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RGB Buttons on a 4p build
thatpurplestuff:
Hey Randy, I don't mean to hijack the thread but do you have any idea when you'll have more Electric Ice 2 pushbuttons in stock?
Kupoppo- I don't have any experience using PACLED's, but I've used the LEDwiz and it's pretty awesome. It's powering my Skeeball machine lighting and works great... plus if you ever wanted to make some personal customizations down the line, the LEDwiz software makes it very easy and you can even control the lighting via the OS clipboard if you wanted. Up to your personal preferences though, and like I said I haven't used the PACLED but I've heard it is good as well.
Nephasth:
For a 4 player setup, you can't go wrong with a Lono2. I love mine. They're out of stock currently, but it would be worth an email to them to see if they'll be back in stock anytime soon.
RandyT:
--- Quote from: Kupoppo on February 04, 2013, 05:01:56 pm ---So I know this is off-topic, but seeing your "Friends don't let friends hack keyboards." text I have to ask - all I've been seeing out there has been keyboard encoder after keyboard encoder after keyboard encoder. I've about resigned myself to taking apart a few joypads - any better suggestions?
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10 years ago, when the first KeyWiz version was introduced, there weren't as many options in the marketplace, so a lot of people were still hacking keyboards (and gamepads). That text has been there since that day :). But there are a lot of potential negatives, and more work involved. The cost savings aren't that great either, and cheap probably won't get you the same performance, even today. Most folks don't even consider hacking keyboards nowadays, but the sentiment is still valid.
If you even considered hacking gamepads, it sounds like you can do some soldering. The lower cost Eco version of our encoders are very easy to solder to, as the pads and holes are large and widely spaced. While I don't think I would go for a full 6 buttons on player 3 and 4 (the 2 extras per joystick will likely be underutilized), two of the GP-Wiz Eco boards (if you have a PS/2 port on the system, I'd recommend 1 KeyWiz Eco and 1 GP-Wiz Eco), would give you total of 80 inputs you can do whatever you want with, and at a very decent price. But if the extra cost of the terminal block versions isn't a deal breaker for you, they are much more convenient.
If you have any questions about this, feel free to send me an email.
RandyT
PL1:
--- Quote from: Kupoppo on February 04, 2013, 05:01:56 pm ---So I know this is off-topic, but seeing your "Friends don't let friends hack keyboards." text I have to ask - all I've been seeing out there has been keyboard encoder after keyboard encoder after keyboard encoder.
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There are two common categories of keyboard encoders, matrix encoders (inputs connected to rows and columns) and discrete input encoders. (one input per button)
Keyboard hacks use matrix encoders. They suffer from problems like Key Ghosting or Key Blocking.
The advantage to a matrix encoder is that a 104-key keyboard only needs 8 rows and 13 columns (8x13=104) instead of 104 discrete inputs.
Keyboard-style encoders like the Key-Wiz, IPac, and KADE use discrete inputs and don't suffer from ghosting or blocking.
Scott
Kupoppo:
Holy cow, guys, THANK YOU! So much good information and so many good pointers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it looks like if I'm going to go with 4 X-Arcade 4/8 Way Joysticks and a total of 30 buttons then one Lono2 would take care of that (if they become available again), or I could use a duo of Key-Wiz's. Is this correct or am I messing up the math confusing what counts as how many inputs :embarassed:
So many interrelated pieces to all of this, but learning how it all works was half the allure of the project to begin with. :laugh:
In any event I cannot thank you all enough for your replies and pointers :)