Please help point a newb in the right direction! Want to use RR as frontend!

**mattress** · 10-19-2006, 09:25 AM

I have my hardware setup and ready to go. Right now, I'm working on the software stage.

I'm working on a slimmed down, fast booting copy of WinXP, but need to start working on a frontend too, to test compatibility, etc.

I want to use Road Runner as my front end.

Originally I wanted to go with centrafuse.. but with a compact flash card boot system, it would be such a pain & hassle to have to redo the software everytime the license expires, etc.. Media Engine was my next choice, but it's just not polished enough for me... so here I am

I can't find a manual, or documentation, so I have a few questions:

*What external programs do I need to install with RR?
I understand that it uses the old/classic version of media player to display video, and I will have to include my own codecs (divx, xvid, dvd, etc). It looks like winamp may be included with RR. So, it looks like I won't have to download/install anything besides codecs. What about visuals? Does RR display visualisations while playing mp3s?

*What about GPS?
It looks like RR doesn't have it's own GPS functionality built in, and I must install my own 3rd party GPS application and "embed" it. What program do you guys prefer? I've read about iGuidance 2.1, iGuidance 3.0, Map Monkey + Destinator 3, Destinator 6, FreeDrive, etc etc etc. There are so many different programs out there. I'm in North America, and would like up-to-date maps, and an easy to use, and easy to see interface.

*Eject button?
Is there a way to add an eject button to the interface of RR? I'm not sure how to go about this... if I'd have to get a program to actually eject the disc, or if there's a way to make a function call to the OS to eject the disc... I am using a slim slot loading drive, hidden away, so the physical button is inaccessible (without modifying the hardware to relocate the button, which I really don't want to do)

Thanks for any help!

**MatrixPC** · 10-19-2006, 09:51 AM

I would reply and ask you to

and

, but I know getting into RR is complicated and require a lot of reading to get thing going.
The easiest way is to download a complete package by follow this link Road Runner Installer and Updater (** Out Dated **)
I don't use that, so I don't know exactly what other needed apps are included with the installer package.
Once install it, run and see if you have any error/problem and start from there.

The manual for RR is basically the FAQ

Basically, these are the apps that RR needs: Winamp, Media Player Classic (for Video and DVD if you want to use it, or install other player), flash 8 or 9 if it wasn't already install in your system, and of course all the codecs for your media format.

GPS? Well one program you MUST have is a COM port spliter. Search the forum for Xport written by Curiosity. What it does is split 1 GPS signal from 1 COM port to multiple port that multiple GPS app can use. RR use 1 port for speed and other thing. Buy any 3rd party app and RR will embeded it well. The current trend for NA folks is iG 3.0, but you have to research more on the app that fit you best.

There is an eject function in RR. It's depend on the skin to use it or not. Most skinner put eject button on their skin. Look in skin subforum to find which one you want and/or modify/create one for yourself.

**mattress** · 10-19-2006, 10:04 AM

Thank you so much for that info! your reply was very helpful and informative. yes you're right it's complicated for a newbie.

I downloaded the latest version of RR, and had a look through some of the files. I saw an eject function in the "Skin Commands.txt" file, so that will be helpful.

I want to build my own skin, but would like to have something to start as a base. I like very simple interfaces, I don't like clutter.

I saw a couple of skins that sparked my interested...
LSX Void and simplistiq

I'll be working on this stuff throughout the next few days, hopefully I won't get too far in over my head

**Wiredwrx** · 10-19-2006, 02:05 PM

Originally Posted by MatrixPC

I would reply and ask you to

and

, but I know getting into RR is complicated and require a lot of reading to get thing going.
The easiest way is to download a complete package by follow this link Road Runner Installer and Updater (** Out Dated **)
I don't use that, so I don't know exactly what other needed apps are included with the installer package.
Once install it, run and see if you have any error/problem and start from there.

The manual for RR is basically the FAQ

Basically, these are the apps that RR needs: Winamp, Media Player Classic (for Video and DVD if you want to use it, or install other player), flash 8 or 9 if it wasn't already install in your system, and of course all the codecs for your media format.

GPS? Well one program you MUST have is a COM port spliter. Search the forum for Xport written by Curiosity. What it does is split 1 GPS signal from 1 COM port to multiple port that multiple GPS app can use. RR use 1 port for speed and other thing. Buy any 3rd party app and RR will embeded it well. The current trend for NA folks is iG 3.0, but you have to research more on the app that fit you best.

There is an eject function in RR. It's depend on the skin to use it or not. Most skinner put eject button on their skin. Look in skin subforum to find which one you want and/or modify/create one for yourself.

I don't think you NEED a com port splitter. I use RR and don't use a splitter.

Other then that, what he said is spot on. IG3.0 has many fans, and they are doing some AWESOME integration into RR. That is DEFINITELY the way to go right now.

Michael

**JohnWPB** · 10-19-2006, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by mattress

I saw a couple of skins that sparked my interested...
LSX Void and simplistiq

LSXVoid is one of the nicest skins out there right now. But, I say this hesitantly, as to not offend anyone, it is not a good "Beginners skin". What I mean there are a lot of variables, scripts ect in the skin that makes it work very well. But from a person trying to figgure out how to create their first skin, it can be a bit complicated & confusing. Simplistique was actually my first skin that I altered, and played around with that inspired me to try to make my own skin. The Simplistique skin is clean and simple, and a great skin to start with and learn from.

I will also throw in the vote for iGuidance. I personally have tried Streets & Trips, Destinator (using FreeDrive), Mappoint, and iGuidance. iGuidance 3.0 UMPC is by far my favorite for ease of use, and the maps (for my area at least) show even the newest roads that have been built. iG is not the way to go for Europe, as I hear the roads are not up to date, and the routing is not so good from posts that I have read.

HERE is a good thread that gives a little bit of a break down of the different GPS programs and is a good reference.