Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons

future.child

@zerojay said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

@future-child said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

@zerojay it works but I'd suggest instead of removing /etc/kat5200/atari5200.db3 to move the file over to $home/pi/.kat5200/ and change ownership to user pi. This because not all tables get recreated and result in strange errors.
Also, as a sidenote, would it not be an idea to create a update section in the menu so the scriptmodules can be updated from within retropie ?

I'll do that, but that also sounds like an upstream bug that should be reported.
Done: https://github.com/zerojay/RetroPie-Extra/commit/7328c1d00514cdeb33678f8e233f8d662d8f2bb0

Thanks, for so far i have tested i found no other problems.
I do believe the author intended for the database to be moved as it comes pre configured with a lot of data (settings based on rom-crc, input keycodes etc), so i think a bug report is not needed but will add it to the list of questions i am preparing.

darknior

WOAW lr-a800 is out :D
I have try some A800 games and A5200 and they works fine :)
With all the cool Retroach feature ;)
But for the moment i have a strange bug, the image has like a white filter. Not really beautiful :(

future.child

@darknior Where is it ?

Edit: the white filter over your image sounds like the gamma is set too high.
Edit2: found it... but what makes this one (asside it being built as a single binary libretro core) differ from the one already available in scriptmodules/emulators ?

darknior

@future-child said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

Edit: the white filter over your image sounds like the gamma is set too high.

But where do you change it ? i don't found the option :(

Edit2: found it... but what makes this one (asside it being built as a single binary libretro core) differ from the one already available in scriptmodules/emulators ?

I don't know or understand what about you speak ?
I don't have any A800/5200 emulator in retroarch before.
But is it work fine with good gamma it let us use Boder, Joypad RA Mapping, Savestate, and maybe Fast and rewind ... i don't take time to try it many more ...

future.child

@darknior said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

@future-child said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

Edit: the white filter over your image sounds like the gamma is set too high.

But where do you change it ? i don't found the option :(

In the config file is a entry to adjust gamma COLOURS_PAL_GAMMA=0.3 and COLOURS_NTSC_GAMMA=0.3.
See this link.

Edit2: found it... but what makes this one (asside it being built as a single binary libretro core) differ from the one already available in scriptmodules/emulators ?

I don't know or understand what about you speak ?
I don't have any A800/5200 emulator in retroarch before.

It was available as a retropie optional install (see above link).

But is it work fine with good gamma it let us use Boder, Joypad RA Mapping, Savestate, and maybe Fast and rewind ... i don't take time to try it many more ...

This is new then, the normal Atari800 did not have (all of) this.
I'll do an install just for the fun of it and see what's what.

darknior

@future-child said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

In the config file is a entry to adjust gamma COLOURS_PAL_GAMMA=0.3 and COLOURS_NTSC_GAMMA=0.3.
See this link.

You're not understand me. I don't have any problem with Atari800 emu.
From the beginning i speak about the LIB RETRO ATARI 800 v3.1.0 emu, available from yesterday.

https://github.com/r-type/libretro-atari800
from
https://atari800.github.io/index.html
https://github.com/atari800/atari800

Like i don't found any think to fix GAMMA problem i try to use shader, it's only a proof of concept, because i never work on shader, but i can change GAMMA with it ... maybe it is the solution for us. You can try it as exemple ...

Create and use crt-gamma-pi.glclp

shaders = "1"
shader0 = "shaders/crt-pi.glsl"
filter_linear0 = "true"
wrap_mode0 = "clamp_to_border"
mipmap_input0 = "false"
alias0 = ""
float_framebuffer0 = "false"
srgb_framebuffer0 = "false"
parameters = "MASK_BRIGHTNESS;BLOOM_FACTOR;INPUT_GAMMA;OUTPUT_GAMMA"
MASK_BRIGHTNESS = "0.700000"
BLOOM_FACTOR = "0.300000"
INPUT_GAMMA = "2.400000"
OUTPUT_GAMMA = "1.200000"

future.child

@darknior said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

You're not understand me. I don't have any problem with Atari800 emu.
From the beginning i speak about the LIB RETRO ATARI 800 v3.1.0 emu, available from yesterday.
https://github.com/r-type/libretro-atari800

I think i do understand, this lib retro atari 800 v3.1.0 is a repackaged (port) version of the original Atari800 emulator.
It still functions in the same way as the original does, using a config file, cmd options, gui or keyboard shortcuts.
Try pressing F1 on your keyboard, it should show you the menu where you also can change gamma.

darknior

@future-child said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

Try pressing F1 on your keyboard, it should show you the menu where you also can change gamma.

Really really strange ... it is not in the RA philosophy ... maybe because the port is not done ...
All the F1 options must move to the RA CORE options.

I have try and my Keyboard and Joystick move to fast in the menu :(
And i don't found the GAMMA option in th menu.
And i don't found the CFG file on the PI, i don't know where is it saved to modify it manually.
I think you know this emulator better than me.

future.child

@darknior

Really really strange ... it is not in the RA philosophy ... maybe because the port is not done ...
All the F1 options must move to the RA CORE options.

That's one thing i don't get about it, as far as i can tell it's just the regulator emulator packaged as a core.
There is still much work to be done, like having configuration done by RA, hotkey support, A5200 analog, various bugs etc.
I chose to switch over to kat5200 because i saw no way to do these things without a huge rewrite.

I have try and my Keyboard and Joystick move to fast in the menu :(
And i don't found the GAMMA option in th menu.
And i don't found the CFG file on the PI, i don't know where is it saved to modify it manually.
I think you know this emulator better than me.

Normaly the .atari800.cfg file is located in /home/pi, you could do sudo find / -name *atari800.cfgto find it.
In the menu you should be able to find it under 'display settings' you could also try the following keyboard shortcuts :

LAlt+LShift+1     Decrease tint (also called hue)
LAlt+1            Increase tint
LAlt+LShift+2     Decrease saturation (like TV Colour control)
LAlt+2            Increase saturation
LAlt+LShift+3     Decrease contrast (also called white level)
LAlt+3            Increase contrast
LAlt+LShift+4     Decrease brightness (also called black level)
LAlt+4            Increase brightness
LAlt+LShift+5     Decrease gamma adjustment
LAlt+5            Increase gamma adjustment
LAlt+LShift+6     Decrease color delay (Atari color adjustment potentiometer)
LAlt+6            Increase color delay

darknior

@future-child said in Atari 5200: New version of Atari800 (Beta): two triggers (Moon Patrol!!!), hat start and exit buttons:

Normaly the .atari800.cfg file is located in /home/pi,

Ok you are right, and i understand, it's because it use the same CFG file than the real A800 emulator :(
It were better to use an other one.

Really this emulator works really fine. For me i think it is the best solution to update it.

I fix the problem with COLOURS_NTSC_GAMMA=1.5

For me there are two first problem with this emu :

It don't detect fine A5200 games and we must force the engine, and make a CFG file for each game :(
Mapping the joystick is not easy, we must know fine the original computer.

But really if this emulator can evolve it will be the best to use all the RA options. All our global settings.
It can be port on any other systems ... RA is always the best choice when available.
The Border and Shaders already working fine.

That's one thing i don't get about it, as far as i can tell it's just the regulator emulator packaged as a core.

It's a first and hard step already done, i think it's a chance :)

There is still much work to be done, like having configuration done by RA, hotkey support, A5200 analog, various bugs etc.
I chose to switch over to kat5200 because i saw no way to do these things without a huge rewrite.

I know it is more work, maybe because i'm not a real dev, but RA is the only real emulation future
You are the only one to choose what you want to do.
But is you work on RA i can help, test, and it will become an official RA engine with time :)

darknior

@future-child I have made a little set of games for A800 :)
Only games i don't have on A2600 A5200 & A7200, and only best of games ... i found around the web because i don't know A800 and others, i discover for the first time lol

I have take them with Trainer when possible because games are hard to play ... like i do on AMIGA, if you know some really cool games i miss, tell it to me like for games with trainers.

I try them all on PI with your A800 and config file, and it's work really fine, it's bad but for the moment i don't know how to configure fine the RA emulator.
Like i don't know this computer, i need your help if you have some free time.

List of games not working for me, are there working for you ? Maybe there is a special setting ?

Encounter! (USA).xex
Karateka.atr
Koronis Rift (USA).atr
MULE (USA).atr
Space Harrier (Europe) [Final version].atr
Temple of Apshai Trilogy, The (USA).atr -> Ask me an other Disk ???
Robbo (Europe) (Pl) [T-En].xex -> It works it think but i can't do nothing in game
Zybex (Europe).xex -> It works it think but i can't do nothing in game

List of games i don't know how to launch because there are multiple disc :

Alternate Reality - The City (USA) (Disk 1-1).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 1).atr
Eternal Dagger (USA) (Disk 1-1).atr
Guild of Thieves (Europe) (Disk 1).atr
Seven Cities of Gold, The (USA) (Disk 1).atr

Complete List of games :

Adventure Creator (USA).xex
Air Support (USA).xex
Alley Cat (USA).xex
Alternate Reality - The City (USA) (Disk 1-1).atr
Alternate Reality - The City (USA) (Disk 1-2).atr
Alternate Reality - The City (USA) (Disk 2-1).atr
Alternate Reality - The City (USA) (Disk 2-2).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 0 Character).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 1).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 2-1).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 2-2).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 3-1).atr
Alternate Reality - The Dungeon (USA) (Disk 3-2).atr
Assault Force 3D (USA).atr
BC's Quest For Tires (USA).xex
Blue Max (USA).xex
Bombjack (USA) [Hack CCA].xex
Boulder Dash (USA).xex
Boulder Dash 2 (USA).xex
Bounty Bob Strikes Back! (USA).xex
Bruce Lee (USA).xex
Capture the Flag (USA).atr
Cavelord (Europe) (De) [T-En by Jeff Kyle].xex
Cavelord (Europe) (De) [T-Fr by The Cure].xex
Cavernia (Europe) [T-En].xex
Caverns of Mars (USA).xex
Caverns of Mars 2 (USA).xex
Deluxe Invaders (USA).xex
Dimension X (USA).xex
Drop Zone (Europe).xex
Eidolon, The (USA).atr
Encounter! (USA).xex
Eternal Dagger (USA) (Disk 1-1).atr
Eternal Dagger (USA) (Disk 1-2).atr
Eternal Dagger (USA) (Disk 2-1 Dungeon).atr
Eternal Dagger (USA) (Disk 2-2 Dungeon).atr
Feud - The Graphic Adventure (Europe) [Hack noATR by Chaotic].xex
Fort Apocalypse (USA) [Hack noATR].xex
Goonies, The (USA).atr
Great American Cross Country Road Race, The (USA) [Hack by Paul & IC].xex
Guild of Thieves (Europe) (Disk 1).atr
Guild of Thieves (Europe) (Disk 2).atr
Henry's House (Europe).xex
His Dark Majesty (Europe) (Pl) [T-En v1.01 by ShawnJefferson].atr
International Karate (Europe).atr
Jet Boot Jack (Europe).xex
Joe Blade (Europe) [Hack by LPS].xex
Journey to the Planets (USA).xex
Jumpman (USA).atr
Kaboom! (USA).xex
Karateka (1985)(Broderbund).atr
Karateka (USA) [Hack by Mian].xex
Karateka.atr
Keystone Kapers (USA) [Hack by PDoctor].xex
Koronis Rift (USA).atr
Lode Runner (USA).xex
Mercenary - Escape From Targ (Europe) [Hack by Wzab].xex
Mr. Do! (USA) [Trainer +8 lives].xex
MULE (USA).atr
Orc Attack (Europe).xex
Picnic Paranoia (USA).xex
Polar Pierre (Europe).xex
Rainbow Walker (USA).xex
Realm of Impossibility (USA).atr
Robbo (Europe) (Pl) [T-En].xex
Schreckenstein (Europe) (De).atr
Seven Cities of Gold, The (USA) (Disk 1).atr
Seven Cities of Gold, The (USA) (Disk 2).atr
Shadow World (USA).xex
Solo Flight (Europe).xex
Space Harrier (Europe) [Final version].atr
Spare Change (USA).atr
Special Delivery (Europe).xex
Star Raiders 2 (USA) [Hack by Flinx].xex
Starquake (USA).xex
Tagalon (Europe).xex
Temple of Apshai Trilogy, The (USA).atr
Trailblazer (USA) [Hack noATR].xex
Vicky (Europe) (Pl) [Crack by Gumi-Krawco] [Trainer +2].xex
Warhawk (Europe).xex
Zeppelin (USA).xex
Zybex (Europe).xex

future.child

@darknior
I have tried Encounter! (1983)(Synapse Software)[Req OSb][k-file].atr (MD5 14B487B9A3D14F3F4E4B85692F8F8C4B) and Karateka (1985)(Broderbund).atr (MD5 CBA7371BB94D665F5EE1C455868CFEB9).
Both are working well, so i guess the other roms will works as well.

I do however specify a config file in emulators.cfg in which i setup emulation type etc. :

atari800="/opt/retropie/emulators/atari800/bin/atari800 -config /opt/retropie/configs/atari800/atari800.cfg %ROM%"

I used the following config file for both roms:

Atari 800 Emulator, Version 3.1.0
ROM_OS_A_NTSC=
ROM_OS_A_PAL=/home/pi/RetroPie/BIOS/ATARIOSA.ROM
ROM_OS_B_NTSC=
ROM_OS_AA00R10=
ROM_OS_AA00R11=
ROM_OS_BB00R1=
ROM_OS_BB01R2=/home/pi/RetroPie/BIOS/ATARIXL.ROM
ROM_OS_BB02R3=
ROM_OS_BB02R3V4=
ROM_OS_CC01R4=
ROM_OS_BB01R3=
ROM_OS_BB01R4=
ROM_OS_BB01R59=
ROM_OS_BB01R59A=
ROM_5200=/home/pi/RetroPie/BIOS/5200.ROM
ROM_5200_A=
ROM_BASIC_A=
ROM_BASIC_B=
ROM_BASIC_C=/home/pi/RetroPie/BIOS/ATARIBAS.ROM
ROM_XEGAME=
ROM_400/800_CUSTOM=/home/pi/RetroPie/BIOS/ATARIOSB.ROM
ROM_XL/XE_CUSTOM=
ROM_5200_CUSTOM=
ROM_BASIC_CUSTOM=
ROM_XEGAME_CUSTOM=
OS_400/800_VERSION=AUTO
OS_XL/XE_VERSION=AUTO
OS_5200_VERSION=AUTO
BASIC_VERSION=AUTO
XEGS_GAME_VERSION=AUTO
ATARI_FILES_DIR=/home/pi/RetroPie/BIOS
H1_DIR=
H2_DIR=
H3_DIR=
H4_DIR=
HD_READ_ONLY=1
PRINT_COMMAND=lpr %s
SCREEN_REFRESH_RATIO=1
MACHINE_TYPE=Atari XL/XE
RAM_SIZE=64
DEFAULT_TV_MODE=PAL
MOSAIC_RAM_NUM_BANKS=0
AXLON_RAM_NUM_BANKS=0
ENABLE_MAPRAM=1
DISABLE_BASIC=1
ENABLE_SIO_PATCH=1
ENABLE_H_PATCH=1
ENABLE_P_PATCH=1
ENABLE_NEW_POKEY=1
STEREO_POKEY=0
SPEAKER_SOUND=1
BUILTIN_BASIC=1
KEYBOARD_LEDS=0
F_KEYS=0
BUILTIN_GAME=0
KEYBOARD_DETACHED=0
1200XL_JUMPER=0
CFG_SAVE_ON_EXIT=0
MIO_ROM=
BLACK_BOX_ROM=
XLD_D_ROM=
XLD_V_ROM=
CARTRIDGE_FILENAME=
CARTRIDGE_TYPE=0
CARTRIDGE_PIGGYBACK_FILENAME=
CARTRIDGE_PIGGYBACK_TYPE=0
CARTRIDGE_AUTOREBOOT=1
CASSETTE_FILENAME=
CASSETTE_LOADED=0
CASSETTE_WRITE_PROTECT=0
RTIME=1
COLOURS_NTSC_SATURATION=0
COLOURS_NTSC_CONTRAST=0
COLOURS_NTSC_BRIGHTNESS=0
COLOURS_NTSC_GAMMA=0.3
COLOURS_NTSC_HUE=0
COLOURS_NTSC_GTIA_DELAY=26.8
COLOURS_NTSC_EXTERNAL_PALETTE=
COLOURS_NTSC_EXTERNAL_PALETTE_LOADED=0
COLOURS_NTSC_ADJUST_EXTERNAL_PALETTE=0
COLOURS_PAL_SATURATION=0
COLOURS_PAL_CONTRAST=0
COLOURS_PAL_BRIGHTNESS=0
COLOURS_PAL_GAMMA=0.3
COLOURS_PAL_HUE=0
COLOURS_PAL_GTIA_DELAY=23.2
COLOURS_PAL_EXTERNAL_PALETTE=
COLOURS_PAL_EXTERNAL_PALETTE_LOADED=0
COLOURS_PAL_ADJUST_EXTERNAL_PALETTE=0
ARTIFACT_NTSC=NONE
ARTIFACT_PAL=NONE
ARTIFACT_NTSC_MODE=0
SCREEN_SHOW_SPEED=0
SCREEN_SHOW_IO_ACTIVITY=1
SCREEN_SHOW_IO_COUNTER=0
SCREEN_SHOW_1200XL_LEDS=1
SOUND_ENABLED=1
SOUND_RATE=44100
SOUND_BITS=16
SOUND_FRAG_FRAMES=0
SOUND_LATENCY=20
VIDEO_FILTERING=1
VIDEO_ZOOM=1.00
SDL_JOY_0_ENABLED=1
SDL_JOY_0_LEFT=260
SDL_JOY_0_RIGHT=262
SDL_JOY_0_UP=264
SDL_JOY_0_DOWN=261
SDL_JOY_0_TRIGGER=305
SDL_JOY_USE_HAT=1
SDL_JOY_0_SELECT=8
SDL_JOY_0_START=9
SDL_JOY_0_TRIGGER1=1
SDL_JOY_0_TRIGGER2=2
SDL_JOY_0_ASTERISK=0
SDL_JOY_0_HASH=3
SDL_JOY_0_OPTION=5
SDL_JOY_1_ENABLED=0
SDL_JOY_1_LEFT=97
SDL_JOY_1_RIGHT=100
SDL_JOY_1_UP=119
SDL_JOY_1_DOWN=115
SDL_JOY_1_TRIGGER=306

I haven't gotten around to installing the retroarch-port but i doubt it has changed in functionality and still uses the same configuration parameters and methods (minus the custom settings i have in my version).

As for the multi-disc roms, i load the first disc from retropie and in the emulator menu (F1) load the other disc(s) manually.

darknior

With this config file, you are right. Encounter! and Karateka are starting fine now :D

Karateka impossible to move or fight ... i can only run ... i think we must found the guide of these games to configure the game-pad. A long and hard work :(
Konoris always block at the LUCASART logo, i try all my keyboard keys, and nothing append, it is not a Key config problem i think.
MULE always write me REMOVE CARTRIDGE before the game start.
Robbo has an analogical controler problem i think, because the character go top at start and after no more move.
Space Harrier always crash at start on a pink screen.
Zybex Start like before, but same, i can't do more than seing the title screen :(

As for the multi-disc roms, i load the first disc from retropie and in the emulator menu (F1) load the other disc(s) manually.

Is it possible to help user and make the loading AUTO ?
If not nobody will play these games :(

future.child

@darknior
Karateka needs a keyboard (for me only basic function works via controller), Konoris you could try F4 (= start), MULE works correct for me (MD5: C06EF1C6223A5A32600C3FAB3EE5C02F), Robbo you could try with -mouse st appended to runcommand, space harrier crashes for me as well (i'll see why), and zybex you could also try F4.

Nobody will make these games auto loading as the 400/800(XL)'s were no game consoles but home computers like the C64 and it would take away from accuracy, but anyone is welcome to try and hack it in as the code for this emulator is publicly available.

darknior

@future-child Karateka needs a keyboard (for me only basic function works via controller)

Yes it is, i finally play it with the keyx documentation : http://www.atarimania.com/8bit/boxes/hi_res/karateka_i_2.jpg
But it is so hard to use for players, and so bad because they miss some cool games.
On AMIGA it's cool because we can make .UAE to launch games with a complete setting to play the game.
That's missing on Atari, a setting file with the game name, auto load at start. To configure system and joypad.

Konoris you could try F4 (= start) / Zybex

It show the title screen, but no more. same for Zybex

MULE works correct too

But it ask for a joystick and it is impossible to play

space harrier crashes for me as well (i'll see why)

Why ?

Nobody will make these games auto loading as the 400/800(XL)'s were no game consoles but home computers like the C64 and it would take away from accuracy, but anyone is welcome to try and hack it in as the code for this emulator is publicly available.

Accuracy is not important, the users only want to use it and play A800 like a console. Like we do on AMIGA, if it is so hard to configure no one will use them. And really A800 is a part of video games history, the guys that like it must help other to discover it.
I don't know any ATARI computers, i only try to help.

darknior

I don't understand if it's possible to map Keyboard keys to joypad for games like Karateka for exemple.

future.child

@darknior

Accuracy is not important, the users only want to use it and play A800 like a console. Like we do on AMIGA, if it is so hard to configure no one will use them. And really A800 is a part of video games history, the guys that like it must help other to discover it.
I don't know any ATARI computers, i only try to help.

I remember as a kid some floppy's would not load and needed translator, basic or some other special setting.
Afaik the amiga is of a later generation (Atari ST era ?) and has a larger user base than the older 400/800(XL) machines so community support would also be greater.
Someone could do a .UAE like port and create a database with load settings but i do not see this happening anytime soon.
As for accuracy not being important.... i think accuracy is a huge part of the experience (i.e. a graphically sophisticated version of pong just wouldn't be the same as the low-res monochrome original).

I don't understand if it's possible to map Keyboard keys to joypad for games like Karateka for exemple.

There are a few key's you can map to controller buttons, in my version i have added even more, but not all. You could create a python-uinput script to map joystick buttons to keyboard keys or something simmilar.
But personaly i think Atari800 emulator is far from being finished and in no condition to be added to retropie for the masses (of new users) to comfortably use.

Input mapping is where the kat5200 emulator is more flexible, you can assign your input via gui to whatever you want, and i find rom loading is easier.
You may want to fiddle with it on you desktop pc or install it from the experimental section of zerojay's addon.

darknior

Someone could do a .UAE like port and create a database with load settings but i do not see this happening anytime soon.

Yes it's a problem :(

As for accuracy not being important.... i think accuracy is a huge part of the experience (i.e. a graphically sophisticated version of pong just wouldn't be the same as the low-res monochrome original).

Yes for sure, game must be 100 % same as original, i speak about to make easy to launch them :)

There are a few key's you can map to controller buttons, in my version i have added even more, but not all. You could create a python-uinput script to map joystick buttons to keyboard keys or something simmilar.

I don't know how to do it, if one day you have time to do it for Karate as exemple, maybe it can help for some games ...

Input mapping is where the kat5200 emulator is more flexible, you can assign your input via gui to whatever you want, and i find rom loading is easier.
You may want to fiddle with it on you desktop pc or install it from the experimental section of zerojay's addon.

Yes for sure, i don't have try it on A800, only A5200.
It works very fine. I love it and his config menu.
But we have the same problem, we can't make a config file by game, to map gamepad like we want for each games ;)

future.child

@darknior

But we have the same problem, we can't make a config file by game, to map gamepad like we want for each games ;)

Well, there is a workaround for those that are intent on having per rom config’s

After configuring kat5200 for a specific rom you could backup the config database with this command:
cp /home/pi/.kat5200/kat5200.db3 /opt/retropie/configs/atari5200/config1.db3

You could then add the following to emulators.cfg:
kat5200_cfg1= "cp -f /opt/retropie/configs/atari5200/config1.db3 /home/pi/.kat5200/kat5200.db3 ;/usr/local/bin/kat5200 %ROM%"

And selecting the default emulator for the specific rom will launch it with these settings.
Keep in mind that a default config will also have to be backed up once and restored each time prior to loading other roms, automated by adjusting the runcommand.

I am working on a way to interact with the database based on retroarch configuration and rom crc but it’s more of an experiment in python programming than something intended to ever be released.

darknior

After configuring kat5200 for a specific rom you could backup the config database with this command:

Yes it's an idea. But each DB3 file take 10 Mo !!!!
It is really an excessive solution :( ... config will take more place than games + videos !
It can be the trick for the moment ... maybe ...
But it will also add many .cfg files ton launch the db3 files, and add many lines on the emulator.cfg ...

I am working on a way to interact with the database based on retroarch configuration and rom crc but it’s more of an experiment in python programming than something intended to ever be released.

If you can do it, i really prefer. It will be cleaner.
But using the 10 Mo DB file is really bad. So bad we can't include a CFG file by game, smaller and faster to load.