Bug Confirmed: Mashing on the 1 key while game loading + Startup Image

[csa3d]

All,

I'm trying to figure out why when my friends come over and randomly mash buttons, everything breaks.  I'm using the latest g beta and have disabled all plugins, keyboard encoding, and anything that looks like it's not plain vanilla.

Using Mame, I select a game and hit the 1 button to launch the game.  Not only do I hit it once, but I rapid fire tap it the entire time the game is loading until I see the Mame game is done loading.  Upon exiting the Mame game, a dialog window is present which says:

-------------------------------------------------------------
MALA                                                              [ x]
-------------------------------------------------------------
"Emulation is still running.  terminate process?"


         [ Yes ]   [ No ]
-------------------------------------------------------------

Does anyone else get this error, and is there a way to completely disable any keyboard input until the emulator has fully loaded?  Perhaps adding more verbose debug to figure out what's going on?  You can tell your friends not to mash the controls while loading, but they never listen.

Thanks
-csa

[R0UNDEYEZ]

I have run into similar issues with people mashing buttons and breaking things.. I moved my shift key in mala down to the player 4 coin in mine since its usually joysticks and the buttons near it that people will mash and play around with ,which isnt a problem ..its almost always them marveling at how "real " it feels. I guess when I tell them its something I built they are expecting some thrown together piece of crap or something ..

You might also try unplugging your keyboard from your ipac (if thats even what you are using you didnt say) i did that and noticed a crashing error when i would use player 3's controls not happen since.

[csa3d]

Mine is not a keyboard issue, it's more then just "fake playing" while the game is loading.. or pushing game select multiple times being impatient.  Since the buttons are hooked up to keyboard commands, it's essentially mashing the keyboard.

-csa

[Kayden]

Have you checked for multiple instances of the game on the task bar?  You might be launching 20 copies of mame.

[csa3d]

Have you checked for multiple instances of the game on the task bar?  You might be launching 20 copies of mame.

I will double check to ensure that no unclosed copies of mame are present before my mashing tests, but the only way to launch multiple copies of mame while mashing, should be if there is a flaw in the launch code.  Why would you ever want to simultaneously launch multiple emulators?

Can someone else give the mashing test a go and see if it happens to them as well?

-csa

[SGT]

I am traveling so I cannot test this.  Should be easy for someone to rapidly press 1 when first launching a mame game  to see if they get the error.  Anyone care to test it?

I think before Mala loses the focus to Mame, a second key press of 1 is attempting to launch Mame again.  Obviously Mala sees this and thus gives you the error.   This error routine was probably put in for when an emulator fails to terminate properly and it is caught by Mala so a second attempt at execution doesn't take place. 

Obviously loadman will have to weigh in on what to do if anything, but I am thinking Mala should ignore certain keys for x number of milliseconds after launching an emulator?

[csa3d]

I am traveling so I cannot test this.  Should be easy for someone to rapidly press 1 when first launching a mame game  to see if they get the error.  Anyone care to test it?

I think before Mala loses the focus to Mame, a second key press of 1 is attempting to launch Mame again.  Obviously Mala sees this and thus gives you the error.   This error routine was probably put in for when an emulator fails to terminate properly and it is caught by Mala so a second attempt at execution doesn't take place. 

Obviously loadman will have to weigh in on what to do if anything, but I am thinking Mala should ignore certain keys for x number of milliseconds after launching an emulator?

No worries on the traveling.  I'd even go as far as saying I'd like an option in MALA to ignore any keypresses from the time the GameSelect event is triggered till the moment when focus is given to the launched emulator.  I haven't had the opportunity to mash on other buttons yet to see if it's just the launch game button that has this behavior.

-csa

[DaOld Man]

I just tested it on Mame, got no errors.
I tried repeatedly pressing the "1" button and also tried holding it down.

[csa3d]

I just tested it on Mame, got no errors.
I tried repeatedly pressing the "1" button and also tried holding it down.

I think I found the bug:

Go to  your Mala Config under GUI -> Game Start -> [ x ] Enable Full screen start image, and apply an image.  I am running an image at 1600x1200.

Now, you have to tap the 1 key as quick as you can, none of this tap, tap, tap... like you're playing track and field..

You should get an error if this checkbox is enabled, but not if it's disabled.  Let me know.

-csa

[DaOld Man]

Yes, I do get the error.. (EDIT: With the start image applied, no with it not applied.)

Here is the logfile:

2009/06/06  19:30:09.71   Info: Starting MaLa 1.6.2.18
2009/06/06  19:30:09.71   Info: LoggingLevel =  1
2009/06/06  19:30:09.71   Info: Showing splash
2009/06/06  19:30:09.73   Info: Check plugin directory: C:\mala\plugins
2009/06/06  19:30:09.73   Info: Collecting event plugins (*.mplugin) in C:\mala\plugins\
2009/06/06  19:30:09.73   Info: Found event plugin StartCom.mplugin
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event plugin StartCom.mplugin loaded
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Function: PluginName found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Function: PluginCopyright found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaGameSelected found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaEmulatorSelected found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaListSelected not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaOrientationSwitch not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaScreensaverStart not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaScreensaverSwitch not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaScreensaverStop not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaAttractModeStart not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaAttractModeStop not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaGameStart found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaGameQuit found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaStart found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaQuit found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaTreeUp not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: MaLaTreeDown not found
2009/06/06  19:30:09.75   Info: Event Function: PluginConfigure found!
2009/06/06  19:30:09.76   Info: Check backup directory: C:\mala\backups
2009/06/06  19:30:09.76   Info: Check to see if hook dll is required
2009/06/06  19:30:09.76   Info: Win98/ME Hook dll not loaded because OS is: WinXP
2009/06/06  19:30:09.76   Info: Computer name: **************
2009/06/06  19:30:09.76   Info: Loading config params from ini file
2009/06/06  19:30:09.81   Info: Setting params from ini file
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading mame cl conditions: C:\mala\mame.clc
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading mame info pages: C:\mala\mame.mli
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading other emu info pages: C:\mala\otheremu.mli
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading filter sets: C:\mala\mala.mlf
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading non mame emulators: C:\mala\mala.mle
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading layout ...
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Collecting layout files (*.mll) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading mala tree
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Collecting game list files (mlg) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating and loading bios
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Hiding taskbar
2009/06/06  19:30:09.82   Info: Creating audio object
2009/06/06  19:30:10.00   Info: Creating and loading mala lcd screens
2009/06/06  19:30:10.00   Info: Creating and loading mame lcd screens
2009/06/06  19:30:10.00   Info: Creating and loading jukebox lcd screens
2009/06/06  19:30:10.00   Info: Creating and loading led config and attroct mode list
2009/06/06  19:30:10.00   Info: Collecting attract mode files (*.mlc) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:30:10.00   Info: Loading game list: C:\mala\Skenny's Favorites.mlg
2009/06/06  19:30:12.23   Info: Hiding splash
2009/06/06  19:30:12.23   Info: Changing Layout
2009/06/06  19:30:12.23   Info: Loading layout: C:\mala\mame.mll
2009/06/06  19:30:12.84   Info: Show Main Form
2009/06/06  19:30:13.59   Info: Video: C:\Mame\Videos\Mame\2020bb found
2009/06/06  19:30:13.59   Info: Video: Playing C:\Mame\Videos\Mame\2020bb.avi
2009/06/06  19:30:14.42   Info: Video: Play Started
2009/06/06  19:30:15.07   Info: * Pop Up Menu Selected *
2009/06/06  19:30:15.07   Info: Adding Emu to Menu: 0 Gens
2009/06/06  19:30:15.07   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 0 All Games
2009/06/06  19:30:15.07   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 1 Most Played Games
2009/06/06  19:30:15.07   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 2 New gamelist
2009/06/06  19:30:15.07   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 3 Skenny's Favorites
2009/06/06  19:30:16.48   Info: ######### Options / Properties Selected ###########
2009/06/06  19:30:16.48   Info: Cancel any Display & Video Delay due to config Load
2009/06/06  19:32:09.03   Info: Collecting game list files (mlg) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:32:09.03   Info: Writing params to ini file
2009/06/06  19:32:09.12   Info: Setting params from ini file
2009/06/06  19:32:09.12   Info: Changing resolution to 800x600x32
2009/06/06  19:32:10.98   Info: Collecting layout files (*.mll) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:32:10.98   Info: Collecting game list files (mlg) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:32:11.28   Info: Video: C:\Mame\Videos\Mame\2020bb found
2009/06/06  19:32:11.28   Info: Video: Playing C:\Mame\Videos\Mame\2020bb.avi
2009/06/06  19:32:11.93   Info: Video: Play Started
2009/06/06  19:32:15.17   Info: * Pop Up Menu Selected *
2009/06/06  19:32:15.17   Info: Adding Emu to Menu: 0 Gens
2009/06/06  19:32:15.17   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 0 All Games
2009/06/06  19:32:15.17   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 1 Most Played Games
2009/06/06  19:32:15.17   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 2 New gamelist
2009/06/06  19:32:15.17   Info: Adding GameList to Menu: 3 Skenny's Favorites
2009/06/06  19:32:16.31   Info: ######### Options / Properties Selected ###########
2009/06/06  19:32:16.31   Info: Cancel any Display & Video Delay due to config Load
2009/06/06  19:34:12.75   Info: Collecting game list files (mlg) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:34:12.75   Info: Writing params to ini file
2009/06/06  19:34:12.82   Info: Setting params from ini file
2009/06/06  19:34:12.82   Info: Collecting layout files (*.mll) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:34:12.82   Info: Collecting game list files (mlg) in C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:34:13.04   Info: Video: C:\Mame\Videos\Mame\2020bb found
2009/06/06  19:34:13.04   Info: Video: Playing C:\Mame\Videos\Mame\2020bb.avi
2009/06/06  19:34:13.32   Info: Video: Play Started
2009/06/06  19:34:21.70   Info: Saving game list: C:\mala\Skenny's Favorites.mlg
2009/06/06  19:34:21.70   Info: Cancel any Display & Video Delay due to game start
2009/06/06  19:34:21.89   Info: Set dir: C:\Mame\
2009/06/06  19:34:21.89   Info: Starting Game ***: Create process: mamepp.exe 2020bb
2009/06/06  19:34:23.14   Info: Saving game list: C:\mala\Skenny's Favorites.mlg
2009/06/06  19:34:23.14   Info: Cancel any Display & Video Delay due to game start
2009/06/06  19:34:35.42   Info: Sent MaLa Quit message to Plugins
2009/06/06  19:34:36.12   Info: Destroying audio object
2009/06/06  19:34:36.28   Info: Writing params to ini file
2009/06/06  19:34:36.35   Info: Screensaver: ScreenSaver Form Destroyed
2009/06/06  19:34:36.35   Info: Video Window Closed
2009/06/06  19:34:36.35   Info: Changing resolution to 1024x768x32
2009/06/06  19:34:38.25   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/06/06  19:34:38.25   Info: Closing MaLa 1.6.2.18
2009/06/06  19:34:38.25   Info: **************************************************************************
2009/06/06  19:34:38.25   Info: **************************************************************************
2009/06/06  19:34:38.25   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: ShowTaskbar, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 00411B59 in module 'MaLa162g.exe'. Read of address 00000044
2009/06/06  19:34:38.29   Info: Showing taskbar
2009/06/06  19:34:38.32   Info: Ending Game: Quit: ********************
2009/06/06  19:34:38.32   Info: Starting Game: Set dir: C:\mala\
2009/06/06  19:34:38.32   Error: Object Class: TfrmMain, Object Function: AppDeactivate, Exception Class: EAccessViolation, Exception Message: Access violation at address 0062DF6F in module 'MaLa162g.exe'. Read of address 00000014
2009/06/06  19:34:40.54   Info: Showing taskbar

[SGT]

I also get the error only if using a full screen starting image and pressing 1 repeatedly.

[csa3d]

thanks for testing guys!  For now I've disabled full screen start image.. it never stays on top with my rotating monitor setup anyways.. (boo)
-csa

[DaOld Man]

I have been playing with this bug.
Using starting full screen image, the image does appear while monitor is turning.
I am now using Loadmans Mala Speech, and I dont get the error, however I do see a problem that is just as bad as an error.

When choosing bubble bobble and pushing the 1 button 10 times very fast,
Speech says "Bubble Bobble", and the monitor turns horizontal.
The game plays good, but when you exit and are returned to Mala screen,
speech says "Bubble Bobble" and the game starts again, but this time the sound is still playing from the EMU movies, behind the bubble bobble sound.
This action repeats itself 10 times, or the number of times you press the 1 button.

During this time, before the game starts, if you move to another game on the mala screen, bubble bobble (BB) goes ahead and runs, but when you exit BB speech says the new selected game, monitor turns if it is a vertical game, and BB starts again.

I tested this on two other emulators and get the same results.
I think SGT's recommendation may work for this bug, unless Loadman can find the reason it is doing this.

[Ummon]

.....why are you repeatedly pressing the button?  And, why aren't you telling them not to do stuff like playing with the buttons?

[csa3d]

.....why are you repeatedly pressing the button?  And, why aren't you telling them not to do stuff like playing with the buttons?

Kids will be kids, and one can't /shouldn't have to babysit the arcade cabinet during a party.  Kinda zaps the fun out it.  My 2 cents.
-csa

[Ummon]

I'd just school people on things at the outset. Have fun playing the games, but don't be a spaz on the hardware. Simple.

[DaOld Man]

I see what you are saying Ummon, but I have to agree with CSA.
This is a valid bug, and if at all possible, it needs to be swatted.

[SGT]

I see what you are saying Ummon, but I have to agree with CSA.
This is a valid bug, and if at all possible, it needs to be swatted.

Yep.  You cannot stop kids from tapping the 1 button too often and too quickly.