Cousin Mike

thats an awesome story. see, this is what retro games are all about!

I would like to share a bit of a story with you guys that just happened not even an hour ago.  
 

 
Long story short, my wife's helper had to bring her two girls with her today because there was no babysitter available.  We don't mind and usually have lots of things to do with kids just for this reason.  The oldest one, who is 7, asks me if she could play the game I was playing.  I had just finished rebuilding the controller and was taking it for a test run.  When she asked I handed her the controller.  The best test in the world is letting a child use it, right?
 
What impressed me the most is here is a child, never played an Atari before but has a Wii and plays XBOX, plays Ms. Pac-Man and Pac-Man on the 5200 and as soon as the game screen appeared she is going, "Wow!!  That looks cool!"  She plays for about an hour total and I'm watching her on the screen and how she is using the controller.  All is going good, no problems, and she is not having any issues with the controller.
 
What was said next really shocked me..."I really like this machine."  Just as calm and collective as possible.  So, for me, that tells me that the 5200 is really not a bad system after all if a child, who has never played one before, says something like that their first time of using it.  
 
I had to share this because I thought it was cool to experience.
 
Reason for edit:  I had originally posted a picture.  Since this child is not mine, and for the child's safety, I thought it best to ask her parent's permission to post the picture first on this site.  I got permission so the picture has returned. 

She is playing on standard mod not advanced but I will once she is done just for a kick!!! She is doing well I will add! For someone that has never played it before anyway.
 
EDIT: her high score on Standard so far is 14574 after 4 tries. I do not remember who EZY is. haha

Well I tried...

RickR tips - (heavily borrowed from Dauber)
Making a tunnel in the center really works.  Keep it cleaned up as best you can.  Once the centipedes make it near the bottom, abandon the tunnel and chase and shoot.  Spider can't seem to get you initially if you are in the center and on the bottom.  So while you are tunnelling...stay center high.  As soon as you hear the spider sound, go center/bottom.  The points rack up quickly once you reach 50k. 

This 7800 version is really great.  Initially, I wasn't a big fan.  Everything is "bigger/chunkier" than the arcade version.  And I hate the lined border around the screen. 
 
But then I got addicted playing for this contest.  The 7800 was built for this game.  Things get really fast.  There's not a trace of flicker.  Super tight controls. 
 
I now love it. 

Centipede
Atari 7800
Controller: PLAYER'S CHOICE
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Achieve high score to win challenge
Play on: Real Hardware / Dedicated Console / Emulation OK! ✔
Squad Challenge ends 11:59 pm PST December 31st, 2016
 
 
 
Objective: Play for the highest possible score using the difficulty settings defined in the challenge. Post a photo or video of your score in this thread. Scores must be achieved between December 1st through December 31st, 2016. Screen captures are not allowed as they are easily manipulated for falsified scores. Multiple submissions are permitted. The player with the highest score at the end of the 1-month competition is the victor!

Eligibility: Anyone can join in. All players are welcome!

Play Rules: Games may be played on real hardware or emulation, using any controller or keyboard, following rules and game settings as delineated in the Squad Challenge. Enhancements and hacked versions of this game are not allowed.

Difficulty Level: Advanced
 
Fair Play: Players should play fairly, be honest, and have fun! Falsified scores will result in your immediate removal from the site. It goes without saying that no use of cheats, hacks, cartridge frying, enhancements, Photoshop, subterfuge, or any other unfair advantage is allowed. Everybody hates a cheater.
 
More: To review detailed rules on how to play, please visit the High Score Squad page here: http://forums.atari.io/index.php/topic/1219-high-score-squad-how-to-play/ 
 
 
Centipede.A78Centipede.pdf
 
 

Ah OK downloaded and Extracted. I this case the image format is a CDI file ( .CDI extension ) to handle such a file I actually had to update IMGBURN with some .dll's, but it works now and is of now consequence for MAC. Though obviously whatever Burning program you end up with for your MAC it will also need to be able to handle that format. 
 
ANYWAY, I burned the image successfully as far as I can tell. So, exploring the resulting disc on my PC it appears as THIS: 
 
As you can see several files. If you have but a single file ( possibly the same as extracted file NesterDC SE 3165 by cOcO! ) that means you simply copied the entire image to the disc and not burned the image contents back to a bootable Dreamcast disc. 
 
THIS should be the files you see on the properly burned Disc. If you can get this result do same onto a CD-r, if it still does not work try a different brand CD-r (Dreamcasts CAN be picky) IF YOU ARE SURE YOU ARE BURNING TO CD-r PROPERLY BUT CAN NOT SUCCESSFULLY BOOT A DISC AFTER TRYING THE CD-r WITH DIFFERENT BRANDS TRY ANOTHER DREAMCAST IF POSSIBLE. Some will tell you about later model MIL-CD or some such Dreamcasts that were incapable of booting backups. I have 3 Dreamcasts spanning first to last production run and it would be very unlikely you'd have a Dreamcast that simply does not boot backups, I believe most people that make that claim simply burn their discs improperly. 
 
ONCE PROPERLY BURNED THE RESULTING DISC APPEARS AS FOLLOWS ON MY PC:
 

 
 
HERE ARE THE FILES ON THE DISC, YOU SHOULD BE SEEING AT LEAST THE SAME NUMBER OF FILES AND FILE-NAMES:
 
 

 
 
I hope these are your results or that you can figure out how to replicate these results in the end. Good Luck To You. 

I recommend NOT getting the most recent version of imgBurn which uses the OpenCandy installer that can put adware on your computer. (A few people have said it still put stuff on their computer even after they deselected everything. I don't know if that's correct or not.) I recommend finding version 2.5.6 or 2.5.7 which did not use OpenCandy. Note that older versions are not available on their website, you'll have to look around the internet.
 
(I use imgBurn when emulating old DOS games I already own that have CD audio.)

You are definitely NOT a bother,  I admittedly just have my issues and so prefer to direct people where they can continue to get the help they need, it's ME dude and it was not my intent to suggest otherwise,  You and anyone else can feel free to continue posting related questions in this thread, we are still a smaller community so I cannot say how many others here might be able to assist you in the same way (any who can are welcome to chime in  ) just thought it best in the meantime to get you involved over in a community that is the source for such things and thus more likely to help and advise swiftly and accurately and everything I post is for anyone reading as well. I just wanted to be clear if I no longer seem to be responding you will understand why, don't take it personally.   I tend to lay low for a period, week, month, longer? Than suddenly appear active like this recent spurt of posts, just my nature. 
 
- Rob aka MaximumRD. 

Thanks man, I'll do that. I'm sorry I'm a bother.  :unsure:
 
I appreciate the help!

Well even if you cannot find the answer there please be sure to join the forums there and you can post such questions    Click the community tab and sub menu forums. Here is a direct ink to sign up, I urge you because you have to consider this is what they do, pretty much like having 100's of ME over there and they can guide and advise because really I think after this post I will be done, it is my own demon, I am compelled to help / answer but it is NOT how I want to be spending all my time so I rather direct you to a community with many more who can do this for you. Here is the registration link :
http://www.theisozone.com/forum/ucp.php?mode=register
 
Otherwise , yes it pretty much should be that simple. Download, unzip from archive and burn the resulting image (ISO whatever) to a CD-r (use only a CD-r disc) Now, I will only say this as I have seen it as a point of confusion for beginners, going by your wording this may apply to you. The ISO or DISC IMAGE(s) you are not just "copying" them to a disc, that would be like copying any file to a hard drive or USB stick, Simply burning that to a disc results in a disc containing a copy of the image, so the DREAMCAST would only see it as a blank CD containing a file it does not understand. What you need to do is using the appropriate burning program, that knows how to handle ISO's, Disc Images etc because they can properly burn the image to a Disc to duplicate or recreate the disc as it originally was, essentially transferring the content of the image back to a bootable disc. As mentioned earlier I suggest ImgBurn , others will recommend programs ranging from Alchohol to DiscJuggler but my preference for simplicity just take my advice and stick with ImgBurn as it is free, light, simple as it gets (download and install from any mirrored link HERE - 
 
!!!!!!!!! UPDATE !!!!!!!!!! THIS LINK HAS BEEN UPDATED TO PROVIDE A SAFE SLIGHTLY OLDER VERSION of the ImgBurn Installer as I was informed (thanks RadioPoultry !   ) and verified that newer versions from the manufacturer contain greedy Adware in the installer (IE: OpenCandy PUP ) Rest assured and click this link with confidence! 
 
http://www.oldversion.com/windows/imgburn-2-5-7-0
 
with IMGBURN installed, once you have downloaded and extracted the ISO/ IMAGE , you should be able to simply click the image and it should automatically load it up in ImgBurn, then simply follow ImgBurn prompts to select your blank disc and begin the burning procedure (NOTE IF YOU END UP WITH TWO FILES BIN / CUE just double click the CUE file and IMGBurn will handle it from there just follow prompts. 
 
and with that good luck, I am out, I seriously recommend you register with the community over there, I need to pull myself away from this or I will never get anything else done.  

Okay, dumb question #1.
 
I want a MAME emulator. I found this.
 
So I just download the file, burn it onto a CD-ROM & stick it in the Dreamcast?
 
It can't be that simple, can it?

I apologize if this is a REALLY dumb question, but I couldn't find the answer on the site.  :unsure:

Ah, quite the easy explanation. Thanks Max!

Nice to see this topic going!

Good to know there are old pros at this to help us along on this journey. I feel like I got the wooden sword from the old sage in legend of Zelda.

heh....think of it as a ROM like from a cartridge but in this case ISO or ISO image.  Definition: An ISO file, often called an ISO image, is in fact an "image" of an entire CD or DVD. The entire contents of a disc can be represented in a single ISO file.
 
So, like a ROM (in the context of emulation / emulators) is basically a single file contain all the game data of a game cartridge a ISO or ISO image is the equivalent except from Optical Media such as CD or DVD. 
 
It is a little thing but I like to use terms properly, generally many people while discussing emulation will simply call any game a "ROM" whether it actually be from a cartridge or ripped from a DVD / CD, a minor thing but I tend to be irked by the improper usage. Note also that ISO is just one possible container for such content as they can also come in containers labeled Bin (usually with an accompanied with a cue file) or CCD, IMG etc. Though for sake of games ripped for the purpose of emulation those other formats are less typical. 
 
See : https://www.wikiwand.com/en/ISO_image
 

As a great resource for ROMS / ISO's Homebrew / Emulators / Mods / Unreleased / Translations etc and at Yo-Yo's suggestion I am posting this info to share for those who might otherwise be wary of the site.   
 
PLEASE READ ALL FULLY. ESPECIALLY THAT BOLDED STUFF     For everything mentioned including emulators already packed with associated ROMS my only and best resource is http :// www.theisozone.com / (no spaces of course) but that said WARNING - I have learned many times in past when saying this, this site is crazy with advertising , pop -ups etc, I AM TELLING YOU THIS UP FRONT, for me it was never an issue and in past when giving this site recommendation would get people come back complaining the site is malicious, it gave me this or that etc.   YES the site does generate revenue through ads etc I have never noticed as I don't use IE on there, I use  Chrome or Firefox with pop-up and adblockers add-ons like uBlock etc. SO, IF YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING and can navigate such sites securely and without worry then it is a hell of a resource. You find what you want, click the link for info and chose the FREE download link option, do NOT pick the ISO RECOMMENDS as that is for paid members, the FREE option download mirror on the RIGHT (see second example image) THAT will take you to a file download site FIREDROP (See 3rd example image) your download link will appear after a few seconds, click THAT and ONLY that, a window will appear and you select location to download to.   For the record I am not trying to sound like a douche, if I am telling you things that are obvious to you or you think "I am not an idiot" please understand that is not the intention, I have just gotten shy about recommending such sites only to have people come back complaining about the ads, pops-ups, downloading malicious files etc, it used to surprise me honestly because I use to think "What the hell are you talking about?" then I tried the same thing in IE without pop up or ad blockers and I understood what they were complaining about lol. So no, this is not over kill, it is much needed advice for some as I have learned and frankly I would rather cover my butt than having someone complain later. Lastly, I will say well worth the effort to just use a little precaution, good to learn anyways because as a resource  http :// www.theisozone.com /  is just way above the other places where you might find an emulator here or a game there, or download every rom separate, on  http :// www.theisozone.com /  just download, unzip and burn to disc (I use ImgBurn for those tasks, google it, free, light and just works ) So I leave it at that, do or don't, research and learn and the rewards are well worth it IMHO.             Tips - use search , works pretty good on the site if looking for a specific emulator or homebrew, most are usually full archived packages complete ready to burn and play.    There is a nice forum community there as well. Some are probably tired of the "I CAN'T BURN THIS GAME!" or "HOW DO I UNZIP THAT?" type posts BUT if you tread lightly, ask nicely, be respectful and thankful you will find many helpful and friendly people as well.   Get use to the layout, click the DOWNLOADS tab up top and find your category.     IMPORTANT - I take the time and effort to present a great resource option for those up to it. Beyond that, if you chose to go this root I offer no other support, help etc, I simply do not have the time or frankly the motivation. I simply like people to be informed and aware of options whether or not it is right for you is your decision, if so you can find any further help or assistance in the forum guidelines and help as well as the community over there - THIS IS MY ONE AND ONLY POST LIKE THIS FOR THIS SITE, TAKE IT FOR WHAT IT IS.       Before anyone complains or point it out YES there are a ton of ripped games / iso / roms commercial , retail of course, whatever your stance on this the site just so happens to also be an awesome hub / resource for Homebrew , Emulation , Hacked ROMS, Translated ROMS, Unreleased titles etc so that said you are your own moral guide and live by your own code and guidelines, keep it that way, do as you will (or don't) but as well do not inflict your morals on others. There is no pirating of current or last gen there as well you can read there forum rules regarding upload restrictions, this is there own set guidelines, accpet them and participate or don't, nobody is claiming they are 100% legit lol. - (FROM THE SITES RULES AND GUIDELINES) NOT ALLOWED -   Any files related to current or last generation console or PC titles. Wii, WiiU, PSP, Vita, PS3, PS4, X360, XBONE   Any games currently being sold by their rights holders.   Cracks, Hacks, Serials related to current gen consoles or pc   PSP retail Isos   NDS Roms Released after 2008   PC Titles released after 2007   PC Titles which are available on Steam, Regardless of age. The original versions are OK But not the Steam versions.   PS2 Titles that are new releases i.e Fifa 13   Homebrew titles which have been released by independent developers that are for sale   Androids apps which are not freeware   Iphone apps which are not freeware   Linux software that isn't freeware   GOG [Good Old Games] Titles - The original versions are OK But not the gog versions.   Thanks! Enjoy or don't, I just want people to be aware of an awesome resource and then chose to follow of their own accord.  

I will be hosting the new retro junk box, I asked the professor to move this post to the right place, for some reason I'm not able to post this where it should be, anyways, I'm planning to ship this out around Jan 15, so anyone interested have enough time to join in, rules are listed below
 
 
 
Here's how the Retro Junk Box works
 
What It Is: Someone fills a large USPS Priority Mail Flate Rate Box full of retro-related items and sends it to another member. They take out what they want, fill it back up and send it to the next person. It keeps going until it returns to the original sender.
 
History: The first Retro Junk Box started as a collaboration between The Retro League and Cartoon Retrocast podcasts. It has also been done by The Retroist and The Retro Junkies Network.
 
Who Can Participate: This is open to members in good standing who have reached Orange Status* (or successful traders with at least 50 posts here), have been a registered Atari I/O member for at least 90 days, live in the US and have been active in the forums or chats during the last month. (See your Avatar to see the fruits you have earned).
* Orange Status is mysteriously rewarded between 100 & 150 posts.
 
What is Required: Participants must send the box out within 3 days of getting it, pay for the postage to send it out ($18.75) and must post a photo or video of what they took out. (leave the rest as a mystery!)
 
Items Taken Out MUST Be Replaced With Items Of Equal Or Greater Value: The Retro Junk Box celebrates the generous and friendly spirit of the forums! Those who participate will be expected to contribute to the spirit of the Retro Junk Box, and must replenish the box with items of an equal or greater value than what they chose to take out.
 
Those who abuse the generosity of other participants will be denied the opportunity of participating again. Egregious violations will result in the offending member losing prize and event participation privileges, or worse, being removed from the site.
 
Other Notes: Since it is free to do so with Priority Mail, I would insure the box for $50 to help pay to fill another one in the unlikely event that the USPS ever lost it. Please keep the box mostly (at least 51%) gaming related. Newer items are ok if they are retro related in some way. Please try to be fair in what you replace value wise and please no duplicate games on the same system. Please avoid putting in broken items/games if possible. Please use packing material to fill in nooks and crannies to prevent items from getting broken. (Plastic bags work good for this)
 
Feel free to reuse and decorate the box!
 
If you meet the requirements and agree to the terms, please let me know by responding to the thread along with what state you are located in so we can begin to order the list. DO NOT POST YOUR FULL ADDRESS HERE
 
Also, if you need to be on a certain spot on the list, because you won't be available later, let us know (for instance, if you are going on a trip or work assignment).

Heya MIKE
 
Any friend of Justin can only be a great addition to our community!

Glad to have you on board Cousin Mike!  Hope to hear more form you on the board and looking forward to your up coming Youtube adventures.

Wow awesome story there. Glad that you are here. Seems like you will fit right in.

Welcome Space Invader/Mike!  Great intro story!  :thumb:
 
I think we can all agree that Justin is a great guy. There's some really cool background info about this site that I very much enjoyed reading in your intro.  Thank you!

thank you for sharing that with all of us, it really brings out the christmas spirit and it was nice to meet you and youre wife, have a great christmas this year.     your friend, cousin mike aka space invader.