Starting it up¶
DOFLinx can be run is two ways:
Set and Forget (Recommended)¶
This is where DOFLinx runs all the time in the background and simple
"wakes up" when it sees a process that is configured to run with. By
default, that process is 'Pinball FX2'. DOFLinx uses SFA resources and
can comfortably "sleep" while you run VP or FP, etc.
To use in this mode, simply add a shortcut to the program into your
Windows start up folder.
This is the mode I designed to utility to work in, and the one I strongly recommend using.
Launch Before¶
In this mode you start the DOFLinx program as a 'Launch Before' application from your menu system (ie PinballX). You must then stop the DOFLinx process via a 'Run After' script as well. The best way to stop DOFLinx is to send it a message using the DOFLinxMsg utility or something like a VBS script. Killing the process itself is always a bit ugly.
Both modes have merit, it really comes down to how you want to run things on your cabinet. Here are a few comparisons.
| Set and Forget | Launch Before |
|---|---|
| One setup, as designed and tested | The process is not running when you use other programs |
| No need to start and stop processes | |
| Can use different colour sets for Pinball FX2 / 3 | |
| Ability to use attract mode | |
| No timing hassles that can occur when you stop and start DOFLinx | |
| Needed to show MAME marquees from the menu on Pixelcade or DMD via DOF2DMD |
Regardless of the mode, you may want to consider the mix of programs you have running that are trying to control your devices. Too many things trying to control your output board may cause you and your PC some confusion.