
 There is a switch to either enable or disable the line terminator. It should be set to ENABLED.
 There is one pinspotter chassis data port for communicating with the pinspotter chassis.

Line
USB Port Pinspotter
Terminator
Switch Chassis Data Port

Figure 1, Communications Connections

A home run cable, P/N 088-000-510, is used to connect the USB Converter (XLi MCU) to the first chassis of a
series. Each chassis is connected to the next by a daisy chain cable, P/N 090-005-749, and the last chassis in
the series must have a cable terminator, P/N 090-005-794, in its XLi MCU OUT connector.

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2.4 Connecting the Homerun Cable

Below is the procedure for attaching the homerun cable to the XLi MCU:
1 Plug the green connector included with the XLi MCU – RS-485 USB Converter (290-002-105)
into the corresponding port on the XLi MCU.
2 Remove the precut/stripped insulation from the four (4) wires of the homerun cable.
3 One at a time, insert the marked wires, matching the label on the wire with the corresponding
label on the XLi MCU, into the connector. Tighten the wire retaining screw securely. Repeat
for the remaining wires.

4 Place the included cable tie through the slot in the bottom piece of the connector housing.
The cable tie ends must be on the inside of the housing.
5 Place the homerun cable into the bottom housing so that approximately .25” of the insulation
jacket is inside the housing. Secure with the cable tie. Trim the excess of the cable tie.
6 Arrange the wires to fit into the connector housing. Note: Wire colors may differ from those
shown below.

7 Install the connector top housing onto the bottom housing, capturing the connector. Check
that no wires are protruding. Snap the top and bottom housing together.
8 Secure the connector to the XLi MCU by tightening the screws in the flanges of the connector.

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3.0 XLi MCU OPERATIONS

This section contains basic information about the XLi MCU display and options.

3.1 Main Screen

The XLi MCU has a display that allows for a more dynamic solution for chassis monitoring. The Main Screen is
used to view the status of the chassis and to perform functions in regards to those chassis. It shows the status
of the various chassis and communication from the software to the end user. Figure 2 shows the main screen
and its components.

Commands Total Lanes

Menu Adjustment
File Menu
PC Port
Chassis Lane
Indicator

Chassis
Communication
Online/Offline
Pane
Indicator

Chassis Range
Figure 2, Main Screen

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3.1.1 File Menu

The File Menu includes two functions:
 Exports logs… - allows for some details about communication transactions between the XLi MCU and
pinspotter(s) that have been logged to be exported (saved) to the PC or any other connected storage
device. This information would then be available for review. This function will not be used during
normal use and is primarily a troubleshooting function.
 Exit – allows the user to exit or close the XLi MCU software interface.

3.1.2 Total Lanes Adjustment

This is an adjustable field where the number of lanes being controlled is indicated. The number can be
changed by typing in the correct number and pressing “Enter” or by using the arrow buttons next to the entry
field. The number of lanes shown in the Chassis Range corresponds with this number.

3.1.3 Port Number

Upon installation of the XLi MCU software, necessary Windows drivers are installed and create a virtual COM
(serial) port that the XLi MCU application uses to communicate through the USB converter. The Port number
field displays the COM port being used. The application automatically finds the port that the USB converter is
plugged into. The user need only to plug in the converter before starting the application.
The user can select a different COM port to be used by clicking on the Port number field. Please note, after
selecting a particular COM port, the program will check for communication through that port and if it does not
find a USB converter, the selection will not be maintained.

3.1.4 Communication Pane

The area on the right side of the interface is the Communication Pane. This is where the software
communicates to the user what is happening after the user has caused an action (started the XLi MCU,
switched PC ports, etc.) and what the status of the various lane chassis are (online or offline). The user can
find other information here such as when the software is searching for devices, whether the software and
chassis are communicating, etc.

3.1.5 Chassis Range

The majority of the Main Screen is taken up by the Chassis Range. It shows all the lanes being controlled, their
online/offline status, and which lane(s) are selected for action. The number of lanes shown corresponds with
the number entered in the Total Lanes Adjustment. Each lane’s chassis will either show up as online or offline
as indicated by the Chassis Online/Offline Indicator. If the lane’s indicator is green, it is online. If it is red, it is
offline. Online means that the XLi MCU is communicating with that lane’s chassis and the user has control of
that chassis through the XLi MCU. Offline means the XLi MCU is not communicating with the lane’s chassis.

Here you can see that

Lane 2 is online/green
and Lane 3 is offline/red.

Figure 3, Chassis Online/Offline Indicator

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3.2 Lane Selection

To select a particular lane, simply click on it. The lane you’ve selected will be indicated by a blue background
behind the lane number. To select multiple lanes use either the “Shift” or “Ctrl” buttons. After selecting one
lane, press and hold “Shift” while clicking another lane. This will select all the lanes in the range between the
first lane you clicked and the second. To individually select various lanes, hold down the “Ctrl” button while
selecting lanes.

Any and all selected lanes will be indicated in blue as seen below.

Only Lane 12 is
selected (blue).

Figure 4, Single Lane Selection

To select an entire lane range, click the first lane in the range and then hold down “Shift” while clicking the last
lane in the range. An example of this can be seen in Figure 5.

Lanes 4-12 are selected

(blue).

Figure 5, Lane Range Selection

To select multiple lanes not in a range, press and hold “Ctrl” while clicking the desired lanes. An example of
this can be seen in Figure 6.

Lanes 4, 6, and 12 are

selected (blue).

Figure 6, Multiple Lane Selection

The command menu can be brought up either by double-clicking on a lane or by clicking on “Commands” after
the desired lane(s) has been selected. This will only work for lane(s) that are online (indicated by being green).
Lanes that appear red are offline.

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3.3 Commands Menu

The Commands button opens the Lanes configuration screen which allows viewing and access to the functions
and settings for the selected lane(s). To see and/or modify the configuration for a single lane, simply double-
click on the desired lane in the Chassis Range. For multiple lanes, select the desired lanes and click
“Commands.” The resulting “Lanes configuration” box will show up. This interface can be seen below.

Basic Commands

Figure 7, Commands – Lanes Configuration

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3.3.1 Settings
It is important to note that changing anything on the Lanes configuration screen will not go into effect until
you click “Send All Settings” at the bottom right of the screen. To cancel the changes you’ve designated before
sending them, simply click “Cancel.” If the chassis accepts the command, success of the settings change will be
communicated in green font in the Communication Pane. If the command was unsuccessful, a failure will be
shown in red font in the Communication Pane.
Below is a list of all the Settings that can be changed from the XLi MCU as well as their possible entries.

 Auto Offspot Cycle – OFF / ON

 Chassis Mode – BOWL / STANDBY / PRACTICE PINS / PRACTICE NO-PINS
 Foul Detector – OFF / WARNING / ON
 Pit Light – BLACK / WHITE
 Pit Light Control – AUTO / ON
 Tenth Frame Reset – OFF / ON

Counters
The resettable counters can be reset in Advanced Mode.
 Counts (Ball) - Keeps track of the number of balls bowled in Bowl mode as well as Mechanic
mode. There are resettable and non-resettable totals.
 Counts (Frame) - Keeps track of the number of frames bowled in Bowl mode as well as
Mechanic mode. There are resettable and non-resettable totals.

3.3.2 Functions
Functions in the XLi MCU software are similar to the Functions menu on the chassis. Clicking a functions button
will immediately transmit that command to the selected chassis. If the chassis cannot accept the command, a
message will appear in red font in the Communication Pane. If the command was successfully sent,
confirmation will appear in green font in the Communication Pane.
Below is a list of all the Functions that can be broadcast from the XLi MCU.

 Clear Offspot – Returns sweep to home position after offspot has occured.
 Clear Pindeck - Sweeps whatever is on the pindeck back into the pit.
 Cycle Lane – Causes the selected pinspotter to cycle (sweep and set pins) and does not send
a signal to the scoring system that a cycle has occurred.
 Set New Pins - A new rack of pins are set and the pinspotter is set to 1st ball.

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3.3.3 Advanced Mode

Check the Advanced Mode checkbox on the Lanes configuration page to view these additional settings and
functions
It is important to note that changing anything on the Commands – Lanes configuration screen will not go into
effect until you click “Send All Settings” at the bottom right of the screen. To cancel the changes you’ve
designated before sending them, simply click “Cancel.” If the chassis accepts the command, success of the
settings change will be communicated in green font in the Communication Pane. If the command was
unsuccessful, a failure will be shown in red font in the Communication Pane.
Below is a list of all the items from Advanced Mode that can be changed from the XLi MCU as well as their
possible settings. Changing some of these settings could interfere with normal pinspotter operation.

Advanced Settings
 Auto Backend Shutoff - OFF / ON
 Ball Detect Cycle – OFF / ON / NA
 Ball Detector Location - FRONT OF SWEEP / BEHIND SWEEP
 Ball Lift Sleep – OFF / ON
 Foul Sweep Reverse - OFF / ON
 Pin Data - CAMERA / SCORING
 Pin Data Delay - 0.0 / 0.75 / 1.25 / 1.75 / 2.25 / 2.75
 Second Guard Timeout – 10 to 40 seconds, N/A
 Start Signal Delay - AUTO / 0.0 to 3.1 seconds
 Sweep Reverse Mode - OFF / ON

Reset Commands
 Reset Ball Bowl Counter - Takes the resettable total back to zero.
 Reset Frame Bowl Counter -Takes the resettable total back to zero.
 Reset Ball Mechanic Counter - Takes the resettable total back to zero.
 Reset Frame Mechanic Counter - Takes the resettable total back to zero.

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4.0 TROUBLESHOOTING
4.1 Communications Problem
If you suspect a bad port on your USB Converter, try using another USB Converter. One or more cables might
be bad and should be checked. There could be a chassis problem, as well.

4.2 Lane xx Failed Writing Data/Lane xx Command FAILED

If either of these are seen in red font in the Communication Pane, the chassis will not accept the command.
This could be caused either by the pinspotter being in Mechanics mode, the chassis being in an error mode, or
by the Technicians Handheld Unit (THU) being plugged in. Failed writing data appears when a setting change
fails and command FAILED appears when a function change fails.

4.3 Lane xx is OFFLINE

If this is seen in red font in the Communication Pane, it indicates that the chassis logic power is off or a
communication problem has occurred.

4.4 XLi: xx/xx The Operation has Timed Out

This failure indicates the chassis in the Chassis Range that are not connected and/or responding. Be sure that
the Total Lanes Adjustment shows the correct number of lanes.

4.5 XLi Error

This is a description of an error immediately following the announcement of the error in the Communication
Pane. The message will follow “XLi Error:” in the Communication Pane. An example can be seen below.

If a problem cannot be resolved with the solutions contained in this section, or a problem not included in this
section is encountered, contact the QubicaAMF Technical Support Center. QubicaAMF Technical Support is
available at 866-460-QAMF (7263) between the hours of 8:30AM and 5:30PM Eastern Time. After 5:30PM, a
message can be left on the voice mail system and a technician will be in contact as soon as possible.
Additionally, Technical Support can be reached by e-mailing emtechsupport@qubicaamf.us or the 24-hour fax
line at (804) 559-8650. Be sure to address all faxes to QubicaAMF Products Technical Support.

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