Recent Posts

Cheers Razmann4k!

I'm feeling a warm fuzzy glow, only this time it isn't from spending too much time at the back of a TV   

Satisfying to see you continuing to spread the good word. Proper, secure, reliable connections really are just a wee few rungs below modding godliness.

What methods did you use for the RGB mods?

I've been taking a short break from modding. This year I've been focused on re-vamping the GreenAntz RGB to Component Transcoder, giving it a few new bells and whistles including SMD form-factor, case, better sync circuit and a built-in 15khz video filter.

So, I haven't added any more to my little pile of modded TVs recently. Looks like there's eight already, all 20". I fantasize about building some cabs for them, powered by GreenAntz, but reality always pushes back, too busy. Maybe I should make a video wall?   

The single-button idea is the one I'd lean towards. It fits the cabinet: wire a spare encoder input somewhere out of sight or alike

Roughly what I'm thinking:
it's a "keep it out of the way" feature, not a lock. Anyone with a keyboard and a bit of knowledge can get round it. For grandkids at the cabinet, though, that should be plenty.

It's going on the list for after the beta.

This is the way to do it.

If using an IPAC or similar encoder, you can set it up such that the button is impossible to press unless you press the SHIFT button (I like to call it ADMIN) first to make the alternate keyset available. I always put this ADMIN button somewhere out of the way, discrete but not hidden. Make it a black button on black background and people will forget it is there almost as soon as you tell them.

Sounds like a fair request.

How would you want the hidden list(s) revealed — a button combination on the panel, or something like a key on a separate keyboard you keep out of reach? (Kids tend to find button combos quickly.)

And should the lists go back to hidden every time MaLa starts, or stay revealed until you hide them again?

Well, of course there are many ways to do it.
Maybe give each list the option to hide until unhidden, in options/configuration.
I guess my suggestion to unhide would be a 1 to 3 button press. (User to select what button(s))
Example: 1 + 2 + 3 would unhide the hidden lists.
In my scenario, the button press could be just one button, which would be assigned to a input im not using on my CP.
Then I could hide the button behind coin door or somewhere.

I know this would be a pretty hard request, because if more than one button press is required, timers would have to be involved.
It would be a lot simpler, I think, to have only one button (keyboard encoder input) assigned as the key.
Maybe press button again or quit mala to re-hide the lists?

The single-button idea is the one I'd lean towards. It fits the cabinet: wire a spare encoder input somewhere out of sight or alike

Roughly what I'm thinking:
it's a "keep it out of the way" feature, not a lock. Anyone with a keyboard and a bit of knowledge can get round it. For grandkids at the cabinet, though, that should be plenty.

It's going on the list for after the beta.

Hi there Zebidee, it's been many months now. I just came by to say thanks again for all your assistance in getting me off the ground . Last year, I just took that 14" Sonistar out of the garage somewhat on a whim and you helped me figure out how to get it component modded. Fast forward to today, I've worked on about a dozen CRTs, most of which are customers' CRTs here in South Africa. I've done RGB mods and have become used to geometry adjustments, yoke alignment, making and placing convergence strips, adjusting the convergence and purity rings, recapping, etc.

I've even made some custom automatic RGB switching boards for some small Sony KV-9PTs that retain the original functionality when there's no blanking voltage. My daily driver is a nice, large Sony WEGA KV-SW29M20, which apart from its inherent geometry issues, is a beautiful companion to my consoles. I'm also planning on building some genuine arcade cabinets soon with proper CRTs.

I know you're a fan of pics, so here you go!
1. The automatic switching boards I made for 2 KV-9PTs. I later removed those shielded wires and the silicone and replaced it with shorter, unshielded wire that was more flexible (the shielding made it very inflexible and that's why I initially put that silicone there)
2. The rears of the KV-9PTs with SCART sockets they have no business having on them
3. Picture of Kasumi from DOA2 on PS2 via SCART RGB on a KV-9PT
4. My personal CRT journey, starting with that 14" Sonistar in the front, then the 21" Philips (TCL) on the left, and finally the massive 29" Sony KV-SW29M20 to the right

Sounds like a fair request.

How would you want the hidden list(s) revealed — a button combination on the panel, or something like a key on a separate keyboard you keep out of reach? (Kids tend to find button combos quickly.)

And should the lists go back to hidden every time MaLa starts, or stay revealed until you hide them again?

Well, of course there are many ways to do it.
Maybe give each list the option to hide until unhidden, in options/configuration.
I guess my suggestion to unhide would be a 1 to 3 button press. (User to select what button(s))
Example: 1 + 2 + 3 would unhide the hidden lists.
In my scenario, the button press could be just one button, which would be assigned to a input im not using on my CP.
Then I could hide the button behind coin door or somewhere.

I know this would be a pretty hard request, because if more than one button press is required, timers would have to be involved.
It would be a lot simpler, I think, to have only one button (keyboard encoder input) assigned as the key.
Maybe press button again or quit mala to re-hide the lists?

I've been a loyal user of these programmable restrictor plates for a few years, but I have had a few software issues that remain unresolved.

 I have contacted Thunderstick and they claim the programmer, whom I assume is Stefan Burger himself, but I may be wrong, is no longer available or can be contacted. It seems all firmware and software upgrades are indefinitely on hold. I have lost hope of being able to fix the issues I have faced.

Is Stefan still around?  If so can you clarify? Tanks!

Both of those sound good.

For the testers:

As you know this initial V2.0 release is focused on stability but......
A few new things in the beta that are easy to miss, if you'd like to poke at them:

Look: Options → GUI → Display → Misc, tick "Use modern VCL Style" and pick one from the dropdown (needs a restart, Windows 10 or later).
Move MaLa anywhere: Options → Backup → Paths, "Make all paths relative". It backs up first, and you can undo it from the Backup tab.
Rotation: right-click → Change orientation, then pick 0°, 90°, 180° or 270° directly.
Plugins: Options → Event Plugins, where you can untick a plugin to disable it and see which events it supports.
GIFs: drop a GIF named after the ROM into your video folder and it plays as the game video.

https://malafe.net/wip

Is it possible to hide certain game lists that are not child friendly?
I have grandkids that visit every now and then.
To be able to hide certain lists when they are trying to find their favorite game would be nice, in my situation anyway.

Sounds like a fair request.

How would you want the hidden list(s) revealed — a button combination on the panel, or something like a key on a separate keyboard you keep out of reach? (Kids tend to find button combos quickly.)

And should the lists go back to hidden every time MaLa starts, or stay revealed until you hide them again?

Is it possible to hide certain game lists that are not child friendly?
I have grandkids that visit every now and then.
To be able to hide certain lists when they are trying to find their favorite game would be nice, in my situation anyway.