mamedev/mame
Nov 2024 – Jul 2026
15 Months active
Languages Used
C++LuaMarkdownYAMLXML
Technical Skills
Audio SystemsC++Device DriversEmbedded SystemsEmulationEmulation Development
Dirk Best
PROFILE
Dirk Best
Over 15 months, contributed to the mamedev/mame repository by developing and refining hardware emulation features, device drivers, and system integrations. Delivered 38 features and resolved 9 bugs, focusing on expanding hardware compatibility, improving emulation fidelity, and enhancing reliability for retro systems. Leveraged C++, Lua, and YAML to implement low-level programming solutions, including audio systems, BIOS development, memory management, and device emulation. Work included foundational support for new hardware, enhancements to build systems and CI/CD pipelines, and improvements in documentation and code organization. This approach enabled broader test coverage, streamlined workflows, and positioned the project for future maintainability and expansion.
Overall Statistics
Feature vs Bugs
81%Features
Repository Contributions
71Total
Bugs
9
Commits
71
Features
38
Lines of code
16,677
Activity Months15
Your Network
119 peopleWork History
July 2026
1 Commits
Jul 1, 2026July 2026: Focused on bug tracking, data integrity, and traceability for mamedev/mame. Delivered a non-functional software list entry for px4_cart: R.I.V.M. Diagnose Terminal Rel. 1.1, explicitly marked as not working, to prevent unintended use and aid QA. The activity improved issue traceability, data quality, and repository hygiene, enabling safer future iterations.
1 Commits
Jul 1, 2026July 2026: Focused on bug tracking, data integrity, and traceability for mamedev/mame. Delivered a non-functional software list entry for px4_cart: R.I.V.M. Diagnose Terminal Rel. 1.1, explicitly marked as not working, to prevent unintended use and aid QA. The activity improved issue traceability, data quality, and repository hygiene, enabling safer future iterations.
July 2026
June 2026
4 Commits • 2 Features
Jun 1, 2026June 2026 work summary for mamedev/mame focusing on reliability, compatibility, and expanded hardware support. Key outcomes include stability fixes in CS4031 keyboard controller emulation, removal of hardcoded ISA memory mapping to enable UMB in DOS, new Promise EIDEMAX 16-bit ISA IDE controller emulation, and CHDMAN enhancements adding Quantum Fireball templates with improved size calculations and longer model name support.
June 2026
4 Commits • 2 Features
Jun 1, 2026June 2026 work summary for mamedev/mame focusing on reliability, compatibility, and expanded hardware support. Key outcomes include stability fixes in CS4031 keyboard controller emulation, removal of hardcoded ISA memory mapping to enable UMB in DOS, new Promise EIDEMAX 16-bit ISA IDE controller emulation, and CHDMAN enhancements adding Quantum Fireball templates with improved size calculations and longer model name support.
May 2026
1 Commits • 1 Features
May 1, 2026May 2026 monthly summary for mamedev/mame focused on stabilizing Windows CI pipelines and improving build reliability. Delivered a targeted CI improvement by pinning the msys2 setup action version to ensure consistent and repeatable Windows builds, reducing flakiness in CI runs.
1 Commits • 1 Features
May 1, 2026May 2026 monthly summary for mamedev/mame focused on stabilizing Windows CI pipelines and improving build reliability. Delivered a targeted CI improvement by pinning the msys2 setup action version to ensure consistent and repeatable Windows builds, reducing flakiness in CI runs.
May 2026
March 2026
1 Commits • 1 Features
Mar 1, 2026March 2026: Delivered ACT Apricot PC/Xi disk image format support (plain sector format) in MAME, with registration in the format registry and integration into the floppy-disk management subsystem. No major bugs fixed this month in this area. Impact: expands compatibility for legacy ACT Apricot images, enabling more accurate emulation and smoother workflows for users working with historical hardware. Technologies demonstrated: C/C++ development, emulator architecture, disk image parsing, format registry patterns, and floppy-drive subsystem integration. Business value: broader format support drives user adoption, reduces manual work for legacy hardware emulation, and strengthens the project's position in preserving retro-software ecosystems.
March 2026
1 Commits • 1 Features
Mar 1, 2026March 2026: Delivered ACT Apricot PC/Xi disk image format support (plain sector format) in MAME, with registration in the format registry and integration into the floppy-disk management subsystem. No major bugs fixed this month in this area. Impact: expands compatibility for legacy ACT Apricot images, enabling more accurate emulation and smoother workflows for users working with historical hardware. Technologies demonstrated: C/C++ development, emulator architecture, disk image parsing, format registry patterns, and floppy-drive subsystem integration. Business value: broader format support drives user adoption, reduces manual work for legacy hardware emulation, and strengthens the project's position in preserving retro-software ecosystems.
February 2026
1 Commits • 1 Features
Feb 1, 2026February 2026 — mamedev/mame: Implemented ADDS Multivision, a desktop architecture extension with multi-user support and configurable hardware components. This feature expands emulation coverage for multi-user desktop configurations and lays groundwork for broader hardware compatibility and testing scenarios. The initial commit aa597192bf154f09f3c4e1a6b544abbb5382a045 marks new systems as not working and acknowledges Dirk Best and Jannie; it sets the baseline for stabilization and future work. No major bugs fixed this month; focus was on architecture, scaffolding, and cross-team collaboration. Business value: enhances realism and extensibility of MAME, enabling more use cases for researchers and enthusiasts and positioning the project for future reliability improvements and feature expansions.
1 Commits • 1 Features
Feb 1, 2026February 2026 — mamedev/mame: Implemented ADDS Multivision, a desktop architecture extension with multi-user support and configurable hardware components. This feature expands emulation coverage for multi-user desktop configurations and lays groundwork for broader hardware compatibility and testing scenarios. The initial commit aa597192bf154f09f3c4e1a6b544abbb5382a045 marks new systems as not working and acknowledges Dirk Best and Jannie; it sets the baseline for stabilization and future work. No major bugs fixed this month; focus was on architecture, scaffolding, and cross-team collaboration. Business value: enhances realism and extensibility of MAME, enabling more use cases for researchers and enthusiasts and positioning the project for future reliability improvements and feature expansions.
February 2026
January 2026
4 Commits • 3 Features
Jan 1, 2026In January 2026, the team expanded MAME’s hardware coverage and core capabilities, delivering foundational work that increases future emulator accuracy, debugging efficiency, and user control. Key deliverables include (1) Compal TS30A/TS30AS/TS30AT emulation groundwork in MAME (not working yet due to incomplete emulation), establishing broader system support; (2) a Sanyo LC6500 disassembler, defining the instruction set and integrating it into the disassembly framework to accelerate reverse engineering and development; (3) a new LC6554 CPU core for Amiga/CDTV with a front panel (VFD and control buttons) and wiring for front-panel inputs, setting the stage for remote input integration; and (4) UI refinements for CDTV front panel, including volume segment fixes and CD LED color updates. Overall, the month advanced emulator coverage and debugging tooling, improved hardware modeling capabilities, and enhanced user interaction surfaces, contributing to shorter iteration cycles and higher fidelity emulation in future releases.
January 2026
4 Commits • 3 Features
Jan 1, 2026In January 2026, the team expanded MAME’s hardware coverage and core capabilities, delivering foundational work that increases future emulator accuracy, debugging efficiency, and user control. Key deliverables include (1) Compal TS30A/TS30AS/TS30AT emulation groundwork in MAME (not working yet due to incomplete emulation), establishing broader system support; (2) a Sanyo LC6500 disassembler, defining the instruction set and integrating it into the disassembly framework to accelerate reverse engineering and development; (3) a new LC6554 CPU core for Amiga/CDTV with a front panel (VFD and control buttons) and wiring for front-panel inputs, setting the stage for remote input integration; and (4) UI refinements for CDTV front panel, including volume segment fixes and CD LED color updates. Overall, the month advanced emulator coverage and debugging tooling, improved hardware modeling capabilities, and enhanced user interaction surfaces, contributing to shorter iteration cycles and higher fidelity emulation in future releases.
December 2025
8 Commits • 4 Features
Dec 1, 2025December 2025 monthly summary for mamedev/mame: delivered key hardware compatibility updates, audio and input improvements, and stability fixes. The work enhances user experience, broadens platform coverage, and strengthens emulator reliability through code consolidation, BIOS/bootstrap improvements, and targeted bug fixes.
8 Commits • 4 Features
Dec 1, 2025December 2025 monthly summary for mamedev/mame: delivered key hardware compatibility updates, audio and input improvements, and stability fixes. The work enhances user experience, broadens platform coverage, and strengthens emulator reliability through code consolidation, BIOS/bootstrap improvements, and targeted bug fixes.
December 2025
November 2025
7 Commits • 3 Features
Nov 1, 2025November 2025 focused on enabling configuration workflows, advancing Quad X emulation groundwork, and improving developer documentation for MAME's Atari/Torch ecosystem. Delivered feature groundwork, reorganization, and reference docs to accelerate future hardware emulation work and maintainability.
November 2025
7 Commits • 3 Features
Nov 1, 2025November 2025 focused on enabling configuration workflows, advancing Quad X emulation groundwork, and improving developer documentation for MAME's Atari/Torch ecosystem. Delivered feature groundwork, reorganization, and reference docs to accelerate future hardware emulation work and maintainability.
September 2025
1 Commits • 1 Features
Sep 1, 2025September 2025 – mamedev/mame: Delivered initial groundwork for 4000_260 emulation by implementing ROM banking and chargen RAM handling, and establishing core infrastructure for memory maps, input ports, and device initialization to enable future development of this system’s emulation.
1 Commits • 1 Features
Sep 1, 2025September 2025 – mamedev/mame: Delivered initial groundwork for 4000_260 emulation by implementing ROM banking and chargen RAM handling, and establishing core infrastructure for memory maps, input ports, and device initialization to enable future development of this system’s emulation.
September 2025
August 2025
9 Commits • 3 Features
Aug 1, 2025August 2025 monthly summary for mamedev/mame: Delivered key hardware emulation features and memory system enhancements, focused on expanding hardware compatibility and improving input/output fidelity. Notable work includes ADI VT52 terminal support with keyboard integration, SST flash memory support, and ColecoVision SG cartridge enhancements. Also addressed fixes in scrolling, DIP switch handling, and memory mapping for more reliable operation. The work strengthened business value by enabling broader test coverage and expanding supported hardware for developers and retro enthusiasts.
August 2025
9 Commits • 3 Features
Aug 1, 2025August 2025 monthly summary for mamedev/mame: Delivered key hardware emulation features and memory system enhancements, focused on expanding hardware compatibility and improving input/output fidelity. Notable work includes ADI VT52 terminal support with keyboard integration, SST flash memory support, and ColecoVision SG cartridge enhancements. Also addressed fixes in scrolling, DIP switch handling, and memory mapping for more reliable operation. The work strengthened business value by enabling broader test coverage and expanding supported hardware for developers and retro enthusiasts.
March 2025
2 Commits • 1 Features
Mar 1, 2025March 2025 performance: Delivered high-impact bug fix for 6525TPI interrupt mode and introduced CDTV CD-ROM support for Amiga, with groundwork for A570 expansion on the A500. These efforts boost emulation fidelity, stability, and hardware compatibility, enabling realistic boot and audio use cases while laying the foundation for future expansion.
2 Commits • 1 Features
Mar 1, 2025March 2025 performance: Delivered high-impact bug fix for 6525TPI interrupt mode and introduced CDTV CD-ROM support for Amiga, with groundwork for A570 expansion on the A500. These efforts boost emulation fidelity, stability, and hardware compatibility, enabling realistic boot and audio use cases while laying the foundation for future expansion.
March 2025
February 2025
8 Commits • 4 Features
Feb 1, 2025February 2025 monthly summary for mamedev/mame: Delivered multiple low-to-mid-level feature implementations and reliability improvements across emulation platforms, with a clear emphasis on expanding expandability, accuracy, and data organization. The month established a solid foundation for future hardware expansion and ensures more reliable device emulation and software/hardware data consistency.
February 2025
8 Commits • 4 Features
Feb 1, 2025February 2025 monthly summary for mamedev/mame: Delivered multiple low-to-mid-level feature implementations and reliability improvements across emulation platforms, with a clear emphasis on expanding expandability, accuracy, and data organization. The month established a solid foundation for future hardware expansion and ensures more reliable device emulation and software/hardware data consistency.
January 2025
11 Commits • 5 Features
Jan 1, 2025A concise monthly summary for 2025-01 focusing on emulation features, stability, and maintainability for mamedev/mame. Key enhancements include Merlin Zorro II graphics hardware support with RAMDAC integration enabling hardware cursor, BT481 RAMDAC integration for Policetr, PC VGA VSync and video timing improvements, Amiga Zorro II bus reset stabilization, M3 system floppy regression fix with software list support, and broader documentation/CI maintenance. These work items together improve emulation fidelity, user experience, stability, and development efficiency.
11 Commits • 5 Features
Jan 1, 2025A concise monthly summary for 2025-01 focusing on emulation features, stability, and maintainability for mamedev/mame. Key enhancements include Merlin Zorro II graphics hardware support with RAMDAC integration enabling hardware cursor, BT481 RAMDAC integration for Policetr, PC VGA VSync and video timing improvements, Amiga Zorro II bus reset stabilization, M3 system floppy regression fix with software list support, and broader documentation/CI maintenance. These work items together improve emulation fidelity, user experience, stability, and development efficiency.
January 2025
December 2024
6 Commits • 4 Features
Dec 1, 2024December 2024 (mamedev/mame): Delivered key enhancements to Amiga Zorro bus emulation and related graphics cards, expanding hardware coverage, improving fidelity, and boosting reliability. Auto-calibration for the AD1848 enabled more accurate sound playback calibration. Added Toccata SoundCard emulation on the Amiga Zorro bus with device definitions, memory mapping, autoconfiguration, and integrated AD1848 codec. Initiated Picasso II+ RTG graphics support on Zorro bus with new device files and basic mappings. Brought Rainbow II and FrameMaster Zorro II cards into configuration with autoconfig support and delivered rendering improvements for Rainbow2, including clipping-aware drawing and framebuffer handling. These efforts increase compatibility for retro systems, enhance test coverage, and provide a solid foundation for future Zorro-based expansions.
December 2024
6 Commits • 4 Features
Dec 1, 2024December 2024 (mamedev/mame): Delivered key enhancements to Amiga Zorro bus emulation and related graphics cards, expanding hardware coverage, improving fidelity, and boosting reliability. Auto-calibration for the AD1848 enabled more accurate sound playback calibration. Added Toccata SoundCard emulation on the Amiga Zorro bus with device definitions, memory mapping, autoconfiguration, and integrated AD1848 codec. Initiated Picasso II+ RTG graphics support on Zorro bus with new device files and basic mappings. Brought Rainbow II and FrameMaster Zorro II cards into configuration with autoconfig support and delivered rendering improvements for Rainbow2, including clipping-aware drawing and framebuffer handling. These efforts increase compatibility for retro systems, enhance test coverage, and provide a solid foundation for future Zorro-based expansions.
November 2024
7 Commits • 5 Features
Nov 1, 2024November 2024 highlights for mamedev/mame: Delivered substantial PIC-based sound emulation enhancements, CPS1 emulation refinements, and expanded hardware coverage. Migrated bootleg Mega Drive titles to PIC-based emulation, added Ripple IDE support for Zorro-II Amiga, and strengthened flash memory handling. Also fixed a critical MCU ROM identification issue for Jurassic 99 CPS1 BIOS. These efforts broaden device coverage, improve emulation fidelity, and enhance reliability for end users and preservation workflows.
7 Commits • 5 Features
Nov 1, 2024November 2024 highlights for mamedev/mame: Delivered substantial PIC-based sound emulation enhancements, CPS1 emulation refinements, and expanded hardware coverage. Migrated bootleg Mega Drive titles to PIC-based emulation, added Ripple IDE support for Zorro-II Amiga, and strengthened flash memory handling. Also fixed a critical MCU ROM identification issue for Jurassic 99 CPS1 BIOS. These efforts broaden device coverage, improve emulation fidelity, and enhance reliability for end users and preservation workflows.
November 2024
Activity
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Quality Metrics
Correctness89.6%
Maintainability88.2%
Architecture88.4%
Performance81.2%
AI Usage22.6%
Skills & Technologies
Programming Languages
C++LuaMarkdownXMLYAML
Technical Skills
Audio SystemsBIOS developmentBuild SystemsBus SystemsC++C++ DevelopmentC++ developmentC++ programmingCD-ROM TechnologyCI/CDCLI ToolingCode OrganizationConfiguration ManagementData ManagementDevOps
Repositories Contributed To
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