Randy, when you use the software in the non-interactive mode and you have 2 gpwiz49's will it just change both automatically? I figure it does but just checking.
Thanks Randy!
I'm planning to order my 4 later tonight.
Now if someone can just figure out an easy way to have automatic switching...
(Now we just need miniwah to come back from holiday and intergrate support for the program)
(Now we just need miniwah to come back from holiday and intergrate support for the program)
I was thinking about this earlier... it should be fairly straight forward to get this working for the vast number of games now without really doing anything to mamewah. I think that you can use the control type from mame as a commandline arg. I know this is not as accurate as controls.ini but will do for now. Then build a .bat file that can call the gpwiz utility with the correct number. Then call this before mame is called for each game. I'm going to take a look at doing this but don't know how soon I will get to it as I have not hooked up the sticks yet.
In the future it would be great if minwah can parse out the control.ini file for a more accurate version of this but I think this will be a decent stop gap for mamewah users.
Troz, do you know if gpwiz49 you have has the new firmware on it? It has to have the new firmware for it to work I think.
Randy, is it possible to find out what firmwire revision is on each of the devices? Could my Device #1 have the old firmware on it?
I must have missed something in one of the other threads.
It was added at Kremmit's request.
Hey, I just had a thought.. This isn't a requirement, but since it's all software based, would it be possible to handle the "up-is-up" vs. "up-is-towards-the-monitor" dilemma some people face? Can you switch between the two via software?
All is working for me now. I hooked up a second joystick and the programming worked on my Device #1 as well as the second device. Now to re-design my panels and get all 4 hooked up...
Hey, I just had a thought.. This isn't a requirement, but since it's all software based, would it be possible to handle the "up-is-up" vs. "up-is-towards-the-monitor" dilemma some people face? Can you switch between the two via software?
Can't this be solved by mounting the stick the way you really want it? Or do you mean some people prefer both in different situations?
Hi Randy,
here's an interesting idea (if possible):
- give the user the ability to create their own grid map.
Why not allow for one custom mapping? If most people will like the defaults, they just might want one custom mapping for something.
Besides, didn't we have this discussion already?If it keeps coming up, as a seller that should tell you something...
Besides, didn't we have this discussion already?If it keeps coming up, as a seller that should tell you something...
big yellow buttons are cool
How do I know JoeB is or isn't a customer? He's the one who brought it up. So maybe a customer did bring up suggestion? How would I know.
Ok, is there only one way to do the task? Usually there is more than one solution. Just a suggestion man. With how defensive you get it seems like you don't even want to bother with it instead of seeing if there is an elegant solution.
Why not allow for one custom mapping?
so it's basically adding a function for the hard core users as opposed to the real target for this productNot true, he added the 16way which was based of one person's opinion.
Following up on the Linux support question, Randy can you provide the lowlevel API (IOCTL commands I'm assuming) documentation to how the app works so that FE authors wanting a built in solution, or other platform users can implement this as well?
so it's basically adding a function for the hard core users as opposed to the real target for this productNot true, he added the 16way which was based of one person's opinion.
I don't think the customizeable layout a bad request, I just think the product needs some time to mature first. That may be a great addition to future generations of the product, but he should be able to put out the product now and reap the rewards of such a novel idea for the community. If he were to consider every idea for the product before he even has time to sell it an make his costs back and continue to operate his company, he'd be working on a never-ending product, and would have a number of unhappy customers who were trading product back for newer features.
Unless you use the product, you can't possibly know what is needed or even beneficial. So far, I haven't received one complaint from users, in fact all of them are about as tickled as can be with the performance of the unit.Okay, let me chime in on a few things here. I also said that I thought it would be good to add a couple of "user-defined" modes, at least as an expansion option to the product. I thought this would require an additional software package to make, define, and save the modes. Whether he adds it or not is RandyT's call. I agree that it probably is nothing I would use (other than just to mess with b/c I could), if I owned the product.
I guess I don't understand how some people can be that way, lock out ideas completely and never look at them again. It's how you learn by trying out new things.You might keep in mind that when the product was released, RandyT was unable to program it through the USB port. This was added entirely as a result of user requests. So it's not that he's ignoring his customers, just choosing which requests to honor.
If he were to consider every idea for the product before he even has time to sell it an make his costs back and continue to operate his company, he'd be working on a never-ending product. . .That would be almost like building an arcade cabinet, then . . . oh, wait . . .
You might keep in mind that when the product was released, RandyT was unable to program it through the USB port.
I have two good reasons for not getting it right now. The product isn't stable enough, there's been firmware upgrade, new features, etc. I knew that was going to happen as it seemed like the product was rushed to market without much testing, especially with the responses given in the 15 page thread. It's like buying a new car, try and avoid the first year/version as it has bugs. So as a consumer I am going to wait for the actiont o settle down.
I ordered mine last night because I think it is at a point where it's okay.
Hey Randy.
Any chance of getting a couple of 49-ways and a GP-Wiz49 to Kevin over at Retroblast for an in-depth review? ;)
Why so that He can say that someday it might be a contender? Unless of course Randy wrote slikstik on the box ;)I was looking for the proper way to say that!!!! Thanks!!!
If you want to know why it probably won't happen, refer to this:Why so that He can say that someday it might be a contender? Unless of course Randy wrote slikstik on the box ;)I was looking for the proper way to say that!!!! Thanks!!!
can you summarize that because I tried reading it and it just makes my head hurtMonkeybomb NAILED it with the "might be a contender" comment. He didn't say it sucked, but he left out a LOT that should have been mentioned, added faults that weren't faults, etc.
I gathered that Kevin's review was less than perfect.
Did he dis' the KeyWiz badly or just leave out some things he should have mentioned?
Did Kevin ever reply at all?Not that I'm aware of.
Did Kevin ever reply at all?
Man.. this stinks..
You guys just ruined my opinion of RetroBlast! >:(
After Tiger-Heli wrote his response Kevin did provide a link to it on his front page.I missed that, but I rarely go to the front page. But yeah, it's a decent site, but Kevin muffed that one, badly.
I Hopefully someone from the Linux or Mac camp will join the cause and we can get that taken care of because I'm not the guy for either of those two platforms.Ahhh, theres my answer :-\
RandyT
Randy, I don't remember anyone saying that the GPWIZ49 was not 'up to snuff' in anyway....I believe RandyT's comment is based on SirPoonga's earlier comment, quoted below. I also agree with Randy, for the most part, more to come. . .
I have two good reasons for not getting it right now. The product isn't stable enough, there's been firmware upgrade, new features, etc. I knew that was going to happen as it seemed like the product was rushed to market without much testing, especially with the responses given in the 15 page thread. It's like buying a new car, try and avoid the first year/version as it has bugs. So as a consumer I am going to wait for the actiont o settle down. The second is I don't have a 49way of my own yet...
I just want to make sure something is understood here (it seems to be by most, but it appears there may be a few stragglers)Understood by me, and I fully agree.
The GP-Wiz49, as it was originally released, was bug-free and fully tested. It did exactly what it was designed to do, even if some had different opinions of what it should do.
Don't confuse a manufacturer upgrading a product and writing a new application resulting in increased functionality with no additional increase in price with "unstable or inadequately tested " firmware. The two are worlds apart.
In fact, unless you are running Windows . . .And USB doesn't work under DOS, so the above is probably at least 85% of your target market.
BTW, I'm finding that unless a frontend is going to do it for you, the button combos are much easier/quicker to execute for the changeover, at least if you only need to do it for one stick.Randy, do you see any funky way to wire the second board up so it is "slaved" to the first board, so executing the button combos for board one will change both sticks? (I'm guessing not by the language of your post.
Just something to keep in mind if the constant jumping between the app and your front end starts to make you weary while you wait for the FE's to catch up. :)I have some hints on how to make it work with the current FE's at the end of the the 15-page thread, starting with this message (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,32747.msg308595.html#msg308595)
And USB doesn't work under DOS, so the above is probably at least 85% of your target market.
Read my post again. The GP-Wiz49 won't work with DOS (USB device) so it's target market doesn't include DOS users. I was saying that Windows-users were 85 percent of the target market. If I had to guess, I would say that about 12% of the remaining use Linux and about 3% Mac.QuoteAnd USB doesn't work under DOS, so the above is probably at least 85% of your target market.So you are saying that 85% of people here use a non windows/linux system.
Thats why mamewah and the like are so unpopular because they only support windows.
The only reason to run dos now is for smaller stripped down cabs, I've got one for vertical games only running advmame .92 with advmenu.
But my other 2 mame cabs run xp.
USB devices are here to stay, and dos is dying at a good pace, i.e. no more offical dos mame anymore.
Unless you use the product, you can't possibly know what is needed or even beneficial. So far, I haven't received one complaint from users, in fact all of them are about as tickled as can be with the performance of the unit.
...I am currently using only 1 unit and the software is working fine. All combinations were tested, and no issues were found.
Wow I just saw this! I cannpt believe you can sell something so versitile so cheap! Can anyone comment on how these things work in 2 way, 4 way , diagonal mode?See the original 15-page introductory thread, but I haven't heard ANYONE who has used them complain about them. Toonces posted (in a different thread) that they worked better in Donkey Kong than the T-Stick Plus which is a true restricted 4-way if that gives you any idea.
The only bad thing... and not really a bad thing at all... Is the 16 way (or whatever) that was designed to give a solution for 720 doesn't work that well.
Please, let's be clear on the 16-way mode. It was not "designed as a solution for 720."IIRC, Kremmit wanted it for 720, and another member wanted it for an Intellivision controller (but I don't remember who the Intellivision guy was).
Wow I just saw this!
Yes buy it from Randy.
Day 1: I saw the sale at happs for 25 and bought 2 of them.
Day 4: I bought the encoders.
Day 5: I got my shipping invoice from happs.
The first thing the software will do is look at your system to see how many GP-Wiz49 interfaces it can find. These will be indicated by the LED display at the lower right of the screen turning yellow for each one it enounters. If you want to re-scan for interfaces, clicking on the LEDs will start that process anew.
After your selections have been made, you may then hit the "GO" button in the lower right corner of the screen. The LED display at the lower right corner of the screen will then change the LED color to green as each interface is set. When complete, the software will exit.This will allow you to "turn off" software mode control and re-enable manual button switching by leaving all DRS Mode Icons unselected and clicking the "GO" button."GPWIZ49.exe 1
GPWIZ49.exe 2
...and so on.
Should a 0 option be added to allow manual switching.Randy, I am redaing the readme file and some questions have come up.I started reading the entire thread, got my answer to this one, but not the other questions.Code: [Select]The first thing the software will do is look at your system to see how many GP-Wiz49 interfaces it can find. These will be indicated by the LED display at the lower right of the screen turning yellow for each one it enounters. If you want to re-scan for interfaces, clicking on the LEDs will start that process anew.
After your selections have been made, you may then hit the "GO" button in the lower right corner of the screen. The LED display at the lower right corner of the screen will then change the LED color to green as each interface is set. When complete, the software will exit.
So the software sends the DRS Mode to all connected joystick in automatic mode too?
So the software sends the DRS Mode to all connected joystick in automatic mode too?
Code: [Select]This will allow you to "turn off" software mode control and re-enable manual button switching by leaving all DRS Mode Icons unselected and clicking the "GO" button."
Does that mean if I turned a DRS mode on I can not use the manual button switching technique?
If so then:Code: [Select]GPWIZ49.exe 1Should a 0 option be added to allow manual switching.
GPWIZ49.exe 2
...and so on.
Another question.... when you call the program from commandline, is there any way to disable the graphic that pops up?
I have 5 lollitops and two 49-way sticks. I can't get anything to fit, and it's a QC problem at Happ to the best of my knowledge at this point after talking to Randy and much grief over the issue.
The other problem with the 49-way joystick I have experienced is that the grommet does not return to center perfectly. I experienced this as letting go of the joystick in donkey kong, and mario doesn't stop, and I die. Sucks.
That's one reason I'd like control of the 7x7 map is to broaden the dead zone to exclude a 3x3 inside grid for no movement instead of a 1x1 grid.
That's why I ask, if you use the software in automatic mode is there a way to take it softwareware selection mode. A user might want to override a setting from the frontend if they are debugging a problem. But you are right, other than that you are only going to use one or the other.QuoteCode: [Select]This will allow you to "turn off" software mode control and re-enable manual button switching by leaving all DRS Mode Icons unselected and clicking the "GO" button."
Does that mean if I turned a DRS mode on I can not use the manual button switching technique?
No. It means that if a DRS mode is activited via the software the unit goes into a software selection only mode until it is de-activated by the software (or the unit is powered down). This allows the continued use of the "shift" button without concerns that someone could unknowingly switch the joystick mode.
...
But some may find it desireable to use both methods and may not have a mouse or trackball handy.
Would 4 49 Way sticks mean 4 cables coming out of the CP?
If I decided on 4 sticks, 4 GP 49 Way PCBs and 4 ball tops, could I get the ball tops installed on your end?
Would 4 49 Way sticks mean 4 cables coming out of the CP?
If I decided on 4 sticks, 4 GP 49 Way PCBs and 4 ball tops, could I get the ball tops installed on your end?
The goal is a dedicated cocktail table for Mutant Storm. 49 Way pseudo-analog is more than enough directions for this game. I'm not confident that my old CH Mach 3s will survive hacking.
Add me to the list of people who would love to see a silent (ie no UI) version of the GPWiz software!Me as well. Thanks!
The other problem with the 49-way joystick I have experienced is that the grommet does not return to center perfectly. I experienced this as letting go of the joystick in donkey kong, and mario doesn't stop, and I die. Sucks.
That's one reason I'd like control of the 7x7 map is to broaden the dead zone to exclude a 3x3 inside grid for no movement instead of a 1x1 grid.
This approach would be somewhat counter productive. One thing you have to keep in mind is that the 49-ways were not designed specifically for what we are doing with them. The slop in the stock sticks can be enough to actuate the first level sensor, especially when coupled with a "stiff" centering grommet. In a normal 49-way game, this would create a very slow (or ignored) movement. In 4-way DRS
This has been discussed before, but. . . .
I don't see how having the option of changing the sensitivity level is "counter productive" or "negatively change the functionality".
The reasons you listed above are the reasons why Ahigh is asking for adding the option of changing the dead zone. He doesn't want to force everyone else to have to have his 3x3 dead zone.
It's more like you're forcing everyone to have a highly sensitive 4-way joystick, even if they would prefer a lower sensitivity (even after fixing the return to center problem). Look at the dozens of joysticks out there, and the past threads in this forum on opinions on which is the best joystick for fighter/shmups/general/4-way/other games.
It might not be that easy though. There are many algorithms that could be used in the 7x7 to 4-way translation, and many of them aren't very open to altering the dead zone size. I don't know which one the gwiz49 uses (nor do I need to), so I don't know if it's open to set-ablity. [shrug]
I know you tested it out, but even if 99% of the people would choose the default setting afterwards (ie: 1x1 deadzone) some people (me included) don't feel good blindly following what other people's reviews say without testing it out the differences themselves to see how well the different setting feel to them.
I don't understand what you're saying. Let me ask you some questions, because maybe I'm dead wrong about what I've been thinking.
I was merely trying to (a) suggest people buy 49-ways from you instead of Happ, and to (b) suggest how you could improve your product.
I hope my comments didn't hit a sore spot and come across as a complaint. Maybe you should re-read my post.
So to answer the above question specifically, what is the answer (anybody, not just Randy).
This has been discussed before, but. . . .
I don't see how having the option of changing the sensitivity level is "counter productive" or "negatively change the functionality".
It's quite simple. If the 4-way mode no longer works well after changing the dead-zone (or tantamount to that, 4-way games do not play well) then it's not really a suitable replacement for a 4-way stick, thus defeating the purpose of the interface.
QuoteThe reasons you listed above are the reasons why Ahigh is asking for adding the option of changing the dead zone. He doesn't want to force everyone else to have to have his 3x3 dead zone.
I disagree completely. No offense intended to Ahigh, but he is asking to overcome a mechanical deficiency by changing the way the interface operates. This would be like trying to add horsepower to your engine because your brakes are sticking and robbing you of speed.
QuoteIt's more like you're forcing everyone to have a highly sensitive 4-way joystick, even if they would prefer a lower sensitivity (even after fixing the return to center problem). Look at the dozens of joysticks out there, and the past threads in this forum on opinions on which is the best joystick for fighter/shmups/general/4-way/other games.
Forcing??? We're getting a little silly now, aren't we?
QuoteI know you tested it out, but even if 99% of the people would choose the default setting afterwards (ie: 1x1 deadzone) some people (me included) don't feel good blindly following what other people's reviews say without testing it out the differences themselves to see how well the different setting feel to them.
So to draw a parallel in the "real world", are you saying that when an engineer designs a laser printer, he should provide a user-option to focus the laser because 1% don't trust that the machine was designed properly?
Or so that those "who like to experiment" can see what awful output it creates when de-focused compared to the proper factory settings, "just so they can be sure it was designed properly"?
The first time someone wrote a review about the blurry text quality of the printer, without understanding the nuances of the focus control, the engineer that provided one would be out of a job.....if the business was around long enough for him to get fired because of it. ;)
I am NOT asking to make the default different from what it is now. Option, Randy, option. If I decided to make it "not play well", it would be my choosing.
::) More like having a car that sometimes accelarates without stepping on the gas.
If I buy Xarcade, I buy clickly-clicks. If I buy your 49-way interface, I buy a high sensitivity 4-way. I have the option of pulling the clicky-clicks, but I don't have the option of pulling the high sensitivity from your interface. And you are the only prebuilt option for 49-way to 4/8-way & analog. Not exactly "force", but "buying into a certain sensitivity" is longer to say.
And good and higher quality color laser and inkjet let you make adjustments to the head alinements, contrast, etc (but usually not focus) in case the default settings aren't the best for whatever reason (such as shipping, manufacturing differences, temperture, humidity, etc). The defaults are "good enough" most of the time, but the adjustments are there anyway. The ones that don't have the adjustments are usually the cheapo "buy for free" trash.
Which is what defaults are for.
Look at the many PC motherboard manufacturers make overclockable MB, even if only 1%-5% buyers continue to overclock after playing with it. Some MBs aren't for overclocking, sure, but most BYO MBs have some level of overclocking.
*However, from what you're saying here, especially from the similes you use, I'm guessing the gwiz49 uses an algorithm that doesn't go well with adjustable levels. At some point I should test wiring a 49-way old school and see if I can get 4-way action with a 3x3 deadzone grid. After I update Analog+. :-[
MAMEwise couldn't you just change the ad_deadzone if you wanted to. Same results.
MAMEwise couldn't you just change the ad_deadzone if you wanted to. Same results.
Did anybody else hear this?
This approach won't work with the DRS
Would the hub need to be powered or would plugging the CP hub into the amplified hub be sufficient?Would 4 49 Way sticks mean 4 cables coming out of the CP?I would use a hub in this instance. We offer a very reasonably priced 4 device unit at the store.
Scores between Ahigh and RandyT are meaningless here.
I STILL haven't gotten past the first level in Donkey Kong.
MAMEwise couldn't you just change the ad_deadzone if you wanted to. Same results.
Did anybody else hear this?
Yes, sorry. Meant to respond, but didn't make it that far.
This approach won't work with the DRS
Would the hub need to be powered or would plugging the CP hub into the amplified hub be sufficient?Would 4 49 Way sticks mean 4 cables coming out of the CP?I would use a hub in this instance. We offer a very reasonably priced 4 device unit at the store.
I don't give out scores
Dumb question...
Will the 16 way circle formation allow you to play 720?