Attract-Mode Support Forum
Attract-Mode Support => Themes => Topic started by: ArcadeBliss on April 28, 2016, 10:21:56 PM
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Since I "completed" my original ArcadeBliss theme for use in my bartop, it was time to create something for my full-size cab. Since my full-size cab only has one admin button - ESC, I needed a way for people to navigate the front-end in a cab environment only using a joystick, one select button, and the esc button. As opposed to my previous Hyperspin setup, ease-of-use was the top motivator.
Introducing - ArcadeBliss - Cab Edition
Youtube --> https://youtu.be/2vI431o6J3o (https://youtu.be/2vI431o6J3o)
Download Link --> https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqeiqo0fen2qsyo/ArcadeBliss%20Cab%20Edition.zip?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqeiqo0fen2qsyo/ArcadeBliss%20Cab%20Edition.zip?dl=0)
Features:
- Navigational main menu included directly on the home screen
- Fully customized filter menu showing a grid of filters as images or text if images are not available
- Integrated Search Menu
- add remove favorites straight from the search menu
- Responsive Menu UI - Fully Animated
- layout options for forum member suggested mods
- Customizable Menu Item names for displays and filters. Useful for renaming filters to "genres" or displays to "emulators" (I have removable panels for each display)
- Favorites indicator when navigating the gamelist
- Selected Display mini icon (or text if an image is missing)
- Selected Filters list readout
- Clock (in case you wife wants you to do something else at a specific time)
- Select mods suggested from the community from layout options
- Optimized for 4:3 Arcade Monitor use
Let me know your feedback and feature suggestions!
Thanks goes out to:
- OUYA, for the menu idea
- liquid8 for the search and animate code
- of course raygun (nuff said)
Directions
- Install the font located in the Assets directory "BorisBlackBloxx.ttf"
Changelog
see post: http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=741.msg5779#msg5779 (http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=741.msg5779#msg5779)
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Very nice work, it looks very cool :)
This of course means that FLAT BLUE will be delayed even longer as I go and steal some of your ideas! :P
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Go for it. While I am working on the search menu, I have no problem letting you have the WIP code.
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This is truly top notch work! And I was already a fan of your previous 'arcadebliss' layout, which I had posted about as well and currently use on my pc. The only thing that concerns me (with this newer version) is the very large menu underneath the videos. It seems to be taking up a lot of space, and what I wondered was, is this menu going to be included in the default layout? In other words, will the user always have to look at the "Add Favorite" "Choose Filter" "Change Panel" etc. ? This seems to be more of an "options" menu, rather than something that should stay on the screen all of the time, while the user is scrolling through the videos/gamelist. Just some observations/suggestions for what appears to be another amazing layout for attractmode :D
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This is truly top notch work! And I was already a fan of your previous 'arcadebliss' layout, which I had posted about as well and currently use on my pc. The only thing that concerns me (with this newer version) is the very large menu underneath the videos. It seems to be taking up a lot of space, and what I wondered was, is this menu going to be included in the default layout? In other words, will the user always have to look at the "Add Favorite" "Choose Filter" "Change Panel" etc. ? This seems to be more of an "options" menu, rather than something that should stay on the screen all of the time, while the user is scrolling through the videos/gamelist. Just some observations/suggestions for what appears to be another amazing layout for attractmode :D
I understand your points. Yes the menu will always be there - it is part of the layout. In effect, I created custom menus that have nothing to do with the built-in attractmode functionality.
I have guests using my cab who have no idea how to navigate a frontend. I used to use hyperspin and it was always difficult for my guest to change panels, filters, or just plain search for games. My goal with this layout was to ensure anyone with the ability to turn on my cab will be able find games and just play.
In any case, your points are giving me some inspiration for a third layout :)
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The features being added for the end user in themes continues to add to the value of Attractmode.
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So I am getting close to releasing this. The search menu is complete, the standard attractmode menus have been themed and all genre and display graphics have been created. Just two things left to do.
First post has been updated with a new video: https://youtu.be/2vI431o6J3o (https://youtu.be/2vI431o6J3o)
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When leaving the search portion is it just joystick up return to the navigating of games?
I thought I saw a mouse cursor in video.
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At anytime you can move up to navigate the list.
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Excellent. I was using my ouya in portrait mode for a while, but I gave up on it because the OUYA specific games didn't run in vertical mode properly.
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Looks absolutely awesome. :) Like the search feature. I have to ask Anyone willing to make a screen saver. One that plays a random game..then if you like the game you can put a virtual coin in and start the game.
Also I was wondering about a control layout. Kinda like CP Wizard does?
If they can been done in the front end/layout it would be portable I would think..good for everyone.
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This might come off wrong, but I'm digging that mobile cart beside your arcade in the picture. I definitely could use something like that, is it custom made? The arcade is not bad either but I can't take my eyes off that damn cart. LOL...
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There's something about practical things that draw my attention as well. Yes, the cart is custom made. Just some screws, a forstner bit, wood, and a chop saw is all you need to get something like this made. If you want me to pm more detailed info regarding it, let me know.
Funny thing is though, I need more space :)
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@ArcadeBliss - very very nice drooling all over you're cab and control panel setup did i say I'm drooling lol hahaha
well done I love clean ui and clean cab with simplcity to function and operate well done ;D
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Just want to say this is awesome!! I'm confused though, is this available yet? I don't see a download link..
edit: Oh I see, waiting on perfection like me ;D
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Hi Guys, the link is not up yet. I am trying to do a gaussion blur that has got me stumped. I am looking for a way to do a two pass shader effect using the tools at hand (squirrel, fe.shader) but I've not cracked this nut yet. This is what is holding me up.
Patience young jedi.
:)
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Soooooo after what feels like an eternity, I updated the 1st post with the link to the layout. I had to make a dropbox link because the size is 36MB. I included an entire directory of images for genres and emulators for use by this layout. Just customize your filter and display names to mach the files in images.
Download Link --> https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqeiqo0fen2qsyo/ArcadeBliss%20Cab%20Edition.zip?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqeiqo0fen2qsyo/ArcadeBliss%20Cab%20Edition.zip?dl=0)
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ArcadeBliss,
Wow! You've added so much functionality to the frontend.
Great work.
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I wonder what it would take to make this look just as good in portrait mode...
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On my laptop I see about a third of a fourth monitor to the right....if I rotate for vertical I see the letters and stuff that show up when you are doing search mode.
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This is very nice theme. Thank you so much :)
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Once again, fantastic work! However, I can't seem to make it scroll left and right. I tried adjusting the settings in the layout options but so far no luck :-\
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Make sure those left right settings in the theme are also mapped to keys in the control part of attractmode
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Yep, got it. Actually, there's no settings in the 'controls' option for left and right, and it only has options for up and down. However, I was able to fix the problem by assigning custom1 and custom2 to the left and right direction keys. Once again, fantastic work!
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That's what I meant. Have fun und let me know what improvements you have. Cheers.
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Once again, fantastic work! However, I can't seem to make it scroll left and right. I tried adjusting the settings in the layout options but so far no luck :-\
Hmmm. Ill make an adjustment that will fix this tonight. The other screen should be offscreen and marked as invisible when not in use.
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So after using my theme on the big cab, here are some changes I will be doing:
- change the left right setting to be an input from the use instead of using one of AM's fe.signals i.e. 'custom1'
- upon entering search, have it automatically change thefilter to all - if available
- upon exiting search, return to the last filter and remove the search
- remove cancel from search and replace with make favorite instead
- fix the use of the following keyboard symbols: -, .,_
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hey this is awesome! I can't wait to get you the new animate stuff to see what you do with it :) Also looks like you got the search stuff working well which I can get in there for others to use so thanks for that :P
MINOR (nitpick) issues:
- it seems page_up and page_down were reversed, but if you are removing that for customX no need to fix
- animation of selector box is a little drastic ("a little ugly") when going from gamelist to filter/display and vice versa as well as from left side to right side (wrap around), maybe get rid of the animation on those scenarios (or fade out/in)
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I hear you on the animation of the select box. At first I had an mp4 animation for the select box but scraped it. I'll clean this up with the other things. Thanks for the feedback.
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just a couple more as I played around with it :)
When search is active, filter count says (Search active), maybe say 'Search for XXXX: x/x' so when you close search screen you still see what the filter is
When going to the menu or maybe just on add/remove favorite, perhaps just leave the selector on the game? Although we know the center one is the selected game, it's a bit confusing when you are on Add/Remove favorite and it isn't highlighted
Allow left/right to work on main menu for game selection when on main menu (so you don't have to navigate your way back up to the games)
Future thought: I'd like to see either scrolling text for the title underneath the snap, or a larger "selected game" title somewhere. You can check out my ScrollingText module and see if you like it. There is some issues due to a bug with measuring text which I have to get back to raygun about.
LOVE the option to name filters and display - I went with collection and system :)
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Below is my advise for layout :)
1. Replace system image to ribbons pack (alpha = 255), you may download it as below
http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=708.0
2. glow size & location update
//show game selection glow
gsg.x = 404 - ((GAMEITEMWIDTH) / 2);
gsg.y = GAMEITEMY - ((GAMEITEMHEIGHT) / 2)-6;
gsg.width = GAMEITEMWIDTH + 11;
gsg.height = GAMEITEMHEIGHT+ 12;
3. display flyer image
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There is some bug on display game. As you seen, 4th game appears while using 1920 x 1080 resolution. Please fix it.
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just a couple more as I played around with it :)
When search is active, filter count says (Search active), maybe say 'Search for XXXX: x/x' so when you close search screen you still see what the filter is
When going to the menu or maybe just on add/remove favorite, perhaps just leave the selector on the game? Although we know the center one is the selected game, it's a bit confusing when you are on Add/Remove favorite and it isn't highlighted
Allow left/right to work on main menu for game selection when on main menu (so you don't have to navigate your way back up to the games)
Future thought: I'd like to see either scrolling text for the title underneath the snap, or a larger "selected game" title somewhere. You can check out my ScrollingText module and see if you like it. There is some issues due to a bug with measuring text which I have to get back to raygun about.
LOVE the option to name filters and display - I went with collection and system :)
1. regarding the search, Ive made changes that make this easier. I've added a config option to always search all games. When exiting search, the filter will be returned to how it was. no need for the special text. Also, instead of the cancel button, I added "toggle favorite" directlty. This way I can add searched games as my favorite.
2. Implemented your feedback with add remove. It jumps back to the game list after selection
3. Move game list left and right when on any option on the main menu is done.
4. Scrolling text. I had it but was not happy with the implementation. I will add it again as a user selectable option.
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Below is my advise for layout :)
1. Replace system image to ribbons pack (alpha = 255), you may download it as below
http://forum.attractmode.org/index.php?topic=708.0
2. glow size & location update
//show game selection glow
gsg.x = 404 - ((GAMEITEMWIDTH) / 2);
gsg.y = GAMEITEMY - ((GAMEITEMHEIGHT) / 2)-6;
gsg.width = GAMEITEMWIDTH + 11;
gsg.height = GAMEITEMHEIGHT+ 12;
3. display flyer image
- I really like the look of the arcade page image. will update with this
- selection is better will update
- show flyer will be a user selectable option
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I would like add flyer image on the right bottom. It only appears while the pointer in first line (game selection). Do you know the code? Thanks. :)
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I would like add flyer image on the right bottom. It only appears while the pointer in first line (game selection). Do you know the code? Thanks. :)
+1 on that idea :) having the flyer or boxart on there would be a very sweet addition
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So based upon my real world experience with the layout and your feedback, here is a new update. The download link is the same.
Here it is for convience: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqeiqo0fen2qsyo/ArcadeBliss%20Cab%20Edition.zip?dl=0 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqeiqo0fen2qsyo/ArcadeBliss%20Cab%20Edition.zip?dl=0)
Regarding the new mod selection feature, please let me know what you would like to have and I will add it as a new mod to the layout.
2016-05-15: Changelog
NEW: added a layout option to select mods suggested from forum members i.e see ribbons, flyers,etc. :)
NEW: option to have search always search the "All" filters catagory
NEW: set favorites directly from the search menu.
NEW: gamelist can be moved left and right at any position on the main menu. Thanks liquid8
NEW: added ribbon files from forum Member PopBottle. Access using the layout mod option "kent79" :)
NEW: included all PSD layout assets for customization by others
CHANGE: Made the select box on the gamelist better. Thanks kent79
CHANGE: Removed gamelist selection animation. Was ugly anyway. Thanks liquid8
CHANGE: consolidated filter and display menu code to use the same .nut file. Previous implementation was 98% redundant code
CHANGE: had to rearrange the display images to accomidate the new code
CHANGE: Add/Remove Favorites after use now moves the selection to the gamelist. Thanks liquid8
CHANGE: filters and displays menu defaults the selection to the current selected filter or display upon entry
CHANGE: removed 'cancel' from the OSD keyboard. new search ux make it obsolete
CHANGE: Search now returns to the last filter upon exit
CHANGE: left/right navigation options can only be chosen from the AM custom input fields
BUGFIX: added fading in and out of menus to hide them from screens larger than 800x600. Thanks bionictoothpick
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i'll take another shot at it and send you just the changes files.
here are the files. switch them out and let me know if the search menu fades out and in correctly.
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please try this if it work and go through all the menus please...
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Yes, I went through each menu, and it was working perfectly. Thanks for taking the extra time to support my setup. Of course if you ever want to make a vertical version I'll test ;)
I was working on the magazine a bit today. I will add your search method for finding and favoriting.
Thanks again.
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thanks for the quick reply. link has been updated
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I would like add flyer image on the right bottom. It only appears while the pointer in first line (game selection). Do you know the code? Thanks. :)
Already added in the updated version, just select Kent79 in the mods section of the layout options.
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This is my updated idea for layout. You may try it if you like
// Show Ribbon
display_ribbon.width = 135;
display_ribbon.height = 135;
// Clock
local l = fe.add_image("images/mainmenu/Clock.png");
l.set_pos( 700, 7 );
local dt = fe.add_text( "", 717, 4, 180, 25 );
dt.set_rgb( 210, 208, 208 );
dt.align = Align.Left;
dt.font = "Arial";
dt.charsize =23;
//Game Name & Favorite image
local t = sur.add_text("",24,GAMEITEMHEIGHT-20,GAMEITEMWIDTH-50,14);
t.font ="Arial";
t.style = Style.Bold;
t.align = Align.Centre;
t.set_rgb( 255, 255, 255 );
t.charsize = 14;
local fav = sur.add_image(favIconType,5,GAMEITEMHEIGHT-19,16,16);
// Show game flyer
gameflyer_surface = fe.add_surface( 210,210);
gameflyer_surface.set_pos(560,370);
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Second, I am using 1920 x 1080 resolution and find out some issue.
When I switch the games, the snap showing is outside of screen (please see as below pic). I am using 2 black image to cover the edge. You may fix it or you may add black image to cover it. Thanks. (sorry, my English is no good)
local cover1 = fe.add_artwork("black.png", -200,0,200,600 );
local cover2 = fe.add_artwork("black.png", 800,0,200,600 );
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Second, I am using 1920 x 1080 resolution and find out some issue.
When I switch the games, the snap showing is outside of screen (please see as below pic). I am using 2 black image to cover the edge. You may fix it or you may add black image to cover it. Thanks. (sorry, my English is no good)
local cover1 = fe.add_artwork("black.png", -200,0,200,600 );
local cover2 = fe.add_artwork("black.png", 800,0,200,600 );
Hi kent, what language do you speak, It is possible I know it. I'm haveing trouble understanding your last two posts.
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Hi kent, what language do you speak, It is possible I know it. I'm haveing trouble understanding your last two posts.
The issue is only happen in wide screen resolution. I think you try to change your monitor to look it. Thanks.
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Hi I found a solution to the problem and also found a bug that I needed to be fixed regarding the conveyour. Incase anyone is interested, I will need to put the conveyour in a surface to keep the offscreen objects from showing on a widescreen.
I will also implement your mod, and call it "kent79" :)
I'll do the update tonight when I get home from work.
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If they conveyor works in a surface like I'm hoping, re-positioning for vertical orientation will be easier than I first thought.
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I thought about putting the entire layout in a surface but I don't feel like doing this work. It would simplify the abstraction between the screen resolution and the layout.
Maybe Raygun could make a change to attractmode to make this happen automatically (fe.layout) and allow us to us the standard .set_pos, etc commands to manipulate it.
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This is my updated idea for layout. You may try it if you like
// Show Ribbon
display_ribbon.width = 135;
display_ribbon.height = 135;
// Clock
local l = fe.add_image("images/mainmenu/Clock.png");
l.set_pos( 700, 7 );
local dt = fe.add_text( "", 717, 4, 180, 25 );
dt.set_rgb( 210, 208, 208 );
dt.align = Align.Left;
dt.font = "Arial";
dt.charsize =23;
//Game Name & Favorite image
local t = sur.add_text("",24,GAMEITEMHEIGHT-20,GAMEITEMWIDTH-50,14);
t.font ="Arial";
t.style = Style.Bold;
t.align = Align.Centre;
t.set_rgb( 255, 255, 255 );
t.charsize = 14;
local fav = sur.add_image(favIconType,5,GAMEITEMHEIGHT-19,16,16);
// Show game flyer
gameflyer_surface = fe.add_surface( 210,210);
gameflyer_surface.set_pos(560,370);
I have incorporated all of you settings in the mod kent79, including the black strips to cover the gameitems extending outside of the view screen in widescreen view
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I have uploaded a new version including the suggestions from kent79 and all of his personal mod suggestions.
Although the fix with putting the conveyour in a surface worked, AM became very choppy when animating the games left and right. I reverted the implementation and just did the "low tech" fix of putting black borders on the left and right of the viewing area.
Let me know if there are any other problems.
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Incase anyone is interested, I will need to put the conveyour in a surface to keep the offscreen objects from showing on a widescreen.
That's a good solution if it stays as 3.. but you might need some additional logic when you get more than 3 implemented, mainly to make use of the extra screen real estate :)
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Thank you for your great effort. I also find a sound issue while background art is snap. The sound is repeated. Please put below script to remove background sound. Thanks. ;)
//Background picture
background.video_flags = Vid.NoAudio;
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I'd like the search feature to be incorporated into attractmode as a plugin...much like the history is...
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I'd like the search feature to be incorporated into attractmode as a plugin...much like the history is...
This is on my list for my bartop cab. On the list of functionality, I would like to search across different displays simultaneously but this is not possible with the current AM implementation. The other option is to read the ROM list directly but then it starts to get ugly. Either way, joystick and keyboard navigation is on the list as well as the ability to launch games directly from the search plugin.
Anyone with ui and/or design chops would be appreciated to make a mockup how it should look.
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Fantastic stuff once again! I just wish there was an easy way to get it set up on a regular flat screen (1920x1080) monitor :)
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Sorry but I do not have any cabs or PCs with wide-screen format monitors . I have no problems helping anyone that wants to change my layouts to a wide screen format.
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Thank you for your great effort. I also find a sound issue while background art is snap. The sound is repeated. Please put below script to remove background sound. Thanks. ;)
//Background picture
background.video_flags = Vid.NoAudio;
Done and download link has been uploaded
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Hi ArcadeBliss
Just find something issue on your theme's image - flyer.png . The file size is 3.57MB. I think the picture didn't optimize. You may update it if you like. Thanks.
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Thanks. I learned a bit while working on your theme. I will probably simplify the conveyour code using yours as a temple. Also, I noticed it is not that hard to make a flexible layout that will scale according to the display.
I am using the nightly build version of AM that included the new navigation options including Left/Right. Once this is released in the wild by Raygun, I will release some updates I've done to this theme.
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Really good theme, i like it a lot, it has the full rom name
I did struggled to have left & right working initially, and some filters issue so i did the below:
display mame1
layout ArcadeBliss Cab Edition
romlist mame1
in_cycle yes
in_menu yes
global_filter
rule CloneOf not_equals .*
rule Status equals good|imperfect
rule Status not_equals preliminary
rule Players contains 1|2
rule Category not_contains Electromechanical|Tabletop|Casino|Quiz|Mahjong|Computer|Microcomputer|Test|Portable|Console|Handheld|Device|Training Board|Synthesiser|Clock|Document Processors
rule Category not_equals Misc.|Quiz / Korean|Electromechanical / Reels|Casino / Cards|Casino / Reels
rule Title not_contains bootleg|prototype
rule Manufacturer not_contains bootleg
rule Year not_contains ?
#rule DisplayType equals raster|vector
#rule Control contains joystick
#rule Control contains 2-way|4-way|8-way
#rule Control not_contains keyboard|mouse|trackball
filter All
filter Favourites
rule Favourite equals 1
filter "Most Played Games"
sort_by PlayedCount
reverse_order true
rule PlayedCount not_contains 0
filter "Breakout"
rule Category contains Ball & Paddle|Breakout
filter Casino
rule Category contains Casino
filter Driving
rule Category contains Driving|Biking|Motorcycle
filter Fighter
rule Category contains Fighter
filter Mature
rule Category contains Mature
filter "Maze Games"
rule Category equals Maze
filter Mini-Games
rule Category contains Mini-Games
filter Pinball
rule Category contains Pinball
filter Platform
rule Category contains Platform
filter Puzzle
rule Category contains Puzzle
filter Rhythm
rule Category contains Rhythm
filter Shooter
rule Category contains Shooter
filter Sports
rule Category contains Sports
filter Tabletop
rule Category contains Tabletop
[...]
input_map
left Joy0 Left
left Delete
right Joy0 Right
right End
custom1 Right
custom2 Left
custom3 Backspace
[...]
plugin KeyboardSearch
enabled yes
param results_mode Show Results
param trigger Custom3
I think a mame already filled attract.cfg could help beginners with the mapping (attached)
The emulator.cfg include Snaps;snaps\Videos so video are taken first and fixed snapshot behind if not present
With all global filters above, most are present
I do have some questions that may or may not be theme related:
- when going up to the filters menu from the rom selection, it refreshes it once i reach the third from the bottom, otherwise there is a glitch and don't see the red selection rectangle and the filter list doesn't show the selected item at the bottom...
- Any way to make it filters global across Displays ?
- when i was struggling with left right, i had text search with keyboard coming up when pressing left. How to bring it up voluntarily ? [EDIT] I foundit: tab > Plug-ins > TextSearch > enables and set backspace as Custom3 key
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This has nothing to do with the Attract Mode theme (which looks cool) but your swappable control panels. I LOVE that idea. I wanted to do that for my Taito cabinet but abandoned the idea when I discovered that I'd have to rewire the coin mechs (I don't use buttons to replicate coin drops, only the real thing). However, seeing your rack of control panels makes me want to revisit the Molex idea where I wire a Ultimarc control board to a female end and then attach a male end to each of the control panels. Either that or do a smaller Molex for the coin mechs and then just mount a dedicated control board to each control panel and then go USB to the PC.
Which method do you use?
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This might come off wrong, but I'm digging that mobile cart beside your arcade in the picture. I definitely could use something like that, is it custom made? The arcade is not bad either but I can't take my eyes off that damn cart. LOL...
100% with you. That multiple control panel setup is SWEET!
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This has nothing to do with the Attract Mode theme (which looks cool) but your swappable control panels. I LOVE that idea. I wanted to do that for my Taito cabinet but abandoned the idea when I discovered that I'd have to rewire the coin mechs (I don't use buttons to replicate coin drops, only the real thing). However, seeing your rack of control panels makes me want to revisit the Molex idea where I wire a Ultimarc control board to a female end and then attach a male end to each of the control panels. Either that or do a smaller Molex for the coin mechs and then just mount a dedicated control board to each control panel and then go USB to the PC.
Which method do you use?
While i dont know why you would go with an ipac since its keyboardbased, when most people these days thanks to xpadder use joystick input boards that being said for connecting ALOT of controls like that id recommend one of the following
Make each panel terminate to a jamma harness that then connects to a male end that connects tot the ipac inside
or
Make each panel terminite to a IDE 40pin connector that then connects to a male IDE that inturn is wired to the ipac
Going molex route means you would have upwards of 10 connectors to connect/disconnect and that be a pain in the ass
For me Id go with usb based solution since you can get cheap usb encoders for 10bucks, id have one permanently inside the machine for coin test service then place 1 each per CPO so the only connect/disconnect when changing pannels would be a single usb cord
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This has nothing to do with the Attract Mode theme (which looks cool) but your swappable control panels. I LOVE that idea. I wanted to do that for my Taito cabinet but abandoned the idea when I discovered that I'd have to rewire the coin mechs (I don't use buttons to replicate coin drops, only the real thing). However, seeing your rack of control panels makes me want to revisit the Molex idea where I wire a Ultimarc control board to a female end and then attach a male end to each of the control panels. Either that or do a smaller Molex for the coin mechs and then just mount a dedicated control board to each control panel and then go USB to the PC.
Which method do you use?
Talk about bringing up the dead :). I use an iPac wired to a SCSI 50 pin connector and an OptiPac wired to a 25pin parraliall port connector. I then just connect the control panels as needed with one cable. That cable also connects to my LED Wiz to handie the lit buttons