FrontEndHelper 3.0 8/1/2013

[keilmillerjr]

FrontEndHelper

Bintray Repo: https://bintray.com/keilmillerjr/AutoHotKey/FrontEndHelper
Readme: https://bintray.com/keilmillerjr/AutoHotKey/FrontEndHelper/readmore
Github Repo: https://github.com/keilmillerjr/FrontEndHelper

This script was created to aide in removing the need for extra windows gui and buttons in a mame based arcade machine.

Please visit the Bintray Repo. You may download the latest stable build by clicking on the FrontEndHelper.exe link. Read the Readme for further instructions. Leave this thread for discussion.

The current stable version is 3.0.

Thank you,

Keil Miller Jr

[keilmillerjr]

I revised the app and finished all updates to a 2.0 release. You may download the compiled app attached to the first post. More documentation will come later today. I have to sleep now. Leave any comments below!

[keilmillerjr]

Damn. 2.1 is already out. I added more functions and more complete documentation.

[keilmillerjr]

Keyboard encoders such as the ipac and keywiz only allow you to have one shift key. I just figured out how to map two keys to one function, while retaining their individual function. Forget the one modifier button to rule them all! My cabinet build will have a volume up and volume down button. I should be able to press both the volume keys together to change the sound device between speakers and headphones.

I'm sure there could be other uses. I could also try to implement other features you guys come up with, but I need feedback! Has anyone tried this yet? 155 views and not a single comment so far.

[keilmillerjr]

2.2 Added the ability to hold both volume buttons to change the sound source.

Coming soon is the ability to hold a player key down for a specified amount of time to drop a coin for that player. Also, an escape function can be timed to a key in the same function, eliminating the need for a "shift key" or another physical button. You could instead just hold down a pause button or player one button one for instance. Would the latter interfere with any games? I can't think if any games require you to hold a fire button instead of rapidly pressing it.?

[CoryBee]

Going to try it out, and subscribed for updates.

 

[Connorsdad]

Saved for future reference

[CoryBee]

Didn't work for me

Gave me this error:

[Binkles]

I would like to have way to quickly hide game lists, ie turn a key and the kids games are only active, turn it again, and all the games list.

First mame front end that offers that would have an immediate convert from me.

[keilmillerjr]

Didn't work for me

Gave me this error:

I know what happened. I'll have this resolved very shortly. The code for holding a player button to drop a coin is almost done, so I'll just bundle the fix with that update. Thank you for testing this app! 

I would like to have way to quickly hide game lists, ie turn a key and the kids games are only active, turn it again, and all the games list.

First mame front end that offers that would have an immediate convert from me.

Without a front end providing this feature, the only way I could see this possible would be to swap game lists and restart the front end. How were you looking to activate this feature? A secret button inside a locked coin door? Kids will find any key combo, so you have to be careful. I can possibly look into making this a feature after all others are complete.

[Binkles]

Way I see it have two game lists....  Or more.

If you had a button inside the cab, or as I do, a momentary key switch, that if you turned the key it would show that list, rather than the safe one.

[Nuexzz]

Didn't work for me

Gave me this error:

simply will have to put the icon(logo.rar)  where the directory "FrontEndHelper"

[keilmillerjr]

Didn't work for me

Gave me this error:

simply will have to put the icon(logo.rar)  where the directory "FrontEndHelper"

I thought the icon would automatically be compiled into the exe with the app. This is not the case. However, I noticed that there is an option on the compiler to set an icon to be included in the compile. Ironically, It does not change the exe icon. Whatever. Already fixed. I just finished the code for holding a player icon to drop a coin. This release, including the fix should be out tomorrow as I have to leave for work. You can always download Icon.ico from github and drop it in the same location as FrontEndHelper.exe to try it until tomorrow. Tomorrows release also includes a new icon that looks more windows 8 friendly.

[Nuexzz]

 

[Nuexzz]

 

[keilmillerjr]

Huge update to 2.3. Fixed issues and more! Please see the original post for updates to the new readme and how to download a compiled binary. The next release I'm going to have a hold pause for escape (back) function. Then I'll work on updating the gui for better About page and possibly changing settings through a gui.

Please try it out and leave feedback!

[keilmillerjr]

2.4 is out. Revised some gui and added a hold to exit function. I think I figured out how I can have a user input settings through the guy, and eliminate the need for the Settings.ini file. Stay tuned.

[keilmillerjr]

Preview of new gui.

Edit: Picture removed to not clutter thread. Please refer to first post to see current snapshots of the app.

[CoryBee]

Thanks for the update, it is working now.

Could I ask you to make a more detail instructions page on here. Something that tells what the program does and how to edit the settings file.

Cheers!

[keilmillerjr]

Thanks for the update, it is working now.

Could I ask you to make a more detail instructions page on here. Something that tells what the program does and how to edit the settings file.

Cheers!

Next version will feature changing all the settings directly from the gui. You will no longer have to edit Settings.ini. I currently have it so for instance, the Exit function can be activated with a check box, time can be changed via drop down, and key can be changed via a button. Pressing the button yields a splash screen and it will record your next keystroke.

I've just hit a bug. If anyone is a seasoned autohotkey developer and wants to help me work out this bug, it would be appreciated. Contact me for details.

[CoryBee]

I would like to be able to hold down Player 1 and Player 2 to close a game. Not just to press them and it happen but like you mentioned it could be done with one button, holding it down for a certain amount of time.

If it is already possible to do this with two buttons instead of one I can't figure out how.

Appreciate the work boss!

 

[keilmillerjr]

I would like to be able to hold down Player 1 and Player 2 to close a game. Not just to press them and it happen but like you mentioned it could be done with one button, holding it down for a certain amount of time.

If it is already possible to do this with two buttons instead of one I can't figure out how.

Appreciate the work boss!

 

I can definitely do that.

[CoryBee]

I would like to be able to hold down Player 1 and Player 2 to close a game. Not just to press them and it happen but like you mentioned it could be done with one button, holding it down for a certain amount of time.

If it is already possible to do this with two buttons instead of one I can't figure out how.

Appreciate the work boss!

 

I can definitely do that.

You the man. This program will save me from having to buy a second encoder for a 4-Player setup I am building.'

Many thanks!

[CoryBee]

Any new updates on this boss?

[keilmillerjr]

Any new updates on this boss?

Yes. I have all but one function working. I've been working on a website project lately. I'll push what is working so far tomorrow as a release.

[keilmillerjr]

Released version 2.5.

As far as pressing 2 players to exit: I can do it. However, it will not work with holding a player button to drop a coin. I could possibly limit only one of the functions activated at one time, or possibly come up with an alternate way to exit.

[IG-88]

Keil. Great looking app you have here. A couple questions if I may:

1. Does this work on all versions of windows? Namely XP.

2. Is there a way to re-map the pause "P" key to the "ESC" key. What I would like to be able to do is tap the esc/exit key for a pause or hold down for 3-4 sec for exit back to the FE.

[keilmillerjr]

Keil. Great looking app you have here. A couple questions if I may:

1. Does this work on all versions of windows? Namely XP.

2. Is there a way to re-map the pause "P" key to the "ESC" key. What I would like to be able to do is tap the esc/exit key for a pause or hold down for 3-4 sec for exit back to the FE.

Thank you for the compliments!

I have not tested the app in anything other than Windows 8. My suggestion is to try it with XP and see how it works. Keep in mind that XP is 11 years old, and microsoft will discontinue support for it in on April 8, 2014. The sound scripts depend entirely upon APIs present only in Windows Vista and later. I could eventually add XP support, but I have other plans/features with this app that I want to get done first.

You can use the config utility for your control interface to change the "esc" key to "p". It should then function how you like.

Let me know what works and does not work for you.

[IG-88]

Ok. Will try it in xp.

I realize xp is getting pretty long in the tooth but it works for me. I have A LOT of old computers that would choke out on win8, even the slimmed down versions.

Will let you know how it goes...

[Mrmagic0097]

Wow .. This is just what I've been looking for to get my FE working proper .. Thankyou Soooo much for all the effort you've put into this app .. I'm downloading it now 

[Mrmagic0097]

  .. It's not working for me  .. I'm running windows 7 (32bit) and it says it's not compatible .. Am I doing something wrong is there a windows setting I gotta change or something? has anyone with Win 7 got it working? .. Either way Thx for the effort!

[keilmillerjr]

.. It's not working for me  .. I'm running windows 7 (32bit) and it says it's not compatible .. Am I doing something wrong is there a windows setting I gotta change or something? has anyone with Win 7 got it working? .. Either way Thx for the effort!

Maybe I only compiled it for 64-bit? I will remedy this soon. It should be an easy fix. Sorry.

[keilmillerjr]

FrontEndHelper 2.5.1 is released, now in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. As always, test it out and let me know of any issues.

I will be working on holding 2 player start keys to exit now. Afterwards, I might revise the app so mame specific functions such as the coin drop are only active in mame.

[keilmillerjr]

FrontEndHelper 2.6 is now released with the PlayerStartToExit function I know a few of you were looking forward to.

[keilmillerjr]

Version 3.0 is out. Mac users will like the "one icon" approach I took. I'm trying to make this app as user friendly as possible. Be sure to delete all files from previous installations before upgrading.

* Minor change in gui styling and icons.
* Added "Buy me a beer!"
* Install resources in appropriate system folders.
* Added uninstallation options.
* Added legal agreement.

Things on my near to do list:

* Certain hotkey functions that apply only to mame, only work in mame.
* Some sort of version control on the preference file so you do not have to uninstall every time before you upgrade.
* Bundle 32 and 64 bit in the same install.

Possible things to add in the future:

* Session info
* Coin counter (for fun and curiosity, not for commercial use)
* Data shared across home network so you can view stats on a single or multiple arcade machines in your home from another computer or mobile device (no need to disturb your machine)
* Hide windows tutorial or possibly implement a 1-click setup for the user
* Pause overlay with the the word pause, and/or session info and possibly a simplified version of current game controls (CPwizard is just way too much)
* Parental controls