Need help working with the Analogmame32 configuration file please

[Rhetro]

Hello.

I know that everyone is getting tired of seeing my posts for this 4 spinner nonsense -kind of like that commercial that won't go away. Sorry about this.

But I just can't seem to find any thing definitive on setting this thing up given that -I suppose there really wan't that much of a use/demand for it?

However. I've been reading some of the replys to my messages, and it looks like I've happened on analogmame32 vs83.2 due to it's pointing to the raw input data that i seem to need.

I've hooked up the 4 spinners via a usb hub that plugs into the computer.

The computer sees all four spinners as the same mouse cursor.
(no big deal as I new this would happen. But the computer is at least seeing all 4 of them. I guess this is a good start).

I need help in setting up the configuration file to split them and get 4 separate individual cursors.

I take it that that is done with the configuration file right?

multiplemice 0
switchablemice 0
switchmiceaxes 0
splitmouseaxes 0
resetmouseaxes 0

Don't know where to go from here. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[toolaa]

First off, you should probally post this in the software forum.  I am on the same search as you and while I can not yet solve the same problems here is what i have found.

I assume you are using WinXP here.

You can download the WinXP 0.81 version of MAMEAnalog+ from rebel's site someone was king enough to compile a binary with the XP Rawmouse instructions.  That is the only version on the site that will support multiple mice in WindowsXP.

I have tested this version and I does indeed work with four spinners.  The correct settings are as follows:

multiplemice 1
switchablemice 1

This will allow you to map the multiple mice in a new configuration menu within the MAME UI.  However there is one huge problem with this old version.  The code to save those mappings to the configuration file did not work.  So each time you change games or exit MAME, you need to go back and remap mice. 

I have been working to compile either the Analog+ or Analog32 version with the correct XP code, but I have been failing royally to figure out what I am doing wrong when compiling.

I would try out 0.81 (it's the Windows command line version) to make sure everything is working correctly. 

Take a crack at trying to compile your own version.  Perhaps you might get past the problems I have been having, or keep searching. 

Good Luck...

[Tiger-Heli]

Toolaa's setup advice is spot-on.

I was under the impression that 83.2 worked with XP - the features page clearly states the 83 works with XP and 83.2 allows mouse settings to be saved again.

Has anyone tested 83.2 using Toolaa's advice and NOT had it work under XP?

[Tiger-Heli]

U_rebelscum just confirmed in this thread: http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=42226.0 (kinda) that 0.83.2 should work with XP and should save mouse settings.

[Rhetro]

Thank you Toolaa and Tiger-Heli.

You're right it looks like I posted this one in the wrong place.

 OK: analog+ v 81. Yep you got it right, I need it for XP.

I'm on it!

Oh, I'll take a peak at 83.2 while I'm at it as well. I take it that I do the same thing with the mice assignments.

talk to you soon

Thanks again!!!


Rhetro

[Tiger-Heli]

You need 83.2 so it will remember your settings.

[Rhetro]

Thanks Tiger-Heli.

I had replied when another message popped up. This is where I stand:

I went ahead and downloaded/extracted the MameanalogXP file.

But I don't know what to do from here. I read through the docs. but still can't get it to execute. What am I doing wrong(besides everything)?

Could you walk me through the steps?

Thanks in advance. I really appreciate the patience.

Rhetro

[Rhetro]

Forget my last post (...so many different versions of this and that. I'm going crosseyed here. Sorry)

Addendum:

OK. This is the deal:

1)Downloaded/extracted analogm3283.2.z
2)got into the ini folder and set/saved the Mame32 configuration settings for:

multiplemice 1
switchablemice 1

ran a version of Warlords through clearmamepro.

ran mame32analog

enabled for mouse input

entered multiple credits for multiple players (4)

However. All 4 spinners ended up controling the same player.

Note: when you extract and run the file it actually reads:

Mame32 0.82:Analog+

As opposed to 0.83.2 or something of that nature.
Could there be a conflict there? or is this just a typo of some sort?

I'm going to be daring and try setting multiplemice and switchablemice to 4

Here it goes.... (if you don't get a Eureaka. It didn't work and I'm earnestly awaiting a reply or a kick in the ass!!!

Rhetro

[Tiger-Heli]

Set them back to 1 (they are either 1 - On or 0 - off).

Now you want to start Warlords and go to the TAB menu.  There will be an option called "Mouse Axes" or "Mouse Controls" or sth that will allow you to set a different mouse axis for each player.

If you still can't get it, I'll try to help you tomorrow.

[Rhetro]

Thanks Tiger-Heli.

No problem. I tried that but the only thing in the tab key (once in Warlords) was stuff about reverse and sensitivity. and other stuff that seemed unrelated to the mice axiis.

Now. In the Mame32 configuration file there is something or another about what you're talking about (I think). I'll try and turn everything on there (to 1 and not 4 duh....I get it now)

and see what happens.

Talk to you tomorrow.

Thanks for your help.

Rhetro

[Tiger-Heli]

Actually, my bad - I believe (could be wrong) that Warlards actually uses 4 dials (Pots), so unless MAME hacks in an optical control, you can't use a spinner with it.

I think you can map analog controls (joysticks, pots) to any input, but not optical controls (mice).

Would be nice if MAME dev changed this, as it could fix enhance the playability (by sacrificing some authenticity) of a lot of games.

Sorry I didn't think of this sooner.

[toolaa]

Actually, my bad - I believe (could be wrong) that Warlards actually uses 4 dials (Pots), so unless MAME hacks in an optical control, you can't use a spinner with it.

I'm not sure about that because I can play other dial games with the mouse.  So I would think this would hold true with 4p Axis games as well.

I'll try it on 0.81 versio tonight and see what happens unless someone else knows the correct answer.

[Rhetro]

Ouch!

I did send one of the spinners to Hagstrom a while back (about a year ago) when they kindly offered to hack it for me so that their encoder that I have (KE-72) could read it. I would just have to map out key assigments and be done with it. But, it didn't work out well. The spin was choppy as opposed to smooth. I notified them about this and they said that it could happen.

Remember that I have 4 spinners plugged into a single usb port in the computer. They're just individually routed through a 4 place usb router. Does this matter? USB or PS2. I take it the problem is the same in either case.

I tried setting those mouse assigments to one but it still only saw all 4 spinners as the same player.

What's the next move?

thanks guys!!!

really!

Rhetro

[Tiger-Heli]

BIG QUESTION - All four spinners are seen as one player, but do they affect Player 1 in Warlords?  If so, then Warlords accepts mouse input and we just have to get the Analog Plus stuff working.  If not, then Warlords does not accept mouse input, and you probably are SOL on that game, unless you can hook up 4 analog pots.

The 4 spinners into a single USB port doesn't matter, except that if they are all the same type and use the same driver, they may swap places (Spinner 1 becomes 2 or 3) when you re-boot.

[Rhetro]

Hey Tiger-Heli.

Yes. All 4 spinners affect player 1 (or whichever is the one in the bottom left corner). In other words, 4 players (spinners)can control player 1. The algorithm sees all 4 spinners. It only sees them as one player. I set it up for 4 players in the game itself and you have to use the keyboard to control the other 3 players. So it isn't as if the spinners are dead and not doing anything.

Hope this helps

[Tiger-Heli]

Try something like CABAL (dual trackballs).  Do you see Mouse Controls in the TAB menu (in MAME)  If so, and you don't see the same menu in Warlords, somehow u_Rebel missed that game, PM him.

If not, then something is not configured correctly with MAME Analog Plus still.

(I think Centipede should work as a test also, if you don't have CABAL).

[Rhetro]

Hey.

There are mouse controls in mame under the contollers tab .

In Warlords when you hit tab, you have an "analog" heading.
When you go into that, the controlers are listed as paddles 1-4.

So, it doesn't seem impossible. But what do I know???

[u_rebelscum]

Actually, my bad - I believe (could be wrong) that Warlards actually uses 4 dials (Pots), so unless MAME hacks in an optical control, you can't use a spinner with it.

Correction Heli-Tiger: Mame does quite well of simluting absolute analog (aka "POT-type") inputs (analog-stick, paddle, pedal, yokes, lightguns) with mice.  That's why star wars plays well with trackballs and yokes.

It's the other way around that mame has trouble: relative analog (aka "mouse-type") inputs (trackball, spinner, dial) don't do well when trying to use analog sticks.

So Warlords can be controlled with analog joysticks, paddles, spinners, or trackballs.

Hey.

There are mouse controls in mame under the contollers tab .

In Warlords when you hit tab, you have an "analog" heading.
When you go into that, the controlers are listed as paddles 1-4.

So, it doesn't seem impossible. But what do I know???

In Analog+, make sure multiplemice and switchablemice are set to 1 in the ini file.  Start Warloads.  Press tab (or if you remapped it, press whatever you remapped "UI Configure" to).  select "mouse controls".  For each of the players, change the mouse number to your correct spinner number by pressing left or right.  Press tab to exit UI.  Test game.

Note that the spinner numbering is determined by windows at boot time (or install time if plugged in after boot), each boot time, and mame looks only once at game load.

[Tiger-Heli]

Actually, my bad - I believe (could be wrong) that Warlards actually uses 4 dials (Pots), so unless MAME hacks in an optical control, you can't use a spinner with it.

Correction Heli-Tiger: Mame does quite well of simluting absolute analog (aka "POT-type") inputs (analog-stick, paddle, pedal, yokes, lightguns) with mice.  That's why star wars plays well with trackballs and yokes.

It's the other way around that mame has trouble: relative analog (aka "mouse-type") inputs (trackball, spinner, dial) don't do well when trying to use analog sticks.

So Warlords can be controlled with analog joysticks, paddles, spinners, or trackballs.

Thanks for helping out U_rebel.  I meant something other than what you commneted on.

Agreed, Star Wars plays well with a trackball and Arkanoid plays poorly with an analog joystick.  (Embarassing that I know that).

What I meant was (IIRC) you can assign an analog controller to any game but not a mouse controller.  For example - in Pac-Man, which was pure digital, I can assign Up to AD_Stick_1 Y+, but I can't (or couldn't) assign Up to Trackball_1_Y+.  Of course, this may have changed with the latest crtrlr.cfg file implementation.

[Rhetro]

Hey Ureble. Thanks You said:

In Analog+, make sure multiplemice and switchablemice are set to 1 in the ini file.  Start Warloads.  Press tab (or if you remapped it, press whatever you remapped "UI Configure" to).  select "mouse controls".  For each of the players, change the mouse number to your correct spinner number by pressing left or right.  Press tab to exit UI.  Test game.

After configuring the ini file

I entered the game and hit the tab key.
The list shows for options to select:

input (general) (in here I found a whole slew of conrols. As far as spinners are concerend: settings for paddles and dials. But nothing seemed to work.

input (this game) (in here I found settings for paddles but couldn't get anything to work either.

analog controls (in here all could find were setting for:
 -Key/joy/speed
 -sensitivity
 -reverse

Per player (but nothing for mouse controls)


In fact couldn't  find anything for Mouse Controls specifically.

To be sure, I'm using analogm3283.2.z (which is the file I downloaded and extracted.

Am I in the right place?

Thanks in advance.

[toolaa]

In fact couldn't

[Rhetro]

Hey Toolaa.

I appreciate it. I do well with pictures (nice graphic by the way). Sometimes I do have to be led by the hand (sorry to admit). Like I said. I think there was so much cross-talk about what I needed that I couldn't figure out where I was anymore.

I see now what I need to get. I'll get it but I'm a bit rusty with the straight on non-windows,non mame32 type environment.

I hope I don't have too much trouble setting it up.

Thanks for the pointer (literally) I know I must be getting on peoples nerves by now so I do appreciate the patience.

In light of your help I don't think I'm that far off now!

Thanks again for everyone that has helped me out.

I'll get cracking on it!!!

Rhetro.

[toolaa]

I'm a bit rusty with the straight on non-windows,non mame32 type environment.

Remember this is the Windows Version, with the command line interface.  One easy thing to do for testing is to create a shortcut to MAMEANALOG+.exe

Then edit the shortcut to start the program with a specific game ROM.  Provided you have the INI file set up the way you need the typcial command line would look like this:

c:\mame\mameanalog+ MISSILE

This would start Analog+ with the game Missile Command

[Rhetro]

Thanks again.

But yikes!! I guess that's what I get for speaking so soon!
Command line. I was afraid you'd say that. But honestly. It might be tedious but it doesn't seem too hard. I really can't find any docs on the matter but I think you just explained it.

Ok. a shortcut to the exe file. So then I would click on an icon. Let's say your example of missle command: In the config.ini all the roms that I wan't to run in analogXP would be set up in this config.ini, So...

I would have let's say an icon (folder) that's has a title "multiple spinner games" or something like that.

Within that folder (icon) I have numerous shortcuts that point  "configured" roms (games that I want to play in analogXP -so as to take advantage of it's multi-mice features)

Am I getting it?

Thanks again Toolaa

[toolaa]

Here is two options as examples; command Line from the start menu and Shortcut versions.

[Rhetro]

Ok.

I see that you right clicked on the mamexp icon or shortcut. Selected properties, and then modified the extension for the rom selected.

I guess my next question is how to config the ini. file

After I downloaded the file you pointed out, the only thing that popped up was the analogXP exe file and nothing else. In otherwords no ini file to modify.

But Toolaa. I don't want to exhaust my welcome on this. I can tune in tomorrow. No big deal...Looks like I really need to start over.

Have a good one pal.

Rhetro

[Tiger-Heli]

http://www.mameworld.net/easyemu/mameguide/mamew32setup.htm

See the rest of easy emu also.

[Rhetro]

I will Tiger-Heli. Thanks

Last time I used non Mame32 type stuff was back in 1999 when I was using Femame. It worked great.

Sometimes I just don't know where to begin. I know enough just to get me into trouble! ;\

[Rhetro]

Hey.

Ok. As per the directions. I created a mame directory in my c drive called mame.

I placed the mame81 xp.exe file in that directory.

went to commmand prompt.

However, it won't let me create a config file.
I get the following message:

'mame' is not recognized as an internal or external command operable program or batch file.

I take it that I was supposed to use that analogXPv81 that was pointed out to me, right?

Thanks in advance

[Rhetro]

Getting there folks!!

THANKS FOR THE HELP!!!


rhetro

[Rhetro]

Hey Urebel.

I'm getting there. Really.

You said:

In Analog+, make sure multiplemice and switchablemice are set to 1 in the ini file.

[Rhetro]

EUREKA!!! (kind of)

3 out of 4 spinners working!!!!!

one of my tornados went south 

So I think the problems is solved!!! Finally.

One point though.

I got warlords working without a clearmamepro scan of the rom file. I couldn't created a dat file on analog+XP v 81 either. it wouldn't let me. I know I know. If it ain't broke.... But why couldn't clearmame do this (I guess this is a clearmame question)

I guess you have to create a folder in the roms directory and unzip the rom file per game as I have read. In otherwords (roms>warlords>warlords bin files after extraction.

So Mame cannot read it zipped. Correct?

thanks in advance

[u_rebelscum]

Cmpro has a "old_mame" setting for mame's older than 0.84-0.85.  When you create a dat file in the profiles, change the emulator from "mame" to "old_mame".

You don't need to unzip the bin files.  Mame treats a zipped file like a folder.  So you can due like you said, or leave it: roms>warlords.zip>warlords bin files still in the zip file.  IIRC, the zipped file is read first, and the folder is only read if no zip file.

[Rhetro]

Thanks Urebel

Got the zip file thing sorted out. For some reason it didn't seem to work the first time (I probably messed something up).

I tried the old_mame selection for creating the datfile. It created it ok, but clearmame did not let me load the datfile.

I got a:

Database update is needed. It's necessary to run:
C:\Mame\mameanalogXP.exe -listinfo

if you experience problems...blah blah blah

after aborting at Puckman, it went to :

found an incomplete datfile. Or bad exe output...blah blah blah

Then it said:

can't receive data. Make sure it's a valid one (or something to that effect.

I'll paste all of this and see if Roman can figure it out.

unless you've been down this road before!

Thanks.