VUE-MASTER VBDE Pro Tutorial How to make a ROM from your PNG files (VBDE Pro)
In this tutorial, I'm sharing my experiences with creating the VUE-MASTER Demo Reel. I'm a CG graphics artist with nearly zero programming experience.
This tutorial shows how to make a VUE-MASTER reel in 6 easy steps using VBDE Pro. If you're using VBDE Light, please refer to the respective tutorial.
The tutorial describes the easiest way to use the VUE-MASTER template: by replacing the 7 existing demo images with your own files.
What you will need:
- VUE-prepared PNG files, matching the VB requirements (see the Graphics Tutorial)
- Download and unpack the latest VBDE*
*VBDE is a portable application, which means you can move it anywhere, but it's recommended to put it here: C:\vbde\
Step 1 – Preparing the VBDE project folder
- Browse C:\vbde\samples\vuengine\ and make a copy of the "vue-master" template folder. Name it after your reel's project title.
- Replace the existing demo PNGs under: assets\images\VueMasterImages\ with your own files.
- Delete all existing .c files under: assets\images\VueMasterImages\VueMasterImage#\Binary\ for every image you've replaced.
Step 2 – Setting up the VBDE Pro project
- Launch C:\vbde\VBDE.exe
- If the Windows firewall gives you any warning like "Unknown Publisher" choose "more" > "run anyway".
- Open the VUE-MASTER template path as a project with VBDE Pro.
- You can browse the project files in the left explorer window now.
Step 3 – Converting images to tiles
- Execute: "Tools" > "External Tools" > "CONVERT images" (or just use the quick button in the top right corner).
- New .c files were created in the "Binary" folders.
Step 4 – Transferring tiles count (for every image)
- Open: assets\images\VueMasterImages\VueMasterImage1\Binary\VueMasterImage1.c (neither "..Left.c" nor "..Right.c")
- If the "tiles" count from the header comment (line 7) is 2033 or less: copy it.
- If the tiles count is more than 2033, refer to Part 2 of the Graphics Tutorial.
- Open: assets\images\VueMasterImages\VueMasterImage1\Definition\VueMasterImage1Definition.c
- Paste/replace the tiles count of image 1 under "CharSetROMDef" (line 49).
- Now repeat this procedure (Step 4) for every image, that you have replaced before...
Step 5 – Adding titles to the main menu
- Open: assets\languages\Language_EN.c
- Add your reel's title at line 49.
- Add your reel's description text or credits at line 51.
- Keep your text inside the quotation marks.
- You can add line breaks by pasting \n.
Step 6 – Creating the ROM
- Execute: "Run" > "External Tools" > "COMPILE" (or just use the quick button in the top right corner).
- Compiling is done when this message appears in the console: "Process finished with exit code 0".
Enjoy your stereo reel!
- You will find your VUE-MASTER reel under: ...\build\output.vb
- Test the ROM with an emulator and flash it to your FlashBoy!