Keyboard controller and wires Bargain ?

[jimmer]

Am I missing something?

this looks like amazing value at £20 (harness and ground loop included) (note: 2player stock due next week)
http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/products/PC-And-PS3-Arcade-Controller-Interface.html

Compared to this at £50
http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/products/I-PAC-2-And-Wiring-Kit.html


I get the feeling that with KADE on it's way, Ipac2s won't be worth £30 much longer. So I'm looking for something cheaper.

[yotsuya]

Well, to be fair, the I-PAC is a keyboard encoder, and KADE is a joystick encoder. I'd like to see the KADE in action, but having used both types, my preference is still for keyboard encoders. I think the I-PAC is worth every cent.

[BadMouth]

Am I missing something?

this looks like amazing value at £20 (harness and ground loop included) (note: 2player stock due next week)
http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/products/PC-And-PS3-Arcade-Controller-Interface.html

Compared to this at £50
http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/products/I-PAC-2-And-Wiring-Kit.html


I get the feeling that with KADE on it's way, Ipac2s won't be worth £30 much longer. So I'm looking for something cheaper.

Twice the inputs, remap software, product support from a member here.....

The cheap one you linked to will probably work for your purposes, but you might have to ditch a couple of the admin buttons you had on your panel design.

KADE can do keyboard or gamepad BTW, but it doesnt have a lot of inputs either.
I bought a couple AVRs and plan to use them for a fight stick and auxillary buttons in my driving cab.

[jimmer]

The 2player version has about 30 inputs, more or less the same as Ipac2 and plenty for my panel.
http://www.arcadeworlduk.com/products/PC-And-PS3-Arcade-Controller-Interface.html

Was just wondering if anyone had tried it.

[BobA]

To see comments of those who have used this controller search for Xin Mo.

[PL1]

Well, to be fair, the I-PAC is a keyboard encoder, and KADE is a joystick encoder. I'd like to see the KADE in action, but having used both types, my preference is still for keyboard encoders. I think the I-PAC is worth every cent.

Well, mostly correct.

The I-Pac is a very worthwhile encoder and DEFINITELY beats the Xin Mo.  No question of that.

I agree that keyboard encoders are usually preferrable over gamepad encoders, especially if emulators besides MAME are in the mix.

The KADE is actually a hybrid encoder because it can be either a keyboard or gamepad encoder.  (There's also an LED button demo firmware available, but nevermind that now.)

KADE accepts inputs from joysticks/buttons, PS2 spinner/trackball/mouse, or raw optical input from a spinner/trackball/mouse -- requires a daughterboard.

It can send a variety of outputs including keystrokes, HID joystick/buttons, or spinner/trackball/mouse data based on what you connect to the inputs.

The biggest limitation is that it has 20 programmable inputs, plus shift/HWB (hardware button).

For now, I think the easiest and most common use for a single KADE is in a 1 player controller or for additional/aux. button support like BadMouth mentioned.

With 2 KADEs and a little creative shifted button assignment, you can wire up to a 4 player panel -- P1/P2 6-button, P3/P4 4-button.


Scott

[robe_uk]

So to have a two player cp with six buttons you would need 2 KADEs verses the one IPAC, so comes down to pricing and the setup you are going with.  Any price indication for KADE yet and public release date? Am starting work on a xbox powered bartop and the KADE looks like it'll be a clean setup, although by the looks of it I'll need two for a 2 player 6 button setup.

[404]

So to have a two player cp with six buttons you would need 2 KADEs verses the one IPAC, so comes down to pricing and the setup you are going with.  Any price indication for KADE yet and public release date? Am starting work on a xbox powered bartop and the KADE looks like it'll be a clean setup, although by the looks of it I'll need two for a 2 player 6 button setup.

with all due respect, you can buy a minimus for as little as 8 USD. Two new minimus units can be bought for the cost of a first-gen second hand ipac.

[robe_uk]

That looks interesting, it's the heart of the KADE and the same guy working on it, I'll have to read full thread. Thanks

Update: ok it did morph into the KADE, can't wait for release

[jimmer]

To see comments of those who have used this controller search for Xin Mo.

I've seen your review and it seems perfect for me. You are using the 2player version for Mame on windows7, which is exactly what I am planning.

But then I see 2 or more people have got lag with it, but I'm not clear what they were running so don't know whether to worry or not!

I'm tempted to try it. The 30? inputs is plenty, whereas other options with 20 inputs or so may restrict me right away or later if I configure my panel it for 2player fighters.

[BobA]

I have had no problems but others have.  I do know that there is more than one version of the Xin Mo controller as some people had different pinouts.  I don't know if these are actual Xin Mo controllers of knock offs that China is famous for.  I got mine from a known seller on this board and felt good about ordering from him.  I have ordered many other items from Paradise Arcade and have never had a problem.

[jimmer]

Change of plan.  Robe_uk you might be interested in this.

degenatrons has replied to my PM, I'm getting a minimusAVR with terminal blocks and pre-programmed from him for a very good price. 

Note: this won't unclip from the panel like KADE does, but that's not a problem for me.

I'm very happy with this as I think KADE is gonna be where it's at in future (assuming a decent price). So I know my encoder will be supported and I'll be able to re-program it at will.

[equlizer]

I got 1 all ready to go and 2 more to solder up    Will be working on this during the weekend and will post back.

[PL1]

I got 1 all ready to go and 2 more to solder up    Will be working on this during the weekend and will post back.

You may want to put the terminals on the same side of the board as the reset and HWB buttons since putting the AVR in reprogramming mode involves:
1. Press and hold reset.
2. Press and hold HWB.
3. Release reset.
4. Release HWB.

If the terminals are on the top, you tighten the screws from the same side that you press the buttons on the AVR, resulting in full maintenance/upgrade access from one side instead of two sides.

If you choose to connect pushbuttons to the HWB and reset inputs then kindly disregard this post.


Scott

[equlizer]

Never thought about that.  Good idea with putting them to buttons.  For hw button its beetween a8 and a9 and reset between b8 and b9 correct?

I find if i have the terminals on the same side they are not flush mounted.  Is that an issue if its not?

[PL1]

Never thought about that.  Good idea with putting them to buttons.  For hw button its beetween a8 and a9 and reset between b8 and b9 correct?

Correct.  Overhead pinout view attached.

I find if i have the terminals on the same side they are not flush mounted.  Is that an issue if its not?

Not quite flush, but not an issue on the ones I have from Jon.

As long as there is mechanical and electrical contact between the terminals and AVR when you solder them together, you are good to go.


Scott