Mala layout orientation problem

[hfdpro]

New to the mame scene.  Have been doing a lot of reading.  I have set up a mame 140 pc using the great Mala FE.  I am awaiting my cocktail cabinet to be built and in the meantime I have been ironing out the rough edges.  Have all my classic roms working perfectly, all my controllers and led buttons are ready to go.  The hurdle I am trying to get over now is the layout orientation switch from vertical to horizontal. 
In Mala I have both a vertical and horizontal layout prepared.  When using the tree and ticking the switches for "layout files are located.... and auto layout switch "gamelist", I am able to have the correct orientation at start up in the vertical.  When switching to horizontal, the screen switches but does not display my layout until I click the mouse and tell Mala to switch orientation.  This then displays the correct layout in the horizontal orientation.  After playing, I try to switch back to vertical, and once again a blue screen until I right click the mouse and tell Mala to switch orientation then it shows the layout in the correct orientation but flips it. I have been over what I think is every possible option.  I need an expert.  Please help.

Thanks,
Russ

[hfdpro]

Been doing even more reading on this.  I've been able to map the switch orientation to a shift key.  Now when I go from vertical to horizontal I hold button 1 and move joystick to the left and the horizontal orientation is correct, same thing when switching back to vertical.  I was hoping I didn't have to do anything special when selecting the two different orientations on my cocktail, it must be very user friendly.  Kids will be enjoying the finished product.  
Still looking for any ideas.
Currently running an IPac 2 board for controls and a pacdrive usb for leds.

Thanks,
Russ

[Malenko]

perhaps wire another button from the IPAC2 and use it as an orientation button? "Press the bright orange button to switch between this way - and that way | "

Im no expert though :/

[hfdpro]

Thanks for the reply.  Not a bad idea, I was just hoping I could switch by simply choosing horizontal.  I have the Mala tree set up to recognize vertical as one gamelist, and horizontal as a second gamelist.  Identifying each one with respective layouts defined.  Upon start of Mala vertical is prominent, and I may choose between the two gamelist.  It's when I choose horizontal that the above problem starts.
Still looking for a fix.

Thanks,
Russ

[piecesof8]

Confused... Are you using Mala's controller mapping feature to automatically rotate the orientation and switch the gamelist, or no?

[hfdpro]

I have tried to use this, but I am unable to. I have figured out just about everything else, from setting up ledblinky to compiling for high scores.  This has me puzzled.
I have mapped a shift key to correctly orientate the layout once horizontal is chosen.  
This is strictly a Mala thing, is it not?  I am only trying to rotate the layout from vertical to horizontal and back.
I would like to be able to map the switch to a joystick since it is a 3 sided cocktail but I think the orientation thing must be ironed out first?   I have read the wikis over and over again.  
Still need help.

Thanks,
Russ

Attached is Mala config

[hfdpro]

I have been working on this most of the day.  Still can't get it to switch without having to use a "shift" key to get it correctly oriented. 

Still looking for help.

Thanks,
Russ