"Automated Arcade System Assembler" - Any interest?

[EndTwist]

I came up with this idea yesterday and thought it might be very good for newbies looking to setup their arcade machine PC. Basically, this would download the selected emulator(s) and frontends, unzip/install them, and configure them (create rom list(s), set folders, copy over roms, etc) so that once the program is done downloading/building/configuring, they have a working, preconfigured frontend + emulator(s).

Here is a mock-up of what the application would look like:


Now, here is the twist:
The Emulators and Frontends would have their own batch-style scripts that the program would open and run (using some variables set in this application). People (frontend creators, etc - anyone basically) could create the scripts and submit them to be included with the application. As long as there is a batch script for the emulator/frontend, the program would be able to set it up/preconfigure it for the end-user.

I hope that made sense, and I'd like some feedback. Is it worth it to build this application? Is there enough interest?

[monkeybomb]

I like it.  I use almost ten emulators and it is a bi*ch to set up.  An overall management program would be great.  and one that does it all for you - awsome

[sc1103]

Good idea- right now i have betwen 7-10 emulators; all disorganized with random folders everywhere; a consolidator like this would be very useful w/ my setup

[NinjaEpisode]

Sounds cool!  I've got mame setup in mamewah, but am struggling with my other emus.  Something like this would help.

[Buddabing]

How about a CD-ROM with all that stuff on it?

[EndTwist]

How about a CD-ROM with all that stuff on it?

What do you mean? Explain 

[Buddabing]

How about a CD-ROM with all that stuff on it?

What do you mean? Explain

[EndTwist]

That would require me to sell/make CDs -- something I honestly wouldn't be able to do.

And for the config problem -- since this would use batch-like scripts that could be modified by anyone, I don't think it would be a major problem.

[screaming]

I think it's a decent idea.

I think it will be a lot more work than you think it will be.

I think what Buddabing had in mind was an ISO of a known working setup - something analogous to an installer for something like an operating system which is available on a CD. Even if the programs have been updated, the CD has a "snapshot" that you know works.

I think you need to draw a very short line right from the beginning. Your program doesn't configure the emulators or front ends;  it is a repository for the URLs for the most commonly used front ends and emulators and an automatic downloader and unzipper/installer with the VERY BASIC ability to make sure all the files are in the right place for the chosen front end and emualators.  That's it.

I think if you set your goal for anything higher than that you're going to get it a lot further than you meant to.  ...Unless, of course, that's what you want

There, there's 5 opinions you didn't ask for. Now here's the 2 that you did :

I think it's worth it to explore and come up with a prototype.  Once people see exactly how useful it will be and you see what you're getting yourself into you'll be able to answer whether or not it's worth it.

I think people will say they're interested without really knowing if they're interested in your application or not.  It's not that people are liars or otherwise deceievers, it's just that most people don't know what's involved.

I most certainly could be wrong, but I get the impression that the even the people that have already replied in favor (with the exception of 1) don't exactly know what you're talking about...........  unless you really are talking about being able to configure all the front ends and emulators and not just install them.   In that case I say "Good luck" and I'll be glad it's not me doing it   I'll help out, but no way am I getting myself on the hook for a project that big!

-sab

edit: Clarified a little what I think Buddabing was talking about.

[monkeybomb]

I replied in favor and I my experience consists of an interest calculator in BASIC.  I certainly thought that.  This is in the first post:

"downloading/building/configuring"

But, I am wrong frequently and take no offense if I am told so.

[SirPoonga]

You'd just need to make a publically available ISO and host it

It'd be like a super Fraggel CD.

[EndTwist]

Looking at my idea now, it would be a great project, but the amount of work I would need to put into it is just way more than I would like (and have time for). Unless someone comes up with a good concept/modification of my project, well...I don't know..

[maximame]

I emailed Buddabing about this same issue not even a week ago.  I think this would be a great idea.  I would start with the basics first and then expand.  Personally I would just like to see Mame, Mamewah, Mamewah config and a option to add additional emulators by using a check box etc...  and of course options for cpmaker and cpviewer.  I have wanted to add cpmaker and cpviewer due to the layout files.  I read another post about someone creating a program to make the installtion a whole lot easier by creating a program to handle the creation of the layout files for cpmaker.

M

[youki]

The problem I foresee is that frontend authors change their configs fairly often

FrontEnd authors should keep backward compatibility. (i always keep this in the case of AtomicFe)
config you did with the 0.01 version still works with the 0.12.


Do you know , Omnicade?   http:\\www.Omnicade.com    ,  That 's a kind of Fraggal boot cd, but with lot emulator and Front end.  It exists for windows and Dos.

AtomicFe should be included in this Distribution soon.

[iwillfearnoevil]

also easycab is out there:
http://www.msu.edu/user/jonesdes/easycab.htm

[daywane]

Do you know , Omnicade?

[sc1103]

Peale created an updated Fraggal Boot CD, hes just lookin for somewhere to make it available due to bandwith issues

[daywane]

I saw that. 
I will try it out from my father in laws.
2.5 hr down load from here 

[omnicade]

well I just tried this site and it was a real pain to get loged in and now it is demanding cash before I can even test it out.
no thanks. I was excited to 
here is the link to the free distro http://www.omnicade.com/contenu_en.php?contenu=cdfr_download
nothing happens
so... I became a member. still nothing
ok I tried the clubs version. demands funds or my old pc

Omnicade is really FREE for EVERYONE !!!

You really have two way to download Omnicade:

1/ FREE download (not Club member)
2/ Support us and make a little donation (you become a Club member with several advantages)

Try to download another time, and you will see that Omnicade is the utlimate solution for Arcade at home.
Fast, easy and many emu/players inside.

Omnicade for DOS is available in english, french, deutsch, spain and italian !!
Omnicade for Windows is currently in dev for now (french only). New release very soon.

If you need help to get a free download (some words are still in french on the website), please mail me.

Laurent Gleizes
www.omnicade.com

[daywane]

That must be it... I was looking for windows 
thanks. I will try later after windows version is released to public.