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Final Burn Neo => FBN Development => Topic started by: jan_klaassen on November 21, 2017, 06:46:16 AM

Title: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on November 21, 2017, 06:46:16 AM
Latest version downloads: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0g887qtvkbo28s8/AADstKj6xQJgwnJl3AwUTxgpa?dl=0

Requires Windows 7 or higher.
Title: Changelog
Post by: jan_klaassen on November 26, 2017, 07:04:30 AM
changes in 0.2.99.12:
changes in 0.2.99.11:
changes in 0.2.99.10:
changes in 0.2.99.9:
changes in 0.2.99.8:
changes in 0.2.99.7:
changes in 0.2.99.6:
changes in 0.2.99.5:
Title: Details
Post by: jan_klaassen on November 26, 2017, 07:06:25 AM
Changes, improvements, and new stuff:

dx9 blitter:
switches to the most appropriate refresh rate available, e.g. uses 50Hz if available for PAL consoles.

new, scalable overlay (inludes new fonts/icons, controls for all players or just player 1, and frame count/time/graph for input recordings).

dsound3 audio output that uses a synchronisation object for more efficiency and accurate timing.

support for full cd rom rips in raw format.

MIDI input:
fixes several long standing problems:
new file format for savestates/input recordings:
when playing back input recording, allows to switch from playback to recording at any time.

new cross-platform command line interface.

windows gui
PGM emulation:
More screenshots here: http://http://neo-source.com/index.php?topic=3125.msg24329#msg24329
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 07:08:35 AM
Updated to v0.2.99.8.

Note that the icc profile parser still needs work, particularly on the display gamma/transfer functions and safety/error checking.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: kev on December 29, 2017, 09:07:29 AM
On my machine the new version is crashing with no error messages. I will see if I can set up a dev enviroment and see if that gives any more info
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 09:26:51 AM
Could be the defaults for the colour stuff, as that's not very robust yet when something is wrong. Does it work with the attached fba.ini?
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: kev on December 29, 2017, 09:29:40 AM
Yes, using that .ini worked
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 09:43:15 AM
Great. I will update the download quickly then, with that as the default.

What does the help ? system information thingie say about your monitor(s)? The default in that build is to use the monitor's EDID to get colour information, and the system info uses the same code.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: kev on December 29, 2017, 09:51:04 AM
I think these are the relevant bits. My monitor is kind of old and shitty, which might not help:

Code: [Select]
Installed displays and display adapters:
    HP HP 2159 Series Wide LCD Monitor on NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 6GB
        Serial no: CZQ91403JV
        Display is in landscape prientation
        Display size ~48x27cm, Gamma 2.20
        Preferred mode 1920x1080, 60.000 Hz (477x268mm, 148.500 MHz)
        Max. bandwidth 170 MHz, H sync 24-94 KHz, V sync 48-76 Hz
        white x 0.313, red x 0.648, green x 0.282, blue x 0.143
              y 0.329,     y 0.339,       y 0.603,      y 0.070

<snip>

 Module settings:    Using D3DSWAPEFFECT_COPY to present the image
                        Colour settings: hue shift    0?
                                         saturation 155%
                                         contrast   100%
                        Correcting colours, intent is absolute
                            source: Generic CRT [ɣ = 2.45, Tcp = D65]
                            target: from EDID
                        Correcting for display gamma of 1.90



Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 10:06:20 AM
Thanks, yeah, esp. the top part was what I was wondering about. It seems to detect your monitor just fine, and that information looks correct (not always a given, manufacturers are sometimes sloppy with the edid stuff).

So maybe it's some other part of the defaults that's causing it to crash.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: kev on December 29, 2017, 10:22:41 AM
a VS2017 debug repeatedly throws this in the console:

Code: [Select]
* Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...
*** initialising zip support...
  * Scanning roms\...


but did show the first use dialog before it did that.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 10:27:33 AM
It does that for each (sub-) directory of the rom path. But normally only once.

I uploaded a binary for v2.99.9 (same url). Can you check if this one is OK without an fba.ini file present?
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: kev on December 29, 2017, 10:35:17 AM
Still crashes without the ini present. I just noticed that it's not actually crashing as it's still showing in task manager, it's just not responsive at all or if it is, it's not showing anything. It's at 0% CPU so it can't be doing much
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: kev on December 29, 2017, 10:36:48 AM
I just tried a reboot and that works ok without the ini now. How weird!
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 10:47:10 AM
Quaint. BYW it looks like the repeating message only happens when the rom paths aren't configured yet.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on December 29, 2017, 11:19:45 AM
to me 08 work fine!

i like the crt effect and using custom values i was able to tune it nicely.

but i cannot found halation option... maybe is one of the crt overlay custom setthing option? they dont have names...
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 11:30:40 AM
It's the called contrast in the documentation. The sliders in the dialog aren't labelled yet, but it's the lower right one. The effect is dialed back from the preview screenshot though (that one was a little much as it blew out all bright shades).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on December 29, 2017, 11:38:15 AM
understand! why dont let us push over the 255 maximum value? to have same effect as the preview screenshot?  :biggrin:

i tryed to manualli edit the ini to push it to 355 instead of 255 but final burn when i launch it revert it to default of 90 :D

you expert so i ask you, how i can setup final burn to go full screen mode but avoid to stretch the image to cover all available space, and use black bar? i want go full screen but maintain aspect ratio!

edit, i find out, i have to select "correct aspect ratio".

but i dont understand, i deselect it because in windows mode the game look better without the aspect ratio correction...

the cps1/2 game had a resolution who was stretched to the 4:3 format of cabinet?
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 12:05:29 PM
There's a technical reason for limiting the contrast setting, but I will look into a way of making the effect more pronounced. I don't know how yet though.

And yes, almost all arcade games used 4:3 screens. In fba it's think only sf3ii that has a wide-screen option, though you have to go into its setup mode to get it (games like ninja warriors used multiple 4:3 monitors side by side).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on December 29, 2017, 01:23:37 PM
hi friend good job.
v0.2.99.8 no  work in my notebook.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 29, 2017, 02:03:01 PM
It's crashing during the video initialisation, so if you haven't tried the previous test versions, I would suggest deleting the direct3d dll file that's in the directory, and installing directx. You can download the directx installer here: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=35

You can also try to download the fba.ini file from this post: http://neo-source.com/index.php?topic=3162.msg24942#msg24942 Put the file in the fba\config directory, open it with notepad and find this line:

Code: [Select]
nVidSelect 3
Change that to

Code: [Select]
nVidSelect 1
That way it will start with the enhanced/direct3d7 blitter. If installing directx doesn't help and this does, we can see from there.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on December 29, 2017, 06:35:15 PM
i notice a glitch in metal slug!

with fb 0.2.97.42 32bit work fine

with your version this happen:

(https://i.imgur.com/U56hqJW.jpg)
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 30, 2017, 05:27:27 AM
That's actually a problem with many neo geo games (and a few others), but it's not a bug in the emulation -- the left- and right-most 8 pixels aren't used.

Quote from: from the documentation
Display settings

Borders or unused screen edges

Some games (including most Neo Geo games) have some unused space at the edges of the screen. On the arcade machines, the monitor would be adjusted so that these edges would be off the screen. You can do the same in FB Alpha by selecting the Game ? Set visible area menu option. There, you can set the number of pixels on the edges that should not be displayed (set this to 8 on the left and right for most Neo Geo games).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on December 30, 2017, 12:27:51 PM
So, is my fault to dont have read documentation!  :biggrin:

i will take a look and read it so avoid other stupid question in future, thank you.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 30, 2017, 01:25:45 PM
I didn't mean to say RTFM. And having to set the visible areas for many games is a bit annoying, but you only have to do it once per game, so it hasn't been a proirity.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on December 30, 2017, 05:31:46 PM
no the idea is your manual have good info so better i read it! :D

a question, why your version dont have the dx9 blitter experimental/alternative like the ufficial one?
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jerrymh on December 30, 2017, 07:43:07 PM
It crash after the initialization screen apears, tryed 2.99.8 and 2.99.9

solved!!!!!!!!!!!!  you need to download de ini file


Is there any way to use 5xbrz + aperture grille?????????
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on December 31, 2017, 05:17:28 AM
I uploaded a debug version with a few extra safety checks (not really any other new features). If the  v2.99.8 or v2.99.9 builds crash, please download that, the file is fbad_v029910.zip. That version will show a debug log as well as the main window, so it can help pin point what's causing any crashes.

Instead of a "guru meditation" box with red text, this may show one with yellow text. The ones with yellow text mean there was an unexpected error, but you can still continue if you click OK.

a question, why your version dont have the dx9 blitter experimental/alternative like the ufficial one?
Because the one blitter in this version combines most of what the two separate ones can do (and then adds a few bits).

It crash after the initialization screen apears, tryed 2.99.8 and 2.99.9

solved!!!!!!!!!!!!  you need to download de ini file
Great. Did it just disappear or did you get a guru meditation window or a crash message from Windows?

Quote
Is there any way to use 5xbrz + aperture grille?????????
No, I will probably add support for more scaling algorithms later, but I'm not sure how, when, or what yet. For now as far as the blitters go I'm concentrating on the crt simulation, e.g. it should get TV modes.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jerrymh on December 31, 2017, 11:46:55 PM
I uploaded a debug version with a few extra safety checks (not really any other new features). If the  v2.99.8 or v2.99.9 builds crash, please download that, the file is fbad_v029910.zip. That version will show a debug log as well as the main window, so it can help pin point what's causing any crashes.

Instead of a "guru meditation" box with red text, this may show one with yellow text. The ones with yellow text mean there was an unexpected error, but you can still continue if you click OK.
Because the one blitter in this version combines most of what the two separate ones can do (and then adds a few bits).
Great. Did it just disappear or did you get a guru meditation window or a crash message from Windows?
No, I will probably add support for more scaling algorithms later, but I'm not sure how, when, or what yet. For now as far as the blitters go I'm concentrating on the crt simulation, e.g. it should get TV modes.

No  just disappear, start normally after change the blitter option on the ini file.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 02, 2018, 04:43:22 AM
OK. That's the same thing that happened to kev. I will look into it. Fixing it may require a bit of trial and error, since it works fine on on my test machines.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 03, 2018, 11:03:51 AM
The python scripts can now generate a genre tag database from the flags built into the drivers.

I zipped the output file, so to use it, download the attachment and extract to the config folder inside your fba folder.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 03, 2018, 11:06:25 PM
Hi guys,
I registered to file a crash report.
Every time I launch fba it crashes just after reading the roms, I've downloaded the debug version 2.99.10 and here's my report:
GPU: Geforce GTX 550 TI
GPU Driver Version: 388.71
CPU: Pentium G3258
RAM: 8GB
Windows: Windows 10 x64 Build 16299.125 (RS3)
DX: updated via dxwebsetup.exe
Changed the ini: Yes, crashes
Changed the Blitter from DX9 -> DX7: Yes, and FBA works (nvidselect= 3 -> nvidselect= 1)
I've attached a capture from the debug console, when the crash happens seems like the entire windows UI freezes until I close the fba.exe process.
Edit: attached a debug console picture using nvidselect = 1
Thanks!
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 04, 2018, 09:48:59 AM
Thank you, this is very helpful.

Does it also crash when you use the directx7 blitter?

It seems that both blitters complete their setup without problems, except the last few little things the directx9 blitter does:If the direct3d blitter works, and you can switch the bilinear filtering on and off, it looks like the 2nd is the problem. Which would be ironic since it never even works correctly.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 04, 2018, 10:26:59 AM
@jan_klaassen
Hi,
Both dx7 blitters works: enhanced and legacy, at least I can select them without the emulator crashing.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 04, 2018, 10:45:17 AM
Can you switch the linear filter on and off with the direct3d blitter as well?
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 04, 2018, 11:08:48 AM
Can you switch the linear filter on and off with the direct3d blitter as well?

Test:
Select Blitter -> Enhanced
Blitter options: enable / disable bi-linear filtering= Works OK

Select Blitter -> Legacy
Blitter options: there's no bi-linear filtering option, but tested Double pixels (software), hq4x = Works OK

I've found something interesting:
If I connect to my pc using remote desktop, I can use the Advanced Bliiter (DX9). Seems if that it couldn't detect a display loads just fine (image attached).

Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 04, 2018, 11:16:43 AM
Thank you -- I should have enough information now to fix this.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 04, 2018, 02:01:56 PM
btw,
are there differences between the romsets? I mean between FBA 2.97.42 and 2.99.9?

Pictures related (using the same romset).

Thanks!
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 05, 2018, 08:46:38 AM
I'm making improvements to the error handling and adding a bunch of safety tests. I'm hoping to update the test release this weekend.

are there differences between the romsets? I mean between FBA 2.97.42 and 2.99.9

There shouldn't be. But both versions are probably counting slightly differently (mine filters the romsets included in the total count while building the list).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 05, 2018, 09:56:44 AM
Hi, thanks for your answer, I forgot to say something (or maybe wasn't explained clearly).
I can't play any rom (I tried the legacy and enhanced dx7 blitters), every time I try to launch a game it shows an exception: if it's a CPS2 it opens a window saying that an error occurred loading the rom, if it's a SNK game the debug window constantly repeats a message about a cpu reset and the main window stays black.
I guess this is related to the problem with DX?
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 05, 2018, 12:58:09 PM
It probably lost your settings because of a crash or because it's using copied ini files. Just make sure it still has the correct rom paths.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 05, 2018, 01:43:32 PM
Hi, I've rescanned the rom paths and the same error occurs. Pictures attached.
* I can load the same games using FBA 2.97.42 without problems.

EDIT: By default in the ini file there's a relative path pointing to the "roms" directory, replaced that for the absolute path and the problem is gone, but it's weird that you can load an SNK rom and the screen just stays black (no error was given), the same behavior happens in the previous version if you don't change the relative path.

In the original FBA, the ini comes preconfigured with the relative paths to all the common folders ex: coleco, gamegear, megadriv, msx, roms, etc. So when you run fba for the first time, and that folders exist, the roms are detected correctly. IIRC if you don't set up your rom paths directory in a specific order (when you do it manually), not all your roms are detected.
 
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 06, 2018, 07:08:07 AM
EDIT: By default in the ini file there's a relative path pointing to the "roms" directory, replaced that for the absolute path and the problem is gone, but it's weird that you can load an SNK rom and the screen just stays black (no error was given), the same behavior happens in the previous version if you don't change the relative path.
That's a bug, you should get a error message and it will refuse to start the game (it didn't show the error when no external paths were configured). That's gone, and I added a feature so that it will detect when the ini file and rom database go out of sync and rescan automatically (that should not normally happen, but still).

Quote
In the original FBA, the ini comes preconfigured with the relative paths to all the common folders ex: coleco, gamegear, megadriv, msx, roms, etc. So when you run fba for the first time, and that folders exist, the roms are detected correctly. IIRC if you don't set up your rom paths directory in a specific order (when you do it manually), not all your roms are detected.
That's changed in this version. Obviously some games still have the same filename so will need to reside in separate folders, but the detection doesn't mandate any particular folder structure. It also scans the folders recursively. You're free to organise the roms into whatever structure you like, and point fba to a single root folder. Because why make it complicated when it could be simple...
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 06, 2018, 08:28:43 AM
Hi,
About the folder structure, I was specifically talking about this (picture attached).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 06, 2018, 09:52:51 AM
I know. Like I said, that's changed. In the current build, the folders with console games still need to come after the arcade ones, but that limitation has been removed for the next build. Now all folders are searched, so if a game is in any one of the folders you point fba to, even in sub-folders, it will work. If you have 2 files named '1941.zip' they are both searched.

The bit about fba using a prefix applies equally here, just not the way rom folders are used. Things like using mame's history.dat need special care as well, at least if you expect to find info for console games.

I think it was a very bad idea to not give the console games a unique name, since it could well cause problems in some cases unless you have folders exclusive to each system, but we have to follow whatever it is that mame does, so here we are.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.8: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 06, 2018, 10:40:14 AM
Thanks, @jan_klaassen!
I'm waiting for the new build!  :cool:
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 07, 2018, 11:36:22 AM
Just updated the downloads.

Hopefully this version works better. In case it doesn't, I will add a debug version to the downloads later.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 07, 2018, 01:47:39 PM
Hi,
I've tested the new build.
I deleted the config folder to start from zero.

First run:
The first rom scanning is a lot faster, took like 2 min, the previous version was like 10 min, not all roms were detected (4162 / 10488).
After the initial rom scanning, FBA started, the window title shows "initializing audio - video subsystem" and it stayed that way until I changed the blitter, after that, it changed to FBA Alpha 2.9.11.
The second run started with the correct window title.

Test all the blitters (DX9, DX7 Enhanced, DX7 Legacy), no crashes, even switching them when playing.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Attached some pictures:
FBA Window title.
FBA Detected roms.
My rom folders.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 07, 2018, 02:34:59 PM
Good to know there are no crashes anymore. It might show you a recoverable error window then you change the display profile in the video > monitor properties menu.

Not detecting your roms is a bit strange, as it has the same ones as the last release of regular fba. Does it show them when you uncheck 'show available only'? If so, maybe it's not finding them because it doesn't have all  paths? (Remember it searches recursively, but there are not 20 base paths.)

I did some cleanup in the code that searches the roms, but nothing that should noticeably affect speed.

I will look at the window title.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 07, 2018, 03:04:57 PM
Added the debug version.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 07, 2018, 05:49:38 PM
Rom detection times:
Delete the config folder, copied the .09 version, run the exe and rom detection started
10 - 11 minutes from start to finish

Next run:
Delete the config folder, copied the .11 version, run the exe and rom detection started
40 seconds from start to finish.

Attached picture from 2.99.11 after rom detection, and deselected "Show available only" (I've the complete romset for FBA 2.97.42)
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 08, 2018, 10:27:00 AM
Looks like it's missing just console games -- are you sure it knows where to find them? If it is that much faster when scanning, that can only really mean it can't find the games.

Remember to point fba to the folder containing the subfolders for individual systems. I mean, if your folder structure looks like this, point it to 'games' and nothing more.

Code: [Select]
games
  |
  |--- arcade --- misc
  |            |
  |            |- neo geo
  |            |
  |            |- deco
  |            |
  |            |- deco32
  |            |
  |            |- pgm
  |
  |--- console --- sms
                |
                |- genesis
                |
                |- pcengine
                |
                |- coleco
                |
                |- msx
   
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 08, 2018, 10:32:06 AM
I'm using the default order for FBA 2.97.42 (the folder structure is named that way to be synched with the MAME Software List) just put the exe, run without config, automatic scanning starts, all roms are detected (10490/10490).

Btw, what's your preferred blitter (or video configuration)?, I play mostly fighting games, and I've always wondered what's the best combination of video settings to get the best-looking graphics.

Thanks!
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 08, 2018, 11:14:07 AM
I'm not imposing any structure on the roms. But other than ./roms (which is really intended to have roms specific to fba), there are no defaults either, since you may be using more than one emulator. There's also no need to copy the roms to the fba directory, you only have to set one directory, and fba will find the roms even if they are in subdirectories. So in your case, click the directories button on the load game dialog, point the 1st path to the fba directory, and it will pick up everything. Now it only sees ./roms which I assume has the arcade ones, and that's what your screenshot shows.

Video settings are a matter of taste, but generally use the advanced blitter. If you don't like scanlines, use the cubic filter with the lightly filtered or perceptual compromise presets. if you do like scanlines, use the crt simulation (which looks most like an arcade monitor), or the cubic filter with one the sharpened presets. You can tune each of those further with the dialogs.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 09, 2018, 07:53:33 AM
I expect more people will have a similar experience to the above, expecting this version of fba to handle rom directories the same as the regular builds. It doesn't, it uses a recursive scan, doesn't have 20(!) paths to set, and imposes no naming or structure demands whatsoever. It's also cross-platform. None of that's going to change.

All of that works great, but it's not what everyone expects. So I've made a few changes. These take the form of an optional platform-specific callback function call that allows for filtering the list of rom search paths as it is being built.

The Windows implementation of this filters the main fba directory, so that, unless explicitly added, every subdirectory is excluded except the default rom paths of the regular fba. The first path is now also set to . by default, so that the default settings work similarly to the ones in the regular fba.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 09, 2018, 08:29:37 AM
Hi!
I was testing the 2.99.11 debug build.
With no config / first run, automatic scanning detected 4162 roms (only "roms" directory was scanned)
after that -> system -> Load game -> Directories... > added the fba root path (".") -> OK -> scanning started
9708 / 10626 roms detected

I want to say thank you for your hard work, the blitters look really nice, I have replaced the original FBA with this build on my pc.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 09, 2018, 10:17:10 AM
Thank you.

The missing games are probably the bootlegs/hacks, which are hidden by default in this build.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 09, 2018, 12:41:03 PM
I forgot something: when I was testing the initial rom scanning this message appeared in the 2.99.10 version (picture attached).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 09, 2018, 01:21:44 PM
That message means the communication between different parts of fba isn't happening fast enough. It's more of a warning, it doesn't really mean anything is wrong (that's why the normal fba builds don't show it, only debug ones).

If you got that message only while it was scanning, it could just be that your computer is too busy with the harddisk to handle other things at the same time. Maybe it needs to be adjusted for computers with only one or two cpu cores.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 09, 2018, 02:03:03 PM
I tested it on 3 PC's  with different configurations:

core i7 950 4C-8T / Nvidia GPU
core i7 920 4C-8T/ AMD GPU
Pentium G3258 2C / Nvidia GPU

And it only happens in that build, I thought that was something related to the massive speed up of the initial rom scanning between the .10 build and the .11 build.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 09, 2018, 03:13:30 PM
If you get that message on any of the i7 cpus, that's odd since they should just keep going no matter what. I'm not sure about a dual core cpu, and it would also depend on the harddisk and maybe virus scanner, especially in combination (Windows Defender's virus scanner is terrible in that respect). That one should still be plenty fast enough though. You should be able to have a game running at full speed while fba is doing a scan.

I didn't do anything that would affect the scanning speed though, and there wasn't a Visual Studio or libary update either, so if scannimg speed changed, it wasn't me.

Video drivers can cause problems, but mostly for fullscreen mode, or with multiple monitors (and so can Windows updates).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 09, 2018, 03:52:11 PM
I know, the first time I tried the emulator even DX7 blitter crashed, uninstalled the VNC Mirage Driver and DX7 started working. So if someone is using the mirage driver please uninstall it first.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on January 09, 2018, 04:14:22 PM

hi the emulator works fine now thanks for updating.
because my emulator does not appear this option of the photo? you removed
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 09, 2018, 05:25:28 PM
You get that toolbar when you load neo geo mvs (at the top of the list in the load game dialog), and select a few games (in the next dialog, the one with the 6 cartridge slots).
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on January 09, 2018, 08:00:22 PM
thnk friend , work .


I do not know if it is a bug or I am getting it wrong on v0.2.99.11 so it does not appear on screen P1.
and in this image you posted appears P1 and P2
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on January 09, 2018, 08:02:30 PM
Congratulations on the job, very well done.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 09, 2018, 08:53:28 PM
Hi,
Found a little bug, if you go to Video -> Blitter Options, and you select "Pre-scale using SoftFX" without selecting a SoftFX algorithm first, the emulator crashes (Guru meditation window).
If you select a SoftFX algorithm first, the "Pre-scale using SoftFX" is automatically selected and the emulator doesn't crash.

I can replicate this behavior 100% of the time, removing the fba.ini and selecting the menus.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 10, 2018, 03:28:31 PM
Found a little bug, if you go to Video -> Blitter Options, and you select "Pre-scale using SoftFX" without selecting a SoftFX algorithm first, the emulator crashes (Guru meditation window)
Thanks, fixed it.

I do not know if it is a bug or I am getting it wrong on v0.2.99.11 so it does not appear on screen P1.
and in this image you posted appears P1 and P2
I'm just quoting the documentation, see attachment. :biggrin:
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on January 10, 2018, 03:31:03 PM
hi jan_klaassen, can you create a tutorial to compile the src?
wanted to add some modifications and new roms.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 10, 2018, 03:43:53 PM
Already did, it's in the zip file with the source code (compiling.txt). Covers both Visual Studio and Mingw-w64 with gcc 7.1.

Code: [Select]
A: compiling with visual studio 2017:

- download and install python 3.5 (or higher)
- download and install visual studio 2017
- download nasm and gnu make (including support files)
- download boost (version 1.64 or higher)

compiling boost:
- extract the boost source code
- start a visual studio developer command prompt, go to the boost directory,
  and create a .cmd file containing the following:

---8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<---

call "%VS150COMNTOOLS%..\..\VC\vcvarsall.bat" x86
 
set cores=%NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS%
echo Building boost with %cores% cores

call bootstrap.bat
 
rem Most libraries can be static libs
b2 -j%cores% toolset=msvc-14.1 address-model=32 architecture=x86 define=_WIN32_WINNT=0x0601 link=static threading=multi runtime-link=shared --build-type=minimal stage --stagedir=stage/win32
b2 -j%cores% toolset=msvc-14.1 address-model=32 architecture=x86 define=_WIN32_WINNT=0x0601 link=static threading=multi runtime-link=static --build-type=minimal stage --stagedir=stage/win32
 
pause

---8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<---

- execute the batchfile.

compiling fb alpha:
- extract the fba source code
- place nasm and the gnu make executable along with it's support files in the same directory
- double-click FB Alpha.sln to open the project in visual studio
- once the project is opened, go into the property manager,
  under the configuration you want to build, right-click the fb alpha user property sheet,
  select "properties" from the menu; gp to the VC++ directories tab,
  set the directories boost to the correct locations, e.g.:

  <drive>:<directory\boost_1_65_1;$(IncludePath)
  <drive>:<directory\boost_1_65_1\stage\win32\lib;$(LibraryPath)

  then go to the nmake tab and set the buid/rebuild commamd lines to contain the options you want
- select the configuration you just edited in the configuration manager and build it

// ---

B: compiling with mingw-w64

- download and install python 3.5 (or higher)
- download and install mingw-w64
- download nasm
- download boost (version 1.64 or higher)

compiling boost:
- extract the boost source code
- start a mingw command prompt, go to the boost directory,
  and create a .cmd file containing the following:

---8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<---

set cores=%NUMBER_OF_PROCESSORS%
echo Building boost with %cores% cores

call bootstrap.bat
 
rem Most libraries can be static libs
b2 -j%cores% toolset=gcc address-model=32 architecture=x86 define=_WIN32_WINNT=0x0601 link=static threading=multi runtime-link=shared --build-type=minimal stage --stagedir=stage/win32
b2 -j%cores% toolset=gcc address-model=32 architecture=x86 define=_WIN32_WINNT=0x0601 link=static threading=multi runtime-link=static --build-type=minimal stage --stagedir=stage/win32
 
pause

---8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<------8<---

- execute the batchfile.

compiling fb alpha:
- extract the fba source code
- place nasm in the same directory
- edit makefile.mingw.user.mk and set the variables you want, then
  make sure the additional paths has the correct locations for boost, e.g.

boost_ver = 1_65

user_inc = <drive>:<directory/boost_1_65_1
user_lib = <drive>:<directory/boost_1_65_1/stage/win32/lib

- start a mingw command prompt, and go to the fba source directory
- type mingw32-make
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on January 13, 2018, 08:30:29 PM
error in compile  ' 'conk_commands.hpp': No such file or directory'
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.11: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 14, 2018, 06:03:14 AM
That file is generated with a python script, so make sure python is installed, and that PYTHON=1 is in the make options.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on January 14, 2018, 06:54:01 AM
Updated to v0.2.99.12.

This version has effectively the same default rom folders as the regular fba version.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on January 15, 2018, 02:21:41 PM
GG man! keep up the good work!!!
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: cliobrando on January 16, 2018, 01:36:43 PM
Thanks!
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on February 03, 2018, 03:09:33 PM
hi friend .
 I'm wrong with that.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: jan_klaassen on April 08, 2018, 11:41:05 AM
Sorry for the late reply.

You are mixing files built by different versions of visual studio. It does not like that.
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: robsons2007 on April 08, 2018, 12:20:46 PM
thank ,i will correct  ;p
Title: Re: updated to v0.2.99.12: jan_klaassen's mega super double extra special version
Post by: riccetto80 on July 30, 2018, 04:58:17 AM
No update lately?  :p :biggrin: