FAST Nano Controller (Retired)¶

Part Number: FP-CPU-003

This product is retired

The Nano Controller is now retired. The current version is the FAST Neuron Controller.

The FAST Nano Controller is the interface between your newly-built pinball machine powered by the FAST Modern Platform and the controlling host computer which runs your game software.

FAST Nano Controller

The FAST Nano Controller connects to FAST I/O boards using RJ-45 cables in a loop which form the FAST I/O Loop. It also drives up to 256 RGB LEDs. A 7-pin power connector feeds the controller 5 volts, 12 volts, and universal ground.

Features¶

Drives 4 strands of up to 64 serial RGB LEDs each (for 256 RGB LEDs total)
Interfaces with FAST I/O driver boards to control devices and read switches
You can connect up to 9 I/0 Boards with a maximum of 120 switches and 120 drivers
Automatically distributes 12v power to connected I/O boards
Sends 5V power to the serial LEDs.
USB interface connects to a controlling host computer and presents virtual serial ports. (No drivers or software libraries are needed. Details below.)

Serial Interface¶

The FAST Nano Controller contains multiple microprocessors. One processor controls the FAST I/O Loop of FAST I/O boards used to read switches, fire coils, and much more. Another processor controls up to 256 serial RGB LEDs.

A controlling computer connects to the FAST Nano Controller using a USB mini cable. When you connect to the controller via USB, four new virtual serial ports appear. (This is automatic, no drivers are needed.)

The four serial ports function as follows:

Port	Processor	Description	Baud
Port 1		Not Used
Port 2	NET	FAST I/O Loop Processor	921600
Port 3	RGB	RGB LED Control	921600
Port 4		Not Used

Note that the port numbers in the chart above indicate the relative order of the virtual ports that appear when you connect the Nano to your computer. The exact names / numbers will depend on your specific computer. (For example, on Windows they are typically named COM3 - COM7. On Mac they will be like usbserial41xxx.)

The controlling PC communicates with each processor by making a virtual serial port connection and then using the FAST Serial Protocol to send and receive commands and status messages. (Most of these as ASCII, meaning you can interact with your pinball machine via a terminal emulator!)

Adding support for Expansion and Display Busses¶

The Nano was created before the FAST Expansion Bus and Display Bus existed. We have an Expansion Hat you can use to add support to an existing Nano. Details here.

Firmware Updates¶

Both the NET and RGB processors on the Nano have updatable firmware. Check our firmware page to see the latest versions and learn how to update your Nano if needed.

Tutorials & Learning¶

How to connect to a FAST Pinball Nano controller from a terminal emulator

Block Diagram¶

Mechanical Diagram¶

All dimensions are in inches.

Wiring Diagram¶

Wiring Guides¶

Refer to our series of guides on pinball machine wiring for details on how to wire the FAST Nano controller to the various LEDs and I/O boards in your machine.

Connector Housings Needed¶

7 Pin .156" Female Connector for power input
3 Pin .100" Female Connector (4) for serial RBG LED strands
RJ-45 jacks (2) for FAST I/O Loop connection to driver boards

Header & Connector Pinouts¶

J1	PIN	RGB LED Channel 1 – LEDs 0-63
GND	Ground	OUTPUT
DO	Data Out	OUTPUT
5v	Fused 5 Volts	OUTPUT

J2	PIN	RGB LED Channel 2 – LEDs 64-127
GND	Ground	OUTPUT
DO	Data Out	OUTPUT
5v	Fused 5 Volts	OUTPUT

J3	PROGRAMMING	2×3-Pin .100″
	Device Programming	INPUT/OUTPUT

J4	PIN	RGB LED Channel 3 – LEDs 128-191
GND	Ground	OUTPUT
DO	Data Out	OUTPUT
5v	Fused 5 Volts	OUTPUT

J5	PIN	RGB LED Channel 4 – LEDs 192-255
GND	Ground	OUTPUT
DO	Data Out	OUTPUT
5v	Fused 5 Volts	OUTPUT

J6	PROGRAMMING	2×5-Pin .100″
	Device Programming	INPUT/OUTPUT

J7	PIN	POWER INPUT
12v	12 Volts	INPUT
12v	12 Volts	INPUT
5v	5 Volts	INPUT
5v	5 Volts	INPUT
GND	Ground	INPUT
\/	KEY	N/A
GND	Ground	INPUT

J8	PIN	SERIAL COMM 01
TX	Transmit Data	OUTPUT
RX	Receive Data	INPUT
GND	Ground	GROUND

J9	PIN	SERIAL COMM 04
TX	Transmit Data	OUTPUT
RX	Receive Data	INPUT
GND	Ground	GROUND

J10	I/O Loop OUT	RJ45 – CAT5e/CAT6
1	COM ENABLE	OUTPUT
2	GROUND	GROUND
3	Fused 12v	OUTPUT
4	COM-	OUTPUT
5	COM+	OUTPUT
6	Fused 12v	OUTPUT
7	GROUND	GROUND
8	GROUND	GROUND

J11	WIRE	I/O Loop IN
1	COM ENABLE	INPUT
2	GROUND	GROUND
3	Fused 12v	OUTPUT
4	COM-	INPUT
5	COM+	INPUT
6	Fused 12v	OUTPUT
7	GROUND	GROUND
8	GROUND	GROUND

J12	PROGRAMMING	2×5-Pin .100″
	Device Programming	INPUT/OUTPUT

J13	HOST USB	MINI USB
	Connection to the Controlling PC	INPUT/OUTPUT

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