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Front End Support => MaLa Frontend => Topic started by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 04:47:13 pm

Title: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 04:47:13 pm
Edit: cleaned up first post to be more realistic in today's world.

Hello.  In my first attempt at actually contributing to this fine forum instead of just take, take, taking, I have written a plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 (and above).  This plugin keys on the game selection, game start, game end, and emulator selection events and will apply map files (.ugc files) to your UltraStiks before a game is started and after a game has exited.


Installation consists of the following steps:



This plugin calls UltraMap.exe which is supplied by and may be downloaded from Ultimarc's website (http://www.ultimarc.com/ultramap.zip).  The PATH environment variable no longer needs to be modified to include the path to UltraMap.


Good luck!



Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: edge on October 20, 2006, 05:14:05 pm
Nice job, fatfingers!

I should be getting my UltraStiks next week so I'll miss out on all the bug squashing. ;)

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 05:59:18 pm
Nice job, fatfingers!

I should be getting my UltraStiks next week so I'll miss out on all the bug squashing. ;)



haha!  You overestimate my availability!   ;D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Aurich on October 20, 2006, 06:19:51 pm
Then, spend about 3.5 weeks generating all of your .ugc files
There must be a way to autogenerate this for most games, no? Maybe not for an oddball like Q-Bert, but most 4/8/analog.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 06:21:59 pm

There is certainly a way and I'm working on it, but it may only work for mame v.106 since the xml format between that and .108 seems to have changed and I currently am using .106.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: edge on October 20, 2006, 06:47:19 pm
Fatfingers,
From the way I understamd the plugin technology works, there should be a record available to your plugin that contains info about the selected/launched game (see below).

See the below excerpt from the Mala Plugin SDK pdf.

I think, instead of having UGC files for every game, maybe you can create the standard configs - ie, 8way.ugc, 4way.ugc, etc - and based on what is in "InputControl: Pchar; : Control type (mame.xml)" - you can call the correct UGC.

I haven't tried it, but it seems possible.

What do you think?

Quote
type
TEventGame = record
Description: Pchar; : Name of the game
Rom: Pchar; : Rom file of the game
CloneOf: Pchar; : Master rom file if any
Manufacturer: Pchar; : Manufacturer of the game
Genre: Pchar; : Genre of the game (catver.ini)
Year: Integer; : Year
InputButtons: Integer; : Count of input buttons (mame.xml)
InputCoins: Integer; : Count of coins (mame.xml)
InputPlayers: PChar; : Count of players + alternating
InputControl: Pchar; : Control type (mame.xml)
VideoScreen: Pchar; : Screen type
VideoOrientation: Pchar; : Screen orientation
VideoWidth: Integer; : Width of screen
VideoHeight: Integer; : Height of screen
DriverStatus: Pchar; : Driver status
Controls: Pchar; : Control type (controls.ini)
JoyUp: Pchar; : Game function Joy Up (controls.ini)
JoyDown: Pchar; : Game function Joy Down (controls.ini)
JoyLeft: Pchar; : Game function Joy Left (controls.ini)
JoyRight: Pchar; : Game function Joy Right (controls.ini)
Button1: Pchar; : Game function Button 1 (controls.ini)
Button2: Pchar; : Game function Button 2 (controls.ini)
Button3: Pchar; : Game function Button 3 (controls.ini)
Button4: Pchar; : Game function Button 4 (controls.ini)
Button5: Pchar; : Game function Button 5 (controls.ini)
Button6: Pchar; : Game function Button 6 (controls.ini)
Button7: Pchar; : Game function Button 7 (controls.ini)
Button8: Pchar; : Game function Button 8 (controls.ini)
Details: Pchar; : Control details (controls.ini)
RomPath: Pchar; : Path of rom file
Extension: Pchar; : Extension of rom file
Played: Integer; : Play counter
end;
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 07:09:06 pm

I will most definitely look into that possibility, edge.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on October 20, 2006, 07:22:22 pm

I will most definitely look into that possibility, edge.


And when your finished you need to get to work on a Plug-in for a Serial LCD (reading mamewah type LCD files) for CIRCO and the Beta-brite LED Plug-in for Timoe    :P What do you want for X-mas?

The wife has said I've exceeded my PC allowance this month allready so I'm off to mow the law (And no that's not a Euphemism)  ;)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 08:58:14 pm

I will most definitely look into that possibility, edge.


And when your finished you need to get to work on a Plug-in for a Serial LCD (reading mamewah type LCD files) for CIRCO and the Beta-brite LED Plug-in for Timoe    :P What do you want for X-mas?


If I had any idea what you are talking about, perhaps...but I don't.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on October 20, 2006, 10:22:15 pm

I will most definitely look into that possibility, edge.


And when your finished you need to get to work on a Plug-in for a Serial LCD (reading mamewah type LCD files) for CIRCO and the Beta-brite LED Plug-in for Timoe    :P What do you want for X-mas?


If I had any idea what you are talking about, perhaps...but I don't.


Just kidding
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 20, 2006, 11:18:18 pm

Yeah, I know.  :-)

How familiar are you with the plugins?  I'm having some difficulties getting my plugin to show up in loaded plugins right now even though the debug log claims it loaded it?  :banghead:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: EnderWiggen22 on October 21, 2006, 12:08:00 am
Sorry to throw in this newbish interjection, but what are plugins used for in mala and what exactly is this one attempting to accomplish?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 21, 2006, 12:14:11 am

Plugins in MaLa are new in version 1.0 RC8.  There are certain events that plugins can be called for (like game selection, game start, game end, etc.).  This particular plugin is used upon game start and game end to apply appropriate map files to Ultimarc Ultrastik joysticks so that the joysticks will operate in 4-way mode if it is a 4-way game, 8-way if an 8-way game, etc.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 21, 2006, 12:19:06 am
I'm having some difficulties getting my plugin to show up in loaded plugins right now even though the debug log claims it loaded it?  :banghead:

Solved, I guess.  Since my machine is pretty pristine, I had to statically link the CRT into my plugin or the plugin wouldn't truly load.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on October 21, 2006, 12:35:50 am
I'm having some difficulties getting my plugin to show up in loaded plugins right now even though the debug log claims it loaded it?  :banghead:

Solved, I guess.  Since my machine is pretty pristine, I had to statically link the CRT into my plugin or the plugin wouldn't truly load.



I have the code for the 'Delphi' version of the plugin and all I do is rename the built LEDWizControl.dll to LEDWizControl.mplugin and mala finds it when it is the plugin folder ok.  I don't know about C++
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 21, 2006, 01:00:30 am
I do believe I have the next version working now.  Changes include:


I may still have to work out what the best way is to invoke the UltraMap program.  Currently you basically have to install it in your MaLa folder.   >:(

I'm a little sleepy right now so I will post more details/where to get the plugin tomorrow.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on October 21, 2006, 02:32:12 am
Sorry to throw in this newbish interjection, but what are plugins used for in mala and what exactly is this one attempting to accomplish?

Another bonus is Developers/users can develop plug-ins for hardware or other features without the MaLa main code being altered or SWINDUS necessarily being involved.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: swindus on October 21, 2006, 03:47:00 am
Then, spend about 3.5 weeks generating all of your .ugc files
There must be a way to autogenerate this for most games, no? Maybe not for an oddball like Q-Bert, but most 4/8/analog.
Another way to solve this:
Check if a file for a rom exists and if not use a default file for this game like the mala.ugc file.

EDIT: forget it ...  ;)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: swindus on October 21, 2006, 03:50:55 am

Yeah, I know.  :-)

How familiar are you with the plugins?  I'm having some difficulties getting my plugin to show up in loaded plugins right now even though the debug log claims it loaded it?  :banghead:

Enable the debug log in MaLa and watch the log. There are a lot of information about loading the plugins. To show your plugin properly in MaLa implement the PluginName and PluginCopyright function.

EDIT: Hmm, I should read the complete thread before posting ....
Good work fatfingers!  :applaud:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 21, 2006, 11:37:25 am

This plugin is now working very well for me.  If there is anyone out there that would like to give it a try, I'd like to see how it works on someone else's machine before I send it out to the masses.  Please PM me if you're interested in giving this a go.

Thanks!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Aurich on October 21, 2006, 01:14:51 pm
I haven't ordered my Ultrastiks yet, so I can't beta test or I'd offer to, but I just wanted to voice my appreciation for your efforts. :)

Your solution now sounds very reasonable, as you can leave the default Mala map as an 8-way and then only deal with the occasional oddball ROM that needs some settings tweaks or missing info added.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: gamecreature on October 21, 2006, 01:39:39 pm
Same here - I'm hoping to get some ultrastiks and then I'll be looking forward to adding this functionality to my cab!  ;D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 21, 2006, 02:08:31 pm
I haven't ordered my Ultrastiks yet, so I can't beta test or I'd offer to, but I just wanted to voice my appreciation for your efforts. :)

Your solution now sounds very reasonable, as you can leave the default Mala map as an 8-way and then only deal with the occasional oddball ROM that needs some settings tweaks or missing info added.

Same here - I'm hoping to get some ultrastiks and then I'll be looking forward to adding this functionality to my cab!  ;D

Thanks guys!  Let me know when you're ready!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: kkingsto on October 26, 2006, 08:54:29 pm
Just tried this.. Got an error saying the file was not a valid plugin???
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on October 26, 2006, 09:06:48 pm
Just tried this.. Got an error saying the file was not a valid plugin???

You have to pay SWINDUS

[DR EVIL VOICE]   One Million Dollars  [/DR EVIL VOICE]    :laugh2:

Sorry I am in a weird mood....  I can't help as its fatfingers code
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 27, 2006, 09:56:45 am
Just tried this.. Got an error saying the file was not a valid plugin???

Sorry about that.  If you read the whole post I ran into the same issue when I tried it at home.  The issue is one of C Runtime DLLs existing or not existing on your machine.  I have solved this issue in the latest plugin.  However, I have not posted that plugin yet as I have been waiting for beta testers before posting for general availability.  If you're willing to give beta testing a shot (this plugin works like magic on my machine), then please let me know.  The one caveat is that I cannot set you up until I get home and I will not be home until Sunday at the earliest.

Oh, one last thing, I have now removed the plugin attachment from the first post.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Aurich on October 27, 2006, 12:42:20 pm
The cab my UltraStiks are going into is still bare MDF, don't wait on me, I'm not likely to be ready to test anything for another month or two at best. :)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 27, 2006, 02:15:14 pm
The cab my UltraStiks are going into is still bare MDF, don't wait on me, I'm not likely to be ready to test anything for another month or two at best. :)

No problem.  Just waiting for anyone to volunteer.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: kkingsto on October 27, 2006, 03:25:46 pm
The cab my UltraStiks are going into is still bare MDF, don't wait on me, I'm not likely to be ready to test anything for another month or two at best. :)

No problem.  Just waiting for anyone to volunteer.

I'll volunteer.   I've got 2 ultrastiks.  I've already set one up and going to do the other one sometime this weekend.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 27, 2006, 03:33:03 pm

I'll volunteer.   I've got 2 ultrastiks.  I've already set one up and going to do the other one sometime this weekend.


Great, I can hopefully send you the package Sunday night.  If not then, Monday.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: kkingsto on October 29, 2006, 03:30:43 pm

I'll volunteer.   I've got 2 ultrastiks.  I've already set one up and going to do the other one sometime this weekend.


Great, I can hopefully send you the package Sunday night.  If not then, Monday.


OK...
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 29, 2006, 07:17:28 pm

I'll volunteer.   I've got 2 ultrastiks.  I've already set one up and going to do the other one sometime this weekend.


Great, I can hopefully send you the package Sunday night.  If not then, Monday.


OK...

PM sent with query on how to send the package to you.

Thanks!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: kkingsto on October 29, 2006, 08:16:45 pm

I'll volunteer.   I've got 2 ultrastiks.  I've already set one up and going to do the other one sometime this weekend.


Great, I can hopefully send you the package Sunday night.  If not then, Monday.


OK...

PM sent with query on how to send the package to you.

Thanks!


PM sent... 
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on October 29, 2006, 09:37:01 pm

I'll volunteer.   I've got 2 ultrastiks.  I've already set one up and going to do the other one sometime this weekend.


Great, I can hopefully send you the package Sunday night.  If not then, Monday.


OK...

PM sent with query on how to send the package to you.

Thanks!


PM sent... 

Package sent
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: kkingsto on November 03, 2006, 08:03:40 pm
Been playing around with the plugin for a few days.   It works great!!!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on November 03, 2006, 10:06:37 pm
Been playing around with the plugin for a few days.   It works great!!!


Good News  ;D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: javeryh on November 05, 2006, 06:35:30 pm
Wow - great thread!  I'm looking at a Ultimarc 360 right now and this would be a perfect solution!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Popcorrin on December 16, 2006, 11:29:48 am
Was this plugin ever released?  I would like to try it out but I didn't see where to download it.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 16, 2006, 02:55:37 pm


Funny you should ask today.  I just sent a message to swindus today so he can post the plugin for download.  When he has it posted, I will update this message with details.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 17, 2006, 05:54:08 pm
I have it on good word loadman's word  ;D that Swindus is MIA.  So, I have attached the plugin and instructions to this message.  I hope that's not a misuse...when Swindus returns and posts the plugin I will remove these attachments.

The first one is a .txt file of installation/usage instructions.  The 2nd one is a .rar file that must be renamed (just remove the .txt from the end of it).

Let me know how things go!


Edit: That didn't work (renaming rar file) so I removed the attachments.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Donkey_Kong on December 17, 2006, 07:08:11 pm
WOW! I just realized this "Ultra Utility's" existance Fatfingers! I haven't been over here in the software dept. for a LONG time! Fatfingers you could maybe post a link from Hardware reviews posts and Main posts about Ultra Stiks so that more U 360 owners would become aware of it! It seems really neat.

Also, Am I understanding it correctly that you need a host for the files for this U 360 plugin/application files? I might be able ot help there...Not sure though if that is what you need.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 17, 2006, 07:31:23 pm
OK, thanks to the generosity of loadman, the plugin and instructions may be downloaded from the following links:

Plugin (http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/plugins.html#UltraStik)

Thanks loadman!  :cheers:




Edit: url updated to mala plugins page

Edit: Thanks to loadman for temporarily hosting the files!



Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 17, 2006, 07:59:41 pm

Hi Donkey_Kong!  Thanks for the offer to host the files.  Loadman has generously offered his site up for the time being.  I think Swindus plans to host them long term.  If something doesn't work out for the long term, I will contact you about hosting!

Cheers!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: javeryh on December 18, 2006, 11:42:24 am
I can't wait to try this out.  I received my U360 and I plan on using Mala as my FE in a "vertical only" cab I'm building now.  This is an amazing idea - It will be so nice to switch from Galaga to 1942 to Q*Bert seamlessly!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 18, 2006, 12:25:12 pm
I can't wait to try this out.  I received my U360 and I plan on using Mala as my FE in a "vertical only" cab I'm building now.  This is an amazing idea - It will be so nice to switch from Galaga to 1942 to Q*Bert seamlessly!

Indeed, it is a wonderful thing.  Please let me know how it works out for you.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Popcorrin on December 18, 2006, 12:35:18 pm
Well done fatfingers.   :applaud:  I have been playing with this and it seems to work flawlessly. 

One question,  if I am not mistaken, you need to create a ugc for not only the master but clones also if you want to override what is in mame, is this correct?

Thanks
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 18, 2006, 01:26:15 pm
Well done fatfingers.   :applaud:  I have been playing with this and it seems to work flawlessly. 

One question,  if I am not mistaken, you need to create a ugc for not only the master but clones also if you want to override what is in mame, is this correct?

Thanks

Yes, you must also create .ugc files for clones -- the .ugc files must match the rom name (if you want specific maps for a game).


Great to hear it is working well!


Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on December 19, 2006, 07:14:01 pm
Looks like SWINDUS has posted your Plug-in on the MaLa site now

 :applaud:


Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 19, 2006, 07:29:22 pm

YAY Swindus!   :cheers:

I have updated the links above to now point to MaLa's plugin page.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 26, 2006, 01:38:53 pm

I would like to hear from a few people that have tried this to know how it worked for them (and to know if anyone has downloaded it at all).

Thanks!

 :cheers:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 26, 2006, 07:07:42 pm
FF, just got a U360 for Christmas (my wife is the best!), and I'll be trying the plugin this week.   :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 26, 2006, 11:54:42 pm
FatFingers,
Does the UltraMap program still need to be installed in the Mala folder?  I changed the PATH variable to include where I have UltraMap installed, but it's not working.  The plugin shows up in Mala, but it's not changing the maps.     ???
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 27, 2006, 09:52:57 am
FatFingers,
Does the UltraMap program still need to be installed in the Mala folder?  I changed the PATH variable to include where I have UltraMap installed, but it's not working.  The plugin shows up in Mala, but it's not changing the maps.     ???

The plugin needs to be in the MaLa folder, but not the UltraMap program.  Please tell me where the UltraMap program is installed and show me your PATH variable just to be sure everything is set up right.

Oh, you did stop and then restart MaLa after changing your PATH, right?

Oh, and your UltraStik(s) show up in the device manager and game controllers and test out fine otherwise?

I will be away for a couple of days, so sorry if I am slow in responding after this.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 27, 2006, 10:55:43 am
FF,
The path to the UltraMap software is:  C:\Program Files\UltraMap

I then went to Windows XP system properties and changed the Path variable to include the path above (semi-colon, then the path).  See the attached pic for where I changed the path.  Is there a path variable within MaLa that I need to change or is this the correct one?

>Oh, you did stop and then restart MaLa after changing your PATH, right?<
Yup!

>Oh, and your UltraStik(s) show up in the device manager and game controllers and test out fine otherwise?<
Yup!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 27, 2006, 11:14:55 am
Also, does it matter that I'm using Mame .103?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Popcorrin on December 28, 2006, 10:40:33 am
    I didn't see anything wrong with it, so I went ahead and put the ultramap program in my mala folder.  I did try changing the path first but I wasn't successful in getting it to work this way.  With the program in the mala folder everything worked great. 
   
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 28, 2006, 11:59:43 am

Ninten-doh: That is the appropriate place to edit the path.  When I get home we'll try to work through it together (making sure everything is installed in the right place, etc.).  First, however, how do you know that the maps are not being applied properly?  Do you get an error from UltraMap?  As long as MaLa fully supports MAME .103 then I don't see why that should matter.

Popcorrin: Did you try the plugin with UltraMap in its own directory first or just go directly to installing in the same directory?

Thanks guys!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 28, 2006, 01:59:34 pm
Popcorrin, FatFingers, thanks for looking into this. 

FF, I know the maps are not being applied because I'll open up UltraMap and load a "4 way" map.  Then, I'll open up MaLa and try to play an 8-way game like Golden Axe.  An 8-way map should load for Golden Axe and it should play fine, but when I play it, it will only let me move 4-way. 

If I manually load an 8-way map in UltraMap, then load Mame from the command line (no MaLa), Golden Axe plays correctly in 8-way.  I've tried this out with a variety of different games and it always loads the game with the UltraMap that was last manually loaded.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 28, 2006, 02:45:59 pm

Odd.  But, the good news is that UltraMap is working fine and your sticks are responding to it.   Working out the plugin issue should not be too hard.  Is there a phone number I can reach you at (assuming my cell is charged)?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 28, 2006, 03:45:55 pm
Fatfingers, will you be available tomorrow?  I'm actually at my in-laws sneaking a peak at the forum every once in awhile today.  ;D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 28, 2006, 03:52:54 pm
Fatfingers, will you be available tomorrow?  I'm actually at my in-laws sneaking a peak at the forum every once in awhile today.  ;D

heh...I too am at my in-laws (on dialup!!! eww!!!!) sneaking a peak.  Yes, tomorrow would likely work much better for me.

Let me know.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 28, 2006, 03:56:14 pm
Hehehe, enjoy the day.  I'll PM you with a time and phone # for tomorrow later.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on December 28, 2006, 05:54:19 pm
... No No  I 've been following this thread.  :'(

Please post the result  ;)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Popcorrin on December 28, 2006, 07:36:14 pm


Popcorrin: Did you try the plugin with UltraMap in its own directory first or just go directly to installing in the same directory?

Thanks guys!



I first tried it with ultramap in its own directory and I could not get it to work.  I only tried for a little bit.  I couldn't see any problem with have the ultramap software in the mala folder so I did this instead.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 28, 2006, 09:44:29 pm


Popcorrin: Did you try the plugin with UltraMap in its own directory first or just go directly to installing in the same directory?

Thanks guys!



I first tried it with ultramap in its own directory and I could not get it to work.  I only tried for a little bit.  I couldn't see any problem with have the ultramap software in the mala folder so I did this instead.


 :cry:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on December 28, 2006, 10:46:06 pm


Popcorrin: Did you try the plugin with UltraMap in its own directory first or just go directly to installing in the same directory?

Thanks guys!



I first tried it with ultramap in its own directory and I could not get it to work.  I only tried for a little bit.  I couldn't see any problem with have the ultramap software in the mala folder so I did this instead.


 :cry:



Sounds like you need a Logger option or a Pop Up Window (like my serial Plug-in) to de- bug.  To See what the Plug-in is trying to do.

Chances are it's a simple working directory issue (best guess anyway)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 28, 2006, 11:11:59 pm
FatFingers,
Like Popcorrin, I installed UltraMap in the MaLa folder and now it works like a charm.   :applaud:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 29, 2006, 07:38:57 am

Can we still get together today and check out why it wasn't working in a separate folder?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 29, 2006, 11:47:25 am
FatFingers,
I would be happy to help troubleshoot.  I'm sending you my contact info via PM.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 29, 2006, 07:03:06 pm


Popcorrin: Did you try the plugin with UltraMap in its own directory first or just go directly to installing in the same directory?

Thanks guys!



I first tried it with ultramap in its own directory and I could not get it to work.  I only tried for a little bit.  I couldn't see any problem with have the ultramap software in the mala folder so I did this instead.


Popcorrin:  Any chance you are using a shortcut to start MaLa?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on December 29, 2006, 07:10:45 pm
I first tried it with ultramap in its own directory and I could not get it to work.  I only tried for a little bit.  I couldn't see any problem with have the ultramap software in the mala folder so I did this instead.


Popcorrin:  Any chance you are using a shortcut to start MaLa?

[/quote]

If so it could be the same issue I had with the 'speech' plug-in. You can either add the path into the 'start-in' section of your short-cut or fat-fingers can re-code to set the working directory.

See this thread:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=59589.msg593164#msg593164 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=59589.msg593164#msg593164)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 29, 2006, 10:27:10 pm

I would like to extend my thanks to Ninten-doh for his help in debugging his issues today.  He spent a ton of his "free" time working with me.  Unfortunately I still have not tracked his issue down, but am hopeful we are getting close.

Thanks Ninten-doh!  :cheers:  :cheers:  :cheers:  :notworthy:  :notworthy:  :notworthy:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Ninten-doh on December 29, 2006, 10:57:42 pm
FF, you're totally welcome!  It's the least I can do to "give back" to you and the other programmers who come up with these great free programs and plug-ins.   :applaud: :applaud: :applaud:

Good news is the latest beta you sent me is just about perfect!  A minor(?) desktop flicker when exiting games is the only remaining issue I seem to have.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: Popcorrin on December 30, 2006, 09:57:51 am


Popcorrin: Did you try the plugin with UltraMap in its own directory first or just go directly to installing in the same directory?

Thanks guys!



I first tried it with ultramap in its own directory and I could not get it to work.  I only tried for a little bit.  I couldn't see any problem with have the ultramap software in the mala folder so I did this instead.


Popcorrin:  Any chance you are using a shortcut to start MaLa?



I am not using a shortcut to start MaLa.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 30, 2006, 10:48:35 am

Popcorrin:  Any chance you are using a shortcut to start MaLa?



I am not using a shortcut to start MaLa.


 :timebomb:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: headkaze on December 30, 2006, 06:14:27 pm
If so it could be the same issue I had with the 'speech' plug-in. You can either add the path into the 'start-in' section of your short-cut or fat-fingers can re-code to set the working directory.

I'm not sure if this is of any help, but when writing dll's it's handy to be able to get the path to it so you can work with files in the same folder. Check out Delphi tip#98 (http://www.scalabium.com/faq/dct0098.htm).
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: fatfingers on December 30, 2006, 06:27:03 pm

Delphi, Delphi, Delphi...who are you people?!?!?   ;)

Thanks.  The next version of the plugin is already written and will include the ability to know what directory the dll is running in (oh, and to find maps for clones so you don't need maps for each clone, just the master!).



Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8
Post by: loadman on December 31, 2006, 04:26:50 am
Delphi, Delphi, Delphi...who are you people?!?!?   ;)

Fatfingers uses C++ I think?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 18, 2007, 09:17:51 am


Version 1.1 of this plugin is now available for download from here (http://mala.arcadezentrum.com/plugins.html#UltraStik).

The major feature of this release is that now you don't have to have a game-specific map for all clones of a game!  For example, if you have a qbert.ugc file, now that file will also work for the qberta.ugc rom, etc.

Search order for maps is:

rom name .ugc file
if a clone of a rom, the clone of rom name .ugc file
control specific .ugc file (2way, 4way, etc.)


Enjoy!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Ninten-doh on January 23, 2007, 01:03:56 pm
FF, does the plugin work with other emulators?  For example, if I install Daphne, will it work if I create maps for each Daphne game or is the plugin MAME specific?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 23, 2007, 04:03:28 pm
FF, does the plugin work with other emulators?  For example, if I install Daphne, will it work if I create maps for each Daphne game or is the plugin MAME specific?

I didn't write it to be MAME-specific so who knows.  I would be willing to help you work through any issues you might have.

The plugin itself does not care what the emulator is as long as MaLa is sending the correct rom name info to the plugin.  Please let me know how I can help!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: edge on January 23, 2007, 04:39:13 pm
fatfingers - not sure what mala sends for controller info on non-mame emulators, but... since most other emulators have one config for the entire platform (ie, all atari2600 games are 8 way, etc), you could potentially allow the user to create generic cfgs for each emulator.  ?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 23, 2007, 06:02:14 pm

I most certainly could.  If an emulator is going to go with only one controller, this should be easy for me to do.  I would just have to have the plugin listen to emulator switches and apply emulator named files at that time, I suppose.  Hmmm...but would still want the mala map while in mala, so maybe it's not that straightforward, but I could try something.

Ninten-doh: Is this something that would work for you?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Ninten-doh on January 23, 2007, 06:26:21 pm
Absolutely, though I'm not sure off-hand if all the Daphne game are 4-way like Dragon's Lair and Space Ace.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 24, 2007, 09:23:07 am

I'll see what I can do.  However, it may take a while as I don't have Daphne installed and I'll need that for testing.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on January 27, 2007, 07:23:44 pm
Why can't I get this to work?  What path do I have to change, pics would be great?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 28, 2007, 09:49:20 am
Why can't I get this to work?  What path do I have to change, pics would be great?


 :dunno

Did you follow the instructions in the installation document?  Does the plugin show up in the MaLa options plugin tab?  Do any of the maps work?  Just some?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on January 28, 2007, 10:07:23 am
The plugin does show up but nothing is working.  The last step in the instructions say you have to change a path, what path am I changing?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 28, 2007, 11:39:22 am

Oh, that is the Path environment variable.  If you don't know how to do that, perhaps this link (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000549.htm) will help?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on January 28, 2007, 03:30:37 pm
ok, thanks.  So I just set the path to the file I downloaded from the Utimarc site?  I never done this before.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 28, 2007, 03:34:00 pm
ok, thanks.  So I just set the path to the file I downloaded from the Utimarc site?  I never done this before.

The file you downloaded from the Ultimarc site is an installation program.  Run the installation program and make note of which directory you chose to install it into (the default is fine, but make a note of it).  Then, after that is installed edit the PATH environment variable to contain the directory you installed the program into.   Follow the PATH variable editing instructions in the link I posted above.

All should work after that.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Aurich on January 29, 2007, 03:05:48 pm

Oh, that is the Path environment variable.  If you don't know how to do that, perhaps this link (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000549.htm) will help?

You should include that link in the text file with the plugin, I had no idea how to do that either. :)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 29, 2007, 04:08:56 pm

Oh, that is the Path environment variable.  If you don't know how to do that, perhaps this link (http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000549.htm) will help?

You should include that link in the text file with the plugin, I had no idea how to do that either. :)

I will try to remember to include instructions for this in the next release.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 29, 2007, 04:19:29 pm

Aurich, how has your luck been with the plugin?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Aurich on January 29, 2007, 05:47:05 pm

Aurich, how has your luck been with the plugin?
Actually I just tried to get it working today for the first time, and after reading that link have it up and running. :) It seems to work great, thanks so much for writing this for the community.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 29, 2007, 06:26:56 pm

Aurich, how has your luck been with the plugin?
Actually I just tried to get it working today for the first time, and after reading that link have it up and running. :) It seems to work great, thanks so much for writing this for the community.

That's great news!  Thanks!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 30, 2007, 09:42:26 am
ok, thanks.  So I just set the path to the file I downloaded from the Utimarc site?  I never done this before.

The file you downloaded from the Ultimarc site is an installation program.  Run the installation program and make note of which directory you chose to install it into (the default is fine, but make a note of it).  Then, after that is installed edit the PATH environment variable to contain the directory you installed the program into.   Follow the PATH variable editing instructions in the link I posted above.

All should work after that.



I just wanted to report that squirellydw's problems have been solved.  He had a misplaced directory and needed to enable joysticks in his mame.ini.  To do this, edit mame.ini and change 'joystick 0' to 'joystick 1'.

Enjoy!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: boboli on January 30, 2007, 10:49:16 am
I have followed all instructions but I cannot get this working.

I installed UltraMap and edited my Path variable. I see the plugin within MaLa. Do I have to create .ugc files for each game? I thought MaLa would default to some configuration based on type of game? Where does MaLa get that information (to default to).

I tried the following:

Run UltraMap and map to 2 way left/right
Run MaLa and open PacMan - joys are stuck to 2 way/left right

If I change map within UltraMap, everything works fine - I just can't get it to work on the fly with the UltraStikMap plugin.

I've tried this with Mame 1.08 and Mame 1.11, and with the latest release of MaLa and the plugin.

Thanks
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 30, 2007, 10:56:57 am
I have followed all instructions but I cannot get this working.

I installed UltraMap and edited my Path variable. I see the plugin within MaLa. Do I have to create .ugc files for each game? I thought MaLa would default to some configuration based on type of game? Where does MaLa get that information (to default to).

I tried the following:

Run UltraMap and map to 2 way left/right
Run MaLa and open PacMan - joys are stuck to 2 way/left right

If I change map within UltraMap, everything works fine - I just can't get it to work on the fly with the UltraStikMap plugin.

I've tried this with Mame 1.08 and Mame 1.11, and with the latest release of MaLa and the plugin.

Thanks


Does the plugin show up in the MaLa options->plugins tab?  Make sure it does.  If it does, then follow the directions below:



I will look at the file and see what issues you might be having.



Edit: You do not have to create map files for each game.  MaLa tells the plugin what control type the game uses (along with rom name, clone of name, etc.).  The plugin then uses that information to determine which map file to use.  Once the map file is determined it is checked for existence.  If it exists, it is applied.  The maps need to be in a Maps subdirectory of the MaLa directory.  So, if your MaLa directory is C:\MaLa, then your maps directory is C:\MaLa\Maps.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: boboli on January 30, 2007, 11:07:01 am
Thanks, I'll check this when I get home.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on January 30, 2007, 11:14:22 am
ok, thanks.  So I just set the path to the file I downloaded from the Utimarc site?  I never done this before.

The file you downloaded from the Ultimarc site is an installation program.  Run the installation program and make note of which directory you chose to install it into (the default is fine, but make a note of it).  Then, after that is installed edit the PATH environment variable to contain the directory you installed the program into.   Follow the PATH variable editing instructions in the link I posted above.

All should work after that.



I just wanted to report that squirellydw's problems have been solved.  He had a misplaced directory and neede to enable joysticks in his mame.ini.  To do this, edit mame.ini and change 'joystick 0' to 'joystick 1'.

Enjoy!



Thanks for the help FF, I am going to try to hook up all 4 u360s and my iPac tonight and test everything.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 30, 2007, 11:18:20 am
Thanks, I'll check this when I get home.

[homer simpson]
Mmmmmmm...boboli   ;D
[/homer simpson]

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 30, 2007, 11:19:19 am
Thanks for the help FF, I am going to try to hook up all 4 u360s and my iPac tonight and test everything.

Good Luck!   Let me know if you need more help!  :cheers:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Dmod on February 13, 2007, 03:34:07 am
So, if your MaLa directory is C:\MaLa, then your maps directory is C:\MaLa\Maps.

Fatfingers,

Thanks for the great plugin and the support on this thread.  I had some problems and it turned out my maps directory was in the wrong place.  This thread and the tip on umapper.log got me going.

Once installed correctly, it works like a champ!  Really getting the most out of the U360s now and loving it.

-D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on February 13, 2007, 09:38:49 am
So, if your MaLa directory is C:\MaLa, then your maps directory is C:\MaLa\Maps.

Fatfingers,

Thanks for the great plugin and the support on this thread.  I had some problems and it turned out my maps directory was in the wrong place.  This thread and the tip on umapper.log got me going.

Once installed correctly, it works like a champ!  Really getting the most out of the U360s now and loving it.

-D


Dmod,

Glad to hear it!  It seems lots of people are having issues with the location of the Maps directory.  In the next version I will try to incorporate some feedback I have received on the doc into the doc.  Hopefully that will clear up some of the confusion.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on February 20, 2007, 03:03:18 pm
God I can't wait to try this.  This is EXACTLY what the UltraStiks need to function like a true all-in-one solution.  I need to hurry up and finish my cab!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Space Fractal on March 22, 2007, 09:09:11 pm
I have looked around mala, just because I would use this plugin with my new UltraStik.

I did have similar problems to install the problems about plugins and map, but i did get this to work after found this thread again.  :D.

Maybe you should create a little install wizard on this one to make sure to get it installed correct? Here it was maps folder placed wrong.

I also found a another little quirk:
4way45degree.ugc point to a wrong name, wich it should point to "4-Way, Diagonals Only.um", wich was installed by UltraMap.

Another thing:
I'm diddent like why you need to update your path, since you can add ugc as a extension for Ultramap in Explorer. So if you run mala.ugc. Windows should start Ultramap.exe automatic when trying to run that file.

This is more commen way to do.

Otherwice an path.ini would also been fine.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Chris G on March 25, 2007, 04:08:15 pm
<BUMP> Keeping this on the radar for all the U360'ers out there - don't miss this!

Just wanted to say thanks to Fatfingers for writing this plugin and for the great support.

 :cheers:
Chris
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on March 31, 2007, 03:25:37 pm
I have 4 U360s and when I an in Mala I an use two of them to navigate but the other two I can not.  No big deal except the one u360 I want to use I can't, any idea how to change this?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 01, 2007, 10:24:57 am
I have 4 U360s and when I an in Mala I an use two of them to navigate but the other two I can not.  No big deal except the one u360 I want to use I can't, any idea how to change this?

Hi squirrelly,

This is relatively easy to change.  I have the *.ugc files set up for only two joysticks, so that's why only two of your sticks work.  To make all four of yours work, edit each of your *.ugc files (in the Maps directory) and copy the content from the joystick 1 (or two) line into the joystick 3 and 4 lines.  If that's not clear enough, let me know!

Edit: I'm not sure if MaLa supports 4 joysticks for navigation???  I didn't read your post carefully and thought you were saying the 3rd and 4th joysticks didn't work right during game play...
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on April 01, 2007, 11:28:44 am
The sticks work fine in game play, and I have already edited the .ugc files.  I don't need all 4 joysticks for navigation but the one I want to use I can't.  Any idea?  Maybe modify the plugin or is it more of a mala issue?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 01, 2007, 10:08:11 pm
The sticks work fine in game play, and I have already edited the .ugc files.  I don't need all 4 joysticks for navigation but the one I want to use I can't.  Any idea?  Maybe modify the plugin or is it more of a mala issue?

It is a MaLa issue since MaLa only recognizes two joysticks, to the best of my knowledge.  I'm assuming the two joysticks MaLa recognizes are ID 1 and ID 2, but I'm not certain.  Sorry I cannot help.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on April 02, 2007, 09:40:37 am
Actually it is ID1 and ID4 and I want it to be 1 and 3.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 02, 2007, 12:17:21 pm
Actually it is ID1 and ID4 and I want it to be 1 and 3.

 :dunno  Shows you what I know...

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on April 02, 2007, 02:37:39 pm
I even tried to change the ID but it didn't work for some reason.  Goingto try again though.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 02, 2007, 04:36:14 pm
I even tried to change the ID but it didn't work for some reason.  Goingto try again though.

I suggest you ask someone smart like Swindus or (gasp  ;D) loadman!   ;)

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: loadman on April 02, 2007, 07:31:44 pm
I even tried to change the ID but it didn't work for some reason.  Goingto try again though.

I suggest you ask someone smart like Swindus or (gasp  ;D) loadman!   ;)


Hmmm At a guess I would have said that is dependent on Windows...  So maybe install in a different order?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on April 02, 2007, 08:11:43 pm
So unplug, restart and plug in one at a time?  Any idea if I should plug the one I want to use in first or last?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 02, 2007, 08:26:28 pm
So unplug, restart and plug in one at a time?  Any idea if I should plug the one I want to use in first or last?

To continue with the guessing I would say first (so therefore, it is probably last  :badmood:).

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Space Fractal on April 03, 2007, 06:00:57 am
I have to say is mala have a bad joystick support, since it only support 2 joysticks and 12 buttons each, so it have very touch limits here. Nothing fatfingers can do here.

You can instead try to remap these problem joystick to keyboard, using a joy2key software?
http://www.electracode.com/4/joy2key/JoyToKey%20English%20Version.htm

This is what I did.



Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on April 03, 2007, 09:42:37 am
Quote

Hmmm At a guess I would have said that is dependent on Windows...  So maybe install in a different order?
So unplug, restart and plug in one at a time?  Any idea if I should plug the one I want to use in first or last?

To continue with the guessing I would say first (so therefore, it is probably last  :badmood:).


Thanks guys it worked,  I pluged in the two I wanted to use first and it worked.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 03, 2007, 10:36:52 am
Thanks guys it worked,  I pluged in the two I wanted to use first and it worked.


How are you going to handle reboots?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on April 03, 2007, 02:17:33 pm
Thanks guys it worked,  I pluged in the two I wanted to use first and it worked.


How are you going to handle reboots?

I rebooted once and all is still good.  See what happens tonight
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on April 03, 2007, 02:59:15 pm
Thanks guys it worked,  I pluged in the two I wanted to use first and it worked.


How are you going to handle reboots?

I rebooted once and all is still good.  See what happens tonight

Cool.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: loadman on April 03, 2007, 07:31:10 pm
 :applaud:

and thanks for the Tip 'Space Fractal / Denmark' I will put that in the MaLa Wiki
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on June 16, 2007, 09:00:16 am
Hey fatfingers can you help me out with this?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67724.0
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on June 17, 2007, 09:12:42 am
Hey fatfingers can you help me out with this?

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=67724.0


Reply posted.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on June 30, 2007, 08:48:51 am
I'm having trouble editing the "path" to get this working.   When I follow the instructions up until the edit part I'm not sure what to do next.  Do I just add a semicolon to the end of what's there and then c:\programfiles\ultramap (it's the folder where the ultramapper is installed)?

Any help would be great.  Thanks!   :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 01, 2007, 08:16:26 am
I'm having trouble editing the "path" to get this working.   When I follow the instructions up until the edit part I'm not sure what to do next.  Do I just add a semicolon to the end of what's there and then c:\programfiles\ultramap (it's the folder where the ultramapper is installed)?

Any help would be great.  Thanks!   :cheers:

Yes, that is exactly what you do.  Except, the path you need to add probably has a space between program and files.  This is probably what you want to add:

Code: [Select]
;C:\Program Files\UltraMap

If you still cannot get this to work let me know.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 01, 2007, 08:28:48 am
Thanks.. I'll try right now and post the results in 5 minutes...
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 01, 2007, 08:42:35 am
OK, it didn't seem to work.  After I make the change and launch MaLa I get an error message saying:

Cannot find Unistik game configuration file named:
C:\Documents and Settings\Bella\My Documents\Arcade\MaLa v 1.0 R

When I go to make the change to the path this is what I do:

right click on My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced Tab -> Environment Variables -> then I select "path" under system variables - > Edit

The line that comes up to edit says "%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\system32\Wbem" and then I add ";C:\Program Files\UltraMap" to the end of that line.

I'm probably missing something obvious - any help to get this working is most appreciated!  Thanks!!    :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 01, 2007, 09:07:25 am
OK, it didn't seem to work.  After I make the change and launch MaLa I get an error message saying:

Cannot find Unistik game configuration file named:
C:\Documents and Settings\Bella\My Documents\Arcade\MaLa v 1.0 R

When I go to make the change to the path this is what I do:

right click on My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced Tab -> Environment Variables -> then I select "path" under system variables - > Edit

The line that comes up to edit says "%SystemRoot%\system32;%SystemRoot%;%SystemRoot%\system32\Wbem" and then I add ";C:\Program Files\UltraMap" to the end of that line.

I'm probably missing something obvious - any help to get this working is most appreciated!  Thanks!!    :cheers:

Please do the following for me:


Thanks.

 :cheers:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 01, 2007, 09:50:35 am
What kind of file should umapper.log be?  I made a wordpad file and it didn't do anything...  how do I create it?  Sorry for being so clueless!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 01, 2007, 06:33:16 pm
What kind of file should umapper.log be?  I made a wordpad file and it didn't do anything...  how do I create it?  Sorry for being so clueless!

[confused mode]
That should have been just fine.
[/confused mode]

 :dizzy:

Edit:  Are you sure you put it in the MaLa directory?  Like C:\Program Files\MaLa?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 01, 2007, 08:16:53 pm
I'll try it again... My MaLa folder is the default name... MaLa v1.0 RC9 and it's not in program files - I installed everything in the "Bella's Documents" folder - I'm not sure it matters but I thought I'd let you know.  I just opened wordpad and saved the file as umapper.log.  I'll post the results!  Thanks for all your help with this.   :cheers:

I just thought of something - is this compatible with RC9?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on July 01, 2007, 09:26:37 pm
make sure you are showing file extensions.  Just thought I would mention that incase its named umapper.log.somethingelse

yes its compatible, mine works fine now after a little help from FF
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 02, 2007, 09:37:01 am

It is definitely compatible with RC9 -- I use it all the time.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: swindus on July 02, 2007, 09:41:42 am

It is definitely compatible with RC9 -- I use it all the time.

Jep, works great here too!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 02, 2007, 10:11:32 am
make sure you are showing file extensions.  Just thought I would mention that incase its named umapper.log.somethingelse

yes its compatible, mine works fine now after a little help from FF

This is what I'm afraid of - how do I show file extensions?  I'm pretty sure the file is actually named "umapper.log.wpd" or something like it.  I will work this out tonight.   :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 02, 2007, 11:36:09 am

OK, open an explorer window and browse to the MaLa directory.  Then, right click and choose New->Text Document.  Then type in the name of the file (umapper.log) and say yes I want to change the file extension when it asks if you want to.

All should be good.

Stupid windows...

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on July 02, 2007, 02:57:15 pm
To show ALL file extensions open my computer, choose tools from the top menu, folder options, view, make sure there is NO check next to "hide extensions of known file types
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 02, 2007, 03:05:07 pm
Stupid windows...
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on July 02, 2007, 03:12:08 pm
Stupid windows...


yup, I will take my Mac anyday
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 02, 2007, 10:52:31 pm
OK, thanks to all of your help I was able to create the umapper file.  It has been sent to your gmail account.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 03, 2007, 08:45:06 am
OK, thanks to all of your help I was able to create the umapper file.  It has been sent to your gmail account.

I have sent a reply to your account and have attached a new plugin that will hopefully fix your issue.

Let me know how it goes!!!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 03, 2007, 09:07:49 am
Wow awesome - thanks a lot!!  Grr... now I have to wait like 10 hours to try it...

Was there something different/unexpected in the umapper.log file that wouldn't ordinarily appear?  As soon as I get home I'm going to install the new plugin and change the path... :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 03, 2007, 09:32:26 am
Wow awesome - thanks a lot!!  Grr... now I have to wait like 10 hours to try it...

Was there something different/unexpected in the umapper.log file that wouldn't ordinarily appear?  As soon as I get home I'm going to install the new plugin and change the path... :cheers:

Uh...change what path?

The thing I noticed is that some strings were getting chopped off due to buffer sizes so I increased the sizes.  Hopefully I can get that new version released soon-ish.  I've really had it ready for a long time except for the documentation which I cannot seem to get right (I know too much about the plugin).  So, if anyone cares to write a good document for installing the thing and how it works, let me know.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: javeryh on July 04, 2007, 11:00:10 pm
Wow awesome - thanks a lot!!  Grr... now I have to wait like 10 hours to try it...

Was there something different/unexpected in the umapper.log file that wouldn't ordinarily appear?  As soon as I get home I'm going to install the new plugin and change the path... :cheers:

Uh...change what path?

The thing I noticed is that some strings were getting chopped off due to buffer sizes so I increased the sizes.  Hopefully I can get that new version released soon-ish.  I've really had it ready for a long time except for the documentation which I cannot seem to get right (I know too much about the plugin).  So, if anyone cares to write a good document for installing the thing and how it works, let me know.



Don't I have to add ";c:\program files\ultramap" to the path in "my computer -> properties -> advanced -> environment variables"?

Sorry I haven't had a chance to test it yet - my wife just gave birth yesterday and we've bee a little busy!   :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on July 04, 2007, 11:30:11 pm
congrats
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on July 05, 2007, 12:05:13 am

Yeah!  Congrats!!!

And yes, you do have to add that to your path -- I just thought you already had done that.

See you in a few years!!!   :laugh2:

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on August 25, 2007, 06:27:29 pm

It has come to my attention that the qbert map file is missing from my package -- sorry.  It isn't clear to me which file is missing, so I'm posting two of them here.  The qbert.txt file must be placed in the Maps folder under the Mala tree and be renamed to qbert.ugc.  The 4-Way, 45 Degree Angle.txt file must be placed in the Maps folder under the Ultramap tree and be renamed to 4-Way, 45 Degree Angle.um.

Enjoy and sorry.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: ARTIFACT on August 25, 2007, 08:34:36 pm
you rule fatfingers!!!

because of you my cab is going to rock

BTW could someone confirm whether or not this plugin is needed or if recent mame versions automatically do it? i just love how games feel right now and i dont want to uninstall it to test for myself ;)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: ARTIFACT on September 11, 2007, 11:56:28 am
for some reason moving the joystick has no effect in qbert ... before i had d the new map files above, it would error but still work as a regular 8 ways stick

now with the correct map files ... no errors programming the stick any more BUT qbert does not move... :(

what is going on?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: squirrellydw on September 11, 2007, 02:13:30 pm
works fine for me, did you put the files in the correct directory?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on September 11, 2007, 05:52:38 pm
for some reason moving the joystick has no effect in qbert ... before i had d the new map files above, it would error but still work as a regular 8 ways stick

now with the correct map files ... no errors programming the stick any more BUT qbert does not move... :(

what is going on?

Please post the mala and ultramapper debug log files.


Edit: Oh yeah, and make sure you don't have some funky settings in the mame interface for the qbert game.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: ARTIFACT on September 11, 2007, 07:11:31 pm

Edit: Oh yeah, and make sure you don't have some funky settings in the mame interface for the qbert game.


OK how do I delete thsoe settings and go back to defaults, in case that is the issue - I did go thru that once to try to fix it.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on September 12, 2007, 09:50:15 am

Edit: Oh yeah, and make sure you don't have some funky settings in the mame interface for the qbert game.


OK how do I delete thsoe settings and go back to defaults, in case that is the issue - I did go thru that once to try to fix it.

I believe you have to delete the qbert.cfg file.  But I'm not certain.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: ARTIFACT on September 12, 2007, 05:26:03 pm
i did that... no control in qbert at all... :(
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on September 12, 2007, 06:30:12 pm

Time to post umapper.log then.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: ARTIFACT on September 12, 2007, 06:40:03 pm
ok, will do as soon as i get a chance - thanks!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: ARTIFACT on September 12, 2007, 09:30:19 pm
i dont know how, but it is working all of a sudden... a glitch in the marix perhaps!

thanks :)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: gatordad on November 26, 2007, 10:43:05 pm
Just bought some ultra sticks and I will be drilling my cp next week, can't wait to try this out.
People like you and ideas like this is why I enjoy this site so much. Thank you for your efforts FF
Regards
GD
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on November 30, 2007, 01:35:58 pm

No problem!  Hope it all works for you!

 ;D

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: gatordad on January 03, 2008, 12:15:50 pm
I originally had some issues "error on stick 3" but as it turns out I had stick 3 checked in the ultramap progam  :banghead:, once I figured out how to change that all is good. Thanks for this excellent tool.  :cheers:
The path thing required some reading but I figured it out thanks to this thread.

Suggestion, could you update the instructions to make the path step a little clearer. I was confused as I never did anything like that before. It might help others.
Thanks again!
Regards
GD
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on January 04, 2008, 07:33:35 pm


Yeah, I keep meaning to update them, but I never do it.  Procrastination isn't really a good enough of a word....

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: koolmoecraig on January 05, 2008, 05:01:15 pm
I can't get your plugin to show up in the Mala.

What exactly do I need to the variable string?

thanks
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: koolmoecraig on January 05, 2008, 05:19:49 pm
My mala.exe is in C:\mala

My ultramapper is also in C:\mala

What EXACTLY do I need to put in the path variable????

Thanks much!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: kegger on January 05, 2008, 06:06:53 pm
If you have ultramapper in the root of mala then it should work like that at least it did for me
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: koolmoecraig on January 05, 2008, 06:08:06 pm
But don't I have to tell ultramapper what to do?  It doesn't show up in the plugin list under mala.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: kegger on January 05, 2008, 06:15:41 pm
the plugin has to be put in "C:\mala\plugins\" then go into mala options pick plugins and you should see it
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: koolmoecraig on January 05, 2008, 06:44:00 pm
Fixed.

Thanks.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: koolmoecraig on January 07, 2008, 12:06:28 am
Getting Q*bert working is driving me nuts.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: gatordad on February 02, 2008, 09:53:38 am
Question
Plugin works great when no additional gamepads are present but.....
When I plug in additional gamepads (2 wireless x box for windows) the ultrasticks no longer respond in mame.(they work in windows)
It seems that the u360's get bumped from position 1 and 2 to 3 and 4.
Any Ideas how to keep everything happy and working.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on February 02, 2008, 05:55:27 pm

I believe you are just stuck with the problem due to how Windows handles the USB Ids.  Sorry.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: pie taster on March 08, 2008, 09:29:36 am
..moving to it's own thread...
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Twin-X on May 10, 2008, 04:40:58 pm
for some reason moving the joystick has no effect in qbert ... before i had d the new map files above, it would error but still work as a regular 8 ways stick

now with the correct map files ... no errors programming the stick any more BUT qbert does not move... :(

what is going on?

I have the same issue can anyone enlighten me on this?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: arzoo on May 10, 2008, 06:15:59 pm
for some reason moving the joystick has no effect in qbert ... before i had d the new map files above, it would error but still work as a regular 8 ways stick

now with the correct map files ... no errors programming the stick any more BUT qbert does not move... :(

what is going on?

I have the same issue can anyone enlighten me on this?

This worked for me...
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=77964.msg830468#msg830468 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=77964.msg830468#msg830468)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: Twin-X on May 10, 2008, 07:10:43 pm
Thanks for helping me out Arzoo!!!
Will try this one.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8 Version 1.1 now released (1/18/07)
Post by: fatfingers on June 24, 2008, 01:55:09 pm

I updated the front page entry today to reflect the current download location and to make it sound like the plugin is not so tough to use.

Look for an update that supports per-emulator map files to come soon!  (And it will also have an installation program in hopes of lessening confusion during installation).

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on July 01, 2008, 09:09:40 am
Version 1.2.03 is released and available for download from the MaLa plugins page.  For more information on the new version, including a download link, please see the first post in this thread (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=59334.msg585334#msg585334).

As always, let me know if something doesn't go well.

Thanks all!



Edit: I'm sure you're all wondering...1.2.03?  Where did 1.2.00, 1.2.01, and 1.2.02 go?  Well, let's just say a certain programmer I know makes lots of errors.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: nukedawg on July 01, 2008, 01:09:23 pm
Where did 1.2.00, 1.2.01, and 1.2.02 go?  Well, let's just say a certain programmer I know makes lots of errors.

Thanks for all your hard work, it is much appreciated!! The plugin works betta than ever now! wooT!  :applaud:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: fatfingers on July 01, 2008, 04:33:17 pm
Where did 1.2.00, 1.2.01, and 1.2.02 go?  Well, let's just say a certain programmer I know makes lots of errors.

Thanks for all your hard work, it is much appreciated!! The plugin works betta than ever now! wooT!  :applaud:


Oh, how could I forget?  A BIG thanks goes out to nukedawg for the relentless testing he did for me!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: nukedawg on July 01, 2008, 04:51:58 pm
 ;D any time, glad I could help
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on July 10, 2008, 09:20:46 pm

Is anyone using this new version (1.2.03)?  Any luck?  Any bad luck?

Thanks!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: loadman on July 15, 2008, 02:47:11 am

Is anyone using this new version (1.2.03)?  Any luck?  Any bad luck?

Thanks!



Maybe they are so happy and satisfied they have no need to browse the forums for solutions anymore  :P
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: csa3d on July 15, 2008, 09:39:07 am

Is anyone using this new version (1.2.03)?  Any luck?  Any bad luck?

Thanks!



With the limited playtime since you've released this update, everything on my system seems to be working as I'd expect.  The GUI setup installed all the maps and things in the right place (from what I can tell), and it was actually the first time I was able to play QBert using the diagonals.

So far, my only complaint is that it appears that map switching sometimes takes a long time to finish, sometimes it happens faster.  During this uploading time, there is no indication that you've selected a game correctly from the Mala list, as all the map loading happens before the "launching" box pops up.  Because there is no indication a game has been chosen, I've found that company starts button mashing and asking if they are choosing correctly.

Maybe an optional pop-up or something would help with this?  Other then that, seems good on my end.  I did not have this plug-in loaded prior to installation btw.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: fatfingers on July 21, 2008, 03:17:56 pm

Is anyone using this new version (1.2.03)?  Any luck?  Any bad luck?

Thanks!



With the limited playtime since you've released this update, everything on my system seems to be working as I'd expect.  The GUI setup installed all the maps and things in the right place (from what I can tell), and it was actually the first time I was able to play QBert using the diagonals.

So far, my only complaint is that it appears that map switching sometimes takes a long time to finish, sometimes it happens faster.  During this uploading time, there is no indication that you've selected a game correctly from the Mala list, as all the map loading happens before the "launching" box pops up.  Because there is no indication a game has been chosen, I've found that company starts button mashing and asking if they are choosing correctly.

Maybe an optional pop-up or something would help with this?  Other then that, seems good on my end.  I did not have this plug-in loaded prior to installation btw.

I'm glad to hear you can now play Q*Bert properly and that things are generally well.  I suppose I could pop up a box saying 'programming stick(s)' or something, but I'm not sure most people would want that.  Unfortunately, I cannot speed up the programming part of the process as that is actually UltraMap that is doing the programming, not my plugin.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: TexFlood on September 14, 2008, 02:14:54 pm
I recently upgraded my MAME computer and installed this awesome plug-in on my new machine and had one snag that I thought I would post here for others who may have a similar setup.

If you have 4 UltraStiks installed and you have UltraMap set up to require all 4 UltraStiks, you'll get an UltraMap error when the plug-in runs on Mala startup and shutdown.  To fix this you need to edit the .ugc files in the Mala\Map folder and add the entries in for joysticks 3 & 4.

fatfingers - great plug-in :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: Bender on September 14, 2008, 06:54:43 pm
Just wanted to say thanks for all you work on this!! :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on September 15, 2008, 12:02:37 pm

Thanks, guys.  I'm glad it's working for you. 

I've never been sure what to do about the number of joysticks to support out of the box.  I've always thought 2 seemed good, but I wasn't sure.  I wonder what will happen if I just set all the files to have all 4 in them?

Hmmm...

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: Bender on September 16, 2008, 11:02:37 pm
how does this plugging handle other emu's? is there a way set a map for a specific emu? say for example analog for project64 and 4-way for NES
and if you make your own map how do you incorporate that?

*EDIT* I figured it out. just pick or edit the maps through the ultramap utility and "save as" the emulator name

I think it would be cool to somehow have a test mode or something like that. That way you could see what actual map is loading. I wouldn't want it be there all the time, but it would be helpful to turn on during set up or for troubleshooting
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa 1.0RC8+ Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08
Post by: fatfingers on September 17, 2008, 11:28:51 am

I think it would be cool to somehow have a test mode or something like that. That way you could see what actual map is loading. I wouldn't want it be there all the time, but it would be helpful to turn on during set up or for troubleshooting

create umapper.log in the MaLa directory when you want to see what the plugin is doing.  No need to restart MaLa.  Then, when you don't want to see what's happening anymore, remove umapper.log.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: Bender on September 17, 2008, 02:20:44 pm
sorry if this sound stupid, but how does one create a umapper.log?
Please keep in mind I'm new to the software end of things
Thanks!
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on September 18, 2008, 10:44:36 am

Right click on Start menu and choose Explore.
The Explorer window pops up.
Navigate to the MaLa directory in the Explorer window.
In the right hand panel (inside the MaLa directory), right click and choose New --> Text Document
The name of the document is highlighted: Change it to umapper.log and hit enter.
Answer 'Yes' to the dialog that asks if you want to change the extension (it sounds bad, but it's not).
You're all set.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: TheShanMan on October 27, 2008, 11:30:31 pm
Fatfingers (or anyone), how do I get mapper to launch ultramap with "/errorgui:never"? I have swappable panels, and when I remove my ultrastik panel and put in a different panel, I get an ultramap error on game start and game end, and each time I have to go to task manager and kill the task to make it go away (or pull out my mouse).

Unfortunately I'm probably going to have to disable the mapper plugin and resort to leaving the sticks in analog mode until I have a way to do this. :cry:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 09:54:40 am

I'll try to put that into the next version?  But....should that be the default???
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: TheShanMan on October 28, 2008, 04:43:55 pm
Well it should be the default for me! ;D But whether most people would want that I don't know. It's kind of a toss up. On the one hand, in a cab you don't want to get message boxes thrown up on the screen, but on the other hand if an error happens you probably want to know about it. Actually the command line does have an option for a time-limited error message. Perhaps that should be the default.

I got the command line info here (http://www.ultimarc.com/UltraMap_ChangeLog.htm). /errorgui:2.5 will dismiss the dialog after 2.5 seconds, and it can be anywhere in the range of 0-60.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 04:54:05 pm

My current thinking is I will just put up an options text field that you can fill in for whatever options you want passed to UltraMap.  By default this will be blank, but anything you type in there will be passed along on the command line.


Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: TheShanMan on October 28, 2008, 04:58:54 pm
Works for me! I'll be happy to re-enable the plugin!

Speaking of enabling the plugin, did you know loadman added a function for plugins which, if implemented, tells the plugin to enable or disable itself? He added a way to disable plugins in the mala options dialog. I assume it would be easy to implement this in your plugin, so you might consider doing that while you're at it. But I know you're busy with baby so that's a "last priority" item for sure! Mainly just wanted to make you aware of it if you weren't already.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 07:14:51 pm

Hmmm...I did miss that....I knew he was talking about it....but didn't see it was implemented.


Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: loadman on October 28, 2008, 07:41:03 pm

Hmmm...I did miss that....I knew he was talking about it....but didn't see it was implemented.


Not yet  ;)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: TheShanMan on October 28, 2008, 07:44:59 pm
Yeah, LEDBlinky already has it. Seeing loadman's reply, I guess I should clarify - it's in the beta.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 08:08:20 pm

Soo....when I run 'ultramap <somemapname> /errorgui:never' with no sticks plugged in, I still get errors?????

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 08:21:21 pm

Hmmm...that must have been because I had 'require joystick to be present' checked?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: loadman on October 28, 2008, 08:33:05 pm
Yeah, LEDBlinky already has it. Seeing loadman's reply, I guess I should clarify - it's in the beta.

Just to clarify:

LedBlinky has the 'config' enabled.

It would not have the Enabled/ Disabled set to work with mala yet as I have not set what the function is going to be yet  ;)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 08:41:20 pm

:)

OK.  My next version will also have the config in it.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: TheShanMan on October 28, 2008, 10:03:18 pm
Sorry, I guess I got config and enable mixed up. :-[

fatfingers, I feel bad. When I started seeing that error and I looked for a way to silently fail, my natural inclination was to look for command line parameters, which led me to find the /errorgui parameter. Turns out you are right - all I needed to do was uncheck my sticks in the ultramap gui, and my problem is solved. So I apologize for inadvertently leading you down a path that was unnecessary. Maybe the ability to specify parameters is useful for other reasons? :dunno (just hoping something positive can come from it)

Now, it appears that there is a significant delay if the sticks aren't plugged in, presumably because ultramap is trying to find them. I might have to check in with Andy to see if there's any possibility of getting ultramap to not look so hard. :) Otherwise I may ultimately implement a mechanism for detecting which swappable panel is installed, at which time it would be cool if I could programmatically disable the mapper plugin.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.2.03 now released (7/1/08)
Post by: fatfingers on October 28, 2008, 10:07:04 pm

No problem -- having the options able to be specified is still a good idea.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on January 30, 2009, 09:25:37 am


Hi All,

Version 1.3.00 of this plugin is now available.  I have updated the first post in this thread (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=59334.msg585334#msg585334) with instructions for how to get the plugin.

The major changes for this version are that maps are properly applied for vertical joy2way controls and the plugin now has a configuration window.  This configuration window can be seen by selecting the plugin in the MaLa configuration window and selecting configure.  Most people will never have to change anything in this screen, but it is there for the few that would ever have to.

As always, let me know if something seems awry.

Enjoy!

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Ummon on January 31, 2009, 09:49:14 pm


Hi All,

Version 1.3.00 of this plugin is now available. 

Don't you mean 1.3.01 or something?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on February 01, 2009, 03:42:06 pm

No, you had/have 1.3.00 alpha.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Ummon on February 02, 2009, 06:54:00 pm
But 1.3.00 came out a month or so ago. Maybe you were just re-iterating?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on February 03, 2009, 07:07:23 am

Nope.  You had the alpha.  I have not released 1.3.00 until now.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Ummon on February 04, 2009, 09:13:00 pm
Ahhh. Since there was no difference in number, I was making sure. Groovy.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Kayden on April 06, 2009, 05:56:25 pm
Hi fatfingers,

I have a question for you concerning UltraStik Mapper.  Is there a way to have it apply a map when returning to Mala?

I set my second U360 to be a mouse, but as soon as I start a game that game's map is applied and then I'd have to manually reset the second U360 back to mouse.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on April 07, 2009, 06:59:14 am
There is already a map for this.  It is called mala.ugc.  All you should have to do is edit it and change it to say mouse (or whatever the real name of the mouse map is) instead of the 4-Way that is already in there.  Let me know if you need more instructions.

Good luck.


Edit: OR....if you never actually use your 2nd joystick in-game, modify all of the *.ugc files so that the game map is only set for the 1st joystick.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Kayden on April 07, 2009, 09:08:34 am
I think I understand what you mean, but wont that mean that the second stick will be a mouse in games where it needs a 4 way stick?  I want it to be a mouse in Windows and Mala but change to what ever stick the game needs... which it does, but it doesn't turn back.

In the plugin window, it says the mapper supports a bunch of events like Mala start, Mala quit, game quit, and game start, but when you click on the configure button, all you can do is set paths.  Not to be a needy nancy, but could you make it so we could configure what happens on those different events? 
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on April 07, 2009, 10:41:24 am
If you want it to only be a mouse inside of mala, then do the first part I suggested: edit the mala.ugc file and leave the joystick 1 entry as 4-way and set the joystick 2 entry to mouse.

[edit: typo]

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Kayden on April 07, 2009, 10:47:25 am
Oooooooh.    :D  I'm slow.

Thanks.  =D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on April 07, 2009, 11:20:39 am

No problem.  Let us know if you get it to work or not.

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Kayden on April 09, 2009, 01:57:52 pm
It kinda worked.

I setup Default, Mala and Malaexit as P1 Analog and P2 Mouse.  I saved them in both mala/Maps and mame/maps.
When I start Windows, P2 is a mouse.  When Mala launches, P2 doesn't work.  When I launch a game, P2 is whatever the game wants.  When I quit the game, P2 is the mouse.  When I quit Mala, P2 is the mouse.

So, I don't know what the deal is, but for the P2 mouse to work in mala, I have to leave a game first.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: fatfingers on April 09, 2009, 04:09:07 pm

mame/maps can be removed.  The plugin does not use that.

So, the only thing that does not work is P2 mouse when MaLa first starts?

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Kayden on April 09, 2009, 04:48:11 pm
Correct.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: ragnar on September 24, 2010, 11:49:44 pm
How does this plugin determine which ugc file to use?  There has to be a data file somewhere.

and where are these ugc files located because all that comes with ultramap are the um files.  There are no ugc files installed with ultramap...
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Gray_Area on September 26, 2010, 05:47:58 am
How does this plugin determine which ugc file to use?  There has to be a data file somewhere.

and where are these ugc files located because all that comes with ultramap are the um files.  There are no ugc files installed with ultramap...

Ultramap has a 'maps' folder. There should be stock maps in the UM (Ultramarc proprietary, apparently) format. The plug-in doesn't need to know these, though.

I understand the plug-in's function as follows: at plug-in installation, it simply finds/asks for the directory of UltraMapper. When a game is launched, the plug-in is told what configuration to use, and cues Ultramapper by way of the ugc files.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: piecesof8 on December 23, 2010, 08:30:54 am
Just wanted to bump this thread to thank fatfingers for this excellent plugin!  :cheers:
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: loadman on December 23, 2010, 06:06:32 pm
Just wanted to bump this thread to thank fatfingers for this excellent plugin!  :cheers:

He is a good man alright.

Here is FatFingers and myself on a trip I had to the U.S a couple of years ago

Can you work out who is who?

(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88608.0;attach=117201;image)

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Gray_Area on December 23, 2010, 08:25:56 pm
ff has been missing for a while, though.
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: piecesof8 on December 23, 2010, 11:09:44 pm

Can you work out who is who?

(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88608.0;attach=117201;image)



Wow, that's a tiny pic. You on the left, fatfingers on the right? I'm squinting at it trying to tell whose fingers look fatter.  ;D
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: loadman on December 23, 2010, 11:16:46 pm
Can you work out who is who?
(http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=88608.0;attach=117201;image)
Wow, that's a tiny pic. You on the left, fatfingers on the right? I'm squinting at it trying to tell whose fingers look fatter.  ;D

EHHHH

No I am on the right , closest to the enter key on the laptop keyboard  ;D

Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Gray_Area on December 28, 2010, 12:51:34 am
Wow, that's a tiny pic. You on the left, fatfingers on the right? I'm squinting at it trying to tell whose fingers look fatter.  ;D

Well, you know how girls get about pictures. (I josh of course!)
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Blueic5 on January 07, 2015, 10:03:26 am
hi
Can anyone advise how I can find out if this plugin is working , I cant seem to find any form of log file or config within Mala?
Title: Re: UltraStik Mapper plugin for MaLa Version 1.3.00 now released (1/30/09)
Post by: Lakersfan on December 30, 2018, 01:27:33 am
Is there somewhere I can download the latest version of this? The links are broken.