Strange error in Dosbox

[lmerckx]

@voljega @Dragu It is possible to test an unstable update with this modification if you want: https://review-424-dosbox-foh6cc-archive-review-prod.recalbox.com
It's ok for me on RPI2.

[voljega]

@lmerckx sorry I don't think I will have time for it

[lmerckx]

@voljega No problem

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
Hi,
so it means that a new system build include modifications for dosbox ?
Its not just the emulator that change, so not just a copy and replace. Are some other things new in this, new kernel because also new kernel overlays in this build. I also need more informations before I install.

[lmerckx]

@dragu Yes, I understand.
This is not a release, but a BETA version which is built from the release 18.03.30 and added the DosBox modifications explained above.

There is always a risk to update your recalbox with this kind of unstable version. So, I can understand if you don't want to. And it is preferable to make a backup before doing it.

If you want to do it, simply change your recalbox.conf file by replacing the line
updates.type=stable
by
updates.type=https://review-424-dosbox-foh6cc-archive-review-prod.recalbox.com

Then reboot and accept the update.

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
But could you also just give us the modified dosbox, as before ? No problem to copy it to /usr/bin. Because honestly I think, better to test this alone. Before all, because any way no kernel changement and with additional risk to introduce new errors not depending from dosbox but from untested environment.

[lmerckx]

@dragu OK, here it is: https://www.proximuscloud.be/web/app/share/invite/FQftGUSmTz

[Dragu]

#lmerckx
Hi, thanks for the providing as part.
So, I tested this version Dosbox size 3089924 , much smaller as all new before. Speed is better as this before also, but not reach the older version. Now if you tell me that it is compiled with sdl2 and that this is a need for the future, perhaps this library is a little slower, not the first time.
Best test for me always Crusader No remorse, video ok, sound a little more chopy and echoed as my oldest version OS 170417 Dosbox size 2977700, but better as the last rebuild.
And for game speed, as example if I let crusader turn around own axle, with dos OS 170417 he make 20 Turns in 20 seconds, with the provided 20 Turns in 25 seconds. To give you an indication.

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
I dont know why I put waffer before your name, you are not belgian ?

[lmerckx]

@Dragu Lol. Yes, I am Belgian, and proud of our wafers.
This version uses SDL2 indeed, but the 170417 too.

Perhaps, it is possible to improve speed but it will take some time.
My first priority was to solve the lag bugs problems with keeping the previous improvements: IPX network, joystick deadzones, virtual keyboard, ...

So, I will request the merge of these modifications.

Thank you again for testing.

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
Belgian are also nice people. I am from Luxembourg and Gaufres de Bruxelles with strawberries and cream, mamph. I just asking if you put virtual keyboard just for the use of keymapper or also inside games ? If last, very understandable that speed is lower. But also may be if the last is correct, to put an option to switch it on or off. This could save time for those not needing it.

[lmerckx]

@dragu I prefer the "Gaufres de Liège" (nearest of Luxembourg, in fact).

The virtual keyboard replaces a real keyboard in game (not in the mapper). But the overhead should be very low when not used (because it initializes at first opening).

I think the activation of IPX can play a role: You can check in your configuration file if ipx is enabled and try to disable it if you don't want it (note that playing Doom between the Recalbox and your PC is an experience ).
Also, there were some updates of contributors which can also have an impact ! But very hard to analyze ...

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
C'est les trucs costaux avec des cristaux de sucre dedans, non, je ne suis pas preneur. Les fraises vont prendre la fuite...
For dosbox.conf, the position ipx was not there from the beginning. I think as default the value is on false.

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
I wanted to put this on a more professional level, so I digged in my benchmarks to find a 3D soft test for DOS, this one is pretty good and if you want I can put a link for a download. So I made the test with the 3 Dosbox versions we spoke about, the difference between the 18.03.30 version and the 2 other is a horror, but the last unstable pretty good. This test can also be interesting for different boards running the same dosbox version.

[lmerckx]

@Dragu Yep, I'm interested in the link. If it's free or shareware ...

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
Hi Laurent,
It is free. It was published by PC Player Magazine in 1996 and written by a game designer company where business stopped in 2004. It is somewhere aside from "Final Reality" (for windows) one of the rear early 3D benchmark tools. You can adjust the vga mode and by /mode you see them all. I used 800x600 8bpp what is I think about the max of early games. Just to unpack and install : PCPBench

[lmerckx]

@Dragu Hmmmm, on my RPI2, I have 2.5 with all versions: new and 17.04.17.
I also tested a modification but same result too ...

I will test on my XU ... perhaps a better hardware will give finer result !

[Dragu]

@lmerckx
or put the PI2 to rest.