Two mamewah problems

[subzero23]

I honestly think the builtin docs and other programs like this are written for people with much more computer knowledge than me, but I'm having two problems.

1. When I start a game the game is compressed to a box like half the size of my screen.....and with Ms. Pac-Man/vertical games it's compressing it so it's a horizontal game, how do I fix that so it comes up the normal way?

2. Please please hold my hand through this and tell me step by step, how do I change the background? I want a skin/background that when I scroll through the list it shows an image and the marquee, like this one here:

http://www.screenshotarchive.com/img/steveh-cabinet-small.gif
http://www.screenshotarchive.com/skins.htm

[subzero23]

UG I'm so frustrated
why don't these people list instructions on how to do this stuff?

Ok, how do you use CPviewer with mamewah?

[Minwah]

1. When I start a game the game is compressed to a box like half the size of my screen.....and with Ms. Pac-Man/vertical games it's compressing it so it's a horizontal game, how do I fix that so it comes up the normal way?

2. Please please hold my hand through this and tell me step by step, how do I change the background? I want a skin/background that when I scroll through the list it shows an image and the marquee, like this one here:

http://www.screenshotarchive.com/img/steveh-cabinet-small.gif
http://www.screenshotarchive.com/skins.htm

1) Setup the games in question using game-specific ini files.  You can specify resolution/any other settings etc. on a per-game basis, eg:

resolution 640x480
hwstretch 1

etc.

2) http://home.comcast.net/~cpviewer/downloads/layoutsetup.txt

[Minwah]

UG I'm so frustrated
why don't these people list instructions on how to do this stuff?

Because 'these people' have other things to do

Ok, how do you use CPviewer with mamewah?

Edit \mamewah\mame.ini and set app_1_executable to eg c:\cpviewer\cpviewer.exe, and app_1_commandline_format to [name] -clone [cloneof].  Then set auto_launch_apps to 1 if you want the viewer to launch prior to MAME.  By default 'C' will launch the viewer also - edit \ctrlr\default.ini to map this to something else.

[subzero23]

it's just annoying that none of this stuff is intuitive
people need to explain more stuff like the reader is a total retard
i already tried that layout faq/guide but it doesnt work

[subzero23]

1. When I start a game the game is compressed to a box like half the size of my screen.....and with Ms. Pac-Man/vertical games it's compressing it so it's a horizontal game, how do I fix that so it comes up the normal way?

2. Please please hold my hand through this and tell me step by step, how do I change the background? I want a skin/background that when I scroll through the list it shows an image and the marquee, like this one here:

http://www.screenshotarchive.com/img/steveh-cabinet-small.gif
http://www.screenshotarchive.com/skins.htm

1) Setup the games in question using game-specific ini files.  You can specify resolution/any other settings etc. on a per-game basis, eg:

resolution 640x480
hwstretch 1

That'll be a bit hard to do to every mame game.....cuz it happens with them all

[Minwah]

That'll be a bit hard to do to every mame game.....cuz it happens with them all

Well what do you have resolution set to in mame.ini?  This is a mame configuration issue.  You could use my AVGA MAME Res. Tool if neccessary to make ini's for each game, but make sure you replace the AVGA modes with whatever modes your video card supports.

[Minwah]

it's just annoying that none of this stuff is intuitive
people need to explain more stuff like the reader is a total retard
i already tried that layout faq/guide but it doesnt work

OK I'm not saying my docs are good (I know they aren't) but JCrouse's layout tutorial DOES work - loads of people have used it with great success.  So you have obviously done something wrong.  Giving some info on what actually happens would be more useful than saying 'the guide doesn't work'.

[subzero23]

mysteriously it's working in fullscreen/regular again for all games, I don't know why.
I'm on the brink of adopting this frontend as my cab's future frontend if I can just get the layout to be something nicer, more arcade like

although on some games like midway games the screen was all the way to the left and not centered, any reason why or how to fix?

[subzero23]

it's just annoying that none of this stuff is intuitive
people need to explain more stuff like the reader is a total retard
i already tried that layout faq/guide but it doesnt work

OK I'm not saying my docs are good (I know they aren't) but JCrouse's layout tutorial DOES work - loads of people have used it with great success.  So you have obviously done something wrong.  Giving some info on what actually happens would be more useful than saying 'the guide doesn't work'.

well I'll try a fresh install tomorrow and go step by step and tell you what happens

so if i do it correctly and pick a nice layout and scroll through the games and there's a marquees directory in my mame folder, it'll show up?

[Minwah]

although on some games like midway games the screen was all the way to the left and not centered, any reason why or how to fix?

Most likely some games are using a resolution than you haven't used before (I'm assuming you use a PC monitor).  Just adjust the screen position/size for that mode and it should be 'saved'.

[Minwah]

so if i do it correctly and pick a nice layout and scroll through the games and there's a marquees directory in my mame folder, it'll show up?

Basically yes...it's a little difficult to explain this exactly as it differs for each setup.  But assuming you want a marquee and snapshot to show up in MAMEWAH, then you would have to set (eg):

artwork_1_image_path    c:\mame\marquee
artwork_2_image_path    c:\mame\snap

The artwork no. you put these paths next to depends entirely on the layout you are using - the layout author may have used any of the 10 artwork no.'s...you can determine this by opening the layout with the Layout Designer.

Let us know how you get on

[subzero23]

yeah I think the most important thing for me is a marquee to show up

as far as the game screen alignment how do I alter it/save it while in mame?
they work when in mame32 but not in regular mame :/
when I get a new computer I hope most of these things fix themselves automatically

anyway thanks for making such a great frontend

[Minwah]

as far as the game screen alignment how do I alter it/save it while in mame?
they work when in mame32 but not in regular mame :/
when I get a new computer I hope most of these things fix themselves automatically

Just adjust your monitor, the monitor should save the position (assuming you have a monitor with an On-Screen-Display - these usually automatically save size/position for each mode).  MAME32 is probably using different modes, which is why you don't have the problem there.

[subzero23]

Are control panels images also something that shows up in some layouts? That'd be cool

[Minwah]

Are control panels images also something that shows up in some layouts? That'd be cool

Yep, any image(s) named suitably (ie like the romname) can be displayed.

[screaming]

it's just annoying that none of this stuff is intuitive
people need to explain more stuff like the reader is a total retard
i already tried that layout faq/guide but it doesnt work

  There have been many discussions on this, mostly started by people like yourself.  People think of themselves as the center of the universe and don't consider what kind of time and effort _by other people_ have already gone into getting them THIS far.  If it weren't for the arcadecontrols.com community, would you have even had an arcade built? What about some random website that you downloaded the plans off of?  What about klov.com where you got to see pictures of the cabinet whos design that you're trying to _copy_?

  The developers of these front ends will spend so much more time developing this stuff than you will setting it up, even if you have to stumble your way through the entire process.  I assure you that no matter what problems you run into, that the developer of the front end you're trying to load will have already put in 10 times (no lie!) more work that you.

  My personal feeling is this:  Don't whine about it unless you're willing to do something!  JCrouse stepped up to the plate with his layout documentation so people like you could follow them and make your own. Stuzza did by spending a considerable amount of time developing ScreenshotArchive so had a repository of skins to get some ideas from (..and documentation. ...and cab-friendly emulators. and..).   MINWAH DID BY DEVELOPING MAMEWAH TO BEGIN WITH!

  So great, you see a gap here with sparse documentation... well.. FIX IT! Don't be so damn lazy!

-Steve

P.S. I'm sorry if I seem to be coming down on you,  I'm not (mostly).  I'm mostly just venting  It's pre-coffee and my radio was giving me a hard time on my way to work (I need my music!) so I'm grumpy.

[screaming]

why don't these people list instructions on how to do this stuff?

  Why do people think they're the only one in the entire universe with problems? Why do they ASSUME they're forging uncharted territory?

  How many searches have you done on this board?  How many of Google? How about the MAMEWAH message boards?  Why do I keep asking so many questions?

  Search each one of those for every question you have at least twice.  Until then you get no 'specs, brah.

  -Steve

[zaphod]

I am still very new to Mamewah.  I first loaded Mamewah on my cab two weeks ago and have absolutely fell in love with it.  Fantastic work, Minwah!

That said, I have had problems getting certain things to work.   The standard docs are fairly concise and they often did not appear to answer my specific question.  However, between searching the software forum here and doing a bit of googling, I have found the solution to each issue.  Usually it was something as simple as a single .ini addition or change.  More often than not it was Minwah who had replied to the users' questions which shows how much he loves to help everyone.

At my real job, I write a fair amount of very large systems that get enhanced on a near-constant basis.  It is very tough (read: nearly impossible) to find time to write docs for a complex system the first time, let along update the docs with each change.  I'd much rather spend my time adding functionality to make the users' jobs easier, and to fix bugs, rather than updating docs.  I'm only one person (just as Minwah is).  I'll also add that it is extremely difficult to write a 'Docs for Dummies' for a system you have created from scratch.  Everything will be obvious to the creator.  This is where third-party docs become extremely valuable.  If you find solutions to problems that you've had, post them on your website.  I am planning to do that soon myself, if for no other reason than to keep resources at hand for myself.


Summary:

1) There are answers to all your questions out there already, you just may have to look; and

2) Awesome product, Minwah!

[Minwah]

thanks Zaphod, you hit the nail on the head here...

At my real job, I write a fair amount of very large systems that get enhanced on a near-constant basis.  It is very tough (read: nearly impossible) to find time to write docs for a complex system the first time, let along update the docs with each change.  I'd much rather spend my time adding functionality to make the users' jobs easier, and to fix bugs, rather than updating docs.  I'm only one person (just as Minwah is).  I'll also add that it is extremely difficult to write a 'Docs for Dummies' for a system you have created from scratch.  Everything will be obvious to the creator.  This is where third-party docs become extremely valuable.  If you find solutions to problems that you've had, post them on your website.  I am planning to do that soon myself, if for no other reason than to keep resources at hand for myself.

Basically I don't have the time to make a really detailed instruction manual.  Aside from time, English isn't my best (or favourite) subject, and just as you said I would much rather spend my time programming improvements than writing instructions.  Since the FE is still developing quite a lot it seems sensible to wait for it to slow down before making 'final' docs.  I think the FE devs pretty much would all feel this way.  From memory ArcadeOS had a great manual...but development of that has all but stopped...

That said I am happy to answer anything if I can - it is just a lot easier when given plenty of information

[vader]

Personally, I think the way Minwah does it is just right.  The readme files more than explain things do get you going in the basic direction.  If you have exausted all avenues, then you come here and ask your question.  Half the reason the people are in this hobby is to take the challenge of getting things to work and feeling the joy of seeing something you put time into working,  what fun would it be to have things handed to you on a  silver platter ? or having a installer that ask you to just type things in ? bah I say.  Let the people do  their homework, if they really what it, they will figure it out.  Minwah,  leave things the way they are, your doing ONE HELL OF A JOB !!

Tim

[subzero23]

why don't these people list instructions on how to do this stuff?

  Why do people think they're the only one in the entire universe with problems? Why do they ASSUME they're forging uncharted territory?

  How many searches have you done on this board?  How many of Google? How about the MAMEWAH message boards?  Why do I keep asking so many questions?

  Search each one of those for every question you have at least twice.  Until then you get no 'specs, brah.

  -Steve

Why do people assume one hasn't done searches? I've done plenty of searches. All I was saying is that if someone wants their program to be used, make it useable by the common user without much computer knowledge.

[subzero23]

"
  There have been many discussions on this, mostly started by people like yourself.  People think of themselves as the center of the universe and don't consider what kind of time and effort _by other people_ have already gone into getting them THIS far.  If it weren't for the arcadecontrols.com community, would you have even had an arcade built? What about some random website that you downloaded the plans off of?  What about klov.com where you got to see pictures of the cabinet whos design that you're trying to _copy_?"

Well actually yeah, I would have been able to make a cabinet without this website.. working in an arcade for a while gets you quite accustomed to arcade machines and it's not like the plans for say a Mortal Kombat cabinet are rare nor is it hard to just go upto one and measure it. Being the son of a professional cabinet maker also makes things easy but other than that it's pretty intuitive. As far as controls go I already knew how to do that stuff on my own, not saying this website isn't great it's just I'm not dependant on it, except for maybe software stuff and opinions.

"  The developers of these front ends will spend so much more time developing this stuff than you will setting it up, even if you have to stumble your way through the entire process.  I assure you that no matter what problems you run into, that the developer of the front end you're trying to load will have already put in 10 times (no lie!) more work that you."

That's cuz they're great people trying to offer a service at no cost but all I'm saying is I do spend a lot of time frustrated as hell with software on computers.

"  My personal feeling is this:  Don't whine about it unless you're willing to do something!  JCrouse stepped up to the plate with his layout documentation so people like you could follow them and make your own. Stuzza did by spending a considerable amount of time developing ScreenshotArchive so had a repository of skins to get some ideas from (..and documentation. ...and cab-friendly emulators. and..).  MINWAH DID BY DEVELOPING MAMEWAH TO BEGIN WITH!"

How can I make a document if I don't even know how to do it myself?


"  So great, you see a gap here with sparse documentation... well.. FIX IT! Don't be so damn lazy!

-Steve

P.S. I'm sorry if I seem to be coming down on you,  I'm not (mostly).  I'm mostly just venting   It's pre-coffee and my radio was giving me a hard time on my way to work (I need my music!) so I'm grumpy. "

[Minwah]

OK that'll do chaps, no harm done...

subzero: As I said I am more than happy to help out where I can.  If you have any other Q's then just ask...

[subzero23]

ya to be honest I'd rather ask questions so it's nice that a developer is right here, cuz often times faqs/readmes/docs are so ambiguous and never specific for my problems

thanks

[Tritoch84]

I have wondered about the same things you have, I wanted someone to lay out in dummy terms how to do a layout using the layout tool in mamewah.


Then you realize, this guy spent tons and tons of his time making a product, and fixing the kinks.

You really think he wants to write a "for dummies" on his program? I list guidelines so that just about anybody (sooner or later) can find out the answer.

Would you rather have a 500 page book on how EVERYTHING works in MameWah, or a new version of MameWah with simple to the point guidlines? Thats a no-brainer.
(i STILL can't figure out how to get my layouts to show, but I'm sure it's something I'm doing, and almost ten times as certian it's something easy i'm missing with my human eyes.)I

[subzero23]

the layout thing still doesn't work
what could I be doing wrong....

[Minwah]

the layout thing still doesn't work
what could I be doing wrong....

What do you have 'layout' set to in mamewah.ini?

Do you have your layouts folder structure right?

Are your layout file(s) and image(s) named correctly?

Do you get any errors in mamewah.log?

[zaphod]

the layout thing still doesn't work
what could I be doing wrong....

What is the name of your layout file (and background image)?  I had problems until I named it and the background image properly.

[Tritoch84]

I fixed it an hour after posting that message! As I thought, something boneheaded and stupid that I was missing. I just wanted a General layout file, and all I had to do was just rename the file.

After figuring it out, it's like a big, "DUH". Thanks for your help anyway MinWah (in other threads).

[subzero23]

what did you rename it?
I've tried multiple combinations so today I'm going to do a clean/fresh install today and try to install the layout strictly by the guide...if not i'll post all info/files here

[zaphod]

what did you rename it?
I've tried multiple combinations so today I'm going to do a clean/fresh install today and try to install the layout strictly by the guide...if not i'll post all info/files here

I have a mame.lay, pcgames.lay, and Daphne.lay.  I have a common background so I have only main.jpg as the background.  That's all I had to do to make the layouts work.

[wj2k3]

The layout files should be named similarly to the INI files that you have in your \INI directory.  
 i.e.  
         \INI\mame.ini
should have a corresponding file:
         \layouts\Classic640x480\mame.lay
 and probably a
         \layouts\Classic 640x480\mame-main.jpg

The "Classic 640x480" directory )within the \layouts directory) is pointed to in the MAMEWAH.INI file, so if you changed it there, then move your properly named layout files accrodingly.

[wj2k3]

One thing I did to clarify this (atleast in my own mind) is to redefine the active layout directory as defined in the MAMEWAH.INI.

I changed it to:

layout                      Current_Layouts

So all my current layout files and corresponding JPGs are now in my C:\mamewah\layouts\current_layouts directory.

[Minwah]

I just downloaded and setup JCrouse's MAME layout for the sake of noting down the steps involved, here goes:

1) Download the layout (in this case mame.zip)
2) Make a folder within \mamewah\layouts (I called it 'jcrouse', ie \mamewah\layouts\jcrouse)
3) Unzip mame.zip into the above folder
4) Rename the files unzipped above to match *your* emulator name.  John's were named '01mame' etc.  My mame inifile is called \mamewah\ini\01-mame.ini, so I renamed the files to: 01-mame.lay, 01-mame-art1.jpg etc.
5) Edit mamewah.ini and set the 'layout', in this case 'layout jcrouse'.
6) Run MAMEWAH and voila!

Hope that helps...

Nice layout Mr Crouse btw