Month: May 2012

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The Front End

MAME is amazing at what it does, Emulation.

But by itself it doesn’t quite give you that “arcade machine” feel. It’s designed to be operated using a keyboard and mouse.

This is where the Front End comes in.

There are several options for front ends online:

  • Maximus Arcade
  • MameWAH
  • GameEX
  • Hyperspin

I did quite a bit of testing with the various front ends, and I chose the one that I enjoyed best.

Enter: Hyperspin.


Hyperspin is highly customizable, from themes on each system, all the way down to custom themes at the game level.

Its user interface allows for control using only the arcade sticks and buttons, which gives it a more packaged feel.

Here are some examples of what can be done using Hyperspin themes and Emumovies snaps:

For further information about this front end, please visit:

Hyperspin- FE

For info about the game preview snaps:

EmuMovies

For Emulation info visit the devs at:

MAME

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Outside renovation.

Two new calendars.

It’s been a while since the last update, we’re finally pushing to wrap up the outside of the house.

It’s springtime in Pittsburgh, meaning it’s time to get to work outside!

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We acid-washed the old Alcoa aluminum siding and used some great sage colored paint for the siding, with white trim.

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Man, do I hate ladders.

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We rebuilt the structure and supports under the front porch with new wood for stability, then we removed the rotten old boards and replaced with new treated lumber decking.

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New railings, new posts and new staircase are coming next.

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Rachel uses a steady hand to paint the trim.

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Structurally the back deck was sturdy, just power washing it before painting made it look SO much better.

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New sealing paint will shine this up nicely. We also put in a 6ft privacy fence around the back yard for the dogs.

Removing the front 1/3 of the railing opened the deck up into the yard and made things feel bigger.