I-Pacs, J-Pacs, other encoders In Canada?

[AllanSim]

So who and where *in Canada* sells these things? I want to avoid customs charging me an arm and a leg just for the priviledge of opening my mail, hence the *in Canada* part. I'm doing a new MAME project and this time I don't want to be go through the hack-the-keyboard headache.

Also, which encoder should I get? My inputs will be at least 24. Opinions welcome!

[OSCAR]

The MAMI encoders are Canadian, http://www.3tronics.com/Keyboard_Emulator.htm.

These look to be similiar to other keyboard encoder products, but you won't find a J-PAC anywhere but Ultimarc.

[AllanSim]

Thanks, this is really helpful.  I'm wondering though if the USB version will work under DOS like the PS/2 version would.  I better send an e-mail to him.

[GGKoul]

FYI:

I live in Canada.. and I didn't pay custom charges when I received my IPAC and joysticks.  

[Lance]

I too am in Canada and I didn't have to pay anything when I picked up the package from DHL (the package however look like it when through a war)

lance

[Oldskool]

I live in Canada.. and I didn't pay custom charges when I received my IPAC and joysticks.  

I'm the same, no customs charges on my Ultimarc shipment.

The Bob Roberts package, well that's another story.  

[menace]

I got nailed in customs and duty charges from ultimarc--I think it depends on the dollar value of the order. or maybe the customs guy had a bad day--who knows...

[Oldskool]

I got nailed in customs and duty charges from ultimarc--I think it depends on the dollar value of the order. or maybe the customs guy had a bad day--who knows...

I dunno. It's a bit strange sometimes.....

My package from Bob Roberts ended up costing me $25.00 in extra fees when I went to pick it up from the post office.

The duty was $0.00. That's right, nil, nada, zilch.

They charged me for PST, GST, and here's the kicker, a $5.00 handling fee.

A handling fee? You charge me taxes, and a handling fee to do so?

Man was I pissed off...........I mean REALLY pissed off.


 

[Brax]

The MAMI encoders are Canadian, http://www.3tronics.com/Keyboard_Emulator.htm.

These look to be similiar to other keyboard encoder products, but you won't find a J-PAC anywhere but Ultimarc.

Geez, they're still 50 bucks US. I HATE when Canadian companies charge ONLY in US funds. Nothing like gouging your home market.  (That's why I refuse to buy the Act-Labs light gun) With exchange, that's still close to 75 bucks. I think I'll take the customs gamble with the IPAC if I'm being charged the same amount anyways. It's a proven product and Andy will bend over backwards for you.

God how I wish someone would make a Canadian supplied (or distributed) keyboard encoder. Customs and exchange are brutal. I'm pretty sick of paying it. If more Canadians would get on this bandwagon maybe we could get a few locally sourced suppliers.

God bless Kelsey (Oscar Controls) who has Zakk (Massive Mame) as his Canadian supplier for his spinners. I'm kinda sorry I ordered my spinner a week or so before Zakk's announcement that he was the Canadian Supplier. I'm sure I'll need some more Oscar Products before my projects are complete though.  

We're getting more and more Canadian suppliers everyday. Keep supporting them and we'll get even more in the future.

[Xphile]

I got nailed in customs and duty charges from ultimarc--I think it depends on the dollar value of the order. or maybe the customs guy had a bad day--who knows...

I dunno. It's a bit strange sometimes.....

My package from Bob Roberts ended up costing me $25.00 in extra fees when I went to pick it up from the post office.

The duty was $0.00. That's right, nil, nada, zilch.

They charged me for PST, GST, and here's the kicker, a $5.00 handling fee.

A handling fee? You charge me taxes, and a handling fee to do so?

Man was I pissed off...........I mean REALLY pissed off.

You obviously haven't ever gotten a UPS ground shipment..(Big grin:-)
you'd no longer be with us after the shock of a $30 "brokerage fee".. on top of any taxes and duties, and advance disbursement fees they charge for shelling out the tax or duty on your behalf.

Canada post is (in general) the very best way to get something from the States.
they don't charge a brokerage fee, and the $5 Canada post charges (only if they have to collect the taxes) to collect and remit the duty/taxes to the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency is really pretty reasonable considering what UPS (and fedex ground) charges..