Newbie Question : Keyboard Interface for MAME

[TomG]

Hi,

I have a newbie question. I read the FAQ and some other stuff but I'd like to be sure.

I want to build an arcade control panel (2 joysticks and buttons), pluggable (as USB) on my Linux PC, by buying some available kit found on the web (eg like this http://www.ultracabs.co.uk/usb-interface--standard-joystick-set-109-p.asp).

As it is to play MAME *only* I'd like to be sure that I can buy *NON*-programmable keyboard interface.
My guess is that I will be able to customize everthing (buttons layout etc...) inside MAME so I don't need to get a programmable interface.

Am I right ?
Thanks for your replies.
Tom

[BobA]

Looks to be a Xin Mo Controller for 2 players.   It shows up as 2 gamepads with 10 or 12 player buttons.   It works fine in MAME as the gamepad buttons for player 1 and 2 can be assigned within MAME.   Most other emulators are also useable with gamepads.  A programmable controller is a plus but not a necessity.

[PL1]

One big downside on the Xin-Mo is that it is USB 1.1 low speed.  (Finally confirmed this on a 1-Player unit from Paradise Arcade just the other day.)

A number of users have reported some issues with lag, more than likely due to the slower poll rate of USB low speed [EDIT: combined with what appears to be poorly designed firmware. -- Thanks for the accuracy nudge, BobA.]

You can use a gamepad-type or keyboard-type encoder since MAME is so flexible.

If you go with a keyboard encoder (my personal preference), you'll probably want to get one that gives you the option to program the inputs in case your interests expand to include Visual Pinball or other emulators that require different/additional keys.

Commonly used keyboard encoders include the I-Pac from Ultimarc, KeyWiz from GGG, and the KADE. (scheduled for release in about a month)

Commonly used gamepad encoders include the GPWiz from GGG, Vigo's ZD Encoders, and the KADE.


Scott

[BobA]

While USB 1.1 is old technology it is still very fast when used for human interfaces or gamepads.   USB 1.1 is satisfactory for many human related functions but fall short very quickly when applied to mass storage or networking.   USB 1.1 also has the advantage of working on older PC's.  If a PC has USB and is vintage then USB 1.1 is sure to be supported.  The following are the recommended speeds for devices when USB was conceived.

Mice, Keyboiards, Joysticks, Gamepads 1.5 mbps

Modems, Cameras, Printers, Scanners 12 mbps (USB 1.1)

Mass Storage Dev, Networking, Video and Audio dev 480 mbps (USB 2.0)

Fast Mass Storage, HD Video and Audio 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) not originally concieved

[adder]

correct u dont need a programmable one, just set up how u want in mame

avoid xin mo laggy garbage and get two of these:

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

[BobA]

correct u dont need a programmable one, just set up how u want in mame

avoid xin mo laggy garbage and get two of these:

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

These are good, I have used quite a few but he is closed till Feb.

[TomG]

Thanks all for your replies 

[AndyWarne]

While USB 1.1 is old technology it is still very fast when used for human interfaces or gamepads.   USB 1.1 is satisfactory for many human related functions but fall short very quickly when applied to mass storage or networking.   USB 1.1 also has the advantage of working on older PC's.  If a PC has USB and is vintage then USB 1.1 is sure to be supported.  The following are the recommended speeds for devices when USB was conceived.

Mice, Keyboiards, Joysticks, Gamepads 1.5 mbps

Modems, Cameras, Printers, Scanners 12 mbps (USB 1.1)

Mass Storage Dev, Networking, Video and Audio dev 480 mbps (USB 2.0)

Fast Mass Storage, HD Video and Audio 5 Gbps (USB 3.0) not originally concieved

Thats correct but the biggest drawback of 1.1 is a max packet size of 8 bytes which limits number of simultaneously-pressed keys, and also when used for trackball/spinner type applications can result in movement speed limit.

[leapinlew]

correct u dont need a programmable one, just set up how u want in mame

avoid xin mo laggy garbage and get two of these:

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

These are good, I have used quite a few but he is closed till Feb.

I would also like to direct your attention here:
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,129357.0.html

I am not having complete success with my ZD Encoder

[RandyT]

Thats correct but the biggest drawback of 1.1 is a max packet size of 8 bytes which limits number of simultaneously-pressed keys, and also when used for trackball/spinner type applications can result in movement speed limit.

If you are speaking of a Boot Protocol keyboard device, this is true.  But you don't need to make a keyboard-based game controller Boot Protocol compatible.

As for spinners and trackballs, it's a theoretical (in this this application) limitation, but not one which makes even the smallest difference in actual use for gameplay.

RandyT