MAME Software Lists Import Tool - plugin

[JoeViking245]

1 hour ago, dsync89 said:

I’ve noticed that if the ROM files in MAME-0.277/roms/softlist are identical (i.e., same filenames and checksums) to those already present in MAME-0.263/roms/softlist, then the LaunchBox MAME Softlist Import Tool will not update the ROM paths.

When updating, the plugin assumes one MAME, one ROM set.  /MAME/roms/softlists/  Then, it actually only checks/cross-checks the ROM filename.  It doesn't bother with the checksums.  That between you and MAME (and something like clrMamePro if you use it).  

In your case, you're essentially updating to a new set. Rather than from a new set.

Your workaround:  Tools < File Management < Change ROMs Folder Path for Selected Games...

 

1 hour ago, dsync89 said:

I’m adding the clones as Additional Apps. For example, if a game title like "foo" already exists in Platform A which I imported from 0.263 MAME softlist, and the updated 0.277 MAME softlist set introduces a clone named "foo2", the import tool does not add "foo2" as an Additional App under the existing "foo" entry. It seems that if the base title already exists, newly introduced clones with different filenames aren’t added automatically as Additional Apps.

Thanks for clarifying this.  I'll add "check this" to my to-do list.  No promises on when that may take place.  

 

1 hour ago, dsync89 said:

Too bad ever since MESS being integrated into MAME, there are still using the legacy hash.xml files for those systems. To the best of my knowledge there is no DAT project for those softlist systems.

Well, it's not really a bad thing.  There's a lot of duplicity in the innerworkings between MAME and MESS.  And accessing the xml files via the exe is not CPU intensive by any means. The alternative is to add 760+ files of data into the executable that may never even get touched. 

DAT files are available for MAMEs softlists which clrMamePro can innately utilize.  (a P.I.T.A. until you learn to make it work "for you". But doable none-the-less.)  But traversing 14 iterations of releases is beyond reasonable.  

 

1 hour ago, dsync89 said:

Updating is a pain since I had to manually go through these softlist system and re-run the import tool. 

You could always update/import them the other way.  😎

[PinballBingo123]

Hi,

I,m using the last version of the Software list plugin

I was able I think to import games like here Sega 32X and I see the images of the cardridge but when I click them a blck screen appear then nothing it come back to launchbox

Can you detail me an example for 32x as a template so i caan understand what s wrong ?

[JoeViking245]

40 minutes ago, PinballBingo123 said:

I was able I think to import games like here Sega 32X and I see the images of the cardridge but when I click them a blck screen appear then nothing it come back to launchbox

Can you detail me an example for 32x as a template so i caan understand what s wrong ?

Have you gotten other MAME software lists to work using this plugin?

32x, aka Genesis with 32x only kind-of works in MAME.  So not sure how much time you want to spend getting it to work here.

Did you look through and follow the - Software List folder/file locations: section in the plugin description for where to place the rom folder/files?  And then modify mame.ini to reflect that?

32x also requires the BIOS file 32x.zip.  Make sure that's within one of your ROM paths.

Lastly, the Command-line Parameters for the 32x Associated Platform in you MAME emulator requires "32x" (without quotes). The plugin should have put that in there for you.  (It may also be "32x -cart". Which either is fine.)

 

If after going through that, it still doesn't work [and you do want to keep trying], share some screenshots.

Edit your MAME emulator and share a screenshot of:

1. The main Details section
2. The Associated Platforms section

Edit the game you're testing (Afterburner would be a good one to test. Not the golf one).  Share a screenshot of:

1. The Launching section
2. The Emulation section

 

[SilasMurder]

Thank you for creating this! I appreciate you very much. I am going to drop some stuff to help others along the way. The Launchbox command parameters can be tricky. I am still trying to figure out how to get Apple Macintosh rolling through MAME into Launchbox. All the other configs should get you booted and going. I am in no way "proficient" running these old PC architectures through MAME, they all have their own idiosyncrasies. What I have attached will be helpful integrating MAME software list into Launchbox that has databases using Joe's amazing import tool. Once again, Mac OS is wrong and needs to be addressed. I may have missed something, I know Hyperscan roms are not available in MAME currently. Please let me know if I missed anything. Happy collection building Frens. Spreadsheet found: 

 

MAME Software Lists Settings.xlsx

Edited 6 hours ago by SilasMurder
I am an asshat

[JoeViking245]

57 minutes ago, SilasMurder said:

What I have attached will be helpful integrating MAME software list into Launchbox that has databases using Joe's amazing import tool

First off, thanks so much for the compliment!

You may want to, instead of attaching a copy of the spreadsheet, attach a link to the original post containing the original spreadsheet.  This way the actual author gets their appropriate credit.  Also, if updates are made to the spreadsheet, or the post is updated with supplemental information, users will have access to the up-to-date info.