$250 How can I output RPI3B+ to show on two serperate monitors MAME / PunchOut!!

[mrclean]

Ultimately I'm looking to build a dedicated Dual Screen set up while using the RPI3B+ (Raspberry Pi 3b+ in conjunction with MAME .78 / Libretro / retroarch MAME .139 SET or on Raspberry Pi Libretro 2010). Is it capable / possible of outputting specifically for MAME .78MAME .139 SET or on Raspberry Pi Libretro 2010 with the following listed games (i.e. Punchout!! Super Punchout!! Arm Wrestling, Nintendo Playchoice 10) what settings within MAME libretro / retroarch is needed & or is additonal hardware needed to achieve this ?! I'm looking to use HDMI out from the Pi to VGA in on the monitors. (Both of the monitors have VGA inputs) Do I need to change settings within MAME if so how, and or do I need to purchase any type of adapters / cables etc

Currently my games are playing fine on a dedicated single monitor albeit on a horizontally orientated monitor or a vertically oriented monitor. The games above would be for a dedicated Dual horizontal setup with just those types of games. The game outputs two different images to two different screens. As an example :



I have access to SSH / WinSCP to modify the config files etc. I'm pretty confident this is achievable but I can't seem to find answers on how to do so.

**I'm going to offer a $50.00 Now $250 PayPal Bounty if someone can get this going how I described, Once I get it going 100% I will send you the $50.00 NOW $250 PayPal Bounty. Ideally someone can post for everyone to share this info in the future as I'm sure I'm not the only one looking to do this. In theory I can physically send out my RasperryPI3b+ / micro SD Card / Power Adapter / along with the GPIO to VGA adapter. I won't send two Monitors because it's too heavy and too expensive to ship etc.** Ideally I wouldn't need to send out my stuff and someone can properly walk me through it. I will only be paying one person the $50 NOW $250 bounty.** No external links to other sites, all done via BYOAC. I've been a member of BYOAC for just about 13 Years now so I'm not sure if that's something I can do in years past that knoweldge was provided for free, but I just want this done figure i'd put out some incentive. If i can't post this mods let me know... just trying to help out someone who's helping me etc.

[ark_ader]

Its possible.  But with free PCs out there, why bother?  As I understand it, life is supposed to be made easy. 

[mrclean]

Its possible. 

I'm pretty confident it's been done before. I've been searching a while and can't figure it out. I was hoping someone had a solution or insight as to what settings / and or hardware was needed to achieve this. Again I'm using raspberry Pi3b+

In conjunction with MAME / Libretro 2003 / Retroarch. MAME Set .78.

Dual screen setup anyone help ?! 

[ark_ader]

Its possible. 

I'm pretty confident it's been done before. I've been searching a while and can't figure it out. I was hoping someone had a solution or insight as to what settings / and or hardware was needed to achieve this. Again I'm using raspberry Pi3b+

In conjunction with MAME / Libretro 2003 / Retroarch. MAME Set .78.

Dual screen setup anyone help ?! 

Well if you insist.  You can drive a usb monitor (should be fast enough) or buy gpio vga.  Retroarch will recognize the second display,  not sure about emulationstation.  Lots of info on it on reddit. Gpio vga is the cheapest route.

[nitrogen_widget]

I tried this last yr with attract mode looking to use a second monitor as a digital marquee.
the second display off the gertboard is framebuffer only.
no x console.
so I needed to use something that outputs directly to frambuffer.

I stopped there and didn't try using mame in that way so it may work.

[mrclean]

Well if you insist.  You can drive a usb monitor (should be fast enough) or buy gpio vga.  Retroarch will recognize the second display,  not sure about emulationstation.  Lots of info on it on reddit. Gpio vga is the cheapest route.

I'm using two of the same 19'' VGA input monitors. they are not USB monitors thus I'll need to use GPIO to VGA. So I've seen those adapters that you speak of which I had no idea you can output video via the GPIO pins sounds promising... And they are relatively inexpensive as you describe.

I found this one (is this the right item I need?!) :

However it comes down to telling MAME / RetroArch / Libretro 2003 (again using MAME .78) the Raspberry Pi3b+ software what I want to do. What .ini / config / setting do I need to tell the Raspberry Pi3b+ to say ;

-Display 1 is the main lower picture (Monitor #1) via HDMI out on the Pi to VGA adapter
-Display 2 is the upper picture (Monitor #2) via GPIO out to VGA

Getting that adapter is one thing as far as the hardware that's needed, can any one walk me through the software end of things ?

I stopped there and didn't try using mame in that way so it may work.

I know MAME is capable of outputting to two seperate monitors just not sure if anyone has done this via RaspberryPi3b+ in conjunction with the set up I have.

**I'm going to offer a $50.00 PayPal Bounty if someone can get this going how I described, Once I get it going 100% I will send you the 50.00 PayPal Bounty. Ideally someone can post for everyone to share this info in the future as I'm sure I'm not the only one looking to do this. In theory I can physically send out my RasperryPI3b+ / micro SD Card / Power Adapter / along with the GPIO to VGA adapter. I won't send two Monitors because it's too heavy and too expensive to ship etc.** Ideally I wouldn't need to send out my stuff and someone can properly walk me through it. I will only be paying one person the $50 bounty.** No external links to other sites, all done via BYOAC. I've been a member of BYOAC for just about 13 Years now so I'm not sure if that's something I can do in years past that knoweldge was provided for free, but I just want this done figure i'd put out some incentive. If i can't post this mods let me know... just trying to help out someone who's helping me etc.

[keilmillerjr]

Start with Gert VGA 666. Buy it from a distributor who prebuilds them. You can not use hdmi and rca at the same time, but I believe you could use one of the two with usb or gpio solutions. You will need to set up a second frame buffer in the firmware config. Not sure on the parameter to pass to mame. I have compiled current mame on raspbian lite with rPi 3b+. It’s slow. Compiled AdvanceMAME. It runs fine. It’s based on mame 0.106. Check if it has multi monitor support. If not, you need a pc.

[mrclean]

Start with Gert VGA 666. Buy it from a distributor who prebuilds them. You can not use hdmi and rca at the same time, but I believe you could use one of the two with usb or gpio solutions.

Yep this I was aware of, but thanks for posting / contributing to the thread.

You will need to set up a second frame buffer in the firmware config. Not sure on the parameter to pass to mame. I have compiled current mame on raspbian lite with rPi 3b+. It’s slow. Compiled AdvanceMAME. It runs fine. It’s based on mame 0.106. Check if it has multi monitor support. If not, you need a pc.

Again, I'm looking to do this with MAME set .78 Libretro 2003 / RetroArch. Is that possible ? IF that version does not support dual screens i'd be using .159 Libretro 2014. / RetroArch, Raspberry Pi3b+. I'm not intending on using a PC, it's RPi3B+ or bust.

Any one else familiar with setting up this way with ;
rpi3b+
MAME 2003/ .78 SET
Libretro
RetroArch
Two VGA monitors
PC-10 or PunchOut!! / Arm Wrestling / Super PunchOut!!

What do I need to modify for this to work using hdmi to vga in (obviously just need an adapter single monitor works fine as it should) and in conjunction use the GPIO pins to output to VGA to a secondary monitor. I have access to WinSCP / The MAME ini files which ones need to get changed, does the pi settings need to have a change or strictly MAME ?!

[ark_ader]

Use that $50 paypal and get a used PC off Newegg.  Or if you are not into that, you could get some tweezers and start pulling your hairs out of legs/ears/nose/whatever is painful to you as this is all you are going to get.  Don't get me wrong, the pi is great but what you are asking for is next to stupid.

Do us all a favor and get this.   

[mrclean]

Use that $50 paypal and get a used PC off Newegg.  Or if you are not into that, you could get some tweezers and start pulling your hairs out of legs/ears/nose/whatever is painful to you as this is all you are going to get.  Don't get me wrong, the pi is great but what you are asking for is next to stupid.

Do us all a favor and get this.   

I don't think what I'm asking is next to stupid. Regardless of your opinion I'm still looking for anyone  who can / know how to get this going as I had explained in a previous post. I don't want to use windows nor anything with a HDD. Appreciate an alternative but I'm certain this can be done with Rpi3b+. 

[JDFan]

Appreciate an alternative but I'm certain this can be done with Rpi3b+.

Think this article sums it up fairly well ( https://www.androidcentral.com/can-you-use-multiple-monitors-raspberry-pi-3-b )  :

Best answer: Yes you can use two displays with a Raspberry Pi, but you will need to buy some other components depending on how you want to use those displays. You'll need an adapter with a DisplayLink chip or a VGA666 Adapter to use it as a true secondary monitor. You should also know in advance: this isn't easy to set up.

And concludes with :

Not for the faint of heart

As you can tell, the Raspberry Pi wasn't really designed to be used with more than one display. Clever folks have found ways to make it happen, but they aren't ideal and may be more than you're willing to undertake.

A Raspberry Pi is a great little device for a lot of things — including a miniature desktop PC — but it lacks the power and ports to do everything. Sometimes, you just have to go bigger. Just make sure you know what you're doing first.

[ark_ader]

Appreciate an alternative but I'm certain this can be done with Rpi3b+.

Think this article sums it up fairly well ( https://www.androidcentral.com/can-you-use-multiple-monitors-raspberry-pi-3-b )  :

Best answer: Yes you can use two displays with a Raspberry Pi, but you will need to buy some other components depending on how you want to use those displays. You'll need an adapter with a DisplayLink chip or a VGA666 Adapter to use it as a true secondary monitor. You should also know in advance: this isn't easy to set up.

And concludes with :

Not for the faint of heart

As you can tell, the Raspberry Pi wasn't really designed to be used with more than one display. Clever folks have found ways to make it happen, but they aren't ideal and may be more than you're willing to undertake.

A Raspberry Pi is a great little device for a lot of things — including a miniature desktop PC — but it lacks the power and ports to do everything. Sometimes, you just have to go bigger. Just make sure you know what you're doing first.

Thanks for reiterating what I posted above.  We post on this board to guide others to personal discovery, lazy people are discouraged by this fact.  We are not here to be exploited.  I do not get out of bed for less than $250 and it is true fact that I do not need $250.

I also like a challenge, and at the same time do not like headaches.  I think it would be best if the OP tries out these two methods and a possible third method using splashtop.  Same as usb and might have lag.  Fourth method, slave via pizero.

OP: Now go research these topics and learn from the experience. 
Come back when you got it working and share your results.   

[ark_ader]

This should be a great start: http://matthewepler.github.io/2016/01/05/piwall.html

Actually I was thinking about the display interface for touch screens, but for pizero(w) $5 or $10 for wifi.....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzugiINb3Zo&feature=youtu.be

[mrclean]

Upping the BOUNTY TO $100.

Single RPI3B+
Monitor 1 (VGA in) - HDMI out to VGA
Monitor 2 (VGA in) Adapter Gert 666 GPIO to VGA or USB to VGA
MAME .78 set (2003 Libretro RetroArch) or MAME .159 set (2014 Libretro / RetroArch)
Dual screen out for PunchOut!! / Arm Wrestling / PC-10 Dual Screen / Super PunchOut!!

Again to reiterate : What do I need to modify for this to work using hdmi to vga in (obviously just need an adapter single monitor works fine as it should) and in conjunction use the GPIO pins to output to VGA to a secondary monitor. I have access to WinSCP / The MAME ini files which ones need to get changed, does the pi settings need to have a change or strictly MAME ?!

What parameters settings do I need to change ?


BOUNTY IS GOING UP!
Anyone want to make $100.00 / Collect this Bounty to get this going as I described via PayPal, NO PC's, no HDD's must work with the above configuration, No external links! PayPal payment to one person who gets this going on my rpi3b+!

[barrymossel]

Pffff, I don't get why you are so stubborn, and why you even want to pay money for this. But ok, whatever. First try to get two monitors working on Raspbian. Apparently the driver is included nowadays. So you should get two monitors working through quite easily. Next step would be setting up MAME/RetroArch.

[keilmillerjr]

I already told you where to start. I don’t know why you continue to go on.

[mrclean]

I already told you where to start. I don’t know why you continue to go on.

Purchased a VGA GERT666 GPIO to VGA adapter and on it's way...

I can't test it yet again I'm using this on Rapsberry Pi 3b+, someone mentioned that the drivers are already present etc. Also to note I've seen this posted within the instructions which is confusing to me as to this, do I just cut and paste this into the config.txt file:

Technology Support:
Edit /boot/config.txt file with vim.tiny or other editor. and modify as following:
framebuffer_width=800
framebuffer_height=600
dpi_group=2
device_tree=bcm2710-rpi-3-b.dtb
dpi_mode=86
dtparam=i2c_arm=off
dtparam=spi=off
dtparam=uart0=off
dtparam=uart1=off
dtoverlay=pi3-disable-bt-overlay
dtoverlay=vga666
enable_dpi_lcd=1
display_default_lcd=1
force_pwm_open=0
dtparam=audio=on
start_x=1
gpu_mem=128
Note: Please disable the functions of all the GPIO Pins so that it can work properly, 800x600
resolution is highly recommended as higher resolution will slow down your Pi and cost more
RAM Is this just overriding the HDMI the way this is setup ? I want obviously both HDMI out to VGA and GPIO to VGA in order for it to display on both monitors

Next step would be setting up MAME/RetroArch.

What exactly do I need to modify no ones given me definitive instructions within this entire thread on how to do so. Also have not gotten a response to will this setup work in conjunction with MAME Libretro 2003 .78 or Do I need to use MAME .159 aka Libretro 2014 / RetroArch/ if so what needs to be changed within the parameters of the .ini / config files... yet still not one person posted that.

I simply need to know where the "file / config / ini" for MAME what version I need to use for it to work, what needs to be modified for this to work, I'm only using this for the Dual Screen Games and NO other games will be present on the machine. I have access to WinSCP / can connect and modify the .txt / .ini files via notepad++ overwifi / network. I can't modify anything IF i don't know exactly what I need to modify to get this working.

[ark_ader]

I already told you where to start. I don’t know why you continue to go on.

Purchased a VGA GERT666 GPIO to VGA adapter and on it's way...

I can't test it yet again I'm using this on Rapsberry Pi 3b+, someone mentioned that the drivers are already present etc. Also to note I've seen this posted within the instructions which is confusing to me as to this, do I just cut and paste this into the config.txt file:

Technology Support:
Edit /boot/config.txt file with vim.tiny or other editor. and modify as following:
framebuffer_width=800
framebuffer_height=600
dpi_group=2
device_tree=bcm2710-rpi-3-b.dtb
dpi_mode=86
dtparam=i2c_arm=off
dtparam=spi=off
dtparam=uart0=off
dtparam=uart1=off
dtoverlay=pi3-disable-bt-overlay
dtoverlay=vga666
enable_dpi_lcd=1
display_default_lcd=1
force_pwm_open=0
dtparam=audio=on
start_x=1
gpu_mem=128
Note: Please disable the functions of all the GPIO Pins so that it can work properly, 800x600
resolution is highly recommended as higher resolution will slow down your Pi and cost more
RAM Is this just overriding the HDMI the way this is setup ? I want obviously both HDMI out to VGA and GPIO to VGA in order for it to display on both monitors

Next step would be setting up MAME/RetroArch.

What exactly do I need to modify no ones given me definitive instructions within this entire thread on how to do so. Also have not gotten a response to will this setup work in conjunction with MAME Libretro 2003 .78 or Do I need to use MAME .159 aka Libretro 2014 / RetroArch/ if so what needs to be changed within the parameters of the .ini / config files... yet still not one person posted that.

I simply need to know where the "file / config / ini" for MAME what version I need to use for it to work, what needs to be modified for this to work, I'm only using this for the Dual Screen Games and NO other games will be present on the machine. I have access to WinSCP / can connect and modify the .txt / .ini files via notepad++ overwifi / network. I can't modify anything IF i don't know exactly what I need to modify to get this working.

As I understand it the GPIO-VGA maxes out at 800x600, which you would have to reduce the HDMI memory on the PI, but in reality you would want 320x240 resolution for the above punch out display.

Make sure you get a 5v 2.5a power supply.  Let us know how you get on.

[barrymossel]

Next step would be setting up MAME/RetroArch.

What exactly do I need to modify no ones given me definitive instructions within this entire thread on how to do so. Also have not gotten a response to will this setup work in conjunction with MAME Libretro 2003 .78 or Do I need to use MAME .159 aka Libretro 2014 / RetroArch/ if so what needs to be changed within the parameters of the .ini / config files... yet still not one person posted that.

I simply need to know where the "file / config / ini" for MAME what version I need to use for it to work, what needs to be modified for this to work, I'm only using this for the Dual Screen Games and NO other games will be present on the machine. I have access to WinSCP / can connect and modify the .txt / .ini files via notepad++ overwifi / network. I can't modify anything IF i don't know exactly what I need to modify to get this working.

Apparently no-one has done this on a Raspberry Pi, so no-one apparently has the definitive answer. If you really want this, you should try a little harder yourself I guess.

• Wait for your VGA GERT666 GPIO to VGA adapter to arrive.
• Try to get it to work without RetroPie.
• Google some more on how this dual screen works on Windows Mame and see if this works for Linux (RetroPie) as well. https://www.gameex.info/forums/topic/7958-running-mame-on-secondary-monitor/
• If that doesn't work: Checkout RetroArch settings, read up on their docs. Same for Mame.

[mrclean]

Wait for your VGA GERT666 GPIO to VGA adapter to arrive.

I'm still waiting patiently for it, although my tracking for it says "Flight landed in destination country". I figured I'd get a jump on what to do when it arrives.

I'm seriously shocked no ones used a single Raspberry Pi for MAME using dual screens ?! .... I find that hard to believe. 

Google some more on how this dual screen works on Windows Mame and see if this works for Linux (RetroPie) as well.

I did use google and still can't figure it out thus why I started a thread on BYOAC  directly within the Raspberry Pi sub forum for this very reason asking for help not LMGTFY. This link you provided (to which I've come across prior to posting this):
https://www.gameex.info/forums/topic/7958-running-mame-on-secondary-monitor/

It has a 2nd link within the thread which leads to a dead link. https://www.mamedev.org/source/docs/windows.txt.html

Within that thread on the GAMEEX Forum it talks about: # PER-WINDOW VIDEO OPTIONS Where can I find that using MAME .78 / Libretro 2003 / RetroArch !? Where is the MAME .INI or video options needed to change where in SSH can I find where that config file is. Also no ones answered can I even use what I'm looking to accomplish with MAME .78 Libretro 2003 / RetroArch or do I need to use MAME .159 Libretro 2014 / RetroArch.

Again I'm using a Raspberry Pi3b+
VGA GERT666 GPIO to VGA adapter (awaiting on hardware)
HDMI to VGA adapter (works perfectly on single monitor games)
Libretro 2003 / MAME Set .78
RetroArch

Also to note this is for a SINGLE LOAD / boot ROM (No menus / no front ends etc) . I.E:
Punch Out!!
Super Punch Out!!
PC-10
Arm Wrestling

*The single load is fine where that it will load to just one game / rom that I want it to with a proper psuedo shutdown etc. my entire focus is getting any of the above games to be properly split to their two respective 19'' monitors displaying different pictures as they were originally intended to do so. I'm sure other people will benefit or want to do exactly what I'm looking to accomplish. If someone wants to PM me the info no problem like I said I'm still placing the bounty on it. If someone wants to help and post it publicly great!

[keilmillerjr]

I do not use retropie, so I have no idea. I use a distro without a GUI and compiled myself. Use the find command in the terminal to find the file you are looking for. People have used dual screens on the pi. A two second search yielded that. I can’t give you an answer because I don’t have the product to test, so it’s pointless. Hold your britches and wait until you can trial and error your way through it when the gert vga666 arrives. This is a project. No one is going to do it for you.

[mrclean]

I do not use retropie, so I have no idea. I use a distro without a GUI and compiled myself. Use the find command in the terminal to find the file you are looking for. People have used dual screens on the pi. A two second search yielded that. I can’t give you an answer because I don’t have the product to test, so it’s pointless. Hold your britches and wait until you can trial and error your way through it when the gert vga666 arrives. This is a project. No one is going to do it for you.

I DON'T KNOW WHAT FILE I'M LOOKING FOR !! Although I'm pretty certain its a config file to which one and where it's located I have no idea. Again to reiterate I'm using a single MAME ROM / LOAD to JUST one rom, IT loads PERFECTLY on a single monitor. The purpose of this thread is to have it split to it's respective two monitors. I don't need to use any other stuff other than MAME just one single ROM etc / This is going inside a dedicated cabinet. It doesn't necessarily need to use retropi but as of now that's what I'm utilizing.


**I'm Still looking for help with someone whose successfully gotten this to work using the following parameters. I have YET to get confirmation if this can be used with this set up :MAME .78 OR do I need to use MAME 2014 / .159 SET ? / Libretro 2003 / RetroArch !? Where is the MAME .INI or video options needed to change where in SSH can I find where that config file is. Also no ones answered can I even use what I'm looking to accomplish with MAME .78 Libretro 2003 / RetroArch or do I need to use MAME .159 Libretro 2014 / RetroArch.

Again I'm using a Raspberry Pi3b+
VGA GERT666 GPIO to VGA adapter (awaiting on hardware)
HDMI to VGA adapter (works perfectly on single monitor games)
Libretro 2003 / MAME Set .78
RetroArch

Also to note this is for a SINGLE LOAD / boot ROM (No menus / no front ends etc) . I.E:
Punch Out!!
Super Punch Out!!
PC-10
Arm Wrestling

*The single load is fine where that it will load to just one game / rom that I want it to with a proper psuedo shutdown etc. my entire focus is getting any of the above games to be properly split to their two respective 19'' monitors displaying different pictures as they were originally intended to do so. I'm sure other people will benefit or want to do exactly what I'm looking to accomplish. If someone wants to PM me the info no problem like I said I'm still placing the bounty on it. If someone wants to help and post it publicly great!

[keilmillerjr]

You don’t know what file you are looking for? Do I have to quote you where you said what file you are looking for?

If your looking for single boot, I created a guide you can follow. It includes everything you should need except the second monitor. You will need to refer to the gert repo for setting that up, then do some research on mame commands for screen parameters.

If you need more help, you can always pm me a way for contact.

[mrclean]

You don’t know what file you are looking for? Do I have to quote you where you said what file you are looking for?

If your looking for single boot, I created a guide you can follow. It includes everything you should need except the second monitor.

Already stated above, I have a single boot running perfectly with virtually any game on a single monitor.

If you need more help, you can always pm me a way for contact.

PM sent... Yes I do need more help, ive tried various settings / options don't understand how to get this to work properly on two separate screens using the gert666 / MAME 2003 Libretro .78 MAME set / RetroArch / Rpi3b+.

Again just looking for a dual screen game to properly output to two separate monitors the way it was originally intended to do so while using hdmi to vga for one monitor (the main image bottom picture), and gert666 (gpio / vga out to vga in) on the second monitor. I know this is doable just don't know which config file / setting that needs to get changed.

[ark_ader]

You don’t know what file you are looking for? Do I have to quote you where you said what file you are looking for?

If your looking for single boot, I created a guide you can follow. It includes everything you should need except the second monitor.

Already stated above, I have a single boot running perfectly with virtually any game on a single monitor.

If you need more help, you can always pm me a way for contact.

PM sent... Yes I do need more help, ive tried various settings / options don't understand how to get this to work properly on two separate screens using the gert666 / MAME 2003 Libretro .78 MAME set / RetroArch / Rpi3b+.

Again just looking for a dual screen game to properly output to two separate monitors the way it was originally intended to do so while using hdmi to vga for one monitor (the main image bottom picture), and gert666 (gpio / vga out to vga in) on the second monitor. I know this is doable just don't know which config file / setting that needs to get changed.

Did that gpio vga adapter arrive from China yet?  Does it mess up the HDMI output when used at the same time?

Why don't you PM Haze and see if he can get it working for you.

[mrclean]

Why don't you PM Haze and see if he can get it working for you.

Yes I have 2x of them which arrived & still willing to send one out along with my pi / single load rom setup etc,
Sent a PM to David aka Haze, awaiting his response.

This was done 4 years ago, not sure if it was Raspberry Pi probably not, but gives me hope.


Interestingly enough I also came across this old thread on BYOAC about dual screen gert666 using raspberry
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,141660.0.html

forum member stated "I did.

but as dual output.
I have a primary monitor on hdmi for gameplay and menu and on gert vga666 a secondary for output of dynamic marquee.

This is not by default supported by debian or mame4all-pi but I wrote a library that uses a liw level graphics api (dispmanx) that is capable to do graphics on gert vga while hdmi is still primary."

[keilmillerjr]

Kernel 4.0.8 and pi firmware support vga666 by july 13 2015. Be sure your running this. Never know when using other peoples images. Add firmware config and then use tvservice to test. Next step would be seeing if mame will do two frame buffers with gles? I’d use 0.106.

[mrclean]

OK so I'm making somewhat progress on this for testing purposes I'm using my 65'' LCD (HDMI) & a 19'' LCD (VGA):



Firstly I tested the Gert666 VGA Adapter and it will output to the monitor an image fine so I know the Gert666 adapter is working, I know the vga cable is fine, I know the 2nd LCD monitor is fine. I can also output HDMI to my other monitor never had an issue with that in the first place. This was prior to any settings:


However here's where I'm still hitting a snag, I can't seem to get them to work simultaneously together to display two different or even the same images. Also to note I'm now using MAME .139 SET or on Raspberry Pi Libretro 2010. The Rom / Game loads fine. At this point it's probably a simple setting but making progress....

Within the on-screen video options of MAME .139 via TAB I can switch the top and bottom monitor image to only one screen.


Here it's showing the GERT666 adapter working but I can't get two different images to display or really even the same image simultaneous the other monitor goes blank and vice versa;


These are my Raspberry config.txt within boot settings (Does anyone see any issues with this ? Is it correct etc do I need to tell MAME anything in the config file for .139 / Libretro 2010 / Retroarch ?) :

#Gert's VGA666
dtoverlay=vga666
enable_dpi_lcd=1
display_default_lcd=0

#Monitor Number 2
dpi_group=2
dpi_mode=16

*ALSO Since I updated emulationstation / it's now asking me for login / password at the terminal for some odd reason, but I'm not as concerned with that my focus is getting dual screen to properly display as it should using the gert666 / now MAME .139 / Libretro MAME2010 / RetroArch

[mrclean]

OK found the .139 / Libretro 2010 mame.ini located here: /home/pi/RetroPie/roms/arcade/mame2010

<UNADORNED0>

#
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Still same issue can't get it to display on two different screens... Any help with this ? or see anything obviously wrong within my .ini settings ?

[newmanfamilyvlogs]

So changing it to "dual over under" in that display menu doesn't do anything?

[mrclean]

So changing it to "dual over under" in that display menu doesn't do anything?

That just places the two respective originally seperate monitors into one screen shrinking each image so that both screens fit into one. forgetting about MAME I can't seem to get Gert666 vga in conjunction / Simultaneously with HDMI to have dual screen function working outside of MAME.

[keilmillerjr]

So changing it to "dual over under" in that display menu doesn't do anything?

That just places the two respective originally seperate monitors into one screen shrinking each image so that both screens fit into one. forgetting about MAME I can't seem to get Gert666 vga in conjunction / Simultaneously with HDMI to have dual screen function working outside of MAME.

Your not going to get an extended desktop out of the box.

https://www.raspberrypi.org/forums/viewtopic.php?t=213854

[fgh]

If a matrox dualhead2go is within your budget it should work (with mame layouts).
It can work without drivers so I suppose it will work on your pi.

VGA version is obsolete and super cheap second hand, but I’m not sure it would work on a pi.
IIRC there is a dvi or hdmi version as well.

[itsdanik]

Gert's VGA module's output is analog and the whole thins is passive, so there's no such thing as "what each pin does":
It's simply 18 pins for analog RGB output (6 bits for each color, hence "666"), plus 2 pins for H/V sync, plus ground. That's all there is to it.

Fun Fact: (this info is all available in Gert's github page which is the second result you get when you google "GERT VGA666" - the first being the shop at which it is sold) 

I doubt you're gonna get two screens simultaneously by simply tweaking MAME options and configuration files without writing or at least editing and recompiling the driver (and also recompile the kernel). Most 'raspberrypi2jamma" boards (there are quite a few out there) are based on VGA666 to drive CRT monitors and Michael Vencio's resolution switching scripts use HDMI timings, so obviously can't have both HDMI and VGA666 out-of-the-box. This is a whole project and $100 is not going to cut it for anyone. If anyone were to build something like this, he would make and sell his own PCBs 

[mrclean]

Anyone figure this out yet ? 

1x Rpi3B+
1x Gert666
2x Independent Monitors working simultaneously displaying proper respecitve images from PC10 / Punch Out etc
hdmi to vga input (Monitor 1)
gert 666/vga to vga (Monitor 2)

[mrclean]

Another Month has gone past, any one get this working ? or can help me with dual screen support on the rpi3b+.

Again using the following:
1x Rpi3B+
1x Gert666 (adapter)
2x Independent Monitors working simultaneously displaying proper respecitve images from Ninty PC10 / Punch Out!!
hdmi to vga input (Monitor 1)
gert 666/vga to vga (Monitor 2)
MAME .139 SET or on Raspberry Pi Libretro 2010

The monitors should show two different images, which is how the original machine / game titles functioned.

Any other suggestions getting this to work on an RPI3B+ ?!

Also upped the ***BOUNTY to $250.00 via friends and family PayPal to be paid to one individual whom successfully walks me through the process. I'm willing to send out my RPI3B+ with the GERT666 adapter / card / power supply IF that helps you... I just can't send out two monitors.

[baritonomarchetto]

250 dollars are more than enought to buy a classic PC that will drive your two monitors without problems. If you are going to convert a dedicated cab, space is something you are not going low with.

[javeryh]

Doesn't seem like it is about the money but rather about figuring something out that others can benefit from.  That said, I am having trouble just getting a pi set up "normally" so I'm useless.

[keilmillerjr]

I already hinted at what you need to do.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.novaspirit.com/2015/12/31/low-end-tech-how-to-setup-dual-monitor-on-raspberry-pi/amp/

[langlem]

I sure wish you good luck on this.  I have tried for a few years to get dual monitor output for marquee display on a second monitor on a pi.  Close but never could get it going.  I dont even want to count the hours I have tried and failed.

It seems a handful of folks have possibly got it working but I have never found a guide that actually worked as intended.

I am all for teaching myself how to do this things and thats is actually what I enjoy most about this hobby.  I have done so many different setups over the last decade plus I have lost count.

Right now this is one of the few things I need to figure out.

Again, best of luck.

[johnm]

Your quest just might be that easier with the release of the new Raspberry Pi 4 with dual monitor support

https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/raspberry-pi-4

[nitrogen_widget]

Your quest just might be that easier with the release of the new Raspberry Pi 4 with dual monitor support

https://shop.pimoroni.com/products/raspberry-pi-4

Beat me to it!

[pbj]

 

 

[SJMarty]

Came to claim the bounty but I'm late to the party.

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

[mrclean]

That's different hardware (& NOT an RPI3B+ etc...), but I'm sure that the RPI4 will work for dual screen MAME games FINALLY being it has dual monitor / two separate micro HDMI outputs so excited !! This should allow easier set up for DUAL SCREEN games! I.E. Punch Out!! & Playchoice-10 !

things that I'll now need to likely buy :
New Raspberry Pi 4
2x type-D (micro) HDMI to VGA adapters
USB-C for the new power connector / newer power supply

I'd imagine it won't be backwards compatible with retropi currently etc going to likely be starting from scratch lol I'm really curious with the upgrades what wasn't possible on the rpi3b+ what games will now run 100% one the RPI4.

The cash Bounty is currently not compatible with the new Raspberry Pi 4 ... However I will say should I purchase the Rpi4 which I will & IF i can't figure it out on my own I will create a new bounty & It should in theory way easier being it has dual monitor support. This will probably be cool for all those guys that us dynamic displays etc... What a great feature that's finally here! 163 Days later since this thread was started, it seems the solution is on it's way ;-)

[pbj]

I haven’t been this happy on someone else’s behalf in years.

[johnm]

LOL did people actually think that they could claim the bounty just by posting the RPI4 was out, I posted because i thought it would help the OP

Looking at the size of the pi and how close the micro HDMI are i would think the adapters would be too tight and new cables would be better

[mrclean]

Looking at the size of the pi and how close the micro HDMI are i would think the adapters would be too tight and new cables would be better

I don't use those type of adapters your probably thinking of I'm using a somewhat adapter / cable combo... so these should be fine:


Did they improve the PCB HOLES om the RPI4 for plastic pcb feet, or do I need to still drill them ?! I have one on the way so I'll find out soon enough. I'd be really excited to know how much of an improvement the emulation gets or compatibity of various mame games going from the rpi3b+ to the rpi4 will be. 1g 2g vs 4g. That's an entirely different thread as the Nintendo PC-10, Punch Out!! dual screens don't require that much. I'm curious about things that are somewhat playable or not at all on the rpi3b+ to having it run 100%. I'm sure those threads will pop up soon enough.

[SJMarty]

LOL did people actually think that they could claim the bounty just by posting the RPI4 was out

My post was a intended to be amusing but it appears the humor was lost...

Sent from my LG-H918 using Tapatalk

[mrclean]

Got it.... Ended up getting the 2gb model which is probably overkill for Punch Out!!, Super Punch Out!!, Arm Wrestling, Nintendo Playchoice-10 etc but I figured I'd get the middle model for other game / performance testing however this one is pretty much just going to be for those older Dual Screen Games.



First thing I was curious about since I place these inside cabinets without cases, is did they improve the design (from the rpi3b+) so I don't need to drill larger holes on the PCB... they did NOT... still need to drill holes the screws / for the common PCB feet screws don't fit unless drilling larger holes:


I also noticed this solder packet was incredibly close to the metal on the pcb screw, I needed to use a nylon spacer, which I've done in the past for the rpi3b+ however the rpi4 looks like I now need to use 3x spacers as opposed to 2x previously not a big deal.


Here you can see I got 3x heat sinks that came with it , where are they supposed to be placed ? Is this correct ? I didn't stick the adhesive backing onto the spots you see in this photo just yet, but I'm pretty sure this is where they should be placed ?!:



Here you can see the NEW C-type power supply along with the adapters I'll need for the monitors I'm going to be using:


I haven't tried to insert my microSD card image from my RPI3B+, I'd be surprised if it works and is compatible with the RPI4, very likely I'll need to start from scratch and just rebuild. I did notice that on retropi's website : "The latest pre-made image of RetroPie is v4.4 – released April 14, 2018." I'm not sure if anyone tested that yet on the RPI4 yet but that's my next step...

And after reading this thread a bit : https://github.com/RetroPie/RetroPie-Setup/issues/2749

I'm going to likely need to wait for RetroPie v4.5

[WingsFan]

Currently Retropie won't work on the Pi 4 because of different drivers.  Shouldn't take long to get the drivers updated and a new version put out.

[keilmillerjr]

Why wait? The new raspbian is out. Use my guide on my github if you need help setting up and compiling. Im not a fan of retropie anyways.

[mrclean]

Why wait? The new raspbian is out. Use my guide on my github if you need help setting up and compiling. Im not a fan of retropie anyways.

That's just what I'm familiar / comfortable with & don't mind waiting. Retropie I agree isn't the greatest but once the foundation is down it's easy to change things around via network / WinSCP. This will likely be a single rom load for all the various Dual Screen games, possibly a Double Punch Out!! Back in the day I remember I used to compile MAME with all those "u" intermediate releases. I'm not in a major rush... I wonder how much modifying I'll need to do to get my other images the way I want them essentially converting them to RPI4 which as of now looks more like I'll need to start from scratch. Once I have a proper dual screen image running I'm happy, which is really the purpose of this thread. When I started this thread it's funny this was already in development / production seems like it will work perfectly for my purposes (time will tell). I'll worry about the rest of the games compatibility and performance improvements that's not my focus right now, down the line it will be a necessary evil though. 

[Substring]

Are you sure Retroarch can handle dual monitors?

[mrclean]

Are you sure Retroarch can handle dual monitors?

I'm not really sure, I think they would incorporate / implement dual screen within the next build. I thought it already does monitor indexing. Regardless shouldn't really matter as we all already know the RPI4 Supports Dual Screens. The RPI4 in conjunction with MAME .139 AKA MAME2010 supports Dual Screen within MAME options. RetroPie compatibility for Raspberry Pi 4 / Buster will happen soon enough.

[ivwshane]

Why wait? The new raspbian is out. Use my guide on my github if you need help setting up and compiling. Im not a fan of retropie anyways.

Where are you site is this guide located?

[keilmillerjr]

Why wait? The new raspbian is out. Use my guide on my github if you need help setting up and compiling. Im not a fan of retropie anyways.

Where are you site is this guide located?

Same username on github.

https://github.com/keilmillerjr/Raspberry-Pi-MAME-Setup-Guide

Url might change soon. Was thinking about combining repos and adding guides i already made for setting up mame on all operating systems i use. I also have my mame-diffs repo with diffs and precompiled binaries. Would make sense for all same repo. If i get an rpi4 and it can run newer mame, ill provide those binaries too.

[mrclean]

I was sick and tired of waiting on the official RPI4 RetroPI software the last NEWS update not counting github was Sept. 6th 2019. I decided to get an unofficial release... I got RetroPi running on the RPI4 with another pre-made image & Still having issues with displaying dual screen (For PC-10 / Punch Out!! etc) which I know the RPI4 is capable of it's just a matter of software, or perhaps I just need to wait for the official release of retropi... this is what's happening:

Upon bootup I see one side is a rainbow, the other shows normal loading stuff:


After a few seconds both monitors display the scrolling retropi / linux startup text prior to loading emulation station:


After that, I launch the game Punch Out, and the monitor on the left hangs and freezes showing lrmame2010 on the right screen the game loads (the resoltion is wrong but that's not my main concern right now):


The hang / lrmame2010 screen shows this fbioput_vscreeninfo Invalid argument:


When exiting the game it shows retro pi working on the right and an error on the left:


The error on the left is invalid group 720 failed to find mixer elements :


The monitors (HAPP) LCD's both work fine
The adapters both work fine
The Rpi4 is working fine

It's a matter of probably a simple line of code / config file. Any one have any more insight into this ?

[meyer980]

I don't have an answer for you but want to keep this thread alive since I'd like to do something similar. I've got plans to build a mini Nintendo Red Tent which I'm hoping could be powered by the Rpi4's dual out.

[Yenome]

are you using hdmi for audio? try to force it to use hdmi if you havnt already.

[mrclean]

are you using hdmi for audio? try to force it to use hdmi if you havnt already.

I changed it to PCM audio but still having major issues. Again I'm using a preliminary build and that could be why. I think majority of the issues / errors are stemming from specifically RETROARCH / Emulation Station. When the RPi 4 boots up, dual screen works as it should until it hits emulation station. I'm wondering If I should just build it leaving out emulation station all together and just have lrmame2010, in theory that could actually work. I'm not sure if it would make any difference but I noticed no Advance MAME is NOT on it... I don't mind using lrmame2010 which I think it will work (But if it's dependent on RetroArch probably not).

[mrclean]

It's been a while since I posted to this thread....This is now working on the RPI4 with dual monitors working as it should for Punch-Out!! Which means any dual monitor game should work (red tents, playchoice-10, arm wrestling, super punch out etc...). Haven't gone as far as to test it with other titles, but this is proof of concept that it works. It was done by another undisclosed member so I can't take the credit for having this cross the finish line but this thread is now finally complete.

[Mike A]

Did he get paid?

[mrclean]

Did he get paid?

Yes paid..., I won't say the total dollar amount but it exceeded this threads bounty. To me was worth it since I tried as you can see from this thread & simply hit a brick wall ran out of time and patients in getting it to work. Other than the dual screen games I listed, what are other titles that had dual screen ?

[Mike A]

Nice. Good outcome for everyone.

[mrclean]

Nice. Good outcome for everyone.

I'm proud of you Mike A, that's the most positive post I've seen by you yet.   

[Mike A]

Then you haven't seen the hundreds of posts where I have helped people.

Or the threads where I have laser etched stuff for people and charged them only shipping.

Or the money I raised for a forum member who had a major medical incident.

Or the money I have donated to other forum members who needed it.

[Mike A]

I give credit and praise where it is due.

If you have a ---smurfy--- idea I will let you know.

If you want an honest response just ask me. Or don't. I will tell you anyways.

[pbj]

Dude, that is amazing, I’m really happy this worked out for you.

Will you be sharing how to do it?

[mrclean]

Dude, that is amazing, I’m really happy this worked out for you.

Will you be sharing how to do it?

I knew that question would come up rather quickly. For now I'll share one more pic... with the monitors installed inside the cabinet, looks more at home this way as opposed to me testing outside of the cabinet on my floor. 

[morton]

This is a killer outcome... I can say that playing on a cramped screen is not as fun as seeing it the way it should be done. Giving a cabinet new life like this through technology... this is why The RPi is so dang cool.

[nitrogen_widget]

I got an RPI4 now.
this is now on my list of things to do while home.

[BayouPinhead]

Very impressed! Anyway you could share some details? I have a cabinet without any boards and I’d love to spend this time off putting together a similar setup.. Thanks!

[johnm]

Good to see this got sorted

[toastbot]

[delete]

[toastbot]

...

[mrclean]

...

That's cool and all but completely defeats the purpose of this thread. That's running it on a single monitor.