Main Restorations Software Audio/Jukebox/MP3 Everything Else Buy/Sell/Trade
Project Announcements Monitor/Video GroovyMAME Merit/JVL Touchscreen Meet Up Retail Vendors
Driving & Racing Woodworking Software Support Forums Consoles Project Arcade Reviews
Automated Projects Artwork Frontend Support Forums Pinball Forum Discussion Old Boards
Raspberry Pi & Dev Board controls.dat Linux Miscellaneous Arcade Wiki Discussion Old Archives
Lightguns Arcade1Up Try the site in https mode Site News

Unread posts | New Replies | Recent posts | Rules | Chatroom | Wiki | File Repository | RSS | Submit news

  

Author Topic: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2  (Read 20670 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

cpepper

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • Last login:June 11, 2004, 10:07:28 am
  • I'm a llama!
Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« on: June 11, 2004, 12:33:09 am »
Hi,

I'm very new at this and am about to build my first control panel.
I can't decide if I should get an IPAC that connect with USB or PS/2.
Any advantages or disadvantages of one vs. the other?

andrewonawall

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 122
  • Last login:March 10, 2007, 09:29:41 am
  • Beware of the fighting llamas!
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #1 on: June 11, 2004, 05:03:49 am »
no usb in dos, which some emulators run on. research which you want to use and go from there. i don't know of any other reason, but then again, i'm new at this too.  ;)
Build it once and build it right! Revise only as your dreams grow.

microwrx

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 208
  • Last login:July 06, 2008, 09:22:02 am
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #2 on: June 11, 2004, 05:25:38 am »
From what I've read here there have been a few people have problems with USB but I don't remember any issues with PS2.  Most of the USB issues have been with drivers though I think.

Am I wrong or is the only difference in ordering one or the other the fact that Andy sends the cable for USB or PS2?  So it doesn't really matter what you get if you're willing to buy the other cable as well?

I've only ever used PS2 and never had any issues.  I had an IPAC2 in my old cabinet but have a JPAC and MiniPAC in my new 4 player cab daisy chained using PS2.  I think if you use a MiniPAC with a trackball you have to use USB though, not sure on that one.

JustMichael

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1438
  • Last login:September 27, 2015, 01:19:40 am
  • Mmmmm!! Cheesecake!!
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #3 on: June 11, 2004, 06:53:16 am »
The I-PAC2 is either USB or PS/2.  I would suggest sepnding the $4 more for the USB.  This will get you the conversion cable.  Then in the future you could go either USB or PS/2 depending upon your future situation.

Minwah

  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7662
  • Last login:January 18, 2019, 05:03:20 am
    • MAMEWAH
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #4 on: June 11, 2004, 07:43:50 am »
I seem to recall that technically in USB mode it can't handle as many simultaneous keypresses, although in game the limit is high enough that it wouldn't be a problem.

Programming used to be quicker in USB mode, I am not sure how the latest IPAC's work, but I would expect USB to be quicker for programming still.

Another difference is that USB mode enables keyrepeat (if you hold a button down while in notepad you will see the character repeat).  In PS/2 mode the key doesn't repeat.

Personally I use PS/2 mode, which is perfect for me as I never unplug the IPAC.  If you were to want to hot-swap the IPAC then USB would probably be the way to go.  I agree with JustMichael, buy the version with the USB conversion cable, just in case ;)

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #5 on: June 11, 2004, 08:03:17 am »
Most of the USB issues have been with drivers though I think.
Actually, most of the USB issues have been with BIOS setting and support for USB keyboards in the BIOS (you want to disable it or disable USB 2.0 support, IMS).
Quote
Am I wrong or is the only difference in ordering one or the other the fact that Andy sends the cable for USB or PS2?  So it doesn't really matter what you get if you're willing to buy the other cable as well?
This is true for the I-PAC/2 or I-PAC/4.  For the MiniPAC with Trackball you have to use USB as you said below, and for the I-PAC VE you have to use USB only.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #6 on: June 11, 2004, 08:37:19 am »
I seem to recall that technically in USB mode it can't handle as many simultaneous keypresses, although in game the limit is high enough that it wouldn't be a problem.
Correct, AFIAK.  However, I would like to make very clear that the limit for USB keyboards is 6 inputs plus 3 modifiers (Ctrl, Alt, Shift, etc.).  This is NOT the same limit as the I-PAC in USB mode.  Referring to my notes:

Depending on board revision, there is a limit of 14, 22, or 16 inputs (plus modifiers such as Shift, Alt, and Ctrl) that the I-PAC supports in USB mode, unlimited in PS/2.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

cpepper

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • Last login:June 11, 2004, 10:07:28 am
  • I'm a llama!
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #7 on: June 11, 2004, 10:09:39 am »
Thank you all for the replys. :D
I didn't realize it was as simple as a cable.
I ordered the usb one and an extra ps/2 cable just incase.

Thanks, again

krick

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2006
  • Last login:May 23, 2025, 03:48:36 am
  • Gotta have blue hair.
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #8 on: June 11, 2004, 12:47:51 pm »
In both cases I sometimes notice a slight delay or "stutter" in USB mode that I don't notice in PS/2 mode.  I feel this is due to the following:

If we are using a keyboard encoder, we are using applications that are expecting input from the keyboard port.
Hantarex Polo 15KHz
Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 2GB (GCN)
GroovyMAME 0.197.017h_d3d9ex
CRT Emudriver & CRT Tools 2.0 beta 13 (Crimson 16.2.1 for GCN cards)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.8GHz
ASUS Z87M-PLUS Motherboard

AndyWarne

  • Trade Count: (+18)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1938
  • Last login:April 11, 2021, 03:37:09 am
    • Ultimarc
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #9 on: June 14, 2004, 09:00:01 am »
It does not make any difference if you have high bandwidth devices on the same bus as an I-PAC because the I-PAC uses interrupt transfers (as do all USB keyboard devices) and USB hard disk access, for example, simply has to stop and wait because interrupt transfers always get priority.
Yes, keyboard PS/2 to USB adaptors are sometimes not good. The Belkin adaptor is particularly bad and cannot be used for gaming at all. That is not relevant to the I-PAC, it's a device problem, not a USB problem. The I-PAC in USB mode is a native USB device and does not use an adaptor.
Direct-X has a direct path to USB, the IRQ issue is not especially relevant in Windows.
The proof of the pudding: download the Passmark keyboard test from www.passmark.com. This test has a box called "Lag". (I requested this as a new feature, and they added it). Wire two inputs together on an I-PAC, and check this box when you press the button. You will never see a slower figure in the timer display with USB than with PS/2.
Andy

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #10 on: June 14, 2004, 09:26:24 am »
Yes, keyboard PS/2 to USB adaptors are sometimes not good. The Belkin adaptor is particularly bad and cannot be used for gaming at all. That is not relevant to the I-PAC, it's a device problem, not a USB problem. The I-PAC in USB mode is a native USB device and does not use an adaptor.
I believe it's a QVS adaptor I'm using, and I stated that I wasn't sure if it was relevant.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #11 on: June 14, 2004, 09:56:43 am »
FWIW, I was dumb enough not to buy the USB cable and later found out my PC (designated to go into my future cab) does not have a PS/2 port at all! With the new cable it all works fine.

I was just wondering if it would matter if the IPAC is connected to a hub (along wih some other devices like trackball and/or steeringwheel) instead of directly to a USB port on the PC? I saw someone claim using an USB hub might give problems (in the thread on the "expensive clear plexi standalone CP").
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #12 on: June 14, 2004, 01:55:50 pm »
It does not make any difference if you have high bandwidth devices on the same bus as an I-PAC because the I-PAC uses interrupt transfers (as do all USB keyboard devices) and USB hard disk access, for example, simply has to stop and wait because interrupt transfers always get priority.

Allow me to play "devils's advocate" here for a minute, but what happens when 2 (or more) USB devices try to use interrupt transfers at the same time?  I believe that's called a conflict.

Any idea where the USB keyboard falls on the OS's list of priorities?  Since Microsoft pretty much defines a USB keyboard as being capable of 6 simultaneous keypresses (+ modifiers), one has to wonder what happens in the OS code when that number is surpassed.  Likewise, due to a USB keyboards normally small bandwidth requirements, what priority is placed on the keyboard in the event of an interrupt conflict?

Quote
Direct-X has a direct path to USB, the IRQ issue is not especially relevant in Windows.
The proof of the pudding: download the Passmark keyboard test from www.passmark.com. This test has a box called "Lag". (I requested this as a new feature, and they added it). Wire two inputs together on an I-PAC, and check this box when you press the button. You will never see a slower figure in the timer display with USB than with PS/2.

If you were only ever going to press 2 keys at the same time, I suppose this would be relevant.  But this test really means nothing in the grand scheme of things.

To put your test into perspective, it's very much like seeing what gets to 5 MPH the fastest, a Ferrari or a Lamborghini.   :)

If you are going to try to substantiate that claim, a better test would probably be in order, as I'm not sure I would consider that proof.

Just trying to "keep it real."  ;)

RandyT

AndyWarne

  • Trade Count: (+18)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1938
  • Last login:April 11, 2021, 03:37:09 am
    • Ultimarc
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #13 on: June 14, 2004, 05:17:52 pm »

Any idea where the USB keyboard falls on the OS's list of priorities?  Since Microsoft pretty much defines a USB keyboard as being capable of 6 simultaneous keypresses (+ modifiers), one has to wonder what happens in the OS code when that number is surpassed.  Likewise, due to a USB keyboards normally small bandwidth requirements, what priority is placed on the keyboard in the event of an interrupt conflict?


The chances of a simultaneous interrupt transfer occuring are very slim and even if it did occur, it would not be noticeable. A USB keyboard's total packet length for a transfer is about 40 bytes at 1.5 Mb per second, so the transfer time on the bus is very short. Other interrupt-transfer devices would have similar packet lengths.
The OS does not define a simultaneous keypress limit at all. Microsoft define a standard for boot devices which do have this limit but we are not concerned with this because we are not a boot device. In USB, the device tells the OS what data it will be sending, during enumeration, when it is initialized. The device tells the OS how long its report (ie data packet) length is going to be. We could tell the OS we will be sending reports of 187 keycodes if we wanted to, not that there would be much point. The OS can and does recognise all of these keys pressed at the same time. Also we can tell the OS what priority we want our device to have and many other parameters. The device is king in USB and the OS has to do what it's told.

I have no wish to get into an argument. Just want to get the technical facts about USB correct. There is nothing wrong with the PS/2 interface at all, and in fact for our application it is pretty much as good as USB. I would not like to predict it's demise but if you do a Google search on "Legacy-Free PC" , companies such as Compaq are switching over to USB only. But I would still expect the PS/2 interface to be around for a while.

Andy.

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #14 on: June 14, 2004, 06:10:56 pm »
The chances of a simultaneous interrupt transfer occuring are very slim and even if it did occur, it would not be noticeable. A USB keyboard's total packet length for a transfer is about 40 bytes at 1.5 Mb per second, so the transfer time on the bus is very short. Other interrupt-transfer devices would have similar packet lengths.

You are quoting theoretical maximum speeds.  All USB devices do not communicate at this speed.

from http://www.crucial.com/library/understanding_usb.asp

Understanding USB speeds
Ironically, the speeds associated with USB (480 Mbps, 12 Mbps, and 1.5 Mbps), refer to the theoretical maximum speed of the USB interface on a USB device or USB port and really have nothing to do with the device itself. The actual speed a USB-compliant device achieves is not necessarily the speed of the USB specification reflected in the product descriptions and marketing materials. Real performance of any given product is dependent upon how fast that product can run. The device can only achieve the theoretical speeds if it can keep up with the USB data transfer rate.



Quote
The OS does not define a simultaneous keypress limit at all. Microsoft define a standard for boot devices which do have this limit but we are not concerned with this because we are not a boot device. In USB, the device tells the OS what data it will be sending, during enumeration, when it is initialized. The device tells the OS how long its report (ie data packet) length is going to be. We could tell the OS we will be sending reports of 187 keycodes if we wanted to, not that there would be much point. The OS can and does recognise all of these keys pressed at the same time. Also we can tell the OS what priority we want our device to have and many other parameters. The device is king in USB and the OS has to do what it's told.

I have no wish to get into an argument. Just want to get the technical facts about USB correct.

Ok, here's another fact :)

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device/input/DxHID.mspx

"Following these recommendations will ensure that the device can be used both by standard Windows

sirwoogie

  • Supreme Chancellor
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 753
  • Last login:April 23, 2025, 10:29:35 pm
  • It's Hollyfeld in a Winnebago!
    • Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #15 on: June 14, 2004, 08:03:33 pm »
Guys, don't argue with Andy. He built the damn thing, I think he has an idea of what USB is, and what his device is capable of.  >:(

My experience has been the same as most of you, it all comes down to how the device handles itself. Some do it well, some do not.

If you want to be sure to eek out that extra 10ms button press response time, then by all means hook to PS/2. I'm sure you'll notice that difference easily! :) All joking aside, use the interface you like best, or test it out and see what happens; make the judgement call based on your evaluations.  

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #16 on: June 14, 2004, 09:52:34 pm »
Guys, don't argue with Andy.....I think he has an idea of what USB is.....

So do other people...this is a discussion board.  We are discussing.

Quote
If you want to be sure to eek out that extra 10ms button press response time, then by all means hook to PS/2. I'm sure you'll notice that difference easily! :)

You might be surprised.  But I'm curious, how did you arrive at that number?  Are you sure it's not less?  More?  Aren't you the least bit curious?  I'm sure some people are, even if you are not.

But I'm not making any claims about one over the other here.  Only pointing out some things that don't ring quite 100% based on what I have researched, and of course, provided links to.  If you noticed, what I posted came from MS and Crucial.  I'm guessing they know what they are talking about too!

Quote
All joking aside, use the interface you like best, or test it out and see what happens; make  
the judgement call based on your evaluations.  

Sound advice.  :)

RandyT

sirwoogie

  • Supreme Chancellor
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 753
  • Last login:April 23, 2025, 10:29:35 pm
  • It's Hollyfeld in a Winnebago!
    • Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #17 on: June 14, 2004, 10:35:50 pm »
Sarcasm (10ms) and directed replies (non-Mr. Keywiz) don't convey well on a message board. :)


patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #18 on: June 15, 2004, 04:35:39 am »
OK, let me recap this. On the one hand we have a clear explanation (from someone who obviously knows his stuff) about how it does work. On the other hand we have some unsubstantiated (and vague) claims that in some theoretical case there might be problems.

If the only points are:
- if one hooks up a completely crappy USB device on the same bus as the I-PAC it might not work properly
- if you use some flakey keyboard drivers (other than the standard ones that obviously DO work) you might have a problem

then to me that seems like someone is grasping at straws to find some argument.

BTW, as an indication as to how fast things can change from PS/2 to USB; remember how fast the old DIN keyboard connectors were replaced by PS/2? That took 5 years or something?

Anyway, I'd like to thank Andy for clearing this up.
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #19 on: June 15, 2004, 06:59:52 am »
Sarcasm (10ms) and directed replies (non-Mr. Keywiz) don't convey well on a message board. :)
I didn't follow this response -

The "Sarcasm (10ms)" comment was presented by you in this response:

If you want to be sure to eek out that extra 10ms button press response time, then by all means hook to PS/2. I'm sure you'll notice that difference easily!  All joking aside, . . .

Since you said you were joking, I would classify that at sarcastic.  RandyT was (I think) merely trying to point out that while lots of people throw figures around, no one provides any qualitative evaluation of what is happening.

Directed replies are used all the time on this board as a method of stating whether you are answering what someone else said, what 2 or 3 others said, or making a statement to no one in particular - Get used to it.

What was meant by "(non-Mr.KeyWiz)"?  Are you saying that that part of the response does not refer to RandyT?  Are you talking about his replies to you?  Are you talking about his replies to Andy Warne?  Are you implying that he is not responsible for the KeyWiz?  What?


It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #20 on: June 15, 2004, 07:30:48 am »
OK, let me recap this. On the one hand we have a clear explanation (from someone who obviously knows his stuff) about how it does work.
I've seen at least three explanations from people who seemingly obviously know their stuff and they tend to conflict in their conclusions.  I'm sure you aren't talking about me, but are you referring to Andy Warne, RandyT, or Krick (or maybe RonM)? (Rhetorical Question).
Quote
On the other hand we have some unsubstantiated (and vague) claims that in some theoretical case there might be problems.
They may be vague, but hardly unsubstantiated.  Take a look through the archives on BYOAC, and you will find five or six examples of cases where the I-PAC did not work in USB mode and did work in PS/2 mode.  (Due to performance issues).  I can't remember any cases of it not working is PS/2 mode but being fine in USB mode (but there might have been a couple, excluding mis-set jumpers and such).

Generally, this probably doesn't reflect the real picture b/c:

1) In an arcade machine, you will not have a huge amount of usb devices - Most of us aren't running USB HD's or Digital Cameras or Floppy Drives, or Printers in our arcade cabs.
2) Since all previous versions of the I-PAC (not the new VE) were capable of running in PS/2 or USB, the I-PAC provided an active keyboard pass-thru, and most people rarely used a keyboard in an arcade machine, the inconvenience of switching to PS/2 from USB is minimal for most arcade cab builders.  In other words, I suspect there are quite a few people who might have planned to use USB, but if it didn't work, PS/2 was just as good.
Quote
If the only points are:
- if one hooks up a completely crappy USB device on the same bus as the I-PAC it might not work properly
- if you use some flakey keyboard drivers (other than the standard ones that obviously DO work) you might have a problem
then to me that seems like someone is grasping at straws to find some argument.
Are you sure those are the only points?

I stated that I saw a performance lag in MAME with a single USB PC trackball.  The ball was plugged into a USB hub (alone) and I also have a USB mouse and USB printer in the system.  MAME would occasionally hesitate, and it didn't do this with my PS/2 mouse, but it wasn't enough to make me want to go back to PS/2.  Oddly, I can't remember if I saw the same problem with the USB mouse without the trackball hooked up, but maybe not.

BTW, the genuine problems that I've heard were not specifically flakey keyboard drivers, but flakey BIOS support for USB keyboards, and flakey BIOS support for USB 2.0 or USB 1.1.  You can't really use "standard ones that do work" for BIOS support, unless you flash your mobo and hope it still works.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #21 on: June 15, 2004, 07:59:08 am »

BTW, as an indication as to how fast things can change from PS/2 to USB; remember how fast the old DIN keyboard connectors were replaced by PS/2? That took 5 years or something?


Let's think about that one for a moment.  It took 5 years (or more) for the AT connector to be phased out.

The reason that one was implemented so quickly was due to the fact that a simple passive adapter is all that is required to make the move.  To the end user, it was just a physical change because PS/2 is backward compatible.  So, not surprisingly, you are comparing apples to oranges.

Take a look at the Serial and Parallel ports.  A lot of people don't seem to understand that there are a huge amount of peripherals out there that use these, and a good number of them are worth more than the PC's they are attached to.  Where are all these expensive add-ons?  Business and Research.  Who buys the most computers?  Not little Billy who only checks his email and downloads PrON, but Business and Research.

Computer companies are not stupid and will not shoot themselves in the foot.  You won't see widespread "Legacy-Free" PC's until a large majority of these expensive devices are obsolete themselves.  And then you will see add-on I/O cards with PS/2, Serial and Parallel ports on them, but that won't be for a good long time yet.

Was that a clear enough explanation?  :)

RandyT



patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #22 on: June 15, 2004, 08:08:42 am »
If the only points are:
- if one hooks up a completely crappy USB device on the same bus as the I-PAC it might not work properly
- if you use some flakey keyboard drivers (other than the standard ones that obviously DO work) you might have a problem
then to me that seems like someone is grasping at straws to find some argument.
Are you sure those are the only points?
Well yeah, 1 is the lag and 2 is the claim that you can't press more than 6 keys at the same time.

Point 2 seems easy to prove and I claim it's proven to be false. At least I have no problem with it. Certainly not that my PC will reset if I press (more than) 6 keys at the same time as I have read in some threads.

Point 1 is harder to prove/disprove. But it just doesn't make sense. I can't see how another HID device could incur so many interrupts or be so slow that it would make other USB devices work poorly. The offending device would then be probably too poorly designed to work properly on it's own. I'd rather replace the faulty device than blame the I-PAC. I would also assume that you could just use another USB channel and not have any conflicts at all.

:edit:

There are so many games devices connected via USB. Are you saying these don't work either? In fact most computers will probably have an USB mouse. Have you ever experienced any weird laggy behavior in the cursor movement?
« Last Edit: June 15, 2004, 08:42:49 am by patrickl »
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #23 on: June 15, 2004, 08:25:42 am »
Was that a clear enough explanation?  :)
Well, just to play both sides of this issue -

I recently read a headline on www.anandtech.com that said new Intel chipset boards have an AGP slot, even though Intel said they officially don't want to support it on that chipset and wanted to go to PCI Express.

OTOH, while there seem to be many esoteric serial and parallel interface devices, the PS/2 ports have typically only been used for keyboards, mice, trackballs, (maybe) graphics tablets, and recently keyboard encoders.  Except for the last two items, these are low-cost, low-performance devices and for the casual user, if not replaced, can be converted to USB using the $6.99 QVS adapter that I used to move my keyboard to USB.

The biggest argument to continue support for PS/2 devices would be DOS and Windows NT support, as Linux supports USB and hardly anyone uses Windows 3.1 or early 95 anymore.  But many mobo manufacturers no longer provide DOS drivers for on-board components such as Ethernet controllers and sound cards, etc., so this is probably a minor concern for them.

Bottom line is computer manufacters will support PS/2 as long as there is demand for it and it is cost-effective for them to do so.

If they feel people might spend $3 more for a competitor's board b/c it offers PS/2 and their non-PS/2 solution would require many users to spend $10 on a PS/2 Keyboard/mouse combo, they will keep the PS/2 ports.  If OTOH, they feel that they could offer six rear USB ports for less than 4 USB ports and 2 PS/2 ports and more people will buy this, they will drop PS/2 in a heartbeat.

At least that's my opinion, not that I work for a mobo design team.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #24 on: June 15, 2004, 08:26:12 am »
Was that a clear enough explanation?  :)
Dear lord you're such a condescending git  ::)

Obsolete PC standards have been seen to phase out in short times over and over again. You can give all the rational you will, but it happens time and time again. Indeed RS232 and Parallel ports are still here, but they still serve a purpose. There is no reason for PS/2 connectors to remain. It's not like there is no replacement available. They are only used for keyboards and maybe a mouse. If you buy a new PC it comes with a mouse and keyboard anyway. Besides, all new mice and keyboards you buy can be used on USB and PS/2 (it just takes a similar simple connector which you claim killed the DIN keyboard plugs). So they will still work on a USB only PC and therefore it doesn't matter one bit if there is no PS/2 connector.

The only problem I had (I just purchased a "non PS/2" PC) was that my I-PAC didn't work, but that's just because I took the vague claims about USB not working too serious and thus I did not buy the USB cable straight away. That was my mistake and one I won't make again.

Fact is, major PC manufacturers have skipped PS/2 connectors already (at least I have seen this in the Netherlands to be the case).
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #25 on: June 15, 2004, 08:41:16 am »
Point 2 seems easy to prove and I claim it's proven to be false. At least I have no problem with it. Certainly not that my PC will reset if I press (more than) 6 keys at the same time as I have read in some threads.
You either mis-read that, or the person posting in the thread was mis-informed.  What I have heard (from Andy Warne, years ago, actually) was that a USB Keyboard (not I-PAC) will lock up the computer - Blue Screen of Death, usually - if more than six keys are pressed.  This was in the early Win98 days, so it might not happen on other OS's, and/or I would expect the USB keyboard manufacturers to have circuitry to prevent this, much as they block keypresses in PS/2 to prevent ghost inputs.

In the case of the I-PAC, as I stated previously above:

Depending on board revision, there is a limit of 14, 22, or 16 inputs (plus modifiers such as Shift, Alt, and Ctrl) that the I-PAC supports in USB mode, unlimited in PS/2.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #26 on: June 15, 2004, 08:52:19 am »
Sounds like people are comparing mobo/bios bugs with USB generic problems. Perhaps in some early USB PC's there are problems, but it's not a problem wit USB in general. In reality it just doens't make sense.

As I just edited there is so much gaming hardware (and mice and keyboards) connected over USB. If that really wouldn't work properly there would be storms of complaints. Apart from compatibility issues I don't see how this theoretical problem could really be a problem in the real world. You cannot fill up a USB controller with interrupts gfrom a HID device. Especially not on a USB 2 PC.
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #27 on: June 15, 2004, 09:02:55 am »
Sounds like people are comparing mobo/bios bugs with USB generic problems. Perhaps in some early USB PC's there are problems, but it's not a problem wit USB in general. In reality it just doens't make sense.
No one is comparing them.  In some cases, the USB problems are mobo/bios related in some cases it's just generic USB stuff.  In both instances it's things that happen with USB that you don't see with PS/2.
Quote
As I just edited there is so much gaming hardware (and mice and keyboards) connected over USB. If that really wouldn't work properly there would be storms of complaints. Apart from compatibility issues I don't see how this theoretical problem could really be a problem in the real world. You cannot fill up a USB controller with interrupts gfrom a HID device. Especially not on a USB 2 PC.
Scratch the last sentence, as I am almost positive the I-PAC is not USB 2.0 compatible.

Apart from that, we are talking about a specialized use of the USB port.  For example, if your digital camera pauses for a 1/10th of a second in the middle of d/l an image and then resumes and the image comes out okay on the HD, would you notice or care?  Same for a USB HD, Floppy, etc.  Even most PC games and gaming hardware aren't too overly concerned about multiple inputs generated quickly and at a specified instant.  MAME and MAME interfaces ARE concerned about this!
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #28 on: June 15, 2004, 09:34:25 am »
As I just edited there is so much gaming hardware (and mice and keyboards) connected over USB. If that really wouldn't work properly there would be storms of complaints.
Apart from that, we are talking about a specialized use of the USB port.  For example, if your digital camera pauses for a 1/10th of a second in the middle of d/l an image and then resumes and the image comes out okay on the HD, would you notice or care?  Same for a USB HD, Floppy, etc.  Even most PC games and gaming hardware aren't too overly concerned about multiple inputs generated quickly and at a specified instant.  MAME and MAME interfaces ARE concerned about this!
For those you wouldn't care no, but steering wheels, flight yokes, gaming mice would be bothered with the stated problems. For instance Logitech switched over to almost all USB controllers. If USB really was unable to be used for games, surely gamers would complain (and Logitech would just stick to PS/2 only).

I'd also use the same argument as you that MAME cabs are special items. There are generally no USB harddisks, webcams and such connected. Usually only an I-PAC and some controllers like a trackball, a mouse (spinner) or steering wheel. Hardly devices that will generate the enourmous amounts of interrupts that will clog an USB (let alone a PCI) bus. Of course connecting some of these to a single controller will give some lag, but I doubt you could even measure that. The lag will vary between 0 ms and the time it takes to handle an interrupt, but since the chance of a collision is virtually zero I doubt you'll notice.

BTW I'm confussed by your statement that the I-PAC is not being USB 2 compatible. You mean it is USB 1.1 or something and therefore operates at a lower speed than possible for USB 2.0? I used it on USB 2 ports and it did work fine (I didn't check the speed though).
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #29 on: June 15, 2004, 09:39:34 am »
You mean it is USB 1.1 or something and therefore operates at a lower speed than possible for USB 2.0?
Exactly!  USB 2.0 is only an advantage if your devices are made for it (and possibly if your operating system supports it).  Typically a USB 1.0 or 1.1 device will operate in a USB 2.0 port, but at reduced speed, which the I-PAC would be doing in your case.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

krick

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2006
  • Last login:May 23, 2025, 03:48:36 am
  • Gotta have blue hair.
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #30 on: June 15, 2004, 09:59:56 am »
I thought you guys might find this interesting...

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/legacyIO.mspx



Hantarex Polo 15KHz
Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 2GB (GCN)
GroovyMAME 0.197.017h_d3d9ex
CRT Emudriver & CRT Tools 2.0 beta 13 (Crimson 16.2.1 for GCN cards)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.8GHz
ASUS Z87M-PLUS Motherboard

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #31 on: June 15, 2004, 12:49:27 pm »
I thought you guys might find this interesting...

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/legacyIO.mspx

Interesting reading.  Thanks for the link.

There are a few important things to note though.

That document was last updated 3 years ago and little of it's recommendations have been implemented on the majority of PC's (other than removal of ISA slots, although you can still find them on rare occasion).

MS has a vested interest in simplifying the hardware architecture.  They would love it if every external device was USB, as it would make their job MUCH easier :).  Fortunately, MoBo manufacturers also have to listen to what consumers want, so MS can't really dictate the roadmap.

On the subject of mice and keyboards they seem to throw their hands up and say "the USB stuff costs more, so we won't talk about that" :).

patrickl:

Name calling doesn't add credence to your arguments.  Perhaps a different approach will have a better effect.

You are misinformed about USB devices.  They do not all work with PS/2 via a simple adapter.  USB and PS/2 are very different internally and therefore require that a device be specifically programmed to support both.  Without this internal code support, they are either one or the other.

You are also incorrect about the PS/2 port being used solely for KB and Mouse.  There are a number of devices that use the PS/2 port, to include: Automation and Machine control, Joysticks, GPS, Data Aquisition, Trackballs, etc...  But as far as the computer is concerned, all of those devices appear to it as either a keyboard or a mouse.  Furthermore, the PS/2 port used to be the only source of easily available power and was therefore often the port of choice for portable peripherals, if for nothing more than as a 5v DC power source.

Just because you haven't been exposed to something, that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.

RandyT
« Last Edit: June 15, 2004, 12:52:13 pm by RandyT »

sirwoogie

  • Supreme Chancellor
  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 753
  • Last login:April 23, 2025, 10:29:35 pm
  • It's Hollyfeld in a Winnebago!
    • Build Your Own Arcade Controls
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #32 on: June 15, 2004, 12:52:53 pm »
I say we divert this thread to the topic of... "IPAC vs. Keywiz, which is better?" Let the games begin.

My favorite thread at the beginning of the year.  ;D

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #33 on: June 15, 2004, 01:02:12 pm »
patrickl:
You are misinformed about USB devices.  They do not all work with PS/2 via a simple adapter.  USB and PS/2 are very different internally and therefore require that a device be specifically programmed to support both.  Without this internal code support, they are either one or the other.
Yes and no - I basically started this with my comments about the QVS adapter I bought.  It is more complicated than the DIN to AT adapter, which basically changes some pin assignments to make the device work.  But my keyboard was not programmed to support USB and works fine with this.  It is actually a DIN keyboard, running through an AT adapter to the USB adapter to the USB port.  But a keyboard used as a keyboard has limited demands on it.  How it would work with a high-performance encoder is another issue.
Quote
You are also incorrect about the PS/2 port being used solely for KB and Mouse.
Just because you haven't been exposed to something, that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist.
I was also basically the one that said the PS/2 port was almost solely for the keyboard and mouse, but I wasn't sure about that.  Now I know.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #34 on: June 15, 2004, 01:03:42 pm »
I say we divert this thread to the topic of... "IPAC vs. Keywiz, which is better?" Let the games begin.

My favorite thread at the beginning of the year.  ;D
Been there, Done that, Not crazy about repeating it . . .
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #35 on: June 15, 2004, 03:12:32 pm »
Yes and no - I basically started this with my comments about the QVS adapter I bought.  It is more complicated than the DIN to AT adapter, which basically changes some pin assignments to make the device work.  But my keyboard was not programmed to support USB and works fine with this.  It is actually a DIN keyboard, running through an AT adapter to the USB adapter to the USB port.  But a keyboard used as a keyboard has limited demands on it.  How it would work with a high-performance encoder is another issue.

Actually, I was responding directly to this post:

You are correct in that converters will tend to offer only the bare minimum of compatibility.  But I, and subsequently patrickl,  weren't initially referring to converters, rather adapters.  There are converters already for USB to serial, parallel, ethernet, PS/2, etc...  The level of compatibility these provide will depend greatly on how the programmer decided to implement them.  Ie. just as a PS/2 converter probably won't allow more than 6 keys pressed at a time, an serial converter intended for a modem might only support 56kb speeds even though RS-232 is capable of much higher communication rates.

In other words, converters usually provide a functional subset of the capabilities of the interface, whereas a simple mechanical adapter will give you all of them because there is no electronic translation involved.

RandyT

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #36 on: June 15, 2004, 03:40:37 pm »
Ie. just as a PS/2 converter probably won't allow more than 6 keys pressed at a time . . .
Now I need to go home and mash 6 keys on my keyboard running through the QVS converter and see if I get a BSOD  :o
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #37 on: June 15, 2004, 04:32:53 pm »
Randy,

There is no need to be annoying on purpose either. If you don't want name calling then don't give me those annoying flame bait lines.

It's nice that your google search gave you some devices with PS/2 connectors, but they are hardly real world common applications. Apart from that PS/2 is hardly a must for these devices. In some cases they simply aren't even "PS/2" devices as such.

Your mention of a PS/2 GPS for instance really made me smile. It's an honest mistake I guess. If people use the wrong name for a connector you're bound to get confusions. Thing is, it's actually called a mini DIN (6) plug and because the PS/2 had those for it's keyboard connectors they are now often referred to as PS/2 connectors. However, it's physical charactereristics don't mean that any device with a "PS/2 connector" can be connected (and work) to a PS/2 port on a PC though.

You can try to win the "discussion" by claiming PS/2 will not die 100% (and your examples seem to confirm that you are going along those lines), but I'm talking about PS/2 being in a very small minority. It's demise is already happening and usually when it starts it can go really fast. It's a snowball effect. Some manufacturers drop it ... people stop buying the unsupported devices ... hence more manufacturers drop it ... before you know it virtually gone. I would not be surprised if you'd have to "shop around" in as little as 2 years to still find a new PC with a PS/2 port.

The main discussion is something similar. It's a case of "in general USB will work fine" against "I can think of an example where it will fail". I'll just stay clear of the "example" where I could run into trouble and will thus be fine. Just to be save I'll connect my I-PAC and trackball to different controllers.

Funny thing is that my trackballs, steering wheel, mice and keyboards all are USB already (some came with a plug to connect them to a PS/2 port though). I didn't even think about it, but when you buy something it almost automatically connects to USB. So, if USB does not work for gaming I'd sure be in heaps of trouble anyway.
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #38 on: June 15, 2004, 05:54:39 pm »
Randy,

There is no need to be annoying on purpose either. If you don't want name calling then don't give me those annoying flame bait lines.

Like the ones you rolled into this discussion with?   But I don't want to risk another name calling, so I'll stop now :)

Quote
It's nice that your google search gave you some devices with PS/2 connectors, but they are hardly real world common applications. Apart from that PS/2 is hardly a must for these devices. In some cases they simply aren't even "PS/2" devices as such.

I personally own Joysticks, a GPS and a machine control interface, two of which use the PS/2 protocol for communication and one that uses the PS/2 port for power.  You know what they say about assumptions.  It's nice to know you used Google to verify my comments though.

Quote

Your mention of a PS/2 GPS for instance really made me smile. It's an honest mistake I guess. If people use the wrong name for a connector you're bound to get confusions. Thing is, it's actually called a mini DIN (6) plug and because the PS/2 had those for it's keyboard connectors they are now often referred to as PS/2 connectors. However, it's physical charactereristics don't mean that any device with a "PS/2 connector" can be connected (and work) to a PS/2 port on a PC though.


 :D :D :D

What exactly are you on about?  You are the one referring to the connectors as PS/2, not me.  Of course I know this.  I order these things by the hundreds, remember?  And just so you don't smile too hard, my GPS does indeed plug into the PS/2 KB port.

Quote
You can try to win the "discussion" by claiming PS/2 will not die 100% (and your examples seem to confirm that you are going along those lines), but I'm talking about PS/2 being in a very small minority. It's demise is already happening and usually when it starts it can go really fast. It's a snowball effect. Some manufacturers drop it ... people stop buying the unsupported devices ... hence more manufacturers drop it ... before you know it virtually gone. I would not be surprised if you'd have to "shop around" in as little as 2 years to still find a new PC with a PS/2 port.

Unless you have a bigger antenna on your crystal ball, your predictions are about as accurate as flipping a quarter (Kroner?).  So far, I see little evidence of what you are saying, and the only "proof" offered up is a couple of oddball systems that manufacturers are testing the water with.  It's safe to say that we will never agree on this, but I will conceed that it is possible.  It's just not probable.

Quote
The main discussion is something similar. It's a case of "in general USB will work fine" against "I can think of an example where it will fail". I'll just stay clear of the "example" where I could run into trouble and will thus be fine. Just to be save I'll connect my I-PAC and trackball to different controllers.

Funny thing is that my trackballs, steering wheel, mice and keyboards all are USB already (some came with a plug to connect them to a PS/2 port though). I didn't even think about it, but when you buy something it almost automatically connects to USB. So, if USB does not work for gaming I'd sure be in heaps of trouble anyway.

It doesn't surprise me that all of your stuff is USB.  I think I saw a USB butt-scratcher the other day :) (ok, it was a vibrator, but it might as well have been)

But at the moment, there still appears to be no shortage at all of non-USB devices, or MoBo's to run them on.   And until USB is brain-dead simple (which it isn't yet, by a long shot), and the MoBo manufacturers get their act together to get the BIOS support standardized and working well (which they haven't), the consumer will remain mute in providing overwhelming support to give up the past.

RandyT


patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #39 on: June 15, 2004, 06:42:44 pm »
The proof is that I saw with my own eyes that quite a large proportion, of the PC's in the stores I went to, did not have a PS/2 port already. The last time I noticed something similar, one year later I was virtually unable to buy something with the obsolete connector.

The fact that you are the only one in the world with a PS/2 joystick, a GPS that apparently will work on a PS/2 port (as opposed to one that just uses the same style connector, but is wired for an RS232 interface internally) and something that will control machines through a port that usually is only used for reading information, does not change anything. In fact, I have some other devices myself that use the PS/2 port as well. The point is that it's purpose for the vast majority of the buyers is connecting a keyboard and a mouse (and that all PS/2 devices can be made without using a PS/2 port just as well). So, the average buyer doesn't care at all if PS/2 will go and thus it will go since PC manufacturers and apparently even Microsoft want it to go. That IS already happening. I don' t need a crystal ball to predict the current time (well, I have one in each of my eye sockets I guess).
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #40 on: June 15, 2004, 07:50:46 pm »
The proof is that I saw with my own eyes that quite a large proportion, of the PC's in the stores I went to, did not have a PS/2 port already. The last time I noticed something similar, one year later I was virtually unable to buy something with the obsolete connector.


Good grief, find someplace else to shop then.  Better yet, go to any of the major MoBo makers (Tyan, Asus, etc) and see if their current high-end system board solutions are missing the usual complement of legacy I/O ports.  Tell me what your embedded crystal balls report to you afterwards. (actually, no need to :))


Quote
The fact that you are the only one in the world with a PS/2 joystick, a GPS that apparently will work on a PS/2 port (as opposed to one that just uses the same style connector, but is wired for an RS232 interface internally) and something that will control machines through a port that usually is only used for reading information, does not change anything.


It's a CNC machine.  One of the C's stands for "computer".  You can figure out the rest.

Remember the portable devices I was talking about?  My GPS uses the PS/2 port for power.  No PS/2 port, no power, no workee.  It has a DB-9 for RS-232 serial communications.

As for the joysticks (note plural), one is made by the same company as this unknown beast (sarcasm)

http://www.arcadecontrols.com/arcade_powerramp.shtml

And the other is an Interact beast called the Cyclone.  Hybrid gameport/ PS/2 connection (and no it's not just for power, there are 22 programmable keys attached to the buttons on the thing)  Nice Joystick too, actually. :)

Quote
In fact, I have some other devices myself that use the PS/2 port as well.

Well, if I have some, and You have some, and we live in different parts of the world, I'd say there's a preeetty good chance that a bunch of other people have some as well...and they might not be as excited as you about giving them up right away.

Quote
The point is that it's purpose for the vast majority of the buyers is connecting a keyboard and a mouse

This is true, and there are still plenty of PS/2 devices out there for this purpose.  Some of them will do both, but the most economically priced ones, usually do not.


Quote
(and that all PS/2 devices can be made without using a PS/2 port just as well).

As can all Parallel port devices, as can all serial port devices, and with the advent of USB 2.0, supposedly as can 1394 Firewire (although you may find some argument on that last one).  That statement in and of itself really doesn't say anything to support your assertions.


Quote
So, the average buyer doesn't care at all if PS/2 will go and thus it will go since PC manufacturers and apparently even Microsoft want it to go. That IS already happening. I don' t need a crystal ball to predict the current time (well, I have one in each of my eye sockets I guess).

Already covered the need to do real research and what MS wants and why.

When you say "the average buyer", I'm assuming you are referring to complete new system buyers.  There is a situation here that you seem not to be taking into account.  That situation is the fact that the PC currently in front of virtually every casual user (email, web, tax software, accounting users) who has purchased a system within in the last 2 years doesn't need to upgrade.  There have been no "killer apps" recently that have people rushing to upgrade, and with the quality of home gaming systems nowadays, even the power gamers' numbers have declined.  What exactly is going to drive the new technology?  What is going to cause this mass migration you envision to "legacy free" systems?  What is going to make your Mom and Dad throw away the $800 system they bought last year, so they can spend another 6 or 700 dollars so they can have a computer that won't let them hook their $250 printer to it?  That's a tough nut to crack, and if you can, I'm sure MS would be very interested in speaking with you.

In any case, this dead horse is not only flogged, but it's been around so long that it's turned to dust and the maggots that fed off it are using walkers while their offspring moved away because the neighborhood has gone to hell.

So the last word is yours.  I'm out ;) *edit*  Ok, not completely :)

RandyT

*edit*
spelling
« Last Edit: June 17, 2004, 09:56:50 am by RandyT »

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #41 on: June 16, 2004, 12:49:22 am »
So the last word is yours.  I'm out ;)
OK, thanks. Just once more then
Quote
My GPS uses the PS/2 port for power.  No PS/2 port, no power, no workee.  It has a DB-9 for RS-232 serial communications.
That GPS is exactly what I described. That is not a PS/2 device it merely has a PS/2 style connector.  You carry a PC around with you for powering that thing? Didn't think so.

Just goes to show how short the straws are you are grasping for ...
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #42 on: June 16, 2004, 07:48:14 am »
So the last word is yours.  I'm out ;)
OK, thanks. Just once more then
Quote
My GPS uses the PS/2 port for power.  No PS/2 port, no power, no workee.  It has a DB-9 for RS-232 serial communications.
That GPS is exactly what I described. That is not a PS/2 device it merely has a PS/2 style connector.  You carry a PC around with you for powering that thing? Didn't think so.

Just goes to show how short the straws are you are grasping for ...

Well it was my last word on the debate.  You can't honestly expect me to sit idle while you tell me what I possess.

The GPS has no screen of it's own, therefore requires a PC to use it, and gets it power from said PC through it's PS/2 port.

Sheesh, talk about short straws!

RandyT

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #43 on: June 16, 2004, 08:40:36 am »
Good grief, find someplace else to shop then.
Randy, if you were in the store selling USB vibrators, maybe YOU need to find someplace else to shop, j/k  :P
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #44 on: June 16, 2004, 08:48:54 am »
Ok, I suspect RandyT may be back in after this post, but that's okay with me.

We have hashed out the theoretical advantages and I don't think anyone knows much more than they did when this started.

On-Topic   The original poster asked whether to operate the I-PAC/2 in USB or PS/2 mode.

The real answer is   "Opinions vary on this, but the device supports either mode.  Definitely get the extra cable and you can support whichever one you want."

This is a real advantage of the I PAC/2 for arcade cabs.  Note: I am NOT saying that you shouldn't buy a KeyWiz b/c it lacks USB support.  I personally do not plan to upgrade my computer (again) in the near future, so I could easily use the PS/2 port on my current motherboard.  When I do get ready to upgrade, it might mean that I have to buy an Asus rather than an MSI motherboard if I want the PS/2 port, or buy a PCI card to add a PS/2 port.  Of course, if most motherboard manufacturers do phase out the PS/2 port, I'm sure the KeyWiz will convert to the new standard and I could just replace my encoder to support it.

But the initial question was whether to use the I-PAC/2 in USB or PS/2 mode, and there is a real advantage to having the option to use either one.  With the KeyWiz, if you upgrade your PC you are forced to look for components with a PS/2 port (not that it's a difficult search).  With the I PAC VE, you are forced to abandon running your cab in DOS b/c it does not have PS/2 support (and if the USB support in your hardware is flaky, you are out of luck as well), but with the I- PAC/2, you can go either way.

Again, my personal opinion is that there is a slight performance advantage to PS/2, but not enough to make me favor that interface if USB were more convenient for me.  If I had an I-PAC/2 that I was installing in a cab, which I would leave permanently plugged in, and had both the PS/2 and USB ports available to me, I would run it in PS/2 mode b/c I have heard of less problems with this mode.

But I think it comes down to a similar situation to statements made when the KeyWiz was introduced which implied that the KeyWiz offers faster performance although performance lag was never a complaint from I-PAC users - to use a word picture:

Let's say I have three bikes to choose from for my trip in to work:
The Suzuki Hayabusa (KeyWiz) tops out at 186 Mph.
The Honda Blackbird (I-PAC in PS/2 Mode) tops out at 179 Mph.
The Yamaha FZ1 (I-PAC in USB Mode) tops out around 165 Mph (???).
Now lets assume that the bikes have equal performance in the 0-60 Mph part of the spectrum and I only drive on 55mph roads and obey the speed limits.  It really doesn't matter which bike I choose.

Back to reality   I mashed 8 buttons on my PS/2 keyboard through the QVS USB adapter and only 3 of them registered due to blocking, just like in PS/2 mode.  Next test is to see if I mapped out the matrix for this kb earlier or substitute it for one that I have mapped and mash 15 keys and see what it does.  Not that any of this matters, b/c all we are measuring is number of simultaneous keypress supports, not data transfer rate, and even that wouldn't gauge the performance of the I PAC/2 in USB mode vs. PS/2.

FWIW. . .
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #45 on: June 16, 2004, 04:30:38 pm »
So the last word is yours.  I'm out ;)
OK, thanks. Just once more then
Quote
My GPS uses the PS/2 port for power.  No PS/2 port, no power, no workee.  It has a DB-9 for RS-232 serial communications.
That GPS is exactly what I described. That is not a PS/2 device it merely has a PS/2 style connector.  You carry a PC around with you for powering that thing? Didn't think so.

Just goes to show how short the straws are you are grasping for ...

Well it was my last word on the debate.  You can't honestly expect me to sit idle while you tell me what I possess.

The GPS has no screen of it's own, therefore requires a PC to use it, and gets it power from said PC through it's PS/2 port.

Sheesh, talk about short straws!

RandyT
Actually, I know quite a lot about GPS (I gave a workshop and wrote several reviews on the subject) so I know what you are talking about and I know what I'm talking about. However, I really don't even need to know which specific GPS model you own since a GPS is never a PS/2 device. So, I could guess you have an Earthmate GPS receiver, but I could be wrong and that wouldn't matter.

Your GPS works perfectly fine with another power cable too. That you specifically ordered it with a cable that draws power from a PS/2 port doesn't make the GPS itself a PS/2 device. The fact that I can charge my mobile phone with a USB charger cable (or PS/2 charger cable for that matter) doesn't make the phone a USB (resp PS/2) device. Otherwise you could call all devices taking 5V at low power PS/2 devices.

In fact even that cable doesn't really need a PS/2port since that "PS/2" power cable could also be fed from a 5V power outlet with a female mini DIN connector too.

I have to say that the problem for me is not even so much that the example is incorrect, but more that I'm amazed you think this kind of far fetched examples will prove that PS/2 has to remain for a long time.
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #46 on: June 16, 2004, 05:03:02 pm »
[I have to say that the problem for me is not even so much that the example is incorrect, but more that I'm amazed you think this kind of far fetched examples will prove that PS/2 has to remain for a long time.

Call it incorrect if you want.  The plain fact is that it is that I told you quite plainly that it was only for power, and it would be a big deal for me if that power source wasn't there.  Of course I could always buy an adapter or a power supply, or heaven forbid,  batteries.  But these are all extra cost items/inconvenience items.

Now that you've beaten this small point to death, try something a little more challenging :)

RandyT

Tailgunner

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1156
  • Last login:October 06, 2009, 01:21:16 pm
  • ...
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #47 on: June 16, 2004, 06:45:52 pm »
Just jumping on the bandwagon of those that have PC joysticks that connect via the keyboard port. Saitek made a couple called PC Dash that connect via keyboard only, others (namely high end programmable flight controllers) connect to both a joystick port and keyboard port.

On the eminent demise of the PS/2 port, I'm reminded of a Mark Twain quote. ;) I'm sure they'll disappear eventually, but seeing as how stuff like mini-ITX motherboards include them I don't see it happening all that soon. I have noticed they've quit putting 5.25" floppy support in the BIOS of modern systems, and with the popularity of USB flash drives, I'd believe we'll loose floppy drives all together before we lose the ps/2 ports.

Nefesis

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 198
  • Last login:August 25, 2007, 11:28:22 am
  • psst... star wars... it's the greatest!!!
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #48 on: June 16, 2004, 08:18:52 pm »
ok, this is really off subject, buit from when Tailgunner said they'll porbably stop putting folppy drives in alltogether, i know i read somewhere (probably in the Maximum PC magazine) floppy drives will reemerge (altough they may be hidden inside the pc case) as they are needed for any type of RAID hard drives. not a problem for MAME machines, though, as i doubt most of us are going to use 250 gb hard drives. i could be wrong about this (the floppy drives, not the 250gb hard drives) and will recheck it.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #49 on: June 17, 2004, 03:51:52 am »
[I have to say that the problem for me is not even so much that the example is incorrect, but more that I'm amazed you think this kind of far fetched examples will prove that PS/2 has to remain for a long time.

Call it incorrect if you want.  The plain fact is that it is that I told you quite plainly that it was only for power, and it would be a big deal for me if that power source wasn't there.  Of course I could always buy an adapter or a power supply, or heaven forbid,  batteries.  But these are all extra cost items/inconvenience items.

Now that you've beaten this small point to death, try something a little more challenging :)

RandyT
The point is that it's a far fetched example (just like the other ones you gave actually). They don't even sell that GPS anymore. The new one supports ... well guess .... yep you got it ... USB!

Any way you put it, that GPS power cable is no reason for PC manufacturers to include PS/2 ports on PC's. They dropped ISA, and DIN keyboard connecters even though I still have lots of stuff for it collecting dust.

But I understand Tiger-Heli's explanation. Of course KeyWiz would loose customers if people would understand they will have trouble finding PS/2 connectors in the near future.
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #50 on: June 17, 2004, 06:40:48 am »
But I understand Tiger-Heli's explanation. Of course KeyWiz would loose customers if people would understand they will have trouble finding PS/2 connectors in the near future.
That is NOT what I said, although it is a clever re-wording of it.

What I DID say could be more accurately paraphrased as:

***

If USB vs. PS/2 compatibility, performance, and connector availablity are issues for you (and I'm not sure they should be), then the I-PAC/2 and I-PAC/4 are better options than either the KeyWiz, I-PAC/VE or Mini-PAC, because the first two encoders allow you to choose either input mode.

***

In other words, there are advantages either way - if you are building a DOS cab with an older PC that you got at a yard sale just for the arcade cab, you won't care much about USB support.  If you decide later that you want to make a desktop controller for your wife's PC to use, you may well want USB over PS/2.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

Minwah

  • Trade Count: (+3)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7662
  • Last login:January 18, 2019, 05:03:20 am
    • MAMEWAH
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #51 on: June 17, 2004, 06:45:30 am »
I'm all for USB, but I'd like to see PS/2 stay.  I guess the fact that an IPAC in PS/2 mode can handle more simul. presses than in USB mode is a good indication that USB is not perfect...

And why the f*ck did they make the USB connector simetrical, its always the wrong way round!!

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #52 on: June 17, 2004, 06:54:17 am »
And why the f*ck did they make the USB connector simetrical, its always the wrong way round!!
WORD!!!!
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #53 on: June 17, 2004, 07:08:41 am »
I didn't mean that as a literal translation of what you said. It's more like a combination of ideas:
- users who need USB support need to get an I-PAC (taken from your message, again not literally, but that is one of the points I read in there)
- PS/2 will go away in something like 2 to 5 years

Put these together and some people might get the idea they better buy an I-PAC and be prepared for the future.

It's a problem discussing on a forum. When I write long messages people start picking on details that don't matter to the bigger issue and when I write a short message people can find interpretations in the message I never intended there :P
This signature is intentionally left blank

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #54 on: June 17, 2004, 07:14:14 am »
And why the f*ck did they make the USB connector simetrical, its always the wrong way round!!
Hehe, yeah that USB connector is probably the worst ever. Allthough plugging in a PS/2 connector in the blind was never that easy either. I always found myself turning the plug around until it fit. I also tended to plug the keyboard in the mouse socket instead of the keyboard one.
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #55 on: June 17, 2004, 07:47:01 am »
I didn't mean that as a literal translation of what you said. It's more like a combination of ideas:
I will accept that explanation - the main problem is I don't buy into the fact that PS/2 is rapidly going to vanish, although I don't see that as beyond the realm of possibilities.
Quote
- users who need USB support need to get an I-PAC (taken from your message, again not literally, but that is one of the points I read in there)
Well, if we are limiting this to I-PAC vs. KeyWiz and USB support is required, KeyWiz doesn't have it, so this is pretty much a no-brainer.
Quote
- PS/2 will go away in something like 2 to 5 years
This is the part I see as a possibility but not a certainty.
Quote
Put these together and some people might get the idea they better buy an I-PAC and be prepared for the future.
Perhaps, but I don't think PS/2 will vanish, just be more difficult to find.  For example, I can still find motherboards with gameports, but not for the latest generation of processors, and I have to pick and choose on the current low-level processors.  That doesn't mean that I can't find gameport supporting motherboards on E-bay, etc.  The same will be true for PS/2, but if I don't plan to upgrade, this doesn't matter.
Quote
It's a problem discussing on a forum. When I write long messages people start picking on details that don't matter to the bigger issue and when I write a short message people can find interpretations in the message I never intended there :P
Fair enough.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #56 on: June 17, 2004, 07:53:48 am »
And why the f*ck did they make the USB connector simetrical, its always the wrong way round!!
Hehe, yeah that USB connector is probably the worst ever.
Actually, you're right again, PS/2 was more of a pain than USB, with USB it's just test, flip, insert.  With PS/2 I was always rotating the connector and hoping I wasn't bending pins trying to get it to line up.

How many times have you plugged in a monitor HDB15 or telephone RJ-45 plug in upside-down?  (Probably never).
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #57 on: June 17, 2004, 08:14:34 am »
But I understand Tiger-Heli's explanation. Of course KeyWiz would loose customers if people would understand they will have trouble finding PS/2 connectors in the near future.

Hehe 5+ years = near future.......what are you, a redwood tree?   :D

5 years in the world of computers is a virtual eternity.  By then, even USB could be on the outs for something better.  But you've got the crystal ball.

BTW, you are still homing in on small meaningless portions of the discussion, and  your tactic of attempting to discredit me personally rather than address the points I make in my posts, is transparent at best.  How about taking on that issue of how you get people to buy into technology that 90% of average consumers don't need, rather than dancing around trying to save face?  Your entire argument hinges on this question.

Up to now, you added very little substantive information to this discussion, just a lot of unsubstantiated predictions / rhetoric.

RandyT


microwrx

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 208
  • Last login:July 06, 2008, 09:22:02 am
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #58 on: June 17, 2004, 08:15:04 am »
Mini-PAC works in PS2 mode as long as you are not using it with a trackball or spinner.  I'm using mine in PS2 for players 3&4 on my 4 player cab daisy chained to my J-PAC and still have a PS2 keyboard plugged into the Mini-PAC as well.

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #59 on: June 17, 2004, 08:23:42 am »
Ok, I'm going to play Devil's Advocate and go off the deep end a little here, so if I make any obvious errors, someone feel free to drag me back to reality.

First off, I would like to question how much of an issue this could possibly be?

For example, I doubt I could mash a button more than 4 or 5 times a second, but lets give me the benefit of the doubt and say that I can hit 10 presses per second.  Theoretically, if the encoder processes the data faster than 0.1 sec per keypress everything should be fine.  Alright, I remember from a previous thread another thing, but lets say the game displays at 60Hz, that means that each frame takes 1/60th (0.0166) seconds.  But I would think the slowest encoder in the slowest mode would be faster than this, meaning that I can be assured that my input is recorded during the same frame that I press the button, so how could speed be an issue here?

NOTE: My motorcycle example may be more accurate than I realized.
The proof of the pudding: download the Passmark keyboard test from www.passmark.com. This test has a box called "Lag". (I requested this as a new feature, and they added it). Wire two inputs together on an I-PAC, and check this box when you press the button. You will never see a slower figure in the timer display with USB than with PS/2.
I considered using the Passmark test with and without my QVS USB adapter, but I see at least 4 problems with this test:

1)  As RandyT pointed out, 2 inputs shouldn't tax any encoder, but it should be no problem to wire 10 or 12 inputs to a button and try the test that way.

INTRO: What we are concerned with is the time between when I depress a key, and when that keypress is output to the application.  Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe there are two parts to this equation.  I see no way for the software to know when I actually depress the key, only when the keydown signal is received at the PS/2 or USB port.

2)  So we are losing the time required for the encoder to process the signal and convert it to the proper format and send it to the PC.  In other words, if the PC can handle a USB signal in 0.1 seconds and a PS/2 signal in 0.2 seconds, the software will show the USB interface as faster.  But in fact, if the I-PAC takes 0.3 seconds to process a PS/2 output, and 0.5 seconds to process a USB output, the total time is actually as much slower in USB mode as the software indicated it was faster (0.5 seconds total for PS/2 and 0.6 seconds total for USB).  (NOTE: I just made those figures up and have no idea on total processing time required).

3)  Based on previous discussions, I would expect the actual time measured by Passmark (the CPU processing time) to vary in USB based on other activity on the USB and PCI bus.  In other words, perhaps the PS/2 delay is 0.5 seconds and the USB delay is 0.4 or 0.1 or 0.2, etc. based on system activity.  USB is faster, but this variable delay might be worse in terms of gameplay than a fixed delay.

4)  I have never heard of Passmark before this thread.  For all I know, this could be software that Andy Warne wrote himself offered on a website that his brother-in-law hosts that does nothing but display a ramdomly generated lower lag figure for USB vs. PS/2.  NOTE: Before anyone flames me for accusing Andy of anything fishy, I can say the same things about the performance claims and software tests on the GroovyGameGear site.  In both cases, I am taking the information to be accurate, and I assume it to be so, but I am relying on the word of the developer who has a vested stake in the product.  What I am getting at here, is if I read a magazine review of a new Ford car, I feel fairly confident if the magazine says "We ran the car through our own dyno, like all our test cars, and it generated a solid 305 Hp."  I feel less confident if they say "We took the car to Joe's dyno, a respected independent shop, and it generated a solid 310 Hp."  Still less "Ford recommended we take the car to Tim's Performance, and they dyno'd it at a whopping 450 Hp." And much less "Ford told us that they had hit 500 Hp with this car on THEIR dyno in Dearborn."

FWIW!
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #60 on: June 17, 2004, 09:56:10 am »
But I understand Tiger-Heli's explanation. Of course KeyWiz would loose customers if people would understand they will have trouble finding PS/2 connectors in the near future.

Hehe 5+ years = near future.......what are you, a redwood tree?   :D
Ehm I said 2 to 5 years  (in two years hard to find and in 5 years virtually extinct) that's something different from 5+.
Quote
BTW, you are still homing in on small meaningless portions of the discussion, and  your tactic of attempting to discredit me personally rather than address the points I make in my posts, is transparent at best.
If anyone is homing in on meaningless points then it's you. I keep trying to get you back on the big issue, but you keep defending compeletely meaningless examples.

Unfortunately you often seem to miss the general point of my messages and you only seem to look for small details to pick on. So I just repeat the points again and let the misunderstandings slide (or at most give a slight hint). I like "meaningless" discussions like this, but I do like to keep things on track. I won't react to most of the sidetracking and misinterpretations you post.

Only personal thing I did was highlight one of your examples. I described how meaningless it was to use exceptions like that as a rule to contradict a general trend. I also felt I needed to show how far you stretch the definition to call something a PS/2 device. Instead of understanding those points you actually start defending a 0.00001% market share item as an obvious sign PS/2 is here to stay.
Quote
How about taking on that issue of how you get people to buy into technology that 90% of average consumers don't need, rather than dancing around trying to save face?  Your entire argument hinges on this question.
I don't understand what you mean with this, but my point actually IS that (at least) 90% of the people don't need a PS/2 port on their PC so they won't care if it goes. I'm all for not paying for stuff I don't need.
Quote
Up to now, you added very little substantive information to this discussion, just a lot of unsubstantiated predictions / rhetoric.
Well you are right I did not add anything after my first few posts. But let me sum it up for ya:
1) PS/2 is obsolete (no function demands it's existence for the general public and newer alternatives exist)
2) PS/2 is virtually solely used for keyboards and mice
3) a new PC usually comes with a keyboard and mouse anyway (so the old PS/2 mouse and keyboard can stay with the old one it replaces)
4) PS/2 is targeted for termination by the hardware and software manufacturers
5) I have witnessed PC manufactures drop obsolete standards in a hurry over and over again (I bought a few PC's with a DIN keyboard connector and the next year when I needed one extra I couldn't find one anymore with that connector)
6) I have witnessed that almost all past PS/2 devices are already migrated to USB (in fact the "PS/2" mice and keyboards I bought over the last few years actually need an adapter to connect to PS/2 and are really USB devices)
7) I have witnessed the trend that PC's are starting to drop PS/2 ports right now

Those seem pretty easy to understand points to me. They are all factual observations and hardly unsubstantial or rhetoric. Of course there is no hard evidence that these points will result in PS/2 going away rather qucikly, but it seems a very likely path.

You on the other hand have claimed that PS/2 will never go away because you (and probably a few other people as well) own some old PS/2 connected devices (other than mice and keyboards) that you would like to keep using in the future and ... ehm well that was it basically. Well, maybe your remark that PS/2 devices are still sold was meant as proof, but then most of them are USB devices at the same time as well.
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #61 on: June 17, 2004, 10:58:00 am »
Only a few very minor quibbles here:
Quote
How about taking on that issue of how you get people to buy into technology that 90% of average consumers don't need, rather than dancing around trying to save face?  Your entire argument hinges on this question.
I don't understand what you mean with this, but my point actually IS that (at least) 90% of the people don't need a PS/2 port on their PC so they won't care if it goes. I'm all for not paying for stuff I don't need.
The point is that you can design a functional arcade cab either without using the USB port, or without using the PS/2 port, so it's a choice of the cab builder which one to use.
Quote
3) a new PC usually comes with a keyboard and mouse anyway (so the old PS/2 mouse and keyboard can stay with the old one it replaces)
Many people don't buy new PC's but rather upgrade the motherboard in an old one.  However, it is fairly cheap to either buy a $6.99 adapter or buy a new USB keyboard/mouse combo; so I don't think the average PC user would miss the PS/2 port.
Quote
(I bought a few PC's with a DIN keyboard connector and the next year when I needed one extra I couldn't find one anymore with that connector)
There were both types of adapters - DIN keyboard to PS/2 PC (common) and PS/2 Keyboard to DIN PC (less common).  There are also currently PS/2 Keyboard-Mouse to USB PC adapters (although they wouldn't be recommended with an I-PAC or KeyWiz).  Interestingly, I haven't seen any USB keyboard to PS/2 port adapters (that worked universally with any USB mouse/keyboard) so perhaps this confirms that the industry is not concerned with this compatibility.
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #62 on: June 17, 2004, 12:03:30 pm »
(I bought a few PC's with a DIN keyboard connector and the next year when I needed one extra I couldn't find one anymore with that connector)
There were both types of adapters - DIN keyboard to PS/2 PC (common) and PS/2 Keyboard to DIN PC (less common).  
FWIW, those DIN to mini DIN adapters never worked for me. They always would fall out after a while.

You are right of course that in the second hand market PS/2 ports will remain for much longer, but would you buy something that cannot connect to your current computer if a perfectly good alternative exists that will connect (even though your main aim is to connect to an old PC that does have a PS/2 port)?

But I'm sorry I went over you excellent post just before my large one. You indeed make some good points there. I doubt we'll ever get to the bottom of this.  :-\

To measure the timne from keypress to event in the PC, maybe you could build a testsetup where a scope measures the actuall keypress and then a program switches on a port on a parallel connector when it reads that keypress. Wouldn't that show how long the whole thing took? You might even be able to use a soundcard for this (left channel detects keypress and right channel sees when the event is registered.

But then again, as you already mentioned, would it really matter? If the keypress if obviously registered quicker than I can manually detect (ik click on a button and I immediately see the kepress in notepad or something) would it really influence game play if there even was a difference?
This signature is intentionally left blank

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #63 on: June 17, 2004, 12:42:05 pm »
FWIW, those DIN to mini DIN adapters never worked for me. They always would fall out after a while.
Been using one for years with no problems - anyway,
Quote
but would you buy something that cannot connect to your current computer if a perfectly good alternative exists that will connect (even though your main aim is to connect to an old PC that does have a PS/2 port)?
Well, for probably 85% plus of computer users, their current computer does have a PS/2 port, so the question is "Would you buy a product with a possibly higher performance interface that may be phased out in a few years over a product with a possibly lower performance interface that is likely to be available for quite a while?"  Everyone has to answer that for themselves.
Quote
I doubt we'll ever get to the bottom of this.  :-\
Me too!!!
Quote
To measure the timne from keypress to event in the PC, maybe you could build a testsetup where a scope measures the actuall keypress and then a program switches on a port on a parallel connector when it reads that keypress. Wouldn't that show how long the whole thing took?
Sounds feasible - especially with an encoder instead of a keyboard.  You might be adding additional time to the circuit by routing to the parallel port connector, but as long as that was a constant amount of added time it would cancel out.

The problem is it needs to be done impartially.  If Andy Warne does this and says it works faster in USB, it will be viewed as an attempt to discredit the KeyWiz.  And if RandyT says it works faster in PS/2, it will be viewed as an attempt to discredit the I-PAC.  And I don't think anyone else cares enough to be bothered setting it up.
Quote
But then again, as you already mentioned, would it really matter? If the keypress if obviously registered quicker than I can manually detect (ik click on a button and I immediately see the kepress in notepad or something) would it really influence game play if there even was a difference?
That's another question I would like the answer to!
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #64 on: June 17, 2004, 12:44:15 pm »
Ehm I said 2 to 5 years  (in two years hard to find and in 5 years virtually extinct) that's something different from 5+.

Well, since you are just speculating, and offered a range, I shot high.  The plus was my (and most likely others) opinion of the time frame.  I believe people are allowed by the cosmos to disagree with you.

Quote
If anyone is homing in on meaningless points then it's you. I keep trying to get you back on the big issue, but you keep defending compeletely meaningless examples.

If providing a post outlining the fact that the PS/2 port uses a 6-pin mini-DIN is a "big issue" to you, you need to find more important things to think about.

Quote
Unfortunately you often seem to miss the general point of my messages and you only seem to look for small details to pick on. So I just repeat the points again and let the misunderstandings slide (or at most give a slight hint).

Believe me, there are no misunderstandings about what you are saying, or doing for that matter.

Quote
I like "meaningless" discussions like this, but I do like to keep things on track. I won't react to most of the sidetracking and misinterpretations you post.

Your wheels left the "track" so many times, I'm surprised you are still mobile.

But the fact is, you do react to small things you think you can get a foothold with, and ignore the true issues facing the tech industry as they try to abandon the past.  

Quote
Only personal thing I did was highlight one of your examples. I described how meaningless it was to use exceptions like that as a rule to contradict a general trend.


Actually you are doing just that.  You cite your experiences with your own purchase of a computer and try to pass that off as a "trend".  Yet when I (and others) confront you with the fact that in spite of several year old documents from MS encouraging the demise of the "legacy" systems, major MoBo manufacturers have ignored and still are ignoring this because they fear loss of market share, you dismiss it.  Those, my friend, are "trends".

Quote
I also felt I needed to show how far you stretch the definition to call something a PS/2 device. Instead of understanding those points you actually start defending a 0.00001% market share item as an obvious sign PS/2 is here to stay.

Just another instance of you putting words in my mouth in an attempt to distract from the larger issue and discredit my observations.  It added nothing to the substance of the discussion.

Quote
Quote
How about taking on that issue of how you get people to buy into technology that 90% of average consumers don't need, rather than dancing around trying to save face?  Your entire argument hinges on this question.
I don't understand what you mean with this, but my point actually IS that (at least) 90% of the people don't need a PS/2 port on their PC so they won't care if it goes. I'm all for not paying for stuff I don't need.

Then let me try to explain it better.  A wise man once said "necessity is the mother of invention".  It's also the main driving factor of change.  If change is not necessary, it does not occur.  Another wise man said "Change is good. But change solely for the sake of change, is not."

By the time any of this becomes the slightest issue to PC buyers, there will be 6ghz or faster computer systems that will still have PS/2 ports on them.  Sure, maybe no-one will care at that point about PS/2, RS-232 or Parallel ports.  But what practical advantages will this system offer to the average computer buying consumer, that his 2 or 3ghz system (remember, still with the full complement of Legacy I/O ports) doesn't? What is going to drive the industry to completely "legacy free" systems?  What is it that will drive the need for even a 6ghz CPU in that fairly substantial market segment.  You have not answered these questions, because no-one currently has that answer.

Another important thing to consider is that the PS/2, Serial and Parallel ports are usually handled on one large "Super I/O" chip.  Therefore, it's very unlikely that you will see the loss of one without the others as well.  Seeing that each of those have their own dynamic in the marketplace, the picture gets even cloudier.

Quote
Well you are right I did not add anything after my first few posts. But let me sum it up for ya:
1) PS/2 is obsolete (no function demands it's existence for the general public and newer alternatives exist)

Actually it still performs very well today doing exactly what it was designed to do.  In fact, when compared to it's USB counterpart, it's considered superior in a few ways.

Your conclusion is flawed because the foundation provided by your logic is weak.  Using your logic, every piece of hardware in virtually every piece of consumer electronics is "obsolete".  This doesn't support your argument.

Quote
2) PS/2 is virtually solely used for keyboards and mice

And until it stops performing well for these devices, why change?  If you cited economic reasons for MoBo manufactures and OS providers, I might agree with you.  But technologically, there is no argument.

And of course, there are still those Joysticks and industrial devices you love to ignore.

Quote
3) a new PC usually comes with a keyboard and mouse anyway (so the old PS/2 mouse and keyboard can stay with the old one it replaces)

And you know the really funny part about that?  It's pretty difficult to find a system integrator (not darling Compaq or Dell) that even offers a USB keyboard as a configuration option!  Just why is that?

Quote
4) PS/2 is targeted for termination by the hardware and software manufacturers

That is true and Bin Laden is targetted for termination by the U.S Government too, but there are all these pesky extenuating circumstances that have to be taken into consideration.  

The hardware guys are manipulated by the market and the software guys are manipulated by the hardware guys.

Quote
5) I have witnessed PC manufactures drop obsolete standards in a hurry over and over again (I bought a few PC's with a DIN keyboard connector and the next year when I needed one extra I couldn't find one anymore with that connector)

Why were you still looking for a system with that "obsolete" connector on it?  It seems so out of character for you to have done such a thing based on everything you said up to now.   :)

In any case, much of the technology has reached practical saturation levels.  You can't always base the future on the past, especially when it comes to the technology industry.  Look how long the Playstation has remained viable compared to the Genesis.  There's a lesson in there.

Quote
6) I have witnessed that almost all past PS/2 devices are already migrated to USB (in fact the "PS/2" mice and keyboards I bought over the last few years actually need an adapter to connect to PS/2 and are really USB devices)

Actually, if you knew anything about the internals of those devices, you would know that they are dual-interface, not USB.  USB can't automagically speak PS/2 when you hook a piece of green plastic to it's connector.  Much effort went into making that device work the way it does, and those devices do not exist in the majority.  Most are one or the other.

Please define your interpretation of the word "migrated."

Quote
7) I have witnessed the trend that PC's are starting to drop PS/2 ports right now

This is not evidenced by what is shown in the current offerings of every major MoBo manufacturer.  So I have to assume that you are lieing to prove your point, or you haven't witnessed much.  Which shall it be?

Quote
Those seem pretty easy to understand points to me. They are all factual observations and hardly unsubstantial or rhetoric. Of course there is no hard evidence that these points will result in PS/2 going away rather qucikly, but it seems a very likely path.

It's not that I don't understand them, it's that I disagree with what I consider a flawed assessment of current market conditions.  And you are right, there is no "hard" evidence pointing in either direction.

Quote
You on the other hand have claimed that PS/2 will never go away because you (and probably a few other people as well) own some old PS/2 connected devices (other than mice and keyboards) that you would like to keep using in the future and ...

Again, putting words in my mouth.  In the very post you are replying to, I stated "5+ years" as a prediction.  In one breath you consider that the "near future", but now it's "never" ?  Revisit that one when you make up your mind.

Quote
ehm well that was it basically. Well, maybe your remark that PS/2 devices are still sold was meant as[ proof, but then most of them are USB devices at the same time as well.

There is much more being stated here, which you would know if you were actually paying attention instead of just trying to win an argument.  The fact that they are still being sold means that they are not "obsolete" as far as the marketplace is concerned.  And you are still woefully misinformed about the "most of them are USB devices at the same time" statement, as covered earlier.

RandyT
« Last Edit: June 17, 2004, 01:56:33 pm by RandyT »

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #65 on: June 17, 2004, 12:57:03 pm »
But what practical advantages will this system offer to the average computer buying consumer, that his 2 or 3ghz system (remember, still with the full complement of Legacy I/O ports) doesn't?  What is it that will drive the need for even a 6ghz CPU in that fairly substantial market segment.
Cruisin' USA, SF Rush - The Rock, Blitz '99, the by-then emulated Naomi Games  :D

Sorry, couldn't resist!!!!
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #66 on: June 17, 2004, 01:11:21 pm »
But what practical advantages will this system offer to the average computer buying consumer, that his 2 or 3ghz system (remember, still with the full complement of Legacy I/O ports) doesn't?  What is it that will drive the need for even a 6ghz CPU in that fairly substantial market segment.
Cruisin' USA, SF Rush - The Rock, Blitz '99, the by-then emulated Naomi Games  :D

Sorry, couldn't resist!!!!

Good point.  That may still be too slow....;)

RandyT

Tiger-Heli

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5447
  • Last login:January 03, 2018, 02:19:23 pm
  • Ron Howard? . . . er, I mean . . . Run, Coward!!!
    • Tiger-Heli
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #67 on: June 17, 2004, 01:14:17 pm »
Quote from: RandyT
Good point.  That may still be too slow....;)
[quote
6 GHz should work for Cruisin'.  I think Aaron Giles estimated 20 Ghz for SF Rush, so yep, but the 6Ghz machines will be on different processors, so who knows!
It's not what you take when you leave this world behind you, it's what you leave behind you when you go. - R. Travis.
When all is said and done, generally much more is SAID than DONE.

krick

  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2006
  • Last login:May 23, 2025, 03:48:36 am
  • Gotta have blue hair.
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #68 on: June 17, 2004, 02:45:11 pm »
There are really two distinct computer markets...

1) "Joe Average" consumers

2) computer enthusiasts

I'm certain that most computers targeted at group #1 will not have PS/2 ports at all in about 5 years.  The overwhelming majority of computers sold are to this group and they will dictate where computer designs go in the future.

I have read that new 64 bit computer designs will have an entirely new BIOS design that throws out all the legacy BIOS stuff.  This will probably mean the death of PS/2 ports and you can probably forget about running DOS on them as well.

However, many computers targeted at group #2 will still have PS/2 ports.  In particular, for people who build and upgrade their own systems, motherboards will be made with PS/2 ports as long as people will still buy them.


With that said, all of this will probably be irrelevant for this hobby as many of us use old machines for our mame cabinets that DO have PS/2 ports.  In fact, some of the machines are so old that they DON'T have USB ports!

Hantarex Polo 15KHz
Sapphire Radeon HD 7750 2GB (GCN)
GroovyMAME 0.197.017h_d3d9ex
CRT Emudriver & CRT Tools 2.0 beta 13 (Crimson 16.2.1 for GCN cards)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Intel Core i7-4790K @ 4.8GHz
ASUS Z87M-PLUS Motherboard

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #69 on: June 17, 2004, 04:29:32 pm »
Why were you still looking for a system with that "obsolete" connector on it?  It seems so out of character for you to have done such a thing based on everything you said up to now.  
I explained earlier in the thread why that was, but then you only read the details you can give some snide remark on and not the true point I'm making. To help you on your way, I already stated that it was a mistake.

In fact that was the thing that triggered me onto this idea. As I said, the last time I found myself having trouble to find a PC with an obsolete connector I was unable to find one at all a year later already. Of course that was when PC's changed to a better motherboard form factor and not simply that they changed a connector on it, but something similar IS happening right now.
Quote
<snip>
RandyT
Since I ignore misunderstandings and unimportant sidetracking, my reply can be short. I can only be bothered to explain one misunderstanding per post you know.

I guess the point still is that PS/2 will go and it might take 2 years or even to 5 years, but it does make sense not to risk it and thus go for devices that will also be compatible with USB right now. Otherwise you might end up having to dump the device when at some future moment you find yourself with a PC on which it doesn't work. Most cabs are built to last, so they will probably see a new PC in them somewhere in the future. Besides, switching a keyboard encoder is not really a simple matter. You might be still able to find a new motherboard to fix things, but again that's a pain and extra spending.

I think it's smart thinking on Andy's part. It shows he cares about his business and his clients. Better to act on changes as you see them happening than to stick your head in the sand and claim it will never happen.

:edit: I forgot to mention that my original post only was to chime in with JustMichael, that buying the USB cable right away was a smart thing to do. A forum is a place to share personal experiences and I had just experienced that I needed USB support sooner than I thought. I guess you object to the fact that indirectly the KeyWiz is being put in a bad light, but that only came in later when from Tiger-Heli's post I saw a reason why you were so overly agressive in denying that not having a USB option is a bad idea. This thread is about the I-PAC though and the decision to go with USB or not.
« Last Edit: June 17, 2004, 06:29:51 pm by patrickl »
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #70 on: June 17, 2004, 06:32:55 pm »
It shows he cares about his business and his clients. Better to act on changes as you see them happening than to stick your head in the sand and claim it will never happen.

I want to stress something here to anyone with the intestinal fortitude to have followed this thread to this point.  What follows is a personal viewpoint and that viewpoint is not a comment on any individuals products or offerings or intended to make anyone think a certain way about anything.  If you are taking it that way, you are viewing my comments incorrectly.  It is given only as an explanation as to why I do not offer a USB option in defense of insinuations made by patrickl.

The fact that I care is precisely why I don't make a USB encoder.  I want my customers to have the best, most trouble-free experience I can provide to them.

I do not personally feel that USB keyboard technology can provide the level  of performance or compatibility required to be the option of choice when used for this application.  I don't personally want it responsible for the controls on my system,  therefore I will not encourage it's use to others by offering it as an option.  It doesn't get any simpler or more complicated than that.

Does it mean that I will not make a USB controller available when I feel it is absolutely necessary or if there is an application I feel is suited for it?  Of course not.  My apologies to our USB only and Mac friends for not currently offering you a solution and I'm happy you have other options out there.

So say what you want about my commitment to my customers, but there are things my personal beliefs won't allow me to do, even if it means less income for my coffers.  But that's ok, I'll continue to offer other items to the community that will make up the difference.  :)

RandyT

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #71 on: June 17, 2004, 06:55:04 pm »
Now that's a much better approach than trying to ridicule me (allthough I'm sad to see there again is a stab in there). That might even be a believable explanation why you don't have a USB encoder. Though, you could still have it as an add-on. Like with the I-PAC so that when the USB keyboard is implemented "better" they don't need to go through the bother of having to replace their encoder. It's a lot of wires to reconnect if you change one  of those.

Apparently I just edited my post while you posted your reply, but that addition still stands. I'd still advise to go for something that's easily USB compatible now rather than suffer the possible consequences later. Especially since the thread is about the I-PAC and that encoder can be USB compatible if you just spend a little extra.
This signature is intentionally left blank

microwrx

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 208
  • Last login:July 06, 2008, 09:22:02 am
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #72 on: June 17, 2004, 09:41:20 pm »
...First off, I would like to question how much of an issue this could possibly be?

For example, I doubt I could mash a button more than 4 or 5 times a second, but lets give me the benefit of the doubt and say that I can hit 10 presses per second......

4 players, all moving and all punch/kick/jump at the same time = 8.  Not common but likely/possible for those of us with 4 player cabs and 3 friends. ;)

nathan118

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 70
  • Last login:November 16, 2008, 09:32:51 pm
  • Blarg
    • The Blarg
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #73 on: September 25, 2004, 02:35:28 am »
holy crap, I can't believe I just wasted a half hour of my life reading all this.

pointdablame

  • I think Drew is behind this conspiracy...
  • Trade Count: (+7)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 5034
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 11:13:52 pm
  • Saint and Woogie let me back in!
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #74 on: September 25, 2004, 01:00:34 pm »
holy crap, I can't believe I just wasted a half hour of my life reading all this.

holy crap, I can't believe you bumped this thread just to say that.
first off your and idiot

Man I love the internet, haha.

nathan118

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 70
  • Last login:November 16, 2008, 09:32:51 pm
  • Blarg
    • The Blarg
Re:Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #75 on: September 26, 2004, 03:09:13 am »
It was a very valuable portion of my life. That's a whole trip to Lowe's right there. hahaha

videogamedad

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • Last login:December 17, 2009, 09:55:58 pm
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #76 on: November 02, 2009, 12:59:31 pm »
Wow.  So much information on the deep technical level.  I am a noob that just wants to know what to buy as I'm sure was the question of the original post.  So after reading all posts on this topic I have a few basic questions.  1. If you order the IPAC2 board with USB does it come with a USB cable and USB connectors on the board at the PC and KB locations?  or are there PS/2 connectors here and you just get a USB cable with a USB-PS/2 adaptor with it?  I want to build my first CP with a trackball and spinner wired to an Optipac board and 2 ea. 4-8 way switchable Mag-Stik joysticks and 20 buttons wired to an IPAC2.  I think with this set up I can play most all games with the basic hardware that came with the original game except the racing games.  If the USB version works just fine and we're only talking $4 more then why not get USB? 

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #77 on: November 02, 2009, 01:17:02 pm »

You do realize that you just bumped a 5 year old post  :D?

Much has changed since those days.  Well, except that the doom and gloom spreaders predicting the imminent demise of the PS/2 port are now shown to have been incorrect, as I predicted they would be so long ago.  :cheers:

You should start a new thread (or find a more recent one) for your questions.  The info here is mostly outdated.

RandyT

videogamedad

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 2
  • Last login:December 17, 2009, 09:55:58 pm
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #78 on: November 02, 2009, 01:20:24 pm »
OK.  Thanks.  Wow 5  years old.  Where have I been

Havok

  • Keeper of the __Blue_Stars___
  • Trade Count: (+17)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4530
  • Last login:July 11, 2025, 01:29:48 am
  • Insufficient facts always invite danger.
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #79 on: November 02, 2009, 01:30:30 pm »
To further bump an old thread - you can't go wrong with either a Keywiz or Ipac. I have both, and am satisfied with each one. Just go to their websites, compare features and price, then buy. No matter which one you choose, you will not be disappointed.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #80 on: November 02, 2009, 02:02:24 pm »

You do realize that you just bumped a 5 year old post  :D?

Much has changed since those days.  Well, except that the doom and gloom spreaders predicting the imminent demise of the PS/2 port are now shown to have been incorrect, as I predicted they would be so long ago.  :cheers:
I don't know what underdeveloped area of the world you live in, but walk into a computerstore and try to buy a computer with a PS/2 connection and based on your results, I'll tell you.

In fact in the developed world, 5 years ago ps/2 ports were a rarity already.
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #81 on: November 02, 2009, 02:28:08 pm »
I don't know what underdeveloped area of the world you live in, but walk into a computerstore and try to buy a computer with a PS/2 connection and based on your results, I'll tell you.

In fact in the developed world, 5 years ago ps/2 ports were a rarity already.

Computerstore...... :lol  Here in the third world country that is the U. S. of A, it's computer stores which are a rarity.

Give it up already.  Or do I have to post photos upon photos of Core2 Quad and Phenom systems still sporting the ports just to make you happy?  (please say no...this was absurd then, and it's more absurd now)

« Last Edit: November 02, 2009, 02:36:23 pm by RandyT »

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #82 on: November 02, 2009, 05:08:02 pm »
So 1 in a 100 computers still has it and then only the big budget machines. Wow.

I guess you would claim that floppy drives are here to stay too then ...
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #83 on: November 02, 2009, 05:30:19 pm »
So 1 in a 100 computers still has it and then only the big budget machines. Wow.

1 in 100...  not even close.  You shouldn't assume you know the US market, being so far away and all.

Quote
I guess you would claim that floppy drives are here to stay too then ...

 :whap

protokatie

  • I DO try to be insulting and horrible to my fellow Terran
  • Trade Count: (+1)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1396
  • Last login:March 27, 2012, 09:36:43 pm
  • Is anyone here a member of team retard?
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #84 on: November 02, 2009, 07:48:13 pm »
One thing I have noticed with all of the new PC's I have seen (desktop, not laptop) is that they have the PS/2 connectors. The 300 dollar shitbomb I bought (brand new) a few months ago has them. I am GLAD that they did, as it frees up the more expensive USB ports for things that need the bandwidth. (The 300 dollar machine is my new fileserver and I use external USB drives, so port wastage is a concern to me).
They will go the way of the floppy once there is less demand for them than the cost difference of USB vs PS/2. I wish I can't remember fully, and maybe someone will enlighten me again, but the PS/2 system uses an already available bus, so the connectors are a very cheap add-on... Anyone with info on this?
--- Yes I AM doing this on purpose, and yes I DO realize it is pissing you off.

---If my computers were cats, my place would look like an old widows house, with half of the cats having obvious health problems

SunnyDU

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4
  • Last login:October 12, 2014, 04:37:16 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #85 on: September 16, 2014, 11:01:46 pm »
I can't help myself.  It's been 5 years.  Let's see where we stand.   

On the one hand, you'd be hard pressed to find a PC with a PS/2 port now.

On the other hand, why would anyone buy a PC to run an arcade cab?  People will generally have a stack of old PCs stashed in the garage that have PS/2 ports and will run most MAME ROMs perfectly fine.

DeLuSioNal29

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4779
  • Last login:July 11, 2025, 09:17:44 am
  • Build the impossible -"There is no Spoon"
    • DeLuSioNaL's YouTube Videos
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #86 on: September 16, 2014, 11:26:36 pm »
Keep this in mind as well in the argument.

http://www.ultimarc.com/ipacusb.html
Stop by my Youtube channel and leave a comment:

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #87 on: September 17, 2014, 01:16:50 am »

This thread is a blast from the past  :lol

It's interesting that the 2-5 year prediction is now 10 years old, and the PS/2 port is still present on many new machines.  It now takes the form of a "dual" function (mouse OR keyboard) PS/2 port, but apparently splitter cables are available to attach both device types simultaneously.

Not gone yet ...maybe in another 5 years :)

Skinnysloth

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 33
  • Last login:May 08, 2016, 08:38:26 pm
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #88 on: September 17, 2014, 02:18:02 am »
The PS/2 port is definitely not extinct or rare.  Of the 4 desktop computers in my home, all of them have PS/2 ports.  Although 3 of them are about 5 years old, the one I put together 6 months ago has the "dual" function PS/2 port.

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #89 on: September 17, 2014, 03:17:46 pm »
So the anecdotal "evidence" shows that there are no PS/2 ports on new computers. Perhaps a "dual function" port where you have to find a cable and be "lucky" that it's hidden inside.

That was pretty much as predicted yes.
This signature is intentionally left blank

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #90 on: September 17, 2014, 04:39:45 pm »
That was pretty much as predicted yes.

Except that there are PS/2 ports on many new computers...and 10 years later at that.  The interesting thing is that the industry is somewhat successfully phasing out the entire desktop PC for the average "check your email, surf the web and balance the checkbook" types, so much of this is becoming moot fairly quickly.

But there will always be cheap, older and very capable computers with PS/2 ports for the kinds of things we need them for around here. ;)

DeLuSioNal29

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4779
  • Last login:July 11, 2025, 09:17:44 am
  • Build the impossible -"There is no Spoon"
    • DeLuSioNaL's YouTube Videos
Stop by my Youtube channel and leave a comment:

patrickl

  • I cannot know for certain which will be tastiest
  • Trade Count: (+2)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4614
  • Last login:August 27, 2021, 09:25:30 am
  • Yo momma llama
    • PocketGalaga
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #92 on: September 17, 2014, 05:26:58 pm »
No, not "many". Very few in fact and even then pretty much only with "combo" ports.

So sure, old junkers will be available for some time, but that wasn't what was "predicted".
This signature is intentionally left blank

SunnyDU

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4
  • Last login:October 12, 2014, 04:37:16 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #93 on: September 17, 2014, 07:46:12 pm »
I'm just going to throw this out there and say that the predictions from both sides were off the mark a bit.

Arguing that PS/2 is not obsolete by providing links to support you claim and saying that you can still get one is weak.  If that's your argument that must mean VHS is also not obsolete.  (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-SD-V296-Tunerless-Combo-Player/dp/B001DZFYPW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410995510&sr=8-1&keywords=dvd%2F+vhs+player)

PS/2 is definitely obsolete (for the regular consumer market), but there is clearly an extremely strong specialized market for it that isn't going anywhere anytime soon.  So any argument saying that you should buy a USB encoder because PS/2 is obsolete is equally as weak. 

Now that that's settled I would really like to know if there are still differing opinions and/or facts on the performance of each given what we know now?  Let's please assume that the system this is running on is a dedicated arcade cabinet with no other USB relevant devices connected.

« Last Edit: September 18, 2014, 06:26:18 am by SunnyDU »

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #94 on: September 18, 2014, 12:25:36 pm »
Arguing that PS/2 is not obsolete by providing links to support you claim and saying that you can still get one is weak.  If that's your argument that must mean VHS is also not obsolete.  (http://www.amazon.com/Toshiba-SD-V296-Tunerless-Combo-Player/dp/B001DZFYPW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410995510&sr=8-1&keywords=dvd%2F+vhs+player)

While the comparison isn't exactly apt, I'll play along.  But first, let's get semantic:

Quote
ob·so·lete

adjective
1.
no longer produced or used; out of date.

PS/2 ports and devices are in fact still produced and used, so yes, the fact that you can also purchase newly produced VHS players/recorders does refute the claim of obsolescence in both cases.  Sure, you can purchase a DVD player which does not have a VHS machine in the same box, but that doesn't negate their existence, nor the demand for them.  Just as with PS/2, VHS has been around for a very long time.  Consumers have amassed huge collections of media which they still want access to.  It could be argued that those same consumers could transfer those recordings to more modern media, but doing so is time consuming, and often times not particularly simple to do.  It also requires an investment in the new media, and the hardware to do it well.

The reason both of these still exist is that they are dead simple to use, and because of their age and mass adoption, the technology is inexpensive and nearly "bullet-proof".  In their purest forms, it takes no special knowledge or support  to operate them.  They just work.  In the case of PS/2, this meant that consumers could plug in a keyboard or mouse, without worrying about special drivers for extensions to the standard operation.  USB keyboards have a "Boot Protocol" which is similar, and operation is virtually guaranteed across any device or operating system.  However, with it comes some severe limitations when used for anything but a standard keyboard application.  USB is, however, more open ended, and can circumvent those limitations with modified report structures.  The caveat is that the operating system must allow for and properly handle those modified reports for them to work as intended.  Otherwise, special drivers are required.  PS/2 does not have the limitations of a "Boot Protocol" USB keyboard device, so even the most basic OS support makes them "plug and play".

That's not to say that some extended features of PS/2 keyboards and port hardware are always supported across all devices.  On rare occasions, a PC manufacturer will deviate to support a feature on their own non-standard keyboards, or simplify it to the point that it  can cause some compatibility issues where two-way communication is involved, but you can always count on the basic operation to be solid.

SunnyDU

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4
  • Last login:October 12, 2014, 04:37:16 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #95 on: September 18, 2014, 01:59:34 pm »
You may be missing my greater point.  I could care less whether PS/2 ports are obsolete or not regardless of how Webster defines the word.  My interpretation of the prediction was that the mass market would not be using the PS/2 port anymore and that this prediction was very relevant to main topic/question originally posed 10 years ago.

My statement was more calling attention to the irrelevance of the ubiquity of the PS/2 port in relation to the topic/question.

I'll side bar for a second though and disagree that simplicity is the reason it's still around.  The reason is lives and will continue to live in specialized markets is entrenchment.  The market doesn't care about simple, the market cares about making money.  As long as there's a market for it and the cost continues to be justified, PS/2s will still be available.

I'll finish by repeating my question. Is there are still differing opinions and/or facts on the performance of each given today's technology and what should now be provable historical evidence of performance metrics of each technology (PS/2 versus USB).  Please continue to assume that the system this is running on is a dedicated arcade cabinet with no other USB relevant devices connected.

AndyWarne

  • Trade Count: (+18)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1938
  • Last login:April 11, 2021, 03:37:09 am
    • Ultimarc
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #96 on: September 22, 2014, 10:28:31 am »
We will be dropping PS/2 support on the I-PAC range in a couple of months. The only reason we have kept it going is owing to a false belief that PS/2 is better than USB. Its not. PS/2 is obsolete, end of story and from a purely technical point of view we should have dropped PS/2 support years ago.

The DOS argument doesnt stand up because if you are using DOS on a modern motherboard the PS/2 issue is the last of your worries, DOS is terrible on modern hardware both in terms of I/O and video performance.

Motherboard manufacturers have propped up PS/2 support by tacking it on as an afterthought onto the ACPI power control subsystem and its implementation is poor and has been for years. Windows support of it is also poor. The PS/2 interface has not been maintained as any kind of standard for years since IBM disowned it and incompatibilities are rife.

I was involved a couple of years ago with a project for a bank data entry center which used PS/2 keyboards. They replaced all the PCs with Dells which were the last ones to have PS/2. The keyboard performance was so bad that they had to junk them all and replace them with new USB ones.

USB out-performs PS/2 by a huge margin and nobody should be using PS/2 for gaming on modern OSes or hardware.
« Last Edit: September 22, 2014, 10:40:50 am by AndyWarne »

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #97 on: September 22, 2014, 01:49:29 pm »
PS/2 is a true serial interface, with regard to individual keypress events, while USB keyboard devices are not.  USB input events are packetized, and not necessarily acted upon by the system in any specific order if received within the same packet.  The only reason this doesn't matter with keyboards is the fact that it is extremely unlikely that a person typing at a simple keyboard will be typing fast enough to cause multiple input events to occur within the same packet.  This is not the case where keyboard technology is used as a gaming controller, and multiple events can be occurring across several users, nearly simultaneously.  When this occurs in the case of fighting games, when one player executes a move a tiny fraction of a second before the other, there is no guarantee that the player who actually executed the move first, will actually be given priority.  In devices where multiple keyboard devices are reported by the same physical device, this can become worse if that player's input happens to be relegated to a different keyboard device than the one being reported next.  This is, of course, dependent upon the implementation, but users have no knowledge of these kinds of things to know exactly what workarounds are in use to get past simultaneous keypress limitations.  It can be done well, or not well at all.  This is not the case with PS/2.

For bank data entry and Point of sale, PS/2 was the norm for just these reasons.  The devices used were often piggy-backed onto the keyboard data stream, which meant that to the system it was attached to, it appeared as though the user had actually typed the data, albeit very quickly, and the data order would always be correct. 

For arcade gaming, the PS/2 protocol works perfectly.  It is way more than fast enough for the 60hz polling cycles of arcade games, and it is extremely reliable.  In fact so reliable, in cases where users have issues with using USB on some of the dual-compatible devices, the first suggestion is to use the PS/2 capability if present on their system.  When that advice is followed, their issues seem to go away.  That alone tends to speak volumes in support of using it, if one can.

As for it being an "afterthought", I find it odd that one would think a special two color connector to indicate either mouse or keyboard compatibility, and appropriate connection to support both without interference, was an afterthought.  It seems pretty well thought out and implemented to me. 

BTW, Dells are the oddball when is comes to keyboard issues.  Every time I have heard of an issue with a keyboard, the name Dell always seems to pop up.  Not with all of their systems, mind you, but they dropped the ball with some of them, even to the point where they were very picky about even regular keyboards working, when it did not carry their brand name.
« Last Edit: September 22, 2014, 02:49:45 pm by RandyT »

SunnyDU

  • Trade Count: (0)
  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4
  • Last login:October 12, 2014, 04:37:16 pm
  • I want to build my own arcade controls!
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #98 on: September 22, 2014, 10:22:39 pm »
When this occurs in the case of fighting games, when one player executes a move a tiny fraction of a second before the other, there is no guarantee that the player who actually executed the move first, will actually be given priority.

Wouldn't that depend on how the encoder handles the buffering? Couldn't the encoder guarantee order prior to sending by not "packetizing"?

Either way, seems like both sides of the statement could be provable with some asynchronous testing and metrics for out of order hits or something similar.

AndyWarne

  • Trade Count: (+18)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 1938
  • Last login:April 11, 2021, 03:37:09 am
    • Ultimarc
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #99 on: September 23, 2014, 04:20:53 am »

USB wins in fighting games owing to the need for detecting complex moves involving simultaneously pressed keys whereas PS/2 is a slower serial interface.

In spite of the PS/2 interface being simple at the hardware level, the data still has to get through all this lot: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj128267(v=vs.85).aspx

At the end of the day the game is the limiting factor in determining whether very closely-spaced keypresses happened at the same time or not, and would have trouble with either interface. USB is certainly not an issue in this respect as the packet rate is faster than the poll rate of the game. The original hardware would poll the input bus receivers at a certain rate and read all pressed keys at the same time. This is closer to USB in which all pressed keys are sent in one go.

I am not going to debate this any more because this debate has gone on longer than it should already. Much like the PS/2 interface itself :)

RandyT

  • Trade Count: (+14)
  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 7014
  • Last login:July 25, 2025, 02:17:35 pm
  • Friends don't let friends hack keyboards.
    • GroovyGameGear.com
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #100 on: September 23, 2014, 06:59:06 am »
USB wins in fighting games owing to the need for detecting complex moves involving simultaneously pressed keys whereas PS/2 is a slower serial interface.

"Slow" is an extremely relative term in the data realm.  PS/2 communicates at rates of up to 16khz, which is up to 1600 keypresses or 800 releases per second.  Considering that it's a dedicated port specifically for that one function,  it has more than enough speed for gaming controllers.  As indicated, on original hardware, any events which occur prior to the next screen blanking will be considered as having occurred simultaneously.  At that point, the original games internal code would decide priority.  However, input data is buffered by the OS, and given the time constraints, the emulation code will at some point need to stop reading data from the buffer so it can perform other tasks.  What is being discussed is the order in which these events are placed into the buffer to be read by the application.  If the system cannot guarantee the order in which data from the USB packets is placed into the buffers (and MS states it can't) then you have a possible scenario where an event can be delayed by a frame, even though it physically occurred prior to an event which was not delayed.  The same thing can happen with the "complex moves" described above, but this particular scenario could occur with either input device type.

Quote
In spite of the PS/2 interface being simple at the hardware level, the data still has to get through all this lot: http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/hardware/jj128267(v=vs.85).aspx

Which is still quite a bit less than an HID device.

Quote
...  gone on longer than it should already. Much like the PS/2 interface itself :)

I guess we will agree to disagree on that point.

DeLuSioNal29

  • Global Moderator
  • Trade Count: (+6)
  • Full Member
  • *****
  • Offline Offline
  • Posts: 4779
  • Last login:July 11, 2025, 09:17:44 am
  • Build the impossible -"There is no Spoon"
    • DeLuSioNaL's YouTube Videos
Re: Ipac Usb Vs, Ps/2
« Reply #101 on: September 23, 2014, 11:59:35 am »
To be honest, the only reason that I chose PS/2 for my encoder was that it freed up a USB port for other purposes.  I figured, hey, if there's a port there I might as well use it.  It's worked well for me.  :)

Moving forward though, the MB manufacturers now have tons of extra USB ports, so for me it's no longer an issue.   :applaud:

DeLuSioNaL29
Stop by my Youtube channel and leave a comment: