globeron

January 13

Troubleshooting why PS4 wireless controllers do not work when started via Retrobat in the MAME64 emulator.

USB wired controllers all work fine in Retrobat and opening MAME64 with TI-99/4A emulator (they do not have this issue),

but the bluetooth PS4 wireless controllers is having issues (combination of Retrobat + Windows+ MAME64 ?)

Sometimes after turning off the PS4 controller (with the P button on the controller - hold for 10 seconds and then turning on might work once in a while).

In Retrobat in the C:\RetroBat\emulationstation\emulatorLauncher.log

2024-01-13 18:21:46.866 [INFO] --------------------------------------------------------------
2024-01-13 18:21:46.875 [INFO] [Startup] "C:\RetroBat\emulationstation\emulatorLauncher.exe" -p1index 0 -p1guid 030000004c050000cc09000000006800 -p1path "\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}" -p1name "PS4 Controller" -p1nbbuttons 16 -p1nbhats 0 -p1nbaxes 6 -system ti99 -emulator mame64 -core mame64 -gameinfo "C:\Users\globe\AppData\Local\Temp\emulationstation.tmp\game.xml" -rom "C:\RetroBat\roms\ti99\MarioBrosE.rpk"
2024-01-13 18:21:46.934 [INFO] [Game] MarioBros
2024-01-13 18:21:47.020 [INFO] [Generator] Using Mame64Generator
2024-01-13 18:21:47.083 [INFO] [PadToKey] Loaded C:\RetroBat\emulationstation\.emulationstation\es_padtokey.cfg
2024-01-13 18:21:47.086 [INFO] [Running] C:\RetroBat\emulators\mame\mame.exe ti99_4a -skip_gameinfo -rompath C:\RetroBat\bios;C:\RetroBat\roms\ti99 -cfg_directory C:\RetroBat\bios\mame\cfg -inipath C:\RetroBat\bios\mame\ini -hashpath C:\RetroBat\bios\mame\hash -artpath C:\RetroBat\saves\mame\artwork -snapshot_directory C:\RetroBat\screenshots -ioport peb -ioport:peb:slot2 32kmem -ioport:peb:slot3 speech -cart C:\RetroBat\roms\ti99\MarioBrosE.rpk -state_directory C:\RetroBat\saves\mame\states -ctrlrpath C:\RetroBat\saves\mame\ctrlr -nofilter -verbose -throttle -sound dsound -video d3d -resolution auto -aspect auto -waitvsync -dial_device joystick -trackball_device joystick -paddle_device joystick -positional_device joystick -mouse_device joystick -joystickprovider dinput
2024-01-13 18:21:47.175 [INFO] [PadToKey] Add joystick PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:22:22.230 [INFO] PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:22:29.029 [INFO] [PadToKey] Add joystick PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:22:29.034 [INFO] [PadToKey] Add joystick PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:25:27.744 [INFO] PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:25:27.748 [INFO] PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:25:29.438 [INFO] [PadToKey] Add joystick PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:25:29.443 [INFO] [PadToKey] Add joystick PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:25:58.868 [INFO] PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:25:58.872 [INFO] PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:26:01.502 [INFO] [PadToKey] Add joystick PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}
2024-01-13 18:28:26.857 [INFO] PS4 Controller - Device:0, Player:1, Path:\\?\hid#{00001124-0000-1000-8000-00805f9b34fb}_vid&0002054c_pid&09cc#9&31f89a67&1&0000#{4d1e55b2-f16f-11cf-88cb-001111000030}

then copied this command line (and added -ui_active, or use mame.ini in the \bios\mame\ini\mame.ini file (to set ui_active 1)

See video part 1 (seems to work):

PS4 controller paired with Windows and turned on (connected), then start MAME64 and exit, start-again, exit, etc. it seems to work properly.

(sometimes the PS4 controller is seen in MAME64, but does not react to buttons, then turn it off (P button on the controller hold for 10 sec.)

and turn it on again, then suddenly it might work (verify it with the menu (via TAB button), to see if the wireless device/joystick receives input signals.

via Command line:

C:\RetroBat\emulationstation>

C:\RetroBat\emulators\mame\mame.exe ti99_4a -skip_gameinfo -rompath C:\RetroBat\bios;C:\RetroBat\roms\ti99 -cfg_directory C:\RetroBat\bios\mame\cfg -inipath C:\RetroBat\bios\mame\ini -hashpath C:\RetroBat\bios\mame\hash -artpath C:\RetroBat\saves\mame\artwork -snapshot_directory C:\RetroBat\screenshots -ioport peb -ioport:peb:slot2 32kmem -ioport:peb:slot3 speech -cart C:\RetroBat\roms\ti99\MarioBrosE.rpk -state_directory C:\RetroBat\saves\mame\states -ctrlrpath C:\RetroBat\saves\mame\ctrlr -nofilter -verbose -throttle -sound dsound -video d3d -resolution auto -aspect auto -waitvsync -dial_device joystick -trackball_device joystick -paddle_device joystick -positional_device joystick -mouse_device joystick -joystickprovider dinput -ui_active

See video part 2 (does not work):

PS4 controller paired with Windows and turned on (connected), then start Retrobat.

You can start it directly C:\Retrobat\retrobat.exe

but using this batch file (as in Retrobat forum there are other emulators that might lock the controller as well),

but so far all my other emulators work fine, except the Retrobat MAME64 combination.

Weird enough the escape (hotkey) by pressing Select + Start works in the emulator to go back to Retrobat (or maybe Retrobat is still managing the PS4 Controller)

Retrobatstart.bat

@echo off
taskkill /f /im explorer.exe
retrobat.exe
set "emulatorProcess=emulationstation.exe"
:CHECK_PROCESS
tasklist /fi "imagename eq %emulatorProcess%" | findstr /i /c:"%emulatorProcess%" > nul
if %errorlevel% equ 0 (
timeout /nobreak /t 5 > nul
goto :CHECK_PROCESS
)
start explorer.exe
exit /b 0

MAME64 and exit, start-again, exit, etc. it seems to work properly.

(sometimes the PS4 controller is seen in MAME64, but it does not react to buttons, then turn it off (P button on the controller hold for 10 sec.)

and turn it on again, then suddenly it might work (verify it with the menu (via TAB button), to see if the wireless device/joystick receives input signals.

In the video the PS4 controller works fine Retrobat, but not when starting MAME64. (but other emulators work fine via Retrobat with the PS4 wireless controller)

January 12

15 hours ago, save2600 said:

I've been trying! Just haven't been able to beat @globeron's high yet. 🤬😀

I just managed to get to level 17. (But now level 16 was not the special donkey kong level as I missed the ice and invisible bonus rounds) and score 113.410

January 9

On 1/7/2024 at 10:34 PM, Asmusr said:

Thanks for the feedback. I have updated the version in js99er to the latest version (still from 2016 - I haven't done any more work on this project since then). On the NES all levels fit into a 32K ROM, so there's no reason it shouldn't also fit on the TI-99/4A. However, I didn't have much knowledge of the game and its data structures when I started, which meant that I quickly ran out of resources. I remember lack of sprite patterns as a particular problem and also CPU performance issues.

Thank you. I found it already amazing that you could create this on a TI-99/4A with so much detail in it.

January 9

Is the NanoPeb powered with at least 5V 2.0 Ampere? (try different adapters if possible), or with higher Ampere 3.0?

I used a cable before with USB (so I could change easily adapters with USB interface, like Phone adapters, I noticed some adapters did not work well)

Maybe that's the reason Extended Basic locks up.

Or you have to wait a little bit (5 seconds?), because Extended Basic first tries to load automatically DSK1.LOAD (if the DSK1. and the LOAD program exists).

After it times out, then it will go to the *READY* prompt.

Maybe this video helps:

January 7

11 minutes ago, newTIboyRob said:

Thank you @Torrax, I will be sure to try things you explained tomorrow. In your helpful descriptions, you mentioned keeping a piece of paper handy to keep track of my volumes. This kind of relates to my question #3 above... so is there a way, or is there no way, to have the TI list the contents of the NanoPeb volumes while in TI or TI Extended Basic? This would be great thing, a catalog, to see what all is on it before typing in and saving a program in either basic.

To catalog, I used to have a VOL 1 Dksk in one of the volumes (and copied a backup just in case this one got corrupted).

NanoPeb dsk files are 400K in size.

I also add 2x systems disks with Disk Managers on it.

0001-VOL1.dsk

0004-System01.dsk

0005-System02.dsk

Furthermore:

This is Windows software to look into .dsks (or create disks) -- https://hexbus.com/ti99geek/ - under projects TIDIR)

out of my head use RUN "DSK1.LOAD" (from Extended Basic) and then there is a catalog program for all volumes on the NanoPeb.

image.png.f5573e4b71338af423661397c3aebbb1.png

Disk manager can read DSK1., etc. (which means that you mounted already NanoPeb volumes to a Dsk)

MGR1 is useful, load with EA. (or from Extended Basic with the Load util to run an EA program)

image.png.afdffa7c7dbd0ad428c87d317298fa64.png

image.png.9dbd61dd3debd7f9103e8777768477c3.png

January 7

This version has some fixes (and is a later version than available at js99er.net)

Editor Assembler EA 5 option.

MARIO.dsk

or BIN file (made with Module Creator)

Mario.bin

(e.g. the in World 1-2 when walking over the top ceiling wall, then the last screen is okay to move to other levels and

the World 1-2 (dashes and sublevel issue is fixed here).

e.g. fix:

Not sure if this is the same in Nintendo, but when jumping here mario appears at the bottom

January 7

Hi @Asmusr

I used the version at js99er.net (not 100% if that is the latest version, because the issue you fixed still is there

" I have fixed the issue with fire Mario turning red (issue 3)")

I love the game and port that this is possible on the TI-99/4A!

Question 1 - Would all the 32 levels fit for a TI-99/4A port? (Ref: https://www.mariowiki.com/Category:Super_Mario_Bros._levels)

Review / feedback:

Here are some "glitches" I see when playing the game.

a. World 1-2 -- hitting the stone is unlimited to get coins, once 99 is reached it goes back to 00.

b. Cannot collect the 3x coins (coming from the right side). See also item l. (then the coins can be collected)

c. when hitting the coin on the top (ceiling wall), then the WORLD is missing the RL

and the dash (-) and sublevel is not visible. Later the sublevel comes back, but the dash is still missing, see item f.

d. Lift platforms are not moving (probably expected, maybe not implemented):

e. After continuing walking over the top path and ending in the cheat area (or it is know to jump via a pipe to other levels)

No pipes are shown and there is no way to escape until the timer is 0.

f. when returning, Mario is stuck in the wall, need to jump 3x times to get out of it.

(and the sublevel is back, but the dash is missing).

g. Time is reset back to 400 seconds.

h. Horizontal platforms are not moving (probably expected)

i. after completion, the white flag with red star is half-way in the castle

j. when hitting the stone and the mushroom is walking there, it captures the white flower also.

see also this video of the same scenario.

k. Seems to be unlimited coin collection again

l. now the 3 coins can be collected in World 1-2 (coming from the left side).

m. Fireworks not appearing. There is one spark already and another pops up in the castle

n. when Super Mario (big Mario) captures the white flower, he should become Luigi (who can shoot),

but it remains Mario, but he can shoot.

o. Firework spark appears when capturing the flag (and white flag with red star is in the castle not on the top)

p. (same as n) capturing the white flower does not become Luigi

q. Coin collection does not work here:

(not a bug)

walking at the top of the screen:

January 7

2 hours ago, Tursi said:

There's also one more fireball on the higher stages - I gave Mario and Luigi each their own horizontal fireball

We have seen it, the green fireballs coming from each side. It is challenging and an addictive game!

January 7

8 hours ago, ti99iuc said:

@globeron @jrhodes

Oh yes, there is a backup of this game

SOLITAIR Solitair.dsk

and you have also done a nice video on YT about it

Thank you!! @ti99iuc ! (I totally forgot about the video)

January 7

Yesterday I played with my kid to test two player mode. Which is also fun as you can push each other Luigi or Mario over the edge. It is also more difficult as sometimes you hit each other or attackers at the same time (means they come alive again).

January 6

Retrobat/MAME64 (.rpk format, with preview pictures and videos).

TI-99/4A - now 337 titles are working:

NOTE:

Note - F18A related games DO NOT work on the Retrobat/MAME64 install (as it emulates a normal TI-99/4A)

F18A programs these you can try out online at js99er.net

(enable F18A in the Option menu) .cc @Asmusr

image.png.30f0e086a5c24b2805d86a8ef48c16ce.png

January 6

Not sure if it is the same for others, but somehow I can only see 24x TI-99 items listed, while 60 items are published as listing

Link to Ebay - https://www.ebay.com/usr/ronvankl_0

PDF with the Ebay listings

(click on the link in the "Title column" it will bring you to the ebay page: ronvankl_0-Manage active listings - eBay Seller Hub.pdf

> Description has all the details (and sometimes links to show it is in working condition before it was wrapped and packed

(e.g. the 2x different TI-99/4 consoles) https://www.youtube.com/@Globeron-TI99VIDEOS/videos

January 6

On 10/28/2023 at 6:34 PM, globeron said:

Hi @GDMike / @RickyDean

There is much more (all packed up):

https://www.ebay.com/usr/ronvankl_0

TI99VIDEOS (with EBAY indicated in front of it, that is working before I packed it)

https://www.youtube.com/@Globeron-TI99VIDEOS/videos

Correct the Myarc Geneve 9640 is my system (it is the complete system, PEB box + Geneve + Rave99 + HRD3000, FlashFloppy-USB drive, 3.5 drive, plus OSSC for output)

reason I ship it all together, because it took me some time to learn it and to get a stable video-output signal 15 KHz (very sharp with OSSC)

I video-ed that all is working before packing it all in boxes... and then DHL asks me to unpack it and re-pack it in their boxes 🙂

(and agree with you ... eBay, gee what a system and complicated setup for international shipments, but I think I have it almost under control,

expect shipment costs for books, papers, as they lock it at USD 20, while my shipment costs are higher for this material, see DHL attachment

- Zone 3 for USA and Europe '

Today was doing some shipments. DHL rates from Thailand have been increased (new rates are in the PDFs below).

RATE TABLE E4-WPX TABLE 2024.pdf DHL-Document_2024-01-06_113048.pdf

January 6

On 11/8/2023 at 10:24 PM, Cheung said:

If that Warlords is too big, you might be able to use the one here:

https://github.com/CheungChang7/TI99_HOMEBREW/tree/main/WARLORDS

Both now have been added to Retrobat/MAME64.

January 6

On 12/3/2018 at 8:03 AM, jrhodes said:

Globeron, can you capture the solitaire game with the protection to .dsk or wav?

@jrhodes (no clue why I never replied, might be busy). I remember the Solitaire tape, but I think I sold/shipped it to Ciro if I remember correctly?). @ti99iuc ?

and I cannot remember if there was a backup. It was a good solitaire game I remember.

January 6

I have to practice to get at this level as in the Colecovision video.

On the TI-99/4A at Phase 16 the level looks different (Donkey Kong style, I like it!)

January 6

1 hour ago, Tursi said:

POW regenerates first on level 8, then every 5 levels after that.

The trick to the bonus stage is never turn back (I usually turn only once.)

Thank you. It is an incredible fun game. I played today at least 4 hours and try to let the enemies jump on each other or on the POW block, or they fall all the way down.

January 6

Classic99 with keys

129.790 Phase 16.

(I have another video playing until Phase 11 to get the Mario-six-pack)

Videoplay -

January 6

Classic 99 (and recording) 102,830.

(missed the 3,000 pts in Phase 3)

Almost there @save2600

Reached Phase 16.

January 6

This is my channel on YouTube called TI99 VIDEOS:

* https://www.youtube.com/@Globeron-TI99VIDEOS/videos

January 6

8 hours ago, Asmusr said:

Nice! (was wondering what you are working on). Now with the Mario being back in focus, hope to see one day Mario Kart coming out soon for the TI-99/4A 🙂

January 6

22 hours ago, globeron said:

Yes I do, I will capture it again if I see it next.

Until now (playing on Retrobat/Mame64) I did not see it happen yet). 96,940 score now. Really did not know this is such a good game. Enjoying it with some special moves getting turtles jump down next platform, or all the way down or get them on the pow icon. It is fun! (The Pow I do not completely understand it when it comes back) managed to get to phase 13.