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Author Topic: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions  (Read 1902 times)

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soslo

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I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« on: August 10, 2007, 11:22:11 am »
Well, I've been out of the loop for about 2.5 years now, Though I've been using the 4 player cab I made daily for the past couple of years.

I've personally made 5 MAME cabs, 2 of which were built from scratch. There are details on my ancient website www.aaronmurray.com

I'm going to the Dallas/Mesquite SuperAuction this weekend and wanted to know what the new popular front end is. Back in the day I used Mamewah for my cabs, but I don't know if it is still in development or being used. Which FE's are recommended now?

I've also always used IPAC2/4 - is that still around?

Thanks
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jcrouse

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #1 on: August 10, 2007, 11:54:10 am »
MameWAH is still around and has many more features than before. However, development has slowed the last year or so. Other popular choices are Mala, AtomicFE, GameEx and one or two more.

I have a website dedicated to MameWAH support at http://www.cpviewer.emuchrist.org/

The Ipac's are still available with a few more mfg's now having competetive products.

Enjoy,
John

jm_magic

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #2 on: August 10, 2007, 12:27:58 pm »
I am beginner in the cab making hobby.....which I am loving by the way.

I have really enjoyed MALA.  it is pretty easy to set up , and works very well with my control layout.  I also personally run Mame32 and it seems to be a little more friendy to other versions of Mame then Mamewah was.

I also looked into MaximusArcade and Gamex, both very good front ends, I just didn't feel that I should pay for a frontend.  My own opinion by the way.


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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #3 on: August 10, 2007, 09:08:04 pm »
** Ignore my thread hijack! **  ;)

I am also in need of advice. I am building another  cab. The last one I built was 3 years ago using MAME v.082 and MAMEwah v.093!

So, I have an AMD 1.3ghz system with a gig of ram and ArcadeVGA. Should I stick with the MAME v.082 or upgrade to all the latest mame and a new front end?

 8)

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TheBrokentoken

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2007, 11:19:02 am »
I am beginner in the cab making hobby.....which I am loving by the way.

I have really enjoyed MALA.  it is pretty easy to set up , and works very well with my control layout.  I also personally run Mame32 and it seems to be a little more friendy to other versions of Mame then Mamewah was.

I also looked into MaximusArcade and Gamex, both very good front ends, I just didn't feel that I should pay for a frontend.  My own opinion by the way.



No offense intended here, but why do you feel you shouldn't have to pay for a front-end?  I guess I just don't understand this line of thinking.... we are *LUCKY* that the MAME devs don't charge for their wonderful program and we are also just as lucky that we have all of the free options that we have.  Do you also feel that the developers time isn't worth anything either?  If so, then they might as well stop.

I gladly support shareware developers and if I were in a position where I was using a front-end that requested a donation, etc., I would ethically feel compelled to do so, as they write this code on our behalf.  Just keep a more open mind - we are enjoying the fruits of someone elses labor, and that is worth a lot.
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unclet

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #5 on: August 12, 2007, 02:08:49 pm »
I would assume the comment meant that since there were many good "free" available frontends, then why pay for one.  What some people do not generally realize is that even though a program is free, they could still make a donation to the author to award them for their time, effort and support.   

I have donated a couple times to MALA to show my appreciation.   That program has made my cabinet much more organized and enjoyable.   Worth every penny to me.  And the support swindus provides is generous.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2007, 02:11:47 pm by unclet »

youki

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #6 on: August 13, 2007, 07:18:02 am »
Quote
No offense intended here, but why do you feel you shouldn't have to pay for a front-end?  I guess I just don't understand this line of thinking.... we are *LUCKY* that the MAME devs don't charge for their wonderful program and we are also just as lucky that we have all of the free options that we have.  Do you also feel that the developers time isn't worth anything either?  If so, then they might as well stop.

I gladly support shareware developers and if I were in a position where I was using a front-end that requested a donation, etc., I would ethically feel compelled to do so, as they write this code on our behalf.  Just keep a more open mind - we are enjoying the fruits of someone elses labor, and that is worth a lot.

A Front end should be free , the main reason is that mame is free too.  The hard work is done by the mame team  not really by front end dev.  Even if developping a front end takes time , it is nothing compared with Mame .  A Front end is just a menu that runs game. the magic is done by emulator. 
So before paying or donating to a front end , you should keep your money for emulator dev at first, they are the magicians , not the Front End dev.  Asking to pay for a FE is , from my point of view, opposite to the "mame philosophy" .   


SGT

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #7 on: August 13, 2007, 09:42:04 am »
Quote
Asking to pay for a FE is , from my point of view, opposite to the "mame philosophy" .   

Most front ends provide a menu system to a lot more emulators and PC games than just Mame.  I see nothing wrong with at least providing a means to donate to the cause.  That's the reason I donated to my FE.  I can see where most FE authors have a huge amount of time invested in their product.  I personally want to see continued improvements and development in FEs. 

Development has stopped on a large number of FEs.  I like to think that donations provide a little motivation to continue development. Mame has hundreds of devs to keep the project going.  Who knows better than you that most FEs are a one-man project?  If an author decides to create a useful product, shouldn't the market decide whether its worth paying for?  Of course, I am from a capitalist country, so your opinion may vary.  ;D
« Last Edit: August 13, 2007, 09:44:04 am by SGT »

jm_magic

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #8 on: August 13, 2007, 11:14:08 am »
I would assume the comment meant that since there were many good "free" available frontends, then why pay for one.  What some people do not generally realize is that even though a program is free, they could still make a donation to the author to award them for their time, effort and support.   

I have donated a couple times to MALA to show my appreciation.   That program has made my cabinet much more organized and enjoyable.   Worth every penny to me.  And the support swindus provides is generous.

UncleT, you are exactly right, in my thinking.  Sorry if the quote was a little misleading.  I think that MALA is just as good as any of the paid for FE, so why not use that one.  I have only been using it for about 2 months, so I haven't really delved into the aspect of donating, for it.  I will certainly donate when my mind is completely made up

youki

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #9 on: August 13, 2007, 11:40:28 am »
Quote
Most front ends provide a menu system to a lot more emulators and PC games than just Mame.  I see nothing wrong with at least providing a means to donate to the cause.  That's the reason I donated to my FE.  I can see where most FE authors have a huge amount of time invested in their product.  I personally want to see continued improvements and development in FEs. 

Development has stopped on a large number of FEs.  I like to think that donations provide a little motivation to continue development. Mame has hundreds of devs to keep the project going.  Who knows better than you that most FEs are a one-man project?  If an author decides to create a useful product, shouldn't the market decide whether its worth paying for?  Of course, I am from a capitalist country, so your opinion may vary. 


i agree about donation, what i mean is that you shouldn't be forced to pay.

I had lot of  (i mean more that i could expect, i will not become rich with that!!) donation for my FE , i have never forced guy to give me something. That's clear having a donnation is really appreciated.  But , at least in my case, it is not that is motivating me.
For me the most motivating is :

1 :  to have happy users. 
2 :  compete with others  (just to make move things!!!  ;))
3 :  at my poor level , try to fight business men that would like to make profit with our hobby.




Green Giant

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #10 on: August 13, 2007, 04:54:40 pm »
Another thing, if the devs started charging for a front end, they would hear alot of people demanding features they want.

I know if I had to pay for Mala, I would want certain options not already there.  I don't have to pay for it, so anything they design is a blessing for me as I don't know code. 

Just remember, don't complain when they keep giving us the FE's for free, be thankful.

Thanks devs.
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The cat stands tall and green,
Well, he ain't no prize, and there's no women his size,
And that's why the cat's so mean"
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youki

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #11 on: August 13, 2007, 05:07:10 pm »
Quote
they would hear alot of people demanding features they want.

That's already the case!  ;)

And i think we do all our best to implement these features if we can and have time.  and for free!  :)


Magnet_Eye

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #12 on: August 14, 2007, 09:50:58 pm »
ok, so any of you guys want to answer my query? You are all heated in the front end talk.... what should I do about my dillema?

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SGT

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #13 on: August 14, 2007, 09:57:36 pm »
ok, so any of you guys want to answer my query? You are all heated in the front end talk.... what should I do about my dillema?

The hijacker got hijacked. :laugh2:  Just kidding.

I don't think you want to go to the latest Mame with 1.3 Ghz CPU unless you don't run any of the more demanding games.  Perhaps you could test later versions until they start dragging?  Obviously you'll have to update some of your roms.  Regarding FEs, I'm partial to Mala, but Gamex and Atomic FE seem to be popular also.
« Last Edit: August 14, 2007, 10:17:10 pm by SGT »

soslo

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Re: I'm back after a couple of years off - questions
« Reply #14 on: August 15, 2007, 02:39:28 pm »
Thanks for couple of replies before the wave of bitterness
5 MAME cabs and counting...

Ever wonder what full side art looks like?
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