Mame Raw Input and Joy2key

[EVEGames]

Now that a half dozen builds have been released since MAME switched to Raw Input, I was wondering if any Joy2key users had found workarounds that they would be willing to share. 

I searched the forums and found one interesting thread
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=70088.0
where headkaze "...figured out how to hook the Raw Input API's and inject keys", but did not elaborate.

I realize I can still map joystick buttons directly to MAME inputs in the post- .116 builds, but I cannot send special keycodes such as ESC using Joy2key's shift function (holding down the designated shift button reassigns the remaining buttons to alternate values, such as the ESC key). 

If anyone has used "APIHook" or similar software to get around this problem, I sure would like to hear about it.  I don't see a new version of Joy2key on the horizon any time soon.

Thanks guys,
EVEGames

[headkaze]

I didn't elaborate because it can be a sensitive issue. I'm not sure I understand your problem since you can map joysticks directly in Mame so why do you even need Joy2Key? Also if you need a shift function then just use IPAC's shift function. Am I missing something here?

BTW Using an API Hook on the Raw Input System while it works for injecting keys in Mame I'm not sure if I'd want to use it for gameplay input as you need to fake WM_INPUT messages and that might cause a delay (although it might not be noticable).

[EVEGames]

Hey there Headkaze.
I run MAME on a small Shuttle computer hooked up to a projector, with neither a control panel nor a keyboard for input - I control the whole system via dual N64 controllers hooked up through USB adapters.  Joy2key gives me the ability to send ESC and other keycodes to MAME straight from the controllers.  So although I can still map my controllers to the Player 1 and Player 2 controls in MAME and play the games just like before, I can't Pause, access the Configuration Menu, or exit the game without using a keyboard.
Is it the end of the world to have to hook up a keyboard, certainly not.  It is a computer, after all.   It's just a LOT less elegant than my previous input solution.

[headkaze]

I still don't get it. You can map Pause, Config Menu and Exit (UI Cancel) to be any joystick button or key you want. So just remap them in Mame.

[EVEGames]

Headkaze,
I'm embarrased to admit it, but I forgot you can remap MAME's user interface functions.
N64 controller has plenty of extra buttons, problem solved. 
Thanks for setting me straight 

[headkaze]

Headkaze,
I'm embarrased to admit it, but I forgot you can remap MAME's user interface functions.
N64 controller has plenty of extra buttons, problem solved. 
Thanks for setting me straight 

hehe No worries I was sure there was a way to do what you wanted without the need for Joy2Key. I still haven't found a good reason to release a utility to inject keys into Mame and it's because all input can be remapped in Mame anyway.