Control Interface Choices for Pi - IPAC2 vs Controlblock

[Afterburner]

I'm planning to repower my cab with a Pi 3.

I was hoping I'd be able to re-use my current IPAC2, but realized it only has PS2 connectors.

So rather than try to hack something together to interface with it, I'm OK parting with the $$ for a new IPAC2 with USB ports.

But it appears there is a viable alternative in the ControlBlock for about the same price.

Any recommendations on which way to go with for the Pi?

The IPAC will work with pretty much anything as a USB device, while the ControlBlock is specific to the Pi.  I'm not space constrained,  so the larger IPAC2 is fine.

Any experience with either that would sway you one way or the other?

[Slippyblade]

I was under the impression that the ControlBlock was meant for interfacing SNES controllers?

[Afterburner]

http://blog.petrockblock.com/2014/12/29/controlblock-power-switch-and-io-for-the-raspberry-pi/

That says it can take any microswitch based controls and turn them into standard MAME keyboard presses.

It *also* does S/NES controllers.  And power on/off (initiates shutdown command).

But I think the IPAC has more screw terminal inputs.

[Slippyblade]

Honestly, I'd go with the Block.  The iPac is awesome, but I think the added benefit of the power circuit puts things in favor of the Block.

[Afterburner]

The latest IPAC2 says it can do power and volume control, although it isn't clear to me how it does "power" control.

But it seems to me I could configure one of the GPIO pins on the Pi as a discreet input and have it run a script to execute the shutdown.  Would love to hear from someone that has used either board to handle power on/off.

[Slippyblade]

You can do that with in IO pin, but that doesn't cut actual power.  The point of the switches like the Block and the Mausberry is that they cut the power after running the shutdown.

[UEDan]

Is your ipac the one for 2 players with KB in and out. SMD controller?
I have that one. And the cable is just a PS/2 to USB cable.

[Afterburner]

The IPAC is 8-10 years old, and has two PS2 connectors on the board.  One for connection to the keyboard input on the PC and the other as a keyboard pass thru.

Stuff I'm reading says the PS2 uses 5v and USB is 3.3V.

I don't mind replacing it.  While I'm a cheapskate, I really don't mind buying a new one.  The IPACs are really well supported, both by the vendor as well as the community.

For that matter, its not the end of the world if I go with the ControlBoard and if I hate it, just buy the IPAC later.

[UEDan]

I get that it has the 2 PS/2 connectors. Mine does too. Mine came with an adapter cable.
Also bother PS/2 and USB is 5V.