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Frontend Setup

Zaparoo Frontend runs on MiSTer FPGA and connects to the local Zaparoo Core service.

Requirements​

Frontend requires Zaparoo Core v2.14.0 or newer.

On MiSTer, install or update Core from Update All. Update All can automatically configure Frontend in your MiSTer.ini file.

You can also install Frontend through MiSTer Companion, or install it manually from the release ZIP.

SuperStation ONE users

If you are using a SuperStation ONE or another MiSTer image that already includes Zaparoo, update Zaparoo Core before starting Frontend. Some images include old Core builds, such as v2.6.2, that do not support Frontend. If first-time setup stays on Preparing..., update Core, then reboot MiSTer or restart Frontend.

Manual install​

For manual installation, download the release ZIP from GitHub Releases.

The ZIP contains a zaparoo folder with these files:

  • MiSTer_Zaparoo
  • frontend
  • menu_zaparoo.rbf

Install Frontend:

  1. Copy the zaparoo folder to the root of your MiSTer SD card.

  2. Edit your MiSTer.ini file and add this line under the [MiSTer] or [Menu] section:

    main=zaparoo/MiSTer_Zaparoo

  3. Start or reboot your MiSTer. Frontend will start automatically.

To disable or uninstall Frontend, remove the main=zaparoo/MiSTer_Zaparoo line from MiSTer.ini to return to the stock MiSTer menu.

First run​

On first run, Frontend connects to Core locally. If your media database is empty, it prompts you to scan your games before browsing.

You can update the media database later from Settings, then Library. You can also open a system's options menu and update that system on its own.

Display setup​

Frontend has display options for HDMI, CRT, and vertical setups.

Enable CRT mode​

If you use Frontend on a CRT, open Settings, then Display, then Analog video.

  • CRT mode turns native analog output on or off. Confirming this setting restarts Frontend so MiSTer can relaunch it in the new video mode.
  • Video standard chooses NTSC or PAL when CRT mode is active. Changing it also requires a Frontend restart.
  • Screen position opens a calibration screen. Use the directional controls to move the image, then save when the picture is centered on your display.

You can also toggle CRT mode from the MiSTer OSD, which is useful when you need to turn CRT mode on before you have access to an HDMI display. Press Menu on a controller or F12 on a keyboard, as you would in a normal MiSTer core, then open System Settings. CRT mode is the last setting in the list, directly above Reboot.

CRT mode enables the pixel fonts and tighter layouts designed for 240p output. It also uses a safe area for menus while backgrounds and screensaver art can still fill the full CRT frame.

Enable TATE mode​

TATE mode rotates Frontend for vertical display setups, such as arcade cabinets or MiSTer displays mounted for vertical games.

Open Settings, then set Orientation to the clockwise or counter-clockwise option that matches your display.

Change MiSTer resolution​

On MiSTer, open Settings, then Display, then change Resolution when you need a fixed HDMI output mode instead of the default Frontend video settings. Frontend includes HD options plus larger modes such as 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2048x1536, and 2560x1440.

Resolution changes apply after Frontend restarts.