Don't want to show it's a pc

[svaverka]

Hi Guys,

I've got a cabinet, using mame32 (0.66) and an acrade monitor ans Windows 98.

The PC I'm using is a little old - IBM P3, 128mb.

Has anyone got any suggestions on how to hide the fact that i'm using a PC.
- I don't want to show Bios info
- I don't want to show the windows 98 log on screen
- I don't want to show Windows at all (even though I'm using windows)
- I would Like the machine to play an intro video, bitmaps or  something
- and then to run mame32 automatically

All of this without the user having to do anything but watch.

I know there is a lot of want's in there but I would really appricaiate any help - I kind of "volenteered" to help out some freinds who are quite demanding!


I don't mind changing anything to get the job done - front ends, operating system etc.

The above is not to fool people in  to thinking it's a real cabinet - it's just to make it look as professional as possible as it will be in my front room!!

Thanks in advance

svaverka

[Cue-Ball]

Has anyone got any suggestions on how to hide the fact that i'm using a PC.
- I don't want to show Bios info

You can only do this if you have a BIOS that supports showing a graphic instead of the text information.  Even then, this isn't easy and requires flashing your BIOS to replace the logo that is shown (such as "Powered by Intel" or "Asus") with your own.  No offense, but if you couldn't figure out how to replace the 98 boot screen, you sure as heck don't want to fool with this.

- I don't want to show the windows 98 log on screen

This is easy.  Perform a search on "logo.sys" either on this forum or on Google and you should find what you need.

- I don't want to show Windows at all (even though I'm using windows)

This has been covered in this forum many times already.  Your best bet is to change your "shell=" line in system.ini to point to your FE executable.  This is what i do and it works like a charm.  You never see the Windows desktop, taskbar, icons, etc.  The only thing you ever see is a pointer, and some FEs let you hide that as well.

- I would Like the machine to play an intro video, bitmaps or  something

Many FEs support this including Emulaxian, Lazarus, etc.

- and then to run mame32 automatically

That's what FEs are for.  

[svaverka]

Hi Thanks for the reply,

I knew about the logo.sys (also logow.sys and logos.sys) but I just wanted to see if anybody else had any other sugestions.

However, the system.ini was a complete new one to me!  Thanks for that - I did try putting mame into the Run section of currentuser\software\microsoft\windows\run in the registry but it did not look good as the desktop appeared first and then mame loaded, minimised and then went to full screen.  Also for some reason it did not load the config file (icon size, background colour etc) doing it this way.
So you have definetly helped me out - I can't wait to go home and try!

Do you have any info on the Bios?  I have managed to turn the IBM gaphic off, but it still shows the copyright notice on the bottom of a otherwise blank screen.

Thanks

[_Iz-]

I did try putting mame into the Run section of currentuser\software\microsoft\windows\run in the registry but it did not look good as the desktop appeared first and then mame loaded, minimised and then went to full screen.

Do you have any info on the Bios?  I have managed to turn the IBM gaphic off, but it still shows the copyright notice on the bottom of a otherwise blank screen.

Thanks

Youn need to change the shell=    line of system.ini from shell=explorer.exe to <path/to/your frontend.exe>   This will prevent the windows native shell (gui from loading) and boot DIRECTLY to the frontend.

If your bios supports a boot graphic (which you have implied it does) then leave it enabled, obtain a copy of your bios file and use modbin to insert a graphic of your choice to replace the stock one. Then flash with the modified bios.

[GSXRMovistar]

There is always one other hack/workaround, you could always set up your cabinet so the monitor comes on a minute or so after the PC powers up (delay relay switch whatever).  So by the time the screen comes on the PC has booted into windows and had loaded up the frontend.

Might not be the best way but should fool most non-techies.

[anthony691]

If it is an IBM 300 GL/PL (Very popluar IBM P3s) then I do believe you can turn off the bios info, I am 99.99% sure...

[NiN^_^NiN]

Well instead of changing the shell to the program i say use Talisman 2 it is a shell replacement program (whihc is userfriendly i might add) and all u have to do is change what u dont like u dont have to have a start menu u dont have to have anything to make it look like a pc this is what i did for my older pc with tv out i made it for a divx player and other things and it was very simple and easy

The best part tho is is saves some ram and resources cause it dosent loadup the windows shell

and when u open talisman u just click shell switcher and it does all the stuff for u so your own shell startsup and windows dosent

its very simple you can download new shells and add your own graphics etc

hey i used it as a informations terminal and its great no1 can ctrl alt del and get into windows just reset the pc

Oh there is a good shell which has password protected gui (dosent show the options to edit on rightclick) and it has a list of games then u can login as yourself (not login to windows again just the shell) and u can change the games which r shown that was used for a games club so the can only play games and the admins can change the games that r shown

Its really quite good i'll show u a pic of my (stupid divx interface)

the big buttons on the left r video audio games then display options

you can do animations movies bmp jpg anything else u can think of even flash movies and html u could make it so when u select the game it shows info in the box next to it using a html box

and u dont have to have a start button as u can see on my picture i have this bubble that says tasks if u click it it will show u what programs r running so u dont have to alt tab between programs

Ok i'll be quite now i talk to much

[u_rebelscum]

- I don't want to show Bios info

Here's a hack that unintentionally works for me, but with a hitch.  

Get the actlab pc lightgun, and attach the video and USB cables.  The box doesn't like text resolutions (I think 320x240 @ 60hz and lower), and will get a blank screen during bios if the res isn't 640x480 @ 60 hz or better.  At least, when I attach the lightguns up on my system (msi MB w/ via KT266 chipset, athlon, kryo2 video chip, iiyama vision master pro 17 monitor), I don't get anything on the screen until the windows booting/loading graphic starts.  I had a (redhat) linux/win choice boot screen that was 320x240 IIRC, and that didn't show.

Problem is you'll have to use hwstretch for games with low resolutions or else the actlab box won't let the video pass through.  If you already use hwstretch, bonus without a hitch.

[Brad Lee]

Depending on your video card and setup... My work pc has an onboard vga as well as a video card. Im able to set the bios to force display to one or the other. If I set to force display to the onboard vga, dont plug a monitor into that, plug a monitor in the pci video card- I see a black screen(it doesnt even "wake") for about 40-45 seconds, the monitors clicks to life and as it warms up, I see the win2k logon screen. Perhaps some goofy config combination liek that may keep things hidden..

As for hiding that your useing windows, mame32 isnt the best option(IMO) since It has all the window gui effects and looks. I like mame32 and some of the things it does very well, but the fact is that until its able to be skinned(which as far as  i know isnt in any kinda development) it's gonna look like a windows aplication

[svaverka]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the replies, they were just what I wanted.

I changed the logos to have MAME logos I founs with the logo.sys, logow.sys and logos.sys, so they now look good.

I flashed a new version of the bios for my IBM 300 GL and luckely it gave the option of using my own bitmap - so I'm good there too.

I downloaded the Galaxian front end and all I can say is WOW!  This is really cool and just what I was looking for.

Also the system.ini worked like a charm!  I'm all set and everything works like I wanted it too.

Thanks again guys.

[Jakobud]

I never knew about that shell= thing that you can change. So when you exit out of the frontend what happens? Does the computer shut down or what? Does this work on Win2k?

[svaverka]

The plaer will never get the option of closing the front end on my pc so it's not a problem for me - if he did the desktop shows up and nothing else - no start button or taskbar etc.

I set my bios to run the computer after a power hit - so it will turn on when the power is turned off.  So if the player turns the machine on - the machine will power up into the front end - if he turns the power off, it go's off.

There will be no keyboard for him to use so he can not push the escape button.

I don't know if this works for w2k.

[Chris]

Get the actlab pc lightgun, and attach the video and USB cables.  The box doesn't like text resolutions (I think 320x240 @ 60hz and lower), and will get a blank screen during bios if the res isn't 640x480 @ 60 hz or better.  At least, when I attach the lightguns up on my system (msi MB w/ via KT266 chipset, athlon, kryo2 video chip, iiyama vision master pro 17 monitor), I don't get anything on the screen until the windows booting/loading graphic starts.  I had a (redhat) linux/win choice boot screen that was 320x240 IIRC, and that didn't show.

This isn't because of text mode; it's because the gun interface doesn't have power yet.  Once the USB ports initialize, the display starts up.

Problem is you'll have to use hwstretch for games with low resolutions or else the actlab box won't let the video pass through.  If you already use hwstretch, bonus without a hitch.

Are you sure about this?  I don't recall having this problem...

Oh, how's the dual guns coming along?  Is it safe to order a second gun yet?  

[u_rebelscum]

Get the actlab pc lightgun, and attach the video and USB cables.  The box doesn't like text resolutions (I think 320x240 @ 60hz and lower), and will get a blank screen during bios if the res isn't 640x480 @ 60 hz or better.  At least, when I attach the lightguns up on my system (msi MB w/ via KT266 chipset, athlon, kryo2 video chip, iiyama vision master pro 17 monitor), I don't get anything on the screen until the windows booting/loading graphic starts.  I had a (redhat) linux/win choice boot screen that was 320x240 IIRC, and that didn't show.

This isn't because of text mode; it's because the gun interface doesn't have power yet.  Once the USB ports initialize, the display starts up.

Problem is you'll have to use hwstretch for games with low resolutions or else the actlab box won't let the video pass through.  If you already use hwstretch, bonus without a hitch.

Are you sure about this?  I don't recall having this problem...

I'll check on these.

Oh, how's the dual guns coming along?  Is it safe to order a second gun yet?  

No guarantees, but two guns work on my system (winME) with analog+ without any major problems besides the flashing.  I'm reluctant to say "go for it" with almost zero feedback on other people's systems.  (All my local friends either don't have USB or don't have winME/98.)

Be sure to map the correct mouse # of each lightgun to the correct player. (-switchmice option, then from UI menu)

A few games work better in relative mode (-lightgun2a), while some are better with absolute mode (-lightgun2b); most work with either equally.  If the game is having problems in official mame (-lightgun), absolute mode will have the exact same problem; relative mode might work (I think one or two), but most likely not.

And remember, you can get two lightguns only on win98 or winME.

[Chris]

Well, I'm on Win98SE... when I get paid, I'll have to jump in and get another gun and give you some feedback... (Anyone out there who wasn't happy with their gun wanna sell it cheap?    )

--Chris

[TheTick]

Well, I'm on Win98SE... when I get paid, I'll have to jump in and get another gun and give you some feedback... (Anyone out there who wasn't happy with their gun wanna sell it cheap?    )

--Chris

Define cheap? I don't want to "give" mine away, I play Duck Hunt every once in a long while, but I would rather build a positional gun.

[Howard_Casto]

And remember, you can get two lightguns only on win98 or winME.

Not true.... If you check the act-labs site the upcoming tv guns will officially support 2 player games and will run on any version of windows.  I suspect they will release a patch for the vga guns as well once these are released.  

[Chris]

Well, I'm on Win98SE... when I get paid, I'll have to jump in and get another gun and give you some feedback... (Anyone out there who wasn't happy with their gun wanna sell it cheap?    )

--Chris

Define cheap? I don't want to "give" mine away, I play Duck Hunt every once in a long while, but I would rather build a positional gun.

I just remember a lot of people complaining about the gun when it came out; I thought if someone felt "stuck" with it, I'd take it off their hands.  

$30 shipped would be "cheap", I suppose...

Are you talking about building a positional gun from scratch, or adapting a T2 gun?

--Chris

[u_rebelscum]

And remember, you can get two lightguns only on win98 or winME.

Not true.... If you check the act-labs site the upcoming tv guns will officially support 2 player games and will run on any version of windows.  I suspect they will release a patch for the vga guns as well once these are released.  

I was only talking about Mame:Analog+ limits, not the hardware limits, but since you brought it up...

AFAIK, from reading what they publically posted on how the two guns feature will work, it won't work well on the current mame.  To get it to work well, mame will need some pretty big changes.  Not huge, mind you, but it looks like mame will need to buffer the mouse inputs and add extra data processing code on not only the mouse location, but will also need the mouse button pushes to figure out which gun shot where.  Also, depending on how actlabs does it, it's possible that the actlabs 2 gun hardware feature will cancel the analog+ 2 gun software feature.

Only after they are released will we see if what they said were accurate, if my interpretations & guesses are accurate, and if mame includes whatever changes that are needed.

(BTW, I pre-ordered two TV guns, and will do some testing when they arrive.)

[TheTick]

Well, I'm on Win98SE... when I get paid, I'll have to jump in and get another gun and give you some feedback... (Anyone out there who wasn't happy with their gun wanna sell it cheap?    )

--Chris

Define cheap? I don't want to "give" mine away, I play Duck Hunt every once in a long while, but I would rather build a positional gun.

I just remember a lot of people complaining about the gun when it came out; I thought if someone felt "stuck" with it, I'd take it off their hands.  

$30 shipped would be "cheap", I suppose...

Are you talking about building a positional gun from scratch, or adapting a T2 gun?

--Chris

Kind of building one from scratch. The T2 guns are nice, but they would take up to much room on my panel. I've already removed a trigger-stick handle from an analog joystick, to make an 8-way trigger stick. I was thinking of taking a plastic toy gun and wire a leaf switch to the trigger, maybe install a tiny push button on the side (for reloading), and stick it on the shaft that was holding the trigger stick. I could get a force feedback analog stick, and then wire it up to a relay and the keyboard leds (plus the hacked version of T2). At least it would work with LCDs and big screen TVs.

I'll give you a PM tonight if I can find it, it may have already been packed up for the move.