[9.2-beta-2 Released]

I love the idea of the startup screens, but this doesn't work at all for me. Project 64 always starts up after the start up screen is shown, no matter how long the startup screen is, it doesn't hide the console window no matter what setting I do. Every time  close pretty well any emulator or windows game Bigbox "hangs" (as in does not accept any controller input until I alt-tab back into bigbox). Steam games console launches before the the startup is finished (using the default startup time) and then if the game loads faster, big box brings BIGBOX into view until the game loads. If I adjust the time to longer, the startup screen and game loads ok, when I close the game the startup screen is still on and hangs at the "startup windows" until I manually close it. I cannot seem to find a setting to change the startup times for all steam games, it looks like I have to do it manually to every one. I think Dolphin is the only emulator working correctly.

EDIT: Some of my hanging issues after closing a game seem to be from my autohotkey script that I had used to alleviate opening mutliple instances of one game, as well as hanging after closing a game lol. It seems like the very same items that have been patched here are breaking with what I was trying to fix manually in previous versions.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

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Very nice. How is the signal on your 8bitdo modkits? I have ones for my NES and SNES controllers, the NES signal is pretty stable, but the SNES one intermittently cuts out and/or sends signals of holding down Down and Left on the Dpad. 

I find they both work very well, I thought I had bad lag on the NES one at first but it's just the filters I had over the emulator were lagging things a bit. So far I haven't had cut outs unless the controller is dying.

 

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I used to have a similar setup but with wired controllers and USB adapters, but I always found myself in the situation where I just finished playing an NES game and then wanted to play a PSX game and got fed up with having to get up to switch controllers. So currently I have two wireless 8Bitdo SF30 Pro controllers for my Big Box setup. 

I find myself more often than not just using the Xbox one controller for the older 2d gen games, nothing else quite feels right besides oem with N64, ps1, PS2 + gamecube to me. My fav PS2 game required the use of pressure sensitive buttons which no other controller aside from the PS3 seems to have. That being said I have been contemplating buying 1 nice multipurpose controller.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

4 hours ago, damageinc86 said:

Ok I think I get it better now.  So it's the fact that you have that chip actually built-in.  Is that something a lot of motherboards have now? Or can you add it via a slot?  That sounds like a great way to take care of a lot of systems with some nice wireless action.

I thought most motherboards would come with bluetooth installed nowadays, my motherboard is a rampage V extreme it has a built in wifi with bluetooth 4.0 module. I imagine any good bluetooth adapter, either if it's a dongle or a pci-e plugin to the motherboard should suffice. I would recommenced one that plugs into a pci-e slot that comes with a good antenna out the back.

That being said, I didn't want to confuse you too much, but I do actually have 3 bluetooth modules in total. 1 for Xinput controllers, one dedicated to ps3 controllers (using pcsx toolkit), and one dedicated for the wii. They all work independent of eachother as to not conflict with eachother. You will need a dedicated adapter for proper ps3 controller input if you wanted to use a ps3 controller as well.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

22 minutes ago, damageinc86 said:

Thanks for the explanation, but it went right over my head lol.  I understand the concept of turning one off and then a different controller takes its place.  I guess I just don't get how the emulator remembers that it is the NES controller now, for instance.  Does the emulator remember at a bluetooth adapter level?  so that whatever controller gets synced to that bluetooth adapter is going to be the player 1 mapping for any controller? since the physical bluetooth adapter is plugged into what the emulator remembers as slot 1?  i know that with my wired stuff, if I unplug one of them, and then restart the computer, everything will be moved around since windows saw one missing and scooted a bunch around as a result, so the emulator mappings don't correspond to the original setup anymore, they correspond to whatever is plugged in its place now.  Which could be some other controller.  I guess I don't really get the relationship between emulators remembering which bluetooth adapter is in which slot, and how it applies its mappings to controllers that now take up that slot.

No problem lol, I'm not the best at explaining things. I am using my built in bluetooth chip for the wireless Xbox one NES, SNES, Genesis controllers, not any dongles. If you're using a bunch dongles for each xinput controller that has a dedicated controller spot 24/7, that will definitely mess up your controller orders. With the one dedicated bluetooth adapter, the controller only shows up on the "windows game controllers" list when you connect, and when you disconnect it disappears, you should only ever have to sync them once as windows will remember all your pairings. It is actually very intuitive and I prefer this set up much more than the old dinput. If you are using an emulator with xinput support it should completely ignore any other plugged dinput devices.

This chip supports up to 8 Xbox controllers I believe. The emulator itself is only mapped to a single Xbox one controller per player. With xinput, the emulator doesn't "know" which type of controller it is using, as each controller is simply simulating a Xbox one controller, it only knows what controller player one is, who player two is, etc. Windows does all this work before the emulator is loaded.

Outside of the emulator the 8 bitdo controllers button layout match closely to what an Xbox one controller layout is (and if they're slightly different you can swap them around via a combination of button presses via the manuals). This way I don't have to map every single controller in the emulator, and all the buttons lined up pretty much the same way.

Long story short: The emulator thinks every controller is an xbox one controller, the mapping remains the same. The emulator only knows what player to assign to what controller because windows has assigned it before hand.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

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I know what you mean, I simply choose the mayflash as my Emulation pc has no keyboard or mouse access and being honest a Bluetooth adapter in Windows 10 is a right Pita to manage, with the mayflash everything auto syncs so no problems(I have 6 different controllers each synced to player 1 and 2)... I use switch pro controllers as my main controllers aswell via the xinput mode as it works better with steam IMO. 

Messing around with the bluetooth adapters can be very difficult for the initial setup, I agree, especially with a custom installed bluetooth chip. The end result is very nice though, the controllers are always synced up like a real wii every time I load a wii game, and to sync another I simply press the sync button once on the controller and once on the front of my pc. Though you cannot really use that same bluetooth module outside of dolphin for other programs like you can with the mayflash adapter.

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How much work was it to get the official wii bluetooth module into your machine.. Is there any guides for it?? I would be intrested to take a look. 

Most people install them into some sort of small case and run a usb cable to plug into a usb port outside of the computer. If you're good at soldering the wiring is extremely simple, and only requires a few parts. At the very bare minimum you need a case of some sort, a usb cable, a wii bluetooth module, and a voltage regulator (a sync button is optional, as you can sync the controllers with a hotkey within dolphin if you wanted. You can buy these items for very cheap on ebay or amazon, usually from chinese sellers (shipping can take a while). I personally got all the parts, secured them together in a way I like and then paid a local on kijiji to do the soldering for $40 'cause I suck at it lol.

 

Here is the thread about it on the dolphin forums: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-how-to-wire-a-wii-s-bluetooth-module-to-a-pc-usb-port I used this schematic exclusively https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/attachment.php?aid=17630

Like I said though, once configured in your pc , it's really only supported in the dolphin emulator.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

5 hours ago, damageinc86 said:

Ok I've always wondered about people's bluetooth setups, and nobody has every confirmed.  So let's say you map the controllers in an emulator right,...then when you turn another controller on doesn't it bump the first one out of the line in terms of windows joyid orders and you have to remap again to the one that is currently on?

 No, if the emulator has proper support for xinput this shouldn't be an issue. The only times I had this issue was using dinput, and with improper plugins. I only map for one device for every player on every emulator using a xbox one controller, with 8bitdo bluetooth mod kits I can swap buttons at the hardware level before syncing them up for the first time, so my controllers all have the same button layout as the Xbox one controller (like A button on xbox one is = B on SNES, B= A, X= Y, Y=X). Before opening up the emulator you have to make sure you have the controllers ON in sequence to the order you want the players (same for when you initially map your buttons). I should clarify I am using windows 10 enterprise edition, this might not work with other OS's.

For example, say I open up bigbox with an xbox one controller and decide I want to play two players on the NES, with two NES controllers. I first hold down the guide button to turn off the xbox controller so it will disengage that controller as player one (the annoying Xbox game bar has to be disabled/uninstalled so it doesn't pop up), I then grab my two NES controllers, the first one I turn on windows assigns that as player one, and then turn on the second, it assigns that as player two. Using that same controller I select an NES game and it loads up the game with the correct player order. If I want to change controllers I have to close the game, turn off the controllers and do the same sequence with whichever controller I choose.

For a rare emulator that doesn't support xinput you can use a program called joytokey in conjunction with bigbox, and then you can assign your controller to a specific slot using its mac address or (hardware id or something like that) and then map keyboard keys to that specific controller.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

1 hour ago, Dane said:

That looks a heck of a lot better than cords everywhere and those controller stands look very smart indeed.

Thanks! I got them from rose colored gaming They don't have genesis ones I bought that one off of a UK ebay seller, luckily it looked very similar to the others.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

1 hour ago, power5lave said:

im running a similar setup, apart from i have 4 mayflash magic ns adapters in a usb hub (player 1-4) with multiple controllers sync'd to each adaptor. with regards to the dolphin bar, i figured out while it does support motion plus controllers it doesn't seem to like the newer revisions...took me a while to track down 4 rev 1 motion plus ones but i honestly haven't had any issues since then..if that is any help to you

I have eyed the magic ns adapter before, the issue I would have with such a setup is that you have to remember which controller is which. The good thing with the 8bitdo is it supports xinput. Using my computers built in bluetooth; no matter what controller I use the computer will assign the corresponding controller to a player in whatever order I turned the controller on. Meaning I can use the xbox one controller, SNES, NES, genesis with whatever emulator I want without pressing physical buttons or resyncing (they all act like a wireless Xbox one controller). I can be using an xbox one controller for an SNES game, while a friend could use the oem snes controller as player 2 if they choose.  For the PS3 I have installed SCP3Toolkit, and bought another bluetooth adapter exclusively for PS3 controllers. It also acts just like any xinput controller, except in PCSX2, where it will function exactly like a PS2 controller ( for those games you need pressure sensitive buttons).

That's interesting about the mayflash, the other issue I had with it is the LEDs inside burned out really fast (less than 6 months) even with the update that turns them off when no controller is being used. I figured at the very least with a built in bluetooth I can just use one of those cheap usb sensor bars and not feel bad about chucking it and getting a new one if the same thing happens.

[Update to my Multi controller set up!]

Just wanted to give an update to my original post:

 

My original setup was a little cumbersome, it relied on a wii remote, and extensions to plug the controllers in. I have now gone completely wireless, thanks to 8bitdo's modkits. For those unfamiliar, 8bitdo have released pcbs that replace the ones inside your oem controllers. I now have bluetooth modified OEM controllers (NES, SNES and Genesis), as well as I invested in four retro-bit 8bitdo N64 controllers (as there isn't a mod for the oem n64 yet). To finish it off, I installed an actual OEM Wii bluetooth adapter into my PC, and added a nice blue button on the front of my tower to sync wii remotes. I did this because the mayflash bar wasn't quite cutting it (Wii remote sounds sounded like garbage, kept having problems with Wii motion plus controllers, also through my research it is supposed to be the most accurate adapter.

[Request: Video & Arcade Top 10 startup]

I'd like to put a request out there if someone can do a start up video deo based on the theme of the old canadian video game show Video & arcade top 10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbxXmMgwtaU it's pretty cheesy but it brings back so much nostalgia lol.

[Combination Keys to close BB?]

Ok, I didn't think so, thank you. I will write up an AHK script.

[Combination Keys to close BB?]

Is there a way to set a combination of keyboard keys to close bigbox? Currently I have X set to close bigbox but I'd much rather a combination to close it instead. It only seems to accept one key in the settings. Thanks!

[A method to close all programs that BB opened after closing BB]

Hello, I am currently refining my PC autohotkey scripts to try and eliminate any issues to be more of a foolproof setup, for guests and my young son. I have an autohotkey script running in the background 24/7 on my PC. I used the Xbox one center button to open and close emulators, and also to launch bigbox itself.

There is one issue that presents itself sometimes where a emulator/game gets stuck open after closing Bigbox, is there a script I can use to detect all the windows/ games opened by BB, and if they exist force them to end task when BB is closed? If tried using the Close, process, {{{StartupEXE}}}, and tried to use variations of that, but I have no idea what "startupEXE" ? is this a windows title? Executable name? I have troubles using it in any other scripts. Thanks for the help!

[Controller still controlling BB when launching game]

I'm not sure if this is because of the latest update with windows, or an issue with the latest launchbox, but I have noticed that upon launch of a game Bigbox wil frequently not "let go" of the controller causing me to accidentally open up multiple instances of one game. This has not been an issue before. I am updated to 8.4 beta 7.
Using windows version Windows 10 pro build 17134.112

[fceux full screen problem]

18 minutes ago, Lordmonkus said:

For SNES it depends on your CPU and if you have the special chip dumps. Technically speaking Higan / BSnes is the best and most accurate but they both have fairly hefty CPU requirements and you need the special chip dumps from games like Megaman X2 and X3 and Mario Kart.

I would just say stick with Snes9x if you are happy with it, it is really good and covers the vast majority of the SNES library without issues aside from a small selection of games very rarely played by most people. You can give Higan a try sometime and see what you think of it and how it runs on your system.

Alright thank you, umm one more question, do you know where the settings are for messen to load fullscreen automatically when opening a game>

[fceux full screen problem]

6 minutes ago, Lordmonkus said:

I haven't had any problems with my controllers in my testing with them. I use Retroarch and the Mesen core for my NES, I just have other stuff around for quick testing purposes.

 

Just playing around with Messen and it seems pretty damned good already,  do yo have any recommendations for an SNES emulator? I am currently using SNES9x

[fceux full screen problem]

9 minutes ago, Lordmonkus said:

Just tested with a fresh download of Fceux on Windows 10 version 1709, default emulator settings other than enter fullscreen after game is loaded.

Loaded up in fullscreen mode with no problems dragging rom onto the executable.

On a side note i'd suggest switching over to a better and more accurate emulator for the NES such as Mesen or puNES, both of those are fantastic.

I'll give these a shot, do they support Xinput properly? Xinput with FCEUX is starting to appear problematic to me.

I have solved my issue (using windows 10 ver 17134). My emulator settings are "fullscreen after game is loaded". My resolution and setting mimic that of a real SNES on a crtc (resolution goes down to 1280 1024 32 bpp).

What was causing me issues was Windows "focus assist". I turned all automatic rules OFF ans set it to "ALARMS ONLY". I have no clue why it was causing me issues.

[fceux full screen problem]

So this just started happening out of nowhere, possibly due to stupid windows updates. When I load an nes game through launchbox, my resolution just keeps changing back and forth from 1080 to the resolution I have fceux set to run on (with a blank screen). Same thing happens if I drag and drop a nes rom file to the emulator executable file.

If I open up fceux, and then manually go to open a rom through the menus it opens properly. Any clue what could be going on? I haven't changed any settings since it last worked, but there was a recent windows update.

[My multi controller dual screen set up! Featuring X-link Kai]

10 hours ago, Boomerps2 said:

Is there any controller lag with the wireless setup?

None that I have noticed. I played a lot of Smash bros 64 where timing is can be very critical, and it feels just like playing on the actual system to me.

[My multi controller dual screen set up! Featuring X-link Kai]

3 minutes ago, Lordmonkus said:

Yeah I can understand that.

The Hori FC is just such a great controller and far better overall than any non analog stick controller to the point I would much rather use it than any standard d-pad controller ever made, including the might SNES or Saturn controller. Th 360 controller work really well for me, I like it better than a real N64 controller and its not problematic with Gamecube though the GC controller is pretty damn nice.

Is this the Hori FC you're talking about ? http://shoryuken.com/2017/08/29/shoryuken-review-hori-fighting-commander-pad-for-playstation-4xbox-one/

I've never owned an xbox or xbox controller before a few months ago, but I am starting to take a real liking to it. Gamecube is still my number one :P.

 

[My multi controller dual screen set up! Featuring X-link Kai]

15 minutes ago, Lordmonkus said:

That is just way too insane with all those controllers, pretty cool though.

I'm good with my Hori FC for non analog stick systems and games and my 360 pad for analog stick games.

Thanks! I have a hard time playing some games without the OEM feel, specifically the N64 and Gamecube. Visitors seem to really like this especially those that aren't into emulation. Plus I thought they looked pretty cool on the shelf, and it kind of turned into a dual purpose collection from there.

[Problems with simulated X360 controllers and Sega Genesis (Kega Fusion)]

23 hours ago, Lordmonkus said:

Having given Mednafen a try for Genesis I have to say i'd suggest using Mame or Retroarch and the Genesis GX core over it.

I would really really like to use retroarch but I can't get it to work with my controller set up. I want to be able to load up either a X360 or Xbox one control scheme from the launchbox menu. So I tried saving two of the same core with different filenames with different control schemes, and no matter what I do I have to enter the controller config and do it manually anytime I try to switch controllers.

What I've done with Mednafen is create two Mednafen directories with their own executable, and make them share the same folders through the config file (for save files, snap shots, etc). The only difference between the two is their controller config. Then within launchbox I choose one or the other for my controller of choice.

[My multi controller dual screen set up! Featuring X-link Kai]

 

Just a video showing off my favorite parts of my set up.
Features:

-Wireless via wii remote multi controller set up if you're in that nostalgia mood

-Alternatively one can use the Xbox one controller if you're feeling lazy (except for Wii/Gamecube I am having issues setting up alternative controllers with Dolphin, so in the meantime I have to use either an oem wii remote or gamecube controller.)

-Press the center button on any controller (Wii remote, PS2, Xboxone) to load/exit big box, holding center buttons turns off controller without exiting or launching.

-Television automatically turns on and tunes into correct HDMI input when launched from controller

-A splash screen with a 5 second timer shows up on monitor before bigbox launches to give me the option of loading big box on to computer monitor instead (in case someone is using the TV screen for something else.)

-Custom X link Kai semi-transparent interface for simulated LAN play over the internet.

-3D printed Gamcube port where a CD drive normally sits in PC (+ wavebirds!)

-BIGBOX UI SHORTCUTS!

select + right -> Audio and video sent to TV

Select + Left-> Audio and video sent to PC

Select + Down-> Audio sent to headset

Select + Up-> Custom semi-transparent X Link Kai interface pops up. When interface is up Select + Down hides the interface again

Select + Triggers or (- and 1 or 2 on wii remote) -> Volume control

Controllers in my collection thus far:
2 NES Classics

2 SNES Classics

4 N64

4 Gamecube Wavebirds (wireless gamecube controllers)

4 Wii remotes

2 Wii Classic controllers

2 Sega Genesis

2 PS2

2 Xbox one (would like 4 eventually)

[Problems with simulated X360 controllers and Sega Genesis (Kega Fusion)]

On 6/3/2018 at 11:49 AM, damageinc86 said:

Do you use mednafen for anything?  I wonder if that might recognize inputs better, as it does on any controller i've ever had, and does all the sega consoles besides dreamcast.

I never used this before due to how difficult it was to set up, after reading your reply I started to play around with the config file for a few days the emulator is working exactly like I need it to. Thanks!

[Problems with simulated X360 controllers and Sega Genesis (Kega Fusion)]

Hello. First a little background, I am using a program called "Wiinusoft", and what it does is it connects your wii remotes to the computer and outputs them as an X360 controllers. I am then connecting the wii remotes to the OEM controllers of whatever platform I am playing using adapters. BAM wireless OEM controllers.

For most emulators this works great. Kega Fusion however has been causing me some headaches.

If I "plug in" one x360 controller I can map the outputs fine no problem, as soon as I "plug In" two controllers, this is no longer the case and no button presses from either controller is read by Kega.

Please help! I am in the final stages of completion of my little emulator station... until I decide to add more lol.