CLRCART PRO (Beta Testers Needed)

[Rain]

It's me again guys, and this time I have to discuss a program I have been working on for the past few weeks that I am calling CLRCART PRO. What CLRCART PRO is essentially is a stripped down version of CLRMAMEPRO that has been made easier for renaming ROM files against the official DAT-O-MATIC databases. CLRCART PRO is specifically designed to rename cartridge based systems against a DAT file. Using CLRCART PRO you can rebuild ROM sets, merge sets, or audit existing sets against newer DAT files. I would like to make this clear, this is not your basic renamer; it uses the same methods that CLRMAMEPRO uses, just in a more compact and easier to understand interface (which should be helpful to new users.)

I interested in testing against some dirty ROM sets please attach a post to this thread so that I can send you a copy of the application once it has been completed and marked for beta. Thanks guys!

[Rain]

Basic screenshot

[Kevinlives]

I have quite a few Goodsets tucked away that might just be suitable for testing purposes. I have about a bazillion other things I should be doing instead, but considering the amount of contributions you have made to this community, I'm not sure how anyone could say no. Sign me up Rain.

BTW, don't you have a major Sync release tomorrow? Good Lord man! Busy much?!

[Rain]

I have quite a few Goodsets tucked away that might just be suitable for testing purposes. I have about a bazillion other things I should be doing instead, but considering the amount of contributions you have made to this community, I'm not sure how anyone could say no. Sign me up Rain.

BTW, don't you have a major Sync release tomorrow? Good Lord man! Busy much?!

Thanks for the help bro!

[jackhammersalm]

got bored of hypersync now creating new programs what do you miss being on my report or something

[brucelee00]

Hey Rain, I'm in on the beta testing. You truly are a beast, that contributes so much to this community. I for one am thankful for your hard work

[Rain]

Betas will be distributed tonight; finally got the app cracking like it should!

[sportsfan949]

I will test if needed, thanks for all your effort to this and many other projects

[relic]

count me in ill help you out bro thx

[Rain]

Thanks for the support guys, I appreciate it a lot. The primary reason that this application is being created is because I have noticed a lot of new people to HyperSpin have been having difficulties renaming their ROM sets to match the HyperSpin databases. Well, that will change with the release of this tool; and you can rest assured that your ROM sets will be proper all of the time. In a sense you could think of this as a 'Lite' version of CLRMAMEPRO as it has all the functionality of CLRMAMEPRO but with a compact and user friendly interface. Using CLRCARTPRO users will be able to automatically update their DAT files via the WWW Mode, clean dirty ROM sets, merge sets as well as audit said sets against any given DAT file. Furthermore I have added the feature that allows you to export your current ROM set as either a HyperSpin XML Database or as a DAT file to share with others. Everything from backups, renaming, case conventions have been thought of for this release. It has underwent hundreds of tests, and will go through a few hundred more before it is ready to release.

Features at a glance:

• Update ROM sets
  
• Clean poorly named/managed ROM files
  
• Automatic DAT database update utility (using WWW mode)
  
• Export have list in one of three formats
  
• Use custom header XML files for proper ROM matching
  
• Dynamic byte swapping (as in CLRMAMEPRO as well) to test all available ROMS using a battery of test
  
• SHA1, CRC32, MD5 and length checking to ensure only the proper files are being renamed
  

Look forward to a release soon guys, thanks for all of your help!

[relic]

im still avalible rain if you need a hand

[Rain]

thanks

[hiorik]

still any chance to get the beta?

[Rain]

The beta should be ready any day now. I just wanted to get a few little things in order, such as the statistics window. Here is a peak below, there are still a few things that I am working on before I allow this to hit the prime time; but all in all the app is working fantastically. Big thanks to BruceLee for giving me the ideal to create such an application. Thanks bro!

[relic]

still around for you rain anytime thx and this program looks brilliant

[Rain]

Hello boys and girls, I just thought that I'd give you all a little progress report regarding the development thus far - and the news is good! I have been working on this application non stop since HyperSync is on a temporary hold until the release of the newest HyperLaunch; and I am actually pretty impressed with it thus far. It has been such a breath of fresh air to do something locally and not cloud based for a change that I fear I might become spoiled to it, no file synchronization here, just good old fashioned, hardcore compare, match and renaming. So, I am pretty stoked about this application and cannot wait to see the fruits of my labor come to life.

First and Foremost

As many of you know our good friend Emb has a rename utility that HyeprSync's database; and it is a remarkable piece of software. I would like to point out that I am not making this tool to compete with Emb as it is a totally different ball of wax alltogether. CLRCARTPRO was designed as a counterpart to CLRMAMEPRO with only the finest of features kept in for cartridge based systems. CLRCARTPRO is much, much more "noob" friendly and simpler to use than CLRMAMEPRO for managing your cartridges, and that is the whole key behind it, simpler is better. Emb's application has a unique (rather beautiful design), it is highly effective for the purpose it was designed for and I use it myself constantly. So, no you cannot compare my application to Emb's, two different ballparks - no, actually two different sports alltogether.

Why Use CLRCARTPRO

CLRCARTPRO works in much the same way that CLRMAMEPRO works (minus the fact it only scans against files > database, instead of database > files) it allows you to easily update your ROM sets using the official databases (DATS) from HyperList (yes, we have DATS on there) or datomatic.no-intro.org. It allows you to edit files by genre, rating and much more (using external XML database files); it allows you to share your DATS via our online repository we are creating, it essentially lets you stay on the bleeding edge of your ROM sets. It has a user interface that was designed to be informative and easy to use; simply pick a source directory, a destination, load your DAT and click Scan, that's it. It does have a profile system that is similar to CLRMAMEPRO's, each with dozens upon dozens of options. CLRCARTPRO is designed simply to get the job done, get it done right, and keep you up to date!

I have really poured my heart and soul into this application; and it will become my new pet project for a long time to come - as I hope that this application will become a tool of great use to the emulation community. I really hope that you all enjoy it, and that it serves the purpose for which it was created for.

Now, onto the more difficult side of news to announce. For the past three years almost I have been very active in these forums; my little tools and my love for the game have kept me going like a runaway train. I would like to thank each and every one of you for allowing me to do what I have done, and for allowing me to make long term relationships here on this site. However, I regret to inform you that all good things must come to an end; and as of this application and HyperSync I do not believe that I will continue development of further applications. As Windows technology progresses, and the formats and languages change, I realize that I am too old and set in my ways to learn yet another way of accomplishing the same thing. Windows forms applications (whether C++, C#) are quickly going the way of the dinosaur, and so am I. The world loves WPF applications, and metro style apps now, and honestly I just don't see what all of the big whoop is about. I came into the software development business as a Windows form designer, and I am leaving the same way; I just don't have the time, nor the inclination to learn XAML or the other cutting edge features.

So, it is with a heavy heart, and a clear mind that I announce my retirement from the software development game and let more able bodies take over in my place. You have all served me well over the years, and I hope that I have served you as well. So, CLRCARTPRO and HyperSync will be my two great accomplishments in the emulation community, and that is fine with me. Both applications will always continue to be updated, new features added and kept on the edge of the highest standards of quality and service, but that is it. So my friends, thanks for all the years and all of the memories; don't worry, I will still be very active in the community, but I know that it is better to step down while you are on top, then to slip and fall to the bottom. Funny, I feel like an old wrestler who just couldn't make a comeback. Thanks guys, my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you.

[britannica]

Thanks very much for your work!

[relic]

thanks rain your a true legend and will always be remembered for all the genrous and legendary things you have done for the community all this time with your software and whatever you done over the years youl be the first to be in my book of legends and champions. youl never be forgotten bro.

[Rain]

thanks rain your a true legend and will always be remembered for all the genrous and legendary things you have done for the community all this time with your software and whatever you done over the years youl be the first to be in my book of legends and champions. youl never be forgotten bro.

LoL thanks relic; it has been my pleasure.

Sent from my LGL75C using Tapatalk 2

[Deadly]

Hey Rain, since you seem to be so damn open minded (and talented) I hope you don't mind the thread jack but I've been contemplating an idea that to be honest I don't even know if it's possible. But here goes......

So one of the things that drives me nuts is how I can run (for instance) Romcenter or CLRMAMEPRO and they do what they are supposed to do and everything appears to be in good working order only to find out a ROM is just hosed.

Seriously I have run into this all too many times and it's frustrating to not be competent that I have a full WORKING set. I've gone to the extent of adding back via a torrent and having it check the downloads as well as running them through DAT programs. They appear fine but the ROM doesn't start. If I "obtain" a rom from another source and try it, then it'll load up fine. In fact, last night I noticed my PJ64 was showing Banjoe-Kazooie was screwed up (unknown/bad dump) but when running DAT check it showed up fine.

Is there anyway that a person could write a script that would launch a game, exit out (closing emulator) then wash rinse and repeat? Upon completion it'd provide a log file showing number/name of failed roms? Maybe a way to modify/addon to Hyperlaunch?

To me, this tool would be one of the most revolutionary and important tools of our time. Maybe it hasn't been made before because it's actually impossible or just too much work? Anyway let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!

[Kevinlives]

However, I regret to inform you that all good things must come to an end; and as of this application and HyperSync I do not believe that I will continue development of further applications.

To sum up my feelings regarding what I have quoted above:

"I felt a great disturbance in the Force, as if millions of voices suddenly cried out in terror and were suddenly silenced."

Though trivial, please accept my sincere thanks for your contributions to this project. I hate to see one's creative brilliance snuffed by programming technique differences, but I am in no position to dictate how you or anyone else should spend their free time. I hope that after a break you reconsider. Regardless, Godspeed sir.

[djvj]

Deadly that might be possible, but like the issue with customizing a script to run in a pseudo fullscreen mode with all its window elements removed, it would need to be customized for each emu. Each emu would have a different behavior on what happens when a "bad rom" was loaded. What if you don't even have a bad rom, how would you know exactly how it will perform when one is found? So for the systems that you do have known bad roms and cause ill effects, with timers, some skill, and good logging, you can create a method that can do what you want. Sounds like a good way for you to learn ahk if you ask me.

[Rain]

I am quite disturbed today actually as when I checked my private messages on the site I was surprised to have received such a negative message, in fact I am still in shock; so I thought that I would share an excerpt of the message here with the community. Please know, I plan on taking no corrective action with the user, nor will I release their name in an effort to exact revenge on them. I just wanted to share the type of mail I get as a developer.

Excerpt:

why wud you plan on releasing such a tool as this clrcartpro? in case u have not noticed the emulation market is flooded with apps of this nature already, clrmamepro, embs renamer, etc...

My Response:

I want to release CLRCARTPRO so users (not just HyperSpin) can easily manage their cartridge based systems using a more simplified and direct interface other than CLRMAMEPRO. You are right, there are dozens of renamer applications out there, but currently the only two I know that are worth a damned are CLRMAMEPRO and Don's Renamer.

Excerpt:

If I were emb I would be suspicus that you have broken down his app and stolen parts of his source code.

My Response:

To the contrary, Emb and I have been acquainted on HyperSpin for quite some time; and you are right there are parts to this application in which I have asked and received Emb's help with no opposition whatsoever, in fact Emb has always been willing to answer any of my questions readily, and very friendly.

Excerpt:

If u continue this app I will personally see that you are banned from the hyperspin website, this is not negotiable.

My Response:

Good luck, HyperBase, and the HyperSpin website itself all have my thumbprint all over them. In fact did you know that the driving force behind HyperSpin, the FTP and HyperBase was implemented by me? The entire backend synchronization method was programmed, and deployed by myself alone. I personally know that BadBoyBill would never ban me, I am pretty much like the HyperSpin cattle, Bill just kind of lets me graze around and do whatever I want.

Excerpt:

other users lyke circo have worked hard to develop thir sites and do not need people like you to assist them in the operation of their webfronts.

My Response:

Did you also know that Circo is a very close, personal friend of mine; as a matter of fact Circo audits his entire movie sets using a nifty little program that I created? So, if you are looking to turn Circo against me, you can pretty much just stop it now, that will never happen.

Excerpt:

u call urself a programmer, but i saw on arcadecontrols that you once encoded a password for an email.

My Response:

Yeah, that is actually true - also if you would have noticed that was for a disposable email which only received error logs, so regardless if someone would have guessed the password then it would not have mattered anyways. As a matter of fact here is the password I used and still use for all of my application error logs: rainserrors318, now go, have fun reading the logs.

Excerpt:

...furthermore, u stole source code from headkaze and paradedd around like you did something special.

My Response:

Now, that is where I am going to have to pull straws to situate this. Did I steal source code from HeadKaze? No, there was no source code stolen from HeadKaze whatsoever. His MAME compiler is essentially just a glorified MAKE launcher (the same as mine), so if stealing Process.Start("make " + application.parameters) was ever a high priority I would just shoot myself now and get it over with. HeadKaze MAME compiler uses GNU make which is open source, and parts of the original Make were altered. Furthermore, according the GNU license whenever HeadKaze modified make he was supposed to make said changes available to the public; however he refused to make said changes available. So even if one does decompile a GNU application to obtain source code then it is not stealing, as the source code when altered was supposed to be made available anyhow. So, this statement you make is a double negative and very misplaced.

Excerpt:

nobody trust you anymore....

Response:

You are right, I have only created fully integrated application interfaces for 12 other emulation/torrent websites. I can guarantee that everybody on here like me or not uses my work every single time they logon to HyperSpin, or almost every other emulation website. If nobody trust me then why has my works become such an integral part of the emulation community? Even when you send me this message right now, I can guarantee you that I am behind it, my software helps deliver it to it's destination, get a clue dude.

So, in closing I say, get a life, get over yourself and just leave this site. You and your arcadecontrol fanboys are not, now will they ever be tolerated here on this website. I could easily just ban you right now and be done with it, but I am not. I hope in time you will see how ignorant you really are and how your tired ramblings truly do fall on deaf ears. The fact is I despise little whiney bitch men, nothing pisses me off more than a full grown man who sounds like he's on his period. Get a clue dude, drop a set and then move on.

Love,

Rain! XOXOXO

[Pyramid_Head]

Whoa what a dick head. Thanks for sharing these with us. I can't believe some of the shit he accuses you of.

[relic]

Yeah some people need to get a life dont worry about it rain once people see how genious your app is there will be no complaints im ashure of that