How-To Guide? New to Groovy

[robboman]

Hi Guys,

I just made my 1st post at this forum:  http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=120655.0

I'm going to attempt to install GroovyMame with Calamity's drivers for the first time, to drive my d9200 monitor.  Based on reading here, this seems like great solution to get accurate resolutions! 

I'm just wondering, was there previously any documentation, README files, FAQs or anything before mame.groovy.org went away?  I never saw that site.. just discovered Groovy.

I found the current link to the downloads (http://code.google.com/p/groovyarcade/), but I didn't see any documentation.  I know there is a wealth of info buried in this forum, but any up-front help for a n00b would be great.  Thanks.       

[Calamity]

Hi robboman,

There's no FAQ or readme I'm afraid. I'm in the process of building a new site for the project which will contain all the information.

The process is not complicated. You need to install the right version of the drivers:

http://hotfile.com/dl/153631406/c6c491e/crt_emudriver_6.5_1.2_x64_multisync.rar.html
http://hotfile.com/dl/153629728/4e81a27/crt_emudriver_6.5_1.2_xp32_multisync.rar.html
http://hotfile.com/dl/153633303/6af9a89/crt_emudriver_9.3_1.2a_x64_multisync.rar.html
http://hotfile.com/dl/153632251/22a3edd/crt_emudriver_9.3_1.2a_xp32_multisync.rar.html

Then replace the files in the download with these ones (newer versions).
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=110905.msg1273376#msg1273376

Edit VMMaker.ini and edit the required options (some instructions inside). Specially fill MAME's exe path, make sure the ModeTableMethod is set to dynamic and select your monitor settings (d9200 in your case).

Then run VMMaker and restart. This will create specific video modes for your monitor that GroovyMAME expects to find.

Now edit GroovyMAME's mame.ini with the same monitor settings (d9200) and you're done.

[robboman]

Awesome!  Thanks so much for the quick help, and for doing this project in the first place!

I'm still sourcing PC hardware for my re-build..  In the meantime I have an old HP laptop with a VGA output connector. It has a "ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 Series" display adaptor.  Would that be compatible for testing this stuff?   

[EDIT]  I answered my own question by trying it.. YES it all works!  Thanks again, this is fantastic.  Games look absolutely perfect on the d9200 now.. I had been testing normal MAME at 640x480 and WOW what a difference when Switchres does it's thing and you get the original resolution.   

 

[MonkeyJug]

I agree! Groovymame is fantastic. Big respect due to chris (bitbytebit) and calamity!

After years of playing mame on my cabinet (also running a D9200) and never being fully satisfied, knowing i wasn't playing at the correct resoltions, no scanlines, having to continually adjust the h/v size etc... BANG, i discovered groovymame and all my mame dreams came true!

Btw, i'd also highly recommend ves's unofficial Groovy-linux build if you ever get around to getting dedicated hardware for your monitor...

[demetris]

@Calamity
Why you don't make a new thread sticky with all the information until new site up.
E.x. Groovy Mame all info related Tips and Tricks FAQ
I would recommend Windows Fundamentals btw, just made for mame!
And it would be fantastic a Groovy Linux quide also when time permits
Thank you in advance