Model 2 Emulator 0.9 Ultimate User Guide V0.9.0 (Text Version)

Installation

Downloading the Model 2 Emulator
The Model 2 Emulator can be downloaded in zip format from the “downloads” section in the menu located on the left hand side of the Nebula home page:http://nebula.emulatronia.com

Once you have navigated to the “downloads” page, you will look for the Model 2 Emulator and click download on the right to get the file.

Extracting the emulator zip archive
You will next need to unzip the file into a directory of your choice. Usually double clicking the file will open the .zip file with your archive utility showing you the files within. 

From here, you will usually click extract to unpack the contents of the archive into the directory of your choice. 

Setting your ROMS directory
After your emulator has been extracted to a directory on your computer, you will need to set it up to be able to play games. You will need to create a ROMS directory as shown below.

The ROMS directory is where you will place the ROM files. ROMS are shipped in zip format, and do not need to be unpacked when placing them into the ROMS directory. You can also add extra ROM directory locations via the emulator.ini file if you wish, this may become handy if you decide to make multiple emulator directories for multi-playing purposes.

There is also a special model2.zip file that will be required to run the original Model 2 games (not 2A, 2B, 2C), so remember to place that archived file in the ROMS directory also.

Getting started with the Model 2 Emulator

System Requirements

Minimum System Requirements
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 processor at 2.6GHz or equivalent
Video: DirectX 9 compliant graphics card with 64MB video memory*
Memory: 512MB (1 GB for Vista)
HDD: 35MB of disk space
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista with latest DirectX installed

Recommended System Requirements
CPU: Any Intel Pentium dual-core processor or equivalent
Video: Pixel Shader 3.0 compliant graphics card with 128MB video memory
Memory: 1GB
HDD: 800MB of disk space
OS: Windows 2000/XP/Vista with latest DirectX installed
Joystick or racing wheel recommended

*Requires Pixel Shader 2.0 compliance for proper emulation. Minimum cards are as follows:
ATi:Radeon 9500 or newer. nVidia:GeForce FX series, 6 series, or newer.


Which executable to use: emulator.exe or emulator_multicpu.exe?
The emulator.exe file is designed for computers with a single core processor. 
The emulator_multicpu.exe is optimised to give a performance boost by making use of computers with more than one core or CPU (EG: dual-core, quad-core machines). Feel free to try both versions and use what you find gives you the best performance.

Loading and unloading a game
To load a game, first load the executable as mentioned above, then go to Emulator – Load Rom…

You will then be presented with a list of the supported games by the Model 2 Emulator. Simple find the game you want to play (whilst having the ROM), and double-click it. 

When you have finished playing a game, you can simply close the emulator using the on the top right of the window. If you want to quickly stop a game and load another, you can try using Emulator - Unload Rom; however doing this can sometimes cause the emulator to stop responding.

Configuring the controls for a game
Before you can configure your controls a game must be loaded first. You will then navigate to the menu entry Game - Configure Controls…

To change the key assigned to an action, double click the row you want to change then press a button or key you want to assign for that action. When you are done click close and your settings will be saved. Please take some time to read the Troubleshooting section for more information on resolving control issues in some games.

Racing wheel setup
If you want to set up the controls for a steering wheel, check all 3 “Steering” “Accelerate” and “Brake” boxes in the emulator’s control configuration menu. Double click each of them and enter their properties to ensure that the correct function in the drop down box matches the corresponding control you have entered. You may also need to ensure that you check “invert” for the “accelerate” and “brake” pedals when configuring them two otherwise they may not function correctly. 

If you use a Logitech G25 racing wheel, you will need to uncheck “report combined pedals” in the Logitech “Global Device Settings” so the brake and accelerator function properly. 

Gun calibration
Most of the shooting games will require you to calibrate your gun via the mouse aiming accuracy. You will need to enter the selected game’s test mode (F2) and find the gun calibration section. Once done, exit the test mode and you are set to go. 

Directories - NVDATA, CFG, STATES, & SHOTS
The NVDATA directory is automatically created by the emulator after first use, and is used to store the non-volatile ram data. All the high scores and race records are stored here, as well as the game’s specific settings you configure in the corresponding service menu.

The CFG directory is also automatically created by the emulator after the controls dialog box is used for the first time. All of the inputs and custom key and button assignments are stored here.

The STATES directory is where all your savestate files are created.

The SHOTS directory is where all the screenshots you create during the game are sent to.

Emulator’s menu overview
Emulator – Load Rom.: loads a game.
Emulator – Unload Rom: tries to unload a game without closing the emulator but sometimes causes the emulator to crash.
Emulator – Options: not implemented yet.
Emulator – Exit: closes the emulator.
Video – Fullscreen Resolution: sets the resolution of the game.
Video – Switch to Fullscreen: will try to run the emulator in fullscreen, press ESC to return to windowed mode.
Video – Auto Switch to Fullscreen: will automatically enter fullscreen mode each time the emulator is loaded.
Audio – Enable Sound: clear the tick to mute the emulator’s audio.
Game – Configure Controls: takes you to the key and button assignments.
Help – Nebula Website: will open a new browser window to the home page of Nebula http://nebula.emulatronia.com.
Help – About: displays the version number of the emulator and other information.

In-game commands
While you are playing a game, a number of keys perform a specific function.

F1 – Service menu navigation and inserts a service coin.
F2 – Enters the test (service) menu for the active game.
F3 – Resets the active game.
F6 – Cycles through the available frame skipping options.
F7 – Toggles tilemap rendering on and off.
F8 – Rendering statistics on screen display.
F9 – Frames per second on screen display.
F10 – Loads a savestate (press again to confirm).
F11 – Saves a savestate (press again to confirm).
F12 – Sends a screenshot to the SHOTS directory.
Pause/Break – Pauses the game, press again to resume.
Scroll Lock – Pressing this key forces the game to run at the framerate that matches your monitor’s refresh rate. Minimising the emulator whilst this feature is active will cause the emulator to run at hyper speed. 
Ctrl(Left)+F5 – Presents the user with a dialogue box that enables them to play SSF (Saturn Sound Format) files from their HDD. Must be pressed while inside the test menu of any Model 2A, 2B, or 2C game (not original Model 2).

Multiplayer

Networkable games list and status
Games List (alphabetical order) Max Players Linking Condition
Daytona USA (all except ’93 edition) 8 Linkable/Stable
Indianapolis 500 8 Linkable /Playable
Manx TT Superbike 8 + Relay Linkable/Stable
Motor Raid 4 + Relay Linkable /Playable
Over Rev 4 Link Down
Sega Rally Championship/Pro Drivin’ 4 + Relay Linkable/Stable
Sega Ski Super G 4 Link Down
Sega Touring Car Championship 8 + Relay Link Down
Super GT 24h 4 Link Down
Virtual On Cybertroopers 2 Link Down
Wave Runner 4 Link Down

Linkable/Stable – The game is linkable over a LAN with no major issues.

Linkable/Playable – The game is linkable and playable over a LAN but may be sensitive to network/PC performance. If an error occurs, the game will simply terminate with the message “network error”. Please note that the more players linked may increase the chances of a network error.

Link Down – The network code for this game does not function at all or to a playable extent. 

Understanding the token ring topology
Model 2 arcade machines connect and communicate in a Token Ring network. The emulator continues this process by using a newly created m2network.ini file (by you) that stores the network configuration. There will be 3 entries in this file and are explained below:

RxPort - The port the emulator will listen and receive data packets through (last machine’s NextPort).
NextIP - The IP address of the machine the emulator will send data packets to.
NextPort - The port the emulator will send the data packets to (next machine’s RxPort).

This emulates a Token Ring topology where the first machine sends data to the 2nd, the 2nd sends data to the 3rd and so forth, and then the final machine sends its data back to the first machine. Keep in mind, depending on the game you wish to link range from 2 – 8 player support.

One PC, one instance [single-player with multiplayer features]
Games supported: Daytona USA (all but ’93 edition), Sega Rally Championship, ManxTT Superbike.

Firstly, you will need to create a new file in your emulator’s directory (where the emulator.ini file is situated) called m2network.ini. Then paste the following text into the file.

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=127.0.0.1
NextPort=1978

Save and close the file. When you load the game, press F2 to enter the test mode, navigate to the game system settings by pressing F1, F2 again to enter, and then set your LINK ID to MASTER. Exit the test mode and let the game start. Please note that some games do not specify the master cabinet as master, but are classed as Car 1.
One PC, multiple instances
Although it is impossible to actively play a 2 (or more) player game on one PC, you can emulate a multiplayer setup. To do this you will need to make a copy of your emulator’s directory into another (including the ROM), and then alter the m2network.ini file for each.

Example:

You have created 2 directories.

1. C:\m2emulator1
M2network.ini file reads…

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=127.0.0.1
NextPort=1979

2. C:\m2emulator2
M2network.ini file reads…

[Network]
RxPort=1979
NextIP=127.0.0.1
NextPort=1978

Ensure that one emulator has set the game’s LINK ID to MASTER and the other to SLAVE. Remember to change your car number, although it is not essential. 

Multiplayer over LAN
To successfully set up a multiplayer game over a local area network (LAN), each PC will need to have a copy of the emulator’s directory and ROM. One PC will need to set the LINK ID to MASTER in the game system settings, and the remainder to SLAVE. The trickiest part is setting up the m2network.ini files for each PC, although it is not difficult.

Example:
2 player game setup

1. First PC (IP: 192.168.1.146 example only)
M2network.ini file reads…

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.147
NextPort=1978

2. Second PC (IP: 192.168.1.147 example only)
M2network.ini file reads…

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.146
NextPort=1978

When using multiple PCs to emulate a multiplayer game over a LAN, it is safe to use the same port number throughout, as long as the port chosen is not in use by any other application or service running on your computer. If you wanted to set up a multiplayer game with more than 2 PCs, you would follow the “token ring” topology as stated below.

Example:
8 player game setup

1. First PC (IP: 192.168.1.146 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.147
NextPort=1978

2. Second PC (IP: 192.168.1.147 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.148
NextPort=1978
3. Third PC (IP: 192.168.1.148 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.149
NextPort=1978

4. Fourth PC (IP: 192.168.1.149 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.150
NextPort=1978

5. Fifth PC (IP: 192.168.1.150 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.151
NextPort=1978

6. Sixth PC (IP: 192.168.1.151 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.152
NextPort=1978

7. Seventh PC (IP: 192.168.1.152 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.153
NextPort=1978

8. Eighth PC (IP: 192.168.1.153 example only)

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=192.168.1.146
NextPort=1978

After you have set the above, ensure only one PC has the LINK ID set to MASTER in the game system settings within the Daytona USA test menu, and the remainder PCs’ LINK ID as SLAVE. 

Multiplayer over the Internet
Setting up a multiplayer game over the Internet is the most difficult of all to accomplish. This is due to the fact that most broadband modems have built in router functionality (EG: firewall capabilities) and a port will need to be forwarded to be able to connect to other players. However to get started, you first need to configure your m2network.ini as follows:

[Network]
RxPort=1978
NextIP=Internet IP address of the next player (x.x.x.x)
NextPort=1978

An easy way for each player to discover their Internet IP address is to visit a site like http://whatismyip.com/ 

Remember to follow the token ring topology as explained in the first section of this document Understanding the Token Ring topology when entering in the Internet IP address.

WARNING: This section involves altering internal settings in your modem/router device. It is recommended to have someone who is experienced with you when altering these types of settings. Alter at your own risk.

Once you have configured your m2network.ini file, you will need to forward the port you have selected (in the m2network.ini file) in your modem/router to your PC’s local network IP address (not to be confused with the Internet IP address).

To discover your PC’s local network IP address, enter the command prompt and type ipconfig.

XP Users: START – Run, type CMD and click OK.
Vista Users: Click on the Windows icon type CMD in the search and hit enter.

Example only:

The next step is to access your modem/router using the Default Gateway IP address as seen like above. Enter this address in your browser’s address bar to access the modem/router.
The next step of this process includes discovering the page in your mode/router to forward the port. A good guide on how to forward ports is located here:http://www.portforward.com/english/rout ... rindex.htm

When you locate the correct section, ensure that you forward the port you selected (in your m2network.ini file) to your PC’s local IP address. When asked what type UDP or TCP, choose UDP, if not selectable BOTH will usually be the default which will also work the same. Apply your settings for them to take effect and if you wish to keep them permanent, save your configuration to the device’s flash memory. You are now set and ready to go.

WARNING: If your opponent’s Internet connection is considerably faster than yours, the packets they send to you may cause your router to flood, throwing you off your Internet connection momentarily (possibly assigning you a new Internet IP address that will then require reconfiguring your setup). One way to workaround this issue if experienced, is to have the other player who is sending packets to you use a “speed limiter” to limit their upload speed to match your download speed. At this time I am unable to list any tested applications.

Network checking issues
Please note that at the time of writing this guide, in some games, when entering the test menu or resetting the game (F2 or F3) kills the network checking. If you have set all your parameters up correctly, and “network checking” keeps flashing, close all the emulators completely then boot them all back up. The normal time it takes to do a network check when all the emulators are running and checking, is about 10 seconds.

Understanding the emulator.ini file
The emulator.ini file is used to tweak your experience with the Model 2 Emulator. The emulator is dispatched with a default set of values to guarantee maximum compatibility, however you may want to tweak it to suit your needs.

WARNING: These settings when combined have been known to cause adverse affects with certain graphics hardware.

Automip=1 / Trilinear=1
SoftwareVertexProcessing=1 / MeshTransparency=1


[Renderer] - These are tweaks that will affect the visuals of the games.

SoftwareVertexProcessing
0 - Uses hardware pixel/vertex shaders (recommended).
1 - Uses software processing for vertex operations.

Wireframe
0 - Renders polygons (recommended).
1 - Disables polygon filling (for debugging purposes only).

FakeGouraud
0 - Disabled.
1 - Tries to guess per-vertex colour (gouraud) from the Model 2 per-poly information (flat). May cause undesired graphics.

Bilinear
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables bilinear filtering of textures (recommended).

Trilinear
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables mipmap usage and trilinear filtering (may cause undesired graphics in some games).

FilterTilemaps
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables bilinear filtering on tilemaps (looks good, but may cause undesired artefacts).

ForceManaged
0 - Uses dynamic textures (recommended).
1 - Forces the DirectX driver to use managed textures instead of dynamic. Enable if the emulator crashes after loading a game or doesn't show anything.

ForceSync
0 - Disabled.
1 - Forces the game to match the frame rate to the refresh rate of the monitor and graphics card. Enabling will eliminate any screen ripping.

FullScreenWidth; FullScreenHeight
Changing the above two settings will enforce a custom resolution when playing the emulator in fullscreen mode. To activate these settings, in the emulator’s menu you must go to Video – Fullscreen Resolution – Custom (Set in .ini).

AutoMip
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables Direct3D Automipmap generation. Anisotropic filtering must be forced in your graphic card’s control panel for optimal results.

MeshTransparency
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables meshed polygons for translucency. Requires a GPU that supports pixel shader 3.0 (or above) technology.

DrawCross
0 - Hides the crosshair in shooting games (Rail Chase 2 not affected).
1 - Shows the crosshair in shooting games (Rail Chase 2 not affected).

GammaR; GammaG; GammaB
Default for all 3 entries is 1. Use to alter the gamma curve for red, green and blue if needed.

Menu items
The following 5 options are configured from menus so there is no need to alter them.
FullMode
Sound
Frameskip
AutoFull
Filter


[Input] - These are settings that will affect the controls of the games.

XInput
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables support for XBOX360 compatible devices and vibration support.

EnableFF
0 - Disabled.
1 - Enables force feedback effects for supported racing wheels.

HoldGears
0 - Disabled. Recommended for players who use a keyboard or joystick.
1 - For Sega Rally Championship and variants only. Forces the user to hold the button down or shifter in gear, releasing takes you back into neutral. Enable if you use a 4 (or more) shift gearbox.

UseRawInput
0 - Normal operation of mice for shooting games.
1 - Enables use of dual mice for shooting games. Will capture any mouse devices using low level inputs and prevent the screen from exiting whilst in fullscreen mode. When using this option, you need to press alt + tab to restore your mouse for normal windows operation. To control your emulator, activate its window again then use the alt key to activate the menu and execute commands accordingly.

RawDevP1; RawDevP2
(value can be 0, 1, 2, 3 etc)
These entries are only required if you experience trouble with dual mouse functionality. If you have other devices installed on your computer that may emulate as a mouse device (EG: Logitech G25 Racing Wheel), you may need to use these entries. If player 1 mouse functions, you will only need to add a value to RawDevP2. If the player 2 mouse functions, then you will only need to add a value to RawDevP1. Start by setting the value to 0, save and test the game, then raise the number by one each time until the cursor moves for both players in the game.

Force feedback parameters
Here is a brief guide to fine tuning your racing wheel experience. 

WARNING: Please take caution when altering the force feedback parameters. Setting the values too high above the default settings may cause permanent damage to your device!

If you seek a more advanced tweaking guide for these settings, please check the Nebula forum to see what settings people have experimented with. Not all games support force-feedback.

FE_CENTERING_Gain
This setting controls the force of the wheel to centre itself. Instances may involve driving on a well gripped surface like tarmac.

FE_CLUTCH_Gain
This setting controls the friction of the wheel during turning. Instances may involve turning the wheel when stationary.

FE_LEFT_Gain / FE_RIGHT_Gain
These two settings are best kept equal; they control the force of the constant feedback like hitting a car or a wall.

FE_UNCENTERING_Gain
This setting controls the force of the wheel to un-centre itself. Instances may involve driving on the grass or any other un-gripped surface.

Troubleshooting

Control Issues

Over Rev Controls Don’t Work Right
Before playing this game, you must enter the test menu and enter the volume setting section to calibrate your controls or they will not function correctly. Press F2 again to enter the calibration setup. Here you must press and hold the corresponding keys you have assigned to the actions until the figures stop, then go to set & exit.

Super GT 24h Controls Don’t Work Right
Before playing this game, you must enter the test menu and enter the game assignments section and set the I/O mode to A. If you do not do this the controls will not function correctly.

Wave Runner Controls Calibration Required
Before playing this game, you must fine tune the game’s controls by first entering the test menu. You will need to enter the volume setting section to do this. Enter each of the three handle bar, roll and throttle lever and press the corresponding controls you have set for each of the actions all the way until the figures stop to calibrate them correctly. Once done, ensure you choose the save option when exiting each of the settings.

Motor Raid, Indianapolis 500 & SEGA Water Ski Controls
These games may require their “volume settings” to be optimised for improved accuracy, although may not be essential.

Other Issues

Manx TT Superbike No Engine Sound / Stuck On Active Motion Slide Screen
When loading the game, you may get halted at the “Active Motion Slider” screen. To prevent this screen from halting the game, enter the test mode (F2), and then go to game assignments. Navigate down to cabinet type, and change it to twin, then exit the test mode. Setting your cabinet to twin also fixes two more things. All sound effects will work, properly as well as the multiplayer link.

Daytona USA Too Bright?
If this game appears too bright on your monitor, enter the test mode (F2), then enter game system settings and change your cabinet to deluxe.

Over Rev, Super GT 24h & Virtual On Cybertroopers Perform Slow?
Some may experience slow performance with these games. If so, temporarily rename your m2network.ini file to m2network.in_ to deactivate the multiplayer board emulation.

Frequently asked questions

Summary of questions
1. How do I set up a multiplayer connection over a local area network?
2. I received an error when loading a game "cannot initialize video subsystem" "unable to find appropriate z-buffer format" what can I do?
3. I received an error when loading a game "unable to initialize audio subsystem" how do I fix this?
4. The game runs very slowly and the sound stutters, why is this happening to me?
5. When I click Emulator - Options nothing happens, why?
6. Which version of the emulator should I use, EMULATOR.EXE or emulator_multicpu.exe?
7. When I play shooting games my crosshair is not accurate, how do I fix this?
8. How do I stop the game from appearing choppy?
9. I have installed the emulator and the ROM, but when I load a game it says there are files missing, what can I do?
10. I am not sure what some of the options in the test menu mean, where can I find help?


1. Question:
How do I set up a multiplayer connection over a local area network?

Answer: 
Please read our Multiplayer section.

2. Question:
I received an error when loading a game "cannot initialize video subsystem" "unable to find appropriate z-buffer format" what can I do?

Answer: 
Ensure that you have loaded the correct video driver for your graphics card or on-board video controller and that you have set your Windows display properties to 32-Bit in the "settings" tab. Here are some links for ATI and NVIDIA.
For ATI based cards: http://ati.amd.com
For nVidia based cards: http://www.nvidia.com
NOTE: If you are using a notebook, please obtain your drivers from your notebook manufacturer's website. Also try running the emulator in a window, or if you are running in fullscreen mode, try changing to a lower resolution setting by clicking on Video - Fullscreen Resolution and work your way lower.

3. Question:
I received an error when loading a game "unable to initialize audio subsystem" how do I fix this?

Answer:
This will occur if your audio device is not functioning. Please visit the manufacturer's website to obtain the audio drivers for your sound card or on-board audio device.

4. Question:
The game runs very slowly and the sound stutters, why is this happening to me?

Answer:
Your CPU is probably not powerful enough. Some games will run better than others. The emulator also uses DirectX hardware acceleration so a decent GPU is also welcome. Try running the emulator in a window, or if you are running in fullscreen mode, try changing to a lower resolution setting by clicking on Video - Fullscreen Resolution and work your way lower.

5. Question:
When I click Emulator - Options nothing happens, why?

Answer:
This feature is greyed out as it has not yet been implemented.

6. Question:
Which version of the emulator should I use, EMULATOR.EXE or emulator_multicpu.exe?

Answer:
If your computer has more than one processor, or two or more cores (Dual Core, Quad Core), try using the multi-cpu version for better performance. Refer to Which executable to use: emulator.exe or emulator_multicpu.exe?

7. Question:
When I play shooting games my crosshair is not accurate, how do I fix this?

Answer:
Please read the Gun calibration section on how to calibrate your mouse for the shooting games.

8. Question:
How do I stop the game from appearing choppy?

Answer:
Forcing Vertical Sync will solve this issue. You can do this by editing the emulator.ini file found in the emulator's directory you created and setting ForceSync=1 then save the file and re-load the emulator.
9. Question: 
I have installed the emulator and the ROM, but when I load a game it says there are files missing, what can I do?

Answer: 
When downloading a ROM in the original ZIP format, leave it as it is and place the file in the /ROMS directory where you installed the emulator. You do not need to unzip the file! Also you may be in possession of the MAME version of that particular ROM. These may not load as the structure of the ROM files may be slightly different. You will also need to find the special model2.zip that contains the missing files for some Model 2 games, this also is placed into the /ROMS directory in it's zipped format. Refer to Setting your ROMS directory.

10. Question: 
I am not sure what some of the options in the test menu mean, where can I find help?

Answer: 
Some of the games’ manuals are posted in detail on the following site: http://www.seuservice.com/manuals.html


written by lucisac

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