A new corrected Sega SC-3000 setup

[floatingyeti]

Your Sega SC-3000 setup is wrong!

Well, technically its wrong, but I am probably to blame. Long ago (8 or 9 years?) when I was a young HyperSpinner, I attempted to make a Sega SC-3000 setup for the community.  Unfortunately, the only games I could find were Sega SG-1000 carts that were also listed as SC-3000 compatible on the box.  The inclusion of two Sega BASIC carts and Sega Music Editor (which are not games) was the only thing that set it apart from the SG-1000.

I regret it because:

1. It does not represent any game exclusive to the SC-3000.
2. Its completely redundant if you have the SG-1000.
3. It has become widely accepted as offical and is on most peoples setups.

Lets fix this!

Uploaded Setup: Here
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The SC-3000 actually has a larger library of games than the SG-1000, these are in tape (cassette) format. I found 86 games in total (I managed to get 80 working).

Most of the tape games i cant find in the orginal format but they are archived on the SC-3000 Survivors Multicarts. But making a SC-3000 wheel with 1 multicart and 7 tape games seemed lazy and I wanted to make the best setup!

Using RetroArch autoload states I split the Survivor Multicarts into 73 individual games.

Unfortunately sharing my autoload files isnt possible (unless you have the same drive letter, file/folder locations, and MAME core version).
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The games are in two categories:
1. Tape format games
2. Multicart games that contain converted tape games

Tape Games require Sega BASIC cart to be loaded first then tape game must be manually loaded. I have made duplicates of the Sega BASIC cart and renamed them to match individual tape games.

Multicart games can be easily selected from cart menu. I have made dulplicates of the multicarts and renamed them to match the individual games.

Important note: I did not add every renamed BASIC cart and Multicart to the MAME Hash file. I did this to save time.  You will not be able to load any of the renamed games directly in RetroArch, it will result in a gray screen.  You must first setup the games to launch in Rocketlauncher. Once that is done every game will launch to BASIC or Multicart main menu.

I included a guide listing which games are Tape or Multicart.  I included the location of every game in the multicart menu.
See: Sega SC-3000 game locations.txt
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Loading Tape Games:

Important Note: Do not use my sc3000.cfg (RetroArch\sves\mame\cfg) until tape games are set up.  It includes controller remapping that prevents easy typing of load commands.

Tape format games include:
dragonq (Dragonquest)
environd (Environoid)
lawn (Lawn)
quikdraw (Quick Draw)
sconqst (Solar Conquest)
vpoker (Video Poker)
voltron (Voltron)  

load the .zip files for each game, the tape images are in the directory with matching name.

Step 1:

(example: lawn.zip)
load game in Rocketlauncher

Step 2:

Sega Basic Cart launches
displays

26620 Bytes free
Ready
_

Step 3:

Press "Scroll Lock" to enable Game Focus/UI Controls (keyboard use)
Press "Tab" to open MAME menu
Select "File Manger" then "cassette (cass)"
Navigate to game directory (Sega_SC-3000\sc3000) and go to "lawn      [DIR]" not lawn.zip
Select Lawn.wav
Now cassette (cass) shows Lawn.wav

Tell RetroArch to get off your damn lawn!

Step 4:

Press "Tab" to exit MAME Menu
Type: LOAD   and press "Enter" 
(if you are using my sc3000.cfg "A"=Joystick UP and Enter=Start)

displays

26620 Bytes free
Ready
LOAD
* Loading start

Step 5:

Press "Tab" to enter MAME Menu
Select "Return to Previous Menu" then "Tape Control"
In "Tape Control" menu select "Play"
Tape will start loading for 51 seconds, press "Tab" while you wait and timer is shown in upper left
After a few seconds displays "Found LAWN"
Wait until Tape timer is complete and disappears.
Type: "RUN" and press "Enter"
(if you are using my sc3000.cfg "N"=L3 and Enter=Start)

Step 6:

The game is loaded! But, we dont want to have to do that process everytime!
Open RetroArch Quick Menu and create a save state on the title screen.

(All games behave differently and you may want to create a save state immediately or after an additional loading screen. Some games require letters to be pressed to set up the game before gameplay, for those create save state after game is fully set up.  You can create several save states and choose the best one later).

Turning Save States into Autoload States:

Important Note: savestate_auto_load must be enabled in retroarch.cfg (retroarch main dir) or mame_libretro.cfg (retroarch\config)

original: savestate_auto_load = "false"
change to: savestate_auto_load = "true"

Once you have created your save state go to: Retroarch\states

you will find:

lawn.state1 (save state file)
lawn.state1.png (thumbnail if enabled, delete this file)

Rename "lawn.state1" to "lawn.state.auto"

Now launch game in Rocketlauncher and it should load directly to game!

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Multicart games:

This process is much easier. Every game will load to the multicart main menu. Everything is in the "Tape Software" section.  Read my "Sega SC-3000 game locations.txt" to see were to find each game.

Once you have loaded the game matching the (gamename).zip, create you save state file, and convert to autoload file.

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Keyboard Required Games:

There are 19 games that require a keyboard to play.  They are either text-based adventure games or couldnt be easily mapped to a controller.

aerobat (Aerobat)
dragonq (Dragonquest)
environd (Environoid)
sconqst (Solar Conquest)
vpoker (Video Poker)
bljack (Blackjack)
castaway (Castaway)
castfear (Castle of Fear)
deathsat (Death Satellite)
marsadv (Mars Adventure)
orbpower (Orb of Power)
nozar (The Tomb of Nozar)
timecap (Time Capsule)
tcoh (Transyvania Castle of Horror)
kragon (Underworld of Kragon)
youngns (Young'ns)
deadjewel (Deadly Jewel of Antark, The)
hangman (Hangman)
seabatt (Sea Battle)

For these games I suggest creating an alternate RetroArch folder.  Retroarch and MAME hotkeys must be cleared in order to have full use of the keyboard during gameplay.

Step One:

Create an copy of your  RetroArch folder or make a new "installation" folder.  Name folder "RetroArch - Keyboard Only" or whatever you like.

Step Two:

Create a new Global Emulator in Rocketlauncher for the new RetroArch folder.  (I don't want to explain this step, if you are reading this, I'm sure you know how)

Step Three:

Open RA and go to Settings->Input->Hotkeys.  Delete all hotkeys except for Game Exit (ESC), Game Focus (Scroll Lock) and Menu Toggle (Guide btn, F1)

Step Four:

In Rocket Launcher setup a keyboard only game to launch with the new alternate retroarch

Launch the game and enter MAME Menu
Select "Input (General)"  then "User Interface"
Delete all the Pause hotkeys

Now you select "RetroArch - Keyboard Only" as an alternate emulator when you have a game that requires full use of keyboard letter keys.

This is also useful to have for other computer systems.

[floatingyeti]

Are my instructions clear?

Has anyone successful set up my upload?

I might be able to complete and upload Sega SF-7000 in the next few days. It would be a similar process.

[floatingyeti]

I got Sega SF-7000 to work but it's going to take more than a few days.

There are a lot more games and the process is way more tedious.

[floatingyeti]

I've come too far to quit but identifying all the game files on the disks and writing hash/instructions is driving me insane. I'm taking a break from this system for my sanity.

[Retrogamer79]

thank you for all that you do! 

[brudibru]

I have been able to setup this system successfully. It's a bit of a drag but in the end it's worth every minute of it. 

Keep up the good work, I can't wait for the Sega SF-7000 !!

[brudibru]

floatingyeti I have a question for you and maybe you can help me.

I am trying to setup some systems, for which I am currently using Mame, in Retroarch this time, in order to use the corresponding MegaBezels. For example the Acorn Electron or the TI-99 4/A.

Problem is, I don't use the sofwarelists roms but other romsets and all I get in Retroarch is a black screen.

I have tried to disable the option softwarelists in Retroarch but it doesn't work either.

So that would be my question: How to make a MAME system work in retroarch with no sofwarelists games and the corresponding hashfile ?

Thanks in advance !

[floatingyeti]

I don't think you would be able to without software list enabled and a hash file.

Mame needs to know what machine it is running, that's determined by the folder name and bios within that folder, which is designated in the software list.

The hash file tells mame how to behave using your roms. For example if you are loading a game, it needs to know what media type it is and what slot device (floppy, cassette, cart) to load it in.

[brudibru]

I suspected that but I am still wondering since there is an option in Retroarch to use the software lists or not so maybe there is another way. 

I have found tutorials about using Mame in Retroarch but I can't find my solution.

The Texas Instruments TI-99 4/A was a good example because I thought first that I wouldn't  find a detailed database for the Mame software list, only for TOSEC or other romsets. But in fact I had one from the RetroFE website which I will try now. 

Anyway, thanks a lot for your quick answer !

[floatingyeti]

I think it is possible to disable software list for some systems but it's still necessary to have the correct folder name linked to software list so mame knows what machine it's running.

For computer systems with multiple slot device options, software list is necessary to identify media type and where to insert it.

TOSEC or other rom sets might be using different file extensions that mame can't use.

The hash file creates a list of specific instructions for mame to load games. The limitation is that mame needs to match your game to a specific entry in the hash file (exact game name and extension) inorder to use instructions.

File path and file name almost always need to be without spaces. So most convenient and conventional file naming standards can't be used.

[brudibru]

That is pretty clear, thanks a lot for your explanations.

[floatingyeti]

I actually would like to change my response because it was skewed according to my preference of using hash files.

Yes, it can be done (i think) without software list enabled.

I'm not at my computer right now so I will not be able to test anything I am about to suggest.

Example TI-99

Step 1: Determine the correct folder name and dependencies (bios files) that are required.

I looked it up and you need:

Folder: ti99_4a

Bios in folder: TI99_4A.ZIP

Step 2: Create RetroArch options (opt) file for that system.

Options->create content directory option to make ti99_4a.opt

this is important because you don't want to disable software list on the other mame systems.

Once that's done

Softwarelist = disabled

CLI = enable

Media type = cart (I assume for ti99)

I think this will send the ti99 -cart (game.zip) command

Potential problems to consider:

1. Mame needs all games in .zip

2. Mame may need .zip names without spaces

3. Cart rom in .zip must be compatible mame format (extention only, name can have spaces)

4. You are limited to only one media type. I think media type: Auto relies on hash to switch types.

That's how I understand it but I might be wrong. I'm not experienced with mame command line instructions. I only know how to manipulate hash/ini/cfg files and set up the correct files in a folder for use in RetroArch/MAME. Which, so far, has been enough to achieve what I want but there is still so much I don't know.

Finding clear instructions online has not been easy! Most of what I know I accidentally discovered by experimenting.

[brudibru]

floatingyeti, thanks a lot for the instructions. I think I followed them precisely but only got the following error message: "fatal error. Device ti-99 cartridge load failed. invalid image"

The cartridge I tried to load is valid and in zip format.;

As a matter of fact I had not paid attention to my TI-99 setup in a LONG time (I started using hyperspin in 2007) and I was surprised to see that it is a freakin mess. here is what I found (sorry if it is a bit confusing):

• I am using rocketlauncher with Hyperspin and I can't launch any ti99-4a games either with MAME or Rocketlauncher (either software list games or other romsets)
• I can launch ti-99 games from the software list manually in MAME but it doesn't work if I launch them through rocketlauncher (with the MAME module or the Retroarch one)
• It seems that the TI99 roms used to be in .rpk or .dsk format (while the software lists ones are now in .bin) and that's what the MAME rocketlauncher module is expecting
• The hyperspin offcial databese has a different naming convention. I have the corresponding romset also and the roms are in .dsk format but it still doesn't work for me with rocketlauncher (I know I should ask in the rocketlauncher forum and I certainly will, but I am asking about it here since we have started this conversation about the texas instruments computer)
• In conclusion I have tried both the sofware list and the "official" romset with MAME or Retroarch in rocketlauncher with the softwarelist option enabled or disabled and it never works while it does work with MAME command lines. I am not aware if the ti99 integration in MAME/MESS has evolved in the last years as I can't find any clear information about it in the changelog .
• It is also quite a mess concerning the media for this system but that's an other story

I will continue to search but I am afraid it might surpass my knowledge...

[brudibru]

I see that the member CoOSITY raised the same problem 5 years ago but never got any answers. I will try  to ask in the rocketlauncher forums ...

[brudibru]

I have found some kind of solution to make it work. Between the many different romsets I had amassed during the years I had one in .rpk format and this one seems to be working properly in rocketlauncher both with mame and retroarch. Only the games requiring an extension cart are not working, even with mame, despite the fact I have a system folder inside the roms one with the extended_basic.rpk file as required by the module.

I haven't found a database corresponding to this romset naming convention so I have created an automatic one with hyperroms2xml.

With retroarch and the ti99 megabezel the result is gorgeous. Now on for the tedious task of trying to match existing media with the romset names...

Floatingyeti, in the end it means that your method of using non software files roms with retroarch/mame is working ! Thanks a lot for that !!

[floatingyeti]

Glad I could help and thank you for sharing your process and results.

I might look at Ti99 eventually and get everything running and renamed for a software list compatible setup. I have been focusing on systems that haven't been worked on but I realize there is a demand for all systems to use RA megabezels.

[ervinjason]

I am trying to setup some systems, for which I am currently using Mame, in Retroarch this time, in order to use the corresponding MegaBezels.

For example the Acorn Electron or the TI-99 4/A.

Problem is, I don't use the sofwarelists roms but other romsets and all I get in Retroarch is a black screen.

I have tried to disable the option softwarelists in Retroarch but it doesn't work either.

So that would be my question: How to make a MAME system work in retroarch with no sofwarelists games and the corresponding hashfile?

[brudibru]

You are doing yourself such a great job, that is a inspiration to come back to Hyperspin.

I have currently 434 wheels set up (a lot of them being compilation or manufacturers wheels) and I can probably reach 500 with what I have still pending. My arcade cabinet and my Hyperspin setup has been a work in progress for about 15 years and it's such a pleasure that I don't want it to come to completion any time soon. I am not really a gamer anymore and I take more pride in setting up a new system than actually playing the games. I guess it is the same for many people who share the same passion.

Concerning the TI99 or other retroarch/mame systems, don't hesitate to ask if you decide one day to work on them and if you need roms or media. I am afraid I will not be able to help you concerning the technical side as you are way more skilled than I am.

For now I have listed the following systems with a mega bezel and which can only be launched in retroarch with the mame cores : Acorn Archimedes, Atom and Electron, apple II and IIGS, atari 8-bits and XEGS, BBC Micro, Casio PV 1000, Fujitsu FM Towns and FM7, Gamepark GP32, Hartung Gamemaster, JAKKS plug n' play, jungletac sports vii, Tigergame.com, Tomy tutor, VTech creativision, Socrates and VSmile. 

I may be wrong on some of those and there may be more (some systems I have never heard of like the Vtech Laser 310)but I will take a look at them myself using your method that worked so well for the TI-99. The Mega Bezels are so impressive that it is worth the time.  

Finally you probably have noticed the latest iteration of MAME and the new chinese Handheld, The M&D Monon Color, which is supported. I say that, I say nothing... :))

[floatingyeti]

1 hour ago, brudibru said:

Finally you probably have noticed the latest iteration of MAME and the new chinese Handheld, The M&D Monon Color, which is supported. I say that, I say nothing... :))

Yes, I'm already on it but upgrading to .247 to play it makes many of the systems I worked on stop functioning! I had a rough morning going through every system to breakdown which ones can work with the current RetroArch module. I will make a separate post about that.

 

2 hours ago, ervinjason said:

So that would be my question: How to make a MAME system work in retroarch with no sofwarelists games and the corresponding hashfile?

Not easily and in many cases not possible.  I'm working on converting systems for use with software list. It's a long frustrating process and probably why it been avoided until now.

[brudibru]

"Yes, I'm already on it but upgrading to .247 to play it makes many of the systems I worked on stop functioning! I had a rough morning going through every system to breakdown which ones can work with the current RetroArch module. I will make a separate post about that."

That is indeed a strange behavior. I am looking forward for your post and explanation.

[floatingyeti]

I made another post here:RA MAME Software List Compatibility