MAME,MaLa,Hypserspin,Instant Sheller,START UP ?

[mike boss]

Hi all,

I've built a MAME cabinet that is up and running.
I'm really happy with it.
It took me along time, but it's done and great.
It can be seen here :
http://www.mymissiontomame.blogspot.com/
I have a second PC set up the exact same way.
They both have tons of free hard drive space and I'm using MAME32(UI).
The controls are wired up via an IPAC and work flawlessly.

I'm thinking that I would like to fill up the hard drives with multiple console emulators and the respected ROM sets.
However I have a few questions.

Will most emulators work with the joysticks and buttons the way MAME does ?
Do most of these programs use the same keys ?
And should I use a front end to go between MAME and the other programs ?

I have an XBOX that is fully "tricked out" with just about every emulator and ROM set I could find.
And its awesome. But I just figured with this stuff so readily available and the space available perhaps I should
give it a shot. I find MAME very easy to use. I have the PC set up so that upon power up it goes right into MAME.
From MAME everything is done via the joystick. I'm just unsure if the same is possible with other emulators.

For what it's worth I'm looking into hiding MAME. I've started to read about instant sheller.

[zorrobandito]

Will most emulators work with the joysticks and buttons the way MAME does ?
Yes. Some by default, some with config tweaking and some with some hacks (it tends to be the Quit key that requires the most hacking). Closemul is a good solution.

Do most of these programs use the same keys ?
Some do, some don't. But most can be configured that way.

And should I use a front end to go between MAME and the other programs ?
Yes. MAME32(UI) is great for MAME but not flash as a front-end for other emus. Use Hyperspin, Maximus, MAMEWah, etc.
(See the 1,000,000 comparison opinion posts on this subject)

[mike boss]

Soooo............I'm the proud owner of a Nintendo cab now !
The idea is to restore it to a DK JR and I can't wait !
I have several projects on the go and soon to start.
I'm looking into several different software options and really excited to see how things turn out.
I'm currently "obtaining" a HUGE build of Hyperspin that is 58GIGS! Not much info on the file.
I'm thinking it's chalked full of EMULATORS and ROMS, but I'm unsure. I'll know when the "obtaining" process is complete.

Looking around these forums is a great source of inspiration. So many amazing cabinets and projects.
The community is truly outstanding. One's options are endless.

For my next project which will be the DK Jr project I'm thinking of trying my hand @ MALA.
Never used it before, but it's obviously a super popular project.
The cabinet and software will be really simple and just run your basic 1 button, horizontal games.
I want to use the skin created and found @ John's Arcade.
http://www.johnsarcade.com/

I've read many people have issues with instant sheller, and all be it I'm not that worried about seeing/hiding windows I thought I would give it a try.
My 1st MAME project http://www.mymissiontomame.blogspot.com/ is very "no frills." It does what I need it to do,but it could be a lot better.
The PC goes into shut down by holding the power button down for a few seconds. My old PC required me (or I should say me with my KNOWLEDGE base)
to go into the coin door, pull out the mouse, and shutdown the PC. I'm hoping that with the DK Jr project I will be able to :

(1) Hide windows using Instant Sheller

(2) Possibly get the PC to display one of these images upon power up.
***** however I'm really not sweating it if it does/doesn't *****



(3) Upon boot up go right into MaLa (which I believe is obtained by using Instant sheller)
***** on my previous project I simply moved the EXE file into the Start Up menu and all has worked ok ! ****

(4) Be able to shut down windows using a simple key press
***** This is the biggie ! I'm really hoping I can obtain this via MaLa ? *****

[loadman]

(4) Be able to shut down windows using a simple key press
***** This is the biggie ! I'm really hoping I can obtain this via MaLa ? *****

Yup, But most FE's can do that 

[mike boss]

Awesome ! Now to just figure out the rest of it.
Thanks

[mike boss]

I'm still a novice when it comes to many things related to this hobby.
Tons of trial and error required.
I want to start moving forward with my latest MAME PC (for my Nintendo cabinet)

http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=146729

Few questions.

Your build of MAME should match your ROM set ? Ie build 1234 you should use ROM set 1234?

I use MAME_UI(32) will that work with MALA ?
Or do I need to find the regualr version of MAME  that would match my ROM set ?

Does anyone know a place where they have game lists compiled ?
Specifically I'd like a list of vertical games that require one button to house in my DK project.

Any info would be great, thanks

[mike boss]

No help with these questions ? (BUMP!)

[headkaze]

Your build of MAME should match your ROM set ? Ie build 1234 you should use ROM set 1234?

Yes

I use MAME_UI(32) will that work with MALA ?
Or do I need to find the regualr version of MAME  that would match my ROM set ?

Yes Mame UI still works from command line

Does anyone know a place where they have game lists compiled ?

I'm not sure about MaLa or HS but I know that GameEx support MameUI game lists. I believe HS supports CLRMamePro lists, so I guess you can generate your own lists using that. Someone else should be able to chime in about MaLa. There are tools that allow you to remove the actual ROMs you don't want from your set, so that is also another option. Check the BYOAC Utilities wiki page.

[mike boss]

I was just turned onto ROMlister the other day.
I read the tutorial and gave it a try.
I ended up creating two list's for it.
One just doing as it says in the tutorial, the
other I pointed to my actual ROM collection
and created. Awesome little program.
I was able to compile a list of 500+ ROM
files that are either 4 way or 8 way and require
no more than the 1 button configuration I
have (or will have) on the DK JR project.
I was also able to save it as a MALA file.
So I believe I should have no issue loading
up these select files in MAME once ready.

Thank you guys for taking the time to help
me out and answer my questions. With each
new project I look to push my personal limitations.
This hobby is filled with great people and great projects.
Some truly insane and by INSANE I mean WICKEDLY AWESOME
projects are to be found in this community.
ROMlister is an example.

For what it's worth when the DK project is done I expect to
have a P4 PC as the main brain. I'm unsure of the speed.
I plan on using the newest build of MaLa as well as the skin
created and available on John's Arcade site.
I'll use my MAMEUI v 124 and ROM set.
And obviously want to utilize the cabinet to the best
of it's ability, so using the list created in ROMlister
I should have about 500+ playable games.

All in all I'm very excited.
I've started a thread over on KLOV talking about the project.
I'll later move it to my blog. However I have some bartop projects
to finish before I REALLY start the DK Jr. For now I just do what I
can.

Thanks again all

http://www.mymissiontomame.blogspot.com/
http://forums.arcade-museum.com/showthread.php?t=146729

[mike boss]

Just installed Hyperspin and got it working with MAME.
Two questions, I've created a list of ROMs using ROMLister.
I've saved the ROMs as I hyperspin file (as per the option in ROMLister).
Where do I put this file so that Hyperspin knows I only want these ROMs to be displayed/played ?

I cant for the life of my get Hyperspin to load up upon inital PC boot.
I think with MAME I took the EXE and left if in start up, however no such luck with Hyper.

Im using Windows XP

Any and all help appreicated, thanks.