C64 Keyboard mapping swap per game?

[JudgeRob]

Anybody dialed in the C64 emulation on a cabinet setup?  Specifically I am hitting some walls with the keyboard mapping to buttons.  I am using an ipac as my encoder.  I have reviewed information about how to customize the keyboard maps for VICE but I can't find a way to swap the keyboard maps on the fly so I can have a dedicated map for each game.   If you are familiar with C64 games, you know each one will utilize a random few keystrokes in its execution.  So, I can't simply map a few given keys.  I would like to be able to launch a custom map at the launch of each game (with a default for unknown games).  I would like to run it through my Hyperspin setup. 

Would Xpadder or Joy2Key help?  I don't use either at the moment.

Or... must I use a keyboard for this system? 

PS - I have U360 sticks with the Ipac for buttons.

[ark_ader]

How many games are we talking about?

I have the same problem with coinops and elite. It works or not.  I have a wireless keyboard just inside the coin door for these issues.  You could have several instances with keymaps for each game.  I play 5 cbm games on the cab so it isn't a big deal.

[JudgeRob]

I'm an old C64 dog, so I don't know yet, but I would guess about 20-40 games would satisfy me.  I don't mind establishing a custom map for each if they could auto-launch.  I would love to have some pre-defined maps that would auto-launch through hyperspin and obviate the need for a keyboard.  It's not like each game needs 50 keys, they just all require different random keys. 

[yamatetsu]

Is it possible to start a batch file via Hyperspin?

If it is, you could make a folder for each game, make a custom keyboard map for the game and name it like the default keyboard map. Then make a batch file for each game that:

- deletes the default keymap file

- copies the custom keymap file to the default keymap folder

- starts the emulator

[Vigo]

It's an effort, but I have used joy2key in the past and was pleased with results if you are willing to make some effort. Easiest thing is to map a "Basic" keymap that will be default and catch many games. Standard layout, but with common keys like enter and space bar mapped out. Then you dive into your games and make specialized keymaps for games that rely on special keys. Games that are action based but need keyboard aid are really fun on a cabinet (I'm looking at you, wolfenstein.) A couple suggestions

Keep it to just core games you want to have. The process takes time to map games.

Have Vice boot into savestates of the game stared up, not disk images themselves. This not only eliminates load times, but often there is a main menu (or a "crack" screen) that you can bypass and avoid needing to map keys to just get past the menu (Press F1 to begin, etc.)

Right away create an alternative default keymap where P2 is the default joystick. Many c64 games used port 2 as default.

[JudgeRob]

Is it possible to start a batch file via Hyperspin?

If it is, you could make a folder for each game, make a custom keyboard map for the game and name it like the default keyboard map. Then make a batch file for each game that:

- deletes the default keymap file

- copies the custom keymap file to the default keymap folder

- starts the emulator

Hmm, that's a creative idea.  I don't know if hyperspin has that function, but maybe Rocketlauncher does...

Have Vice boot into savestates of the game stared up, not disk images themselves. This not only eliminates load times, but often there is a main menu (or a "crack" screen) that you can bypass and avoid needing to map keys to just get past the menu (Press F1 to begin, etc.)

Right away create an alternative default keymap where P2 is the default joystick. Many c64 games used port 2 as default.

Do the joy2key profiles auto-switch with the game?  How, through HS?