What to pick?

[wizkid32]

Would this be good too? It sounds better to me than the KeyWiz Max as its USB.

Are you talking about the GPWiz?  If so, be aware that any software you use must support gamepad input.  Also, USB has some keystroke and software limitations that you should be aware of.  For these reasons, I prefer a keyboard encoder.

Where did my link go? Must or never posted it. Here it is:

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_81&products_id=235



So USB does have problems? Never heard that.
If so which of these is better?

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=199

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_80&products_id=303

My recommendation is the KeyWiz, since I prefer keyboard encoders as my interface.  The main reason is that they work with almost any program you would want on an arcade cab.

From the GGG website:

"USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. Some USB products similar to the KeyWiz pretend to be USB keyboards. While USB keyboards work very well, the microcontrollers that support them directly have no higher goals than to be just that. Good keyboards. Due to limitations in common microcontrollers used for USB keyboards, most are only capable of sensing a maximum of 6 simultaneous keypresses, which are plenty in that application."

Please note, though, that this only applies to USB KEYBOARDS.  The conditions may be different with a gamepad.  One reason to go with the KeyWiz is that, since it uses the keyboard port, it won't take up one of your USB ports (which can be used for expansions, etc.) and will only take up a port which would otherwise be wasted.

[mgb]

Still waiting to here back from GGG.

So would the mouse button harness really be needed?

No.  Convenient perhaps, needed no.  I don't like them.  I don't like dedicated trackball buttons either so take my advice with a shaker of salt.  

I agree, I don't see much need for mouse buttons unless you really need to pick up 3 extra buttons on your cp

[trekking95]

My recommendation is the KeyWiz, since I prefer keyboard encoders as my interface.  The main reason is that they work with almost any program you would want on an arcade cab.

From the GGG website:

"USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. Some USB products similar to the KeyWiz pretend to be USB keyboards. While USB keyboards work very well, the microcontrollers that support them directly have no higher goals than to be just that. Good keyboards. Due to limitations in common microcontrollers used for USB keyboards, most are only capable of sensing a maximum of 6 simultaneous keypresses, which are plenty in that application."

Please note, though, that this only applies to USB KEYBOARDS.  The conditions may be different with a gamepad.  One reason to go with the KeyWiz is that, since it uses the keyboard port, it won't take up one of your USB ports (which can be used for expansions, etc.) and will only take up a port which would otherwise be wasted.

My computer has no keyboard or mouse ports.  
Could an adapter from keyboard port to USB achieve the same thing or would it be the same as a USB encoder?

[Blanka]

Other than that, what is the reason you like them? Like if they are really good I might get one.

Because they are cheap. Wiring a CP with minipac is 20 minutes work and it saves me time (priceless).
Other +es are easy to reprogram. 1 USB cable taking care of spinner, TB, sticks and buttons. Tiny and no need for troubleshooting. It is just 84$ including shipment. Not the cheapest (I ordered a complete PC for 27 euros! incl free delivery). Never take the PC port ones: that interface is dead. In 5 years no PC will have it (the 27 euro one I ordered has not, yet it runs MAME great!), but your controller will still work.
With GGG it is "Sub-Total: $77.85" (optiwiz, usb thingy and cables) excl shipment. And for that price I don't know if it works as easy.

[trekking95]

I don't need an optiwiz since I don't have a trackball.

[wizkid32]

My computer has no keyboard or mouse ports.  
Could an adapter from keyboard port to USB achieve the same thing or would it be the same as a USB encoder?

That's an interesting question.  I think so, since I believe the 6-keystroke limit is encoder based.  But I haven't tested that, so I'm really not sure.

[Blanka]

The Minipac does definitely more than 6 keys over USB.

[trekking95]

http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_81&products_id=235

Will this be okay?

As its for a 1 person at a time panel the 6 keystrokes thing should be enough. Like its just for the trigger stick really, unless I add something else.

I have a X-Arcade USB interface and it works fine!!!!!    

USB cant be that bad.

[Le Chuck]

it'll be fine. 

[wizkid32]

it'll be fine. 

Yes, you should be fine.  Especially if it's only for one person...  I think that the USB issue is only on keyboard-style encoders, as well.

BTW, I'm pretty sure that the X-Arcade uses an IPAC...

[trekking95]

Been away for a while, nice to be back! 

So I still have to order that stuff from GGG, the 8 way trigger stick (not from GGG), the Tron handle parts, the spinner, the encoder, and any parts that go with those or anything else.

Can't wait to get them!!