Need Help w/ Zinc in Mala with HCasto Wrapper

[Timoe]

I get the error message

"Holy Crap, cannot find emulator, check your wrapper settings"

I have the Command Launch.exe in the same folder as my Zinc.exe and I am pointing Mala to the CommandLaunch.exe for the "EXE"

What other info should I provide?

[Timoe]

Keep in mind I have no idea what I'm doing, we could start with a simple step by step


Example:

First create a folder called "Zinc"
put your wrapper, roms and executable in that folder
Then... blah blah blah....

[gonzo90017]

I really don't remember but try this. Right click on the bat file. Then put the entire path of your emulators .exe.

[loadman]

Swwndus and others have Zinc set up with MaLa

Have you checked this thread?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=56459.msg555059#msg555059

[Timoe]

Those threads do not describe the actual step by step set up process.

One guy states that he got it to work but he has no idea how.  Perhaps someone will read this thread. choose to be patient  and describe the set up process.

?

[payment_due]

Those threads do not describe the actual step by step set up process.

One guy states that he got it to work but he has no idea how.  Perhaps someone will read this thread. choose to be patient  and describe the set up process.

?

I had this problem too a couple of weeks ago.  I kept getting "check here" answers that didn't help.

[loadman]

Those threads do not describe the actual step by step set up process.

One guy states that he got it to work but he has no idea how.  Perhaps someone will read this thread. choose to be patient  and describe the set up process.

?

I had this problem too a couple of weeks ago.  I kept getting "check here" answers that didn't help.

You guys are killing my marriage    ...... Well my  life anyway    [EDIT] Joke [/EDIT]

I have no need/want for Zinc as the games are not of my era (yes I'm 37) but because I am such a nice guy I will load it up so I can tell you how to launch it from MaLa   

You should have a basic procedure soon. I have to go hunting through my CDs for the ROMS

 

[Timoe]

I appreciate your patience and your help loadman. 

[gonzo90017]

After a few hours I finally got it working. You don't need Howard's wrapper although the command line options were borrowed. Anyways here's how it's done. By the way my son hates you

Go here and follow the instructions step by step (You must register to download the file.) http://www.mameworld.info/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=22534&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1&vc=1&new=1107151659

Then edit the zinc.ini file in your mamewah ini folder to look like this (of course edit the paths to reflect your own)

That's it! Disfrutalo

### zinc.ini (mamewah v1.61) ###

emulator_title                            ZiNc

### List Generation Settings ###
rom_path                                  H:\zinc\roms
rom_extension                             zip
dat_file                                  H:\zinc\zinc.dat
nms_file                                 
catver_ini_file                           H:\zinc\catver.ini
list_generation_method                    dat_file

### Execution Settings ###
emulator_executable                       H:\zinc\zinc.exe
commandline_format                        [name] --use-config-file=H:\zinc\zcfg\defaultzinc.cfg --renderer=H:\zinc\d3d_renderer.znc {dosbox}{safelaunch}
alt_commandline_format_1                  [name]
alt_commandline_format_2                  [name]
game_specific_config_path                 

### Artwork Locations ###
artwork_1_image_path                      c:\zinc\snap
artwork_2_image_path                     
artwork_3_image_path                     
artwork_4_image_path                     
artwork_5_image_path                     
artwork_6_image_path                     
artwork_7_image_path                     
artwork_8_image_path                     
artwork_9_image_path                     
artwork_10_image_path                     
movie_preview_path                       
movie_artwork_no                          1

### Screen-Saver Settings ###
enable_music_in_screensaver               1
saver_type                                slideshow
movie_path                               
movie_fullscreen                          1
quit_delay                                30
wrapper_executable                       
wrapper_commandline_format                [name]{nodosbox}{nosafelaunch}
scr_file                                 

### External Application Settings ###
ipc_file_or_path                         
app_1_executable                         
app_1_commandline_format                 
app_2_executable                         
app_2_commandline_format                 
app_3_executable                         
app_3_commandline_format                 
auto_launch_apps                         

### Additional Settings ###
music_path                               
lcd_display_file_path                     
lcd_fe_text                               

### Settings used by MAMEWAH ###
current_list                              1

[loadman]

Thanks  gonzo90017

But 'Timoe' wants to know how to launch Zinc from MaLa 
Your son hates who and why? 

[gonzo90017]

Just following your lead

Anyways didn't realize it was for mala. Anyways might help a mamewah user.

[loadman]

Just following your lead

Anyways didn't realize it was for mala. Anyways might help a mamewah user.

Cool, FYI I think my Auzzie humour was lost on you 
I like helping people here and I don't get much  anyway

 

[Howard_Casto]

Those threads do not describe the actual step by step set up process.

One guy states that he got it to work but he has no idea how.  Perhaps someone will read this thread. choose to be patient  and describe the set up process.

?

The reason they don't go into a step-by-step process is because.. well there aren't any steps. 


But if you insist:


Step #1, download the generic command line wrapper and extract the whole thing into your zinc folder.

Step #2, download the zincconfig tool and extract the whole thing into your zinc folder. 


Step #3, do whatever you have to do in mala to point the zinc exe to cmd-launch(we are at 7 I think?).exe


Your issue might be a mala one.  Obviously the emulator needs to set the path to the zinc folder when launching.  The only possible way that you could be getting that error from the wrapper assuming it's in the right place is if the lconfig.ini is missing, your zinc.exe is not named zinc.exe or the wrapper is being launched in such a way that the path isn't set and thus some of the settings aren't being read. 

[payment_due]

What about runtime errors?  Any time I execute the zinconfig.exe file I get a runtime error.

Works fine on one PC, but when I try to put it on my MAME pc, it doesn't work.

[Howard_Casto]

Is one running xp and the other 9x?   For xp your vb6 runtime files are automatically installed, for 9x you have to install em. 

I would spot you a link, but m$ changes it once a second so you'll have to google it. 

[payment_due]

No, they are both running XP professional.

[Howard_Casto]

Well install em anyway.  It stands to reason that if it works on one and not on the other that either you didn't install it right (which is nearly impossible) or you are missing dependancies somewhere.  The only thing the config uses are the standard runtime files. 

[loadman]

Step #3, do whatever you have to do in mala to point the zinc exe to cmd-launch(we are at 7 I think?).exe

I assume you guys have set-up Zinc Ok and you only need help with Howards Wrapper and MaLa setup? If not  I will write a full procedure 'UncleT style' if anyone wants that ?  (But not until the weekend)

See attached pics for how to set-up mala to point at the wrapper

All works well. 

Also you can edit the game list later to the actual game name using the gamelist editor too if you want (see pic 3)

As always with a emu setup 'Make sure the games work from the command prompt' before trying to launch from FE.

Enjoy

[payment_due]

Well install em anyway.  It stands to reason that if it works on one and not on the other that either you didn't install it right (which is nearly impossible) or you are missing dependancies somewhere.  The only thing the config uses are the standard runtime files. 

Well i installed them- still no dice.

*shrug*

[loadman]

Well i installed them- still no dice.
*shrug*

What error(s) are you getting?

Do the Zinc games run if you launch them from a command prompt?
If so then..
Do the Zinc games run if you launch Howards Wrapper from a command prompt?

"Throw me a frikken Bone here"  he he    (I love that line)

If you want I will write a full procedure 'UncleT style' of what I did to set-up Zinc  (But not until the weekend)

TIMOE: I'll post your CDS back with a 'bonus' one   

[Timoe]

If you want I will write a full procedure 'UncleT style' of what I did to set-up Zinc  (But not until the weekend)

....patiently waiting till the weekend......

[Timoe]

I'm still gettin the "Where the h3ll is your emulator" message.

and I've got zinc.exe, command7.exe(or whatever its called) lconfig.ini and the zincconfig in every folder they could be in.  All three together in all the different folders.

I can launch zinc just fine with ZincGUI and play the games.  I can even launch ZincGui from Mala but then I have to select the game manually from ZincGui.


C'mon Howord_Casto, hold my hand!

[loadman]

You are thinking the right way 

The only time I got an error like that is when i had howards wrapper in a different folder to zinc.exe

[Howard_Casto]

Well you aren't giving us any info to work with.  Like I said, if you place the command-launch7.exe and the lconfig.ini that comes with it in the same folder as your zinc.exe then it'll work. 

As for the mala end of it I don't know.... I don't care for the fe myself even though I've heard good things. 

Like I said, it means that either mala is launching the wrapper improperly, due to the fe itself, or due to something in mala you've configured wrong, or your lconfig.ini is missing or invalid. 

You haven't posted the config files to either so there isn't anything I can do until you do. 

[loadman]

As for the mala end of it I don't know....

I can confirm MaLa launches Howards wrapper just fine.  I found that was the easiest bit of setting it up.

Zinc itself is a bit odd hense the need for a wrapper

See here:

I can launch zinc just fine with ZincGUI and play the games.  I can even launch ZincGui from Mala but then I have to select the game manually from ZincGui.

You really should be trying to launch Zinc from the command line (as that is what a fe does)

Each game in in Zinc is matched to a number. So for Street Fighter EX (US) is #2. So for it to be launched from a command prompt:

C:\zinc>zinc 2

or via Howards Wrapper to use the rom name (which is much better)

C:\zinc>cmd-launch7 sfex

...As I mentioned. I will type up how I got Zinc set-up (not just the mala bit) on Saturday.  I'm @ work right now.   

[loadman]

OK I typed up what I did. It's not as well done as UncleT's masterpeice but it should be adeqate

Let me know if there are any problems

Download here:
http://www.members.optushome.com.au/backwash/MalaEmuSetup_av1.doc

[Timoe]

Thank you loadman.  Thats a great write up.

I went through it step by step with fresh downloads and installs.

I tested it via the command line directly and .... IT WORKED!!!!

(I had to upgrade to ZincConfig_1.5)  I thought that was what fixed it.

Then I went into Mala and followed your instructions.  Again, step by step.

I still got the "HOly Crap, your emulator was not found"

I will try to get the lcconfig.ini files from my cabinet computer in the garage over to my computer in my office to post here later this week.


argh

[loadman]

I went through it step by step with fresh downloads and installs.

I tested it via the command line directly and .... IT WORKED!!!!

Do you mean Zinc Direct command line or via the wrapper command line ?

From my notes:
So the command to launch Street Fighter EX is:

      Zinc 2

If that works then launch the same game via Howards wrapper (with the rom name not the number)

      cmd-launch7 sfex

Then I went into Mala and followed your instructions.  Again, step by step.

I still got the "HOly Crap, your emulator was not found"

You should not launch from Mala (or any other FE) until the wrapper is working

My best guess is you still don't have howards wrapper in Zinc directory. By deafult howards wrapper unzips within subdirectories. You need to move these files back to the zinc directory (not a sub directory of Zinc)

from my notes:
"So the wrapper can find Zinc with default settings Make sure the

[Timoe]

No.  I copied the wrapper and lconfig.ini into the Zinc folder and left a copy in the wrapper folder.

When I tested from the command prompt, the wrapper worked.

I will keep fiddling with it.

[loadman]

Yeah Fiddle away (and have fun)

Next guess

If you have copied the wrapper, are you sure you are pointing MaLa to the Wrapper in the Zinc folder (not the sub-folder)?

I will send you a special DVD rom tomorrow 

[Timoe]

I got it.  After reversing all my XP tweaks it works perfectly.

Now I need help cleaning up my games list in Mala.  It is displaying the rom name

Example:  It shows "mrdrillr"  And I want to see "Mr. Driller"

Also it is displaying all my bios files which I dont want to see.  Loadman, any tips on how to do this?

Thanks again.  I'm so glad I finally got this working.

-Tim

[loadman]

I got it.  After reversing all my XP tweaks it works perfectly.

Now I need help cleaning up my games list in Mala.  It is displaying the rom name
Example:  It shows "mrdrillr"  And I want to see "Mr. Driller"
Also it is displaying all my bios files which I dont want to see.  Loadman, any tips on how to do this?
Thanks again.  I'm so glad I finally got this working.
-Tim

It can be done easily with a tool made Mr SWINDUS.

THE ANSWER IS : http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/malagamelist.html  Have a read

[Howard_Casto]

I got it.  After reversing all my XP tweaks it works perfectly.

Xp tweaks are bad umm k. 

Seriously though, somebody needs to put in big bold letters somewhere in the wiki that you should not use tweaks on a mame cab, and if you do, apply them one at a time AFTER you have everything installed, making sure everything still works after applying each tweak.  I can't tell you how many problems I had when I used tweaks on my cab.  And none of them really helped with speed either, just a few made boot-up faster. 

[Timoe]

THE ANSWER IS : http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/malagamelist.html  Have a read



Thank you.

[loadman]

I can't tell you how many problems I had when I used tweaks on my cab.  And none of them really helped with speed either, just a few made boot-up faster. 

People are in such a rush these days.  Boot up time is an excuse to walk to the fridge for a cold beer 

[Howard_Casto]

Well I found out (the hard way as my hd died) that the best way to REALLY speed bootup is to switch to a serial ata drive.  Cut it by 75%

[loadman]

Well I found out (the hard way as my hd died) that the best way to REALLY speed bootup is to switch to a serial ata drive.  Cut it by 75%

WOW. The PC's I have with ATA I have not noticed much diff

[Timoe]

Now I just cant get the right buttons working with the zoncconfig.exe.  It is saving my button settings but its not configuring the games when they load.  This happens when I launch through Mala or through the zincconfig.exe.

Did I skip a step?

or do I just need winterblasts plugin (1.6)?

[Howard_Casto]

Thats because my wrapper manages the invididual cfgs zincconfig created and passes them via command-line to zinc based on the game. Which is why I reccomend using the wrapper.  Without it you have to do that manually on a case by case basis.

edit... apparently you are using the wrapper.....

make sure the "confiure wrapper when changes are saved" box is checked in zincconfig and that you have zincconfig in the same dir as zinc and the wrapper.  Then save them again.  You should be able to open up the lconfig.ini then and see a different control config for each game in the file. 

[Howard_Casto]

or do I just need winterblasts plugin (1.6)?

Also you DO need winterblasts's plugin as it's the only remappable plugin (duh ). 

[andowhy]

Hi All, I know im rehashing an old toic, but it seems relevant to the problem I am having - I have followed the step by step instructions in installing Zinc via MaLa - I have installed all the relevant files, roms, etc and I can run Zinc via the dos command with no problems (eg \zinc 2 etc)

however as soon as I try to use the wrapper nothing works - once i enter the command (eg. \zinc sfex ) the screen goes black (as if loading) then comes back to the dos screen - also does the same in MaLa - screen goes black then returns to the MaLa gamelist screen.  I have made sure the cmd-launcher and lsconfig files are in teh zinc root dir and that MaLa is correct set up to point to these files but still no luck.  just wondering if I can get any help.

[SGT]

I assume you meant "cmd-launch7.exe sfex" instead of "zinc sfex".

Here are the settings that work for me in Mala.

Executable:
C:\emulators\zinc\cmd-launch7.exe

Rom Path:
C:\emulators\zinc\roms

Rom extensions:
zip

Command Line:

%rom%

Below is the contents of the wrapper's lconfig.ini file :

Code: [Select]

#this is a config file for the launcher wrapper program
#turn on wordwrap for best viewing results


# Leave at 0 to hide the command line while the emulator is launching.

LAUNCHSTYLE=0

#each command in an emu is usually followed by a delimeter (in mame it's a "-" for example)  put this deliemter in the following line

delimeter=--


#put the mame command or romname followed by a ";" and the command that does the same thing in the emu your launching (like in zinc to launch a game you type it's number so sfex;1 would launch sfex for you)

{cmdlist}
starglad;1
sfex;2
sfexj;3
sfexa;4
sfexp;5
sfexpu1;6
sfexpj;7
sfex2;8
sfex2j;9
sfex2p;10
sfex2pj;11
sfex2pa;12
plsmaswd;13
stargld2;14
rvschola;15
jgakuen;16
rvschool;17
shiryu2;18
strider2;19
kikaioh;20
techromn;21
ts2;22
ts2j;23
tgmj;24
sncwgltd;25
beastrzb;26
beastrzr;27
bldyror2;28
brvblade;29
psyforcj;30
psyforce;31
psyfrcex;32
mgcldtex;33
raystorj;34
raystorm;35
ftimpcta;36
gdarius;37
gdarius2;38
danceyes;39
xevi3dg;40
starswep;41
myangel3;42
tekkenb;43
tekkena;44
tekken;45
tekken2a;46
tekken2b;47
tekken2;48
souledga;49
souledgb;50
souledge;51
dunkmnia;52
dunkmnic;53
primglex;54
weddingr;55
hyperath;56
pbball96;57
susume;58
fgtlayer;59
ehrgeiz;60
tekken3;61
mrdrillr;62
aquarush;63
pacapp;64
glpracr3;65
shngmtkb;66
cbaj;67
doapp;68
tondemo;69
mfjump;70
hvnsgate;71
{/cmdlist}
#put the name of the emulator you wish to launch immediately following this comment

exe=zinc.exe

#Some emus don't like spaces in the filenames or paths
#turn this on to send a short filename to the emu

Short=0

# this will wrap your filepaths in quotes, an alternative to short

Quotes=0

#Set this to how often you want the wrapper to check for the exit key...
#It's in milliseconds.... 1000 = about 1 second

refreshspeed=1


#Choose which way to exit the emulator.
#0=Let emu close itself.
#1=Try all methods
#2=Try Alt-F4 method
#3=Try Posting a Close Message
#4=Try Posting a Exit Message
#5=Terminate Process (sloppy, but always works)
#Use only 0 or 1 unless you run into problems.

ExitType=5


#Current Problem Emus and the Settings your should use:

#Zinc=5
#Nebula=5
#Nebula Model 2=5

# If you discover another problem emu please contact me and I'll add it to the list.


[andowhy]

Thanks SGT,  the problem was with my config file.  Once I compared it to yours i realised my file had a heap of controller config settings against each game which were pointing to a e:\path that doesnt follw any of my path settings, once i removed these it ran in mala like a dream.

thanks for your help.

[Howard_Casto]

Thanks SGT,  the problem was with my config file.  Once I compared it to yours i realised my file had a heap of controller config settings against each game which were pointing to a e:\path that doesnt follw any of my path settings, once i removed these it ran in mala like a dream.

thanks for your help.

I'm guessing it pointed to these because you installed my zincconfig.exe and didn't actually rebuild the  cfg files.