iPAC vs USB controllers

[GnobarEl]

Dear All,

I want to start building a bartop arcace.

For now, my biggest doubt is with the controllers.

I have 2 USB controllers like this one:
http://geralgamesfps.blogspot.pt/2011/10/driver-joystick-vibration-x-tech-ns3121.html

If I use the "keyboard hack" will it work ok? Will I get any lag?
Can I use them or I should buy an Ipac?

Thanks to all.

[Cynicaster]

Dear All,

I want to start building a bartop arcace.

For now, my biggest doubt is with the controllers.

I have 2 USB controllers like this one:
http://geralgamesfps.blogspot.pt/2011/10/driver-joystick-vibration-x-tech-ns3121.html

I think the general consensus is that the iPac is superior to hacking a keyboard, if you have the funds to buy one. 

I’ve never tried the keyboard hack method myself, but I’ve read stories about how that solution can lead to problems with button-presses not registering if multiple buttons are pressed at once (which is bound to happen fairly often, especially on a multi-player cabinet). 

The iPac, on the other hand, is a purposefully built device for this very purpose.  I have one and it works amazingly. 


If I use the "keyboard hack" will it work ok? Will I get any lag?
Can I use them or I should buy an Ipac?

Thanks to all.

[PL1]

I have 2 USB controllers like this one:
http://geralgamesfps.blogspot.pt/2011/10/driver-joystick-vibration-x-tech-ns3121.html

If I use the "keyboard hack" will it work ok? Will I get any lag?
Can I use them or I should buy an Ipac?

One clarification -- a keyboard hack involves using the matrix encoder for a keyboard.  A keyboard is basically a larger version of the keypad below with more columns and rows. (Image excerpted from AtariAge here)

The hack you're asking about is a gamepad hack.

A gamepad hack will not add any more lag than the unhacked controller does.

A gamepad hack will not have "ghosting" unless the problem is also present in the unhacked controller -- assuming that the hack doesn't have unintended short circuits.   

If you're good at soldering and short on cash, try the hack.

If you're not very good at soldering, go with the I-Pac/KeyWiz/KADE/ZD Encoder for the greater ease and reliability.


Scott

[paigeoliver]

I am a veteran of several dozen mame cabinets and I am very well versed in repairing real games, soldering and all that and I can promise you that keyboard and gamepad hacks are a mistake.

I have done it too multiple times. I have found that they are fragile, flaky, unreliable and far less functional than just buying an encoder. As often as not I ended up having to rip the whole mess out later and replace it with an encoder due to unforeseen issues or wires getting ripped out.

Now someone else will certainly chime in and say  I did it and it works and it is awesome and I saved $10  .

This isn't 1999 anymore, they have made products to do this properly for going on 10 years now. I am also cheap. I often finish entire projects with a budget less than what some people spend on light up buttons. But I am not so cheap that I can't spend $35 at the beginning of each project for a proper keyboard encoder.

Controller looks familiar, looks like the last one I wasted my time on, still have the circuit board in my desk as a matter of fact. It doesn't have a common ground, it requires very fine solder work that will easily break and to top it all off, if you have two of them they will randomly change positions each time you boot your computer. Of course all identical gamepads do that.

[adder]

if u can wait until feburary, one or two of these is my recommendation:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=114744.0

[GnobarEl]

Dear All,
thanks for your reply.

In fact, I wanted to wast the less money possible, and if I have 2 commands, would be nice to use them.
I was thinking to do the gamepack hack. I played some games with both commands and most of them were very nice. Some, don't know why, have a bit of lag, non responsive keys.

The only point that make me thinking, is the fact "randomly change positions each time you boot your computer"
I have to rethink all plans again.

Thank you all for all the advises!

[CoryBee]

"randomly change positions each time you boot your computer"

This can be solved by using "Joytokey" to map keyboard shortcuts to your gamepad. The software recognizes the controllers individually and wont get them mixed up during a boot issue or unplugging them.

If you have the money, get a proper encoder. If not, start soldering! 

[paigeoliver]

Pretty sure that only works if you are using different gamepads.

"randomly change positions each time you boot your computer"

This can be solved by using "Joytokey" to map keyboard shortcuts to your gamepad. The software recognizes the controllers individually and wont get them mixed up during a boot issue or unplugging them.

If you have the money, get a proper encoder. If not, start soldering! 

[Hoopz]

This app can help with Windows changing numbers:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,108767.msg1154628.html#msg1154628

[CoryBee]

Pretty sure that only works if you are using different gamepads.

"randomly change positions each time you boot your computer"

This can be solved by using "Joytokey" to map keyboard shortcuts to your gamepad. The software recognizes the controllers individually and wont get them mixed up during a boot issue or unplugging them.

If you have the money, get a proper encoder. If not, start soldering! 

I did a stress test on this while building my nephew's cab and they use the same gamepad...I will do some more testing then and look at all of the device information again between the two controllers. Thanks for bringing this up.