I-PAC 2 new version

[AndyWarne]

Just a note to mention the I-PAC 2 board has undergone re-design. The new board has the following improvements:
Auto-detection of USB/PS2 interface, no jumper to set.
Smaller PCB.
Neater layout, all player 1 inputs along one side, player 2 along the other.
Self-Test LED. This gives an instant indication that everything is OK with the board and wiring. If there is a wiring problem, a flash pattern indicates which input is causing the problem. (The LED feature is lifted from the I-PAC VE board).
On power-up, automatically checks if a valid custom configuration has previously been programmed in, otherwise uses MAME codes.

[AlanS17]

Great! As if I didn't have a hard enough time trying to wire it up, you made it smaller?!?!? Thanks alot!   j/k j/k j/k

Andy's the man! I've got plans for 2 more projects and I know where I'm going for encoders...

P.S. Those T-Stik Plusses sound really slick! Anybody given those things a shot?

[AlanS17]

Here's a picture of it:

[krick]

Hey Andy,

I was wondering if you planned to ever offer a PCI version of the ArcadeVGA.

I think this would be a big seller for:

1) people using old systems without AGP slots
2) people using new "cube" computers without AGP slots
3) people using 1U rackmount cases that only support 1 PCI card via a right angle riser

You might also want to consider making it conform to the
Low Profile PCI Specification...
http://www.pcisig.com/specifications/conventional/conventional_pci/lowp_ecn.pdf
...and offer both normal and low profile PCI brackets.

That way, people who want to use low profile "slim line" cases or
rackmount cases with half-height slots could also join in the fun.


Just some thoughts to consider if you had plans on expanding your product line.

[Apollo]

Can we assume that the price has been lowered as there is less product now? LOL.

[SirPoonga]

Is there any plan for people to upgrade?  This setup would make it easier to make modular panels.  Also, would you think about coming out with a version that used ISE headers on each side?  kinda like the minipac.  That would make it extremely easy for modular panels.


I have a slightly O/T question.  Do you have any plans to have an all in one encoder?  I was almost going to get a mk64 for my cabinet and demote my ipac to my future cocktail.  But the mk64 is no longer available  I'd like an encoder that included joys, buttons, ls-30, tball/spinner, and possibly analog input that plugged into USB.  And if possible I could make that all one cord to my control panel.

[rchadd]

[quote author=SirPoonga
Do you have any plans to have an all in one encoder? ... I'd like an encoder that included joys, buttons, ls-30, tball/spinner, and possibly analog input that plugged into USB.  And if possible I could make that all one cord to my control panel.

the minipac supports 2 joys and one trackball/spinner. pity no links to details on ultimarc website and can't rememebr the direct URL now. suggest email andy for details.

[bloodyviking77]

www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html

Although there doesn't seem to be any links to this page from the main ultimarc site, and minipac doesn't seem to show up on the "orders" page.

Andy??

[Tiger-Heli]

www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html

Although there doesn't seem to be any links to this page from the main ultimarc site, and minipac doesn't seem to show up on the "orders" page.

Andy??

Ordering for the mini-pac is at the bottom of the page you referenced.  I'm not sure why it's not more integrated with the site.  Also Ordering info for the VE seems to be missing, although the pages are there and linked from the I-PAC page.

[Hoagie_one]

The VE is a seperate orderign process because it has shipping included in the price and cant be combined with other orders.  Wierd how the minipac isnt on the order form though

[SirPoonga]

oh yeah, I forgot the minipac supports tball.  NOW to get ls30 support...

[Tiger-Heli]

oh yeah, I forgot the minipac supports tball.  NOW to get ls30 support...

LS30's are supported directly in Analog Plus or NoName if you can spare 16 inputs per joystick.

[microwrx]

I asked Andy about the Mini-PAC not being on the order page and (correct me if I'm wrong Andy) the response was that it was mainly designed for use by OEM manufacturers of control panels (like OZ Stick, Slikstick etc.  I suppose) and hence wasn't intended to be a generally available product (or something like that, it was several months back).