Can I plug a keyboard into an IPAC's pass-thru in USB mode?

[Sasquatch!]

I guess the title is self-explanatory.   I'd like to hook up an IPAC into my PC's USB port, but I'd also like to be able to hook a keyboard into the IPAC if need be.  I can't find  the answer to this on Ultimarc's site, so does anyone know?  Thanks!

[Thenasty]

I think its self explanatory to (thats why its called PASS-THRU). No one posted and answer for 15 minutes and it could only take you seconds to find out.

[whammoed]

From what I remember when trying this it is unreliable at best.  I don't think it is recommended.

[daywane]

I think its self explanatory to (thats why its called PASS-THRU). No one posted and answer for 15 minutes and it could only take you seconds to find out.

Why be like that?
he asked a honest question and wanted some advice from some one who has done this. Maybe he did and his is giving him problems.
I hate attitudes
I do not have one to answer his question but I was interested in the responses, just to see if there is any problems to expect

[mcdo15]

no, this came from andy (ultramarc owner) in email

let me ask you a question though,
do you find yourself haveing to program ipac on every boot?

[mcdo15]

I think its self explanatory to (thats why its called PASS-THRU). No one posted and answer for 15 minutes and it could only take you seconds to find out.

Why be like that?
he asked a honest question and wanted some advice from some one who has done this. Maybe he did and his is giving him problems.
I hate attitudes
I do not have one to answer his question but I was interested in the responses, just to see if there is any problems to expect

i agree..i had a problem too but didn't ask that question in here.  Andy was quick to reply.  if you are using ps/2, then you can connect keyboard to pass though...

not that your opionion is vaild, it was rude.  maybe orginal poster said he was having problems, you woulnd't of said that.   the problem is upon boot up if keyboard is connected, caps/shift/scroll lock led's  kept flashing repeatable along with the ipac connection (the green light located on top of the unit led)

good day

[Gunstar Hero]

I do have to program the IPAC upon boot up every time.

Quite annoying.

=(

[Sasquatch!]

I think its self explanatory to (thats why its called PASS-THRU). No one posted and answer for 15 minutes and it could only take you seconds to find out..

Based on all of the other responses I got in this thread, it turns out that your attitude-laden response of "thats why its called PASS-THRU" is wrong.  

Little piece of advice: The next time you feel the need to rudely blast someone for asking a question, please at least try to get your facts straight first.  Thanks.

[Sasquatch!]

no, this came from andy (ultramarc owner) in email

So is it a case of "it's not supported", or will it flat-out not work?

let me ask you a question though,
do you find yourself haveing to program ipac on every boot?

I don't own one yet, so I can't answer that.  Sorry.

[mcdo15]

no, this came from andy (ultramarc owner) in email

So is it a case of "it's not supported", or will it flat-out not work?


if you do ps/2, you can use keyboard.  other wise, andy told me to just run cable to motherboard under usb mode

[Thenasty]

there are alot of questions really that could have been answered in a second if they just try it and find out, then post if you had any problems if any. I did not want to sound rude but it was common sense that if you just try it, you would have found out right away. Now there was no mentioned of you not having it yet, nor you had any problems with it at all, or stating that you are thinking of buying one and wanting to know if it works. I do have an I-pac an I use the pass thru with no problems.

[daywane]

still there os NO harm in asking.
I have to explain very simple things at work all the time
I do not mind. (well some times ) but still I just bite my lipe and explane it again

[Thenasty]

still there os NO harm in asking.
I have to explain very simple things at work all the time
I do not mind. (well some times ) but still I just bite my lipe and explane it again

I guess it should have been " What happens when you tried it " heh ?  

[Sasquatch!]

there are alot of questions really that could have been answered in a second if they just try it and find out, then post if you had any problems if any. I did not want to sound rude but it was common sense that if you just try it, you would have found out right away. Now there was no mentioned of you not having it yet, nor you had any problems with it at all, or stating that you are thinking of buying one and wanting to know if it works. I do have an I-pac an I use the pass thru with no problems.

Sorry I bit your head off there, Nasty...I could've been more clear, but you could've not just thrown down the accusation of being lazy at me.  Truce?  

Anyways, I do not currently own an IPAC, so I can't just try it.  I'm asking this question because it'll help me decide if I want to get the regular IPAC or the IPACVE.  If I can't use the pass-thru while the IPAC is using USB, then I'll probably go for the VE.  You said that it works with no problems for you - you mean in USB mode?

[AndyWarne]

When using the keyboard through the pass-through, with the I-PAC in USB mode, the I-PAC is working as a PS/2 to USB converter. This will work, but there will be some limitations, as there are with other "active" PS/2 to USB converters such as the Belkin. One of the issues is that in PS/2 mode the keyboard produces the auto-repeat but in USB mode the Windows driver does this, so there are two types of auto-repeat going on. Another issue is that some keyboards have poorly designed firmware (the Microsoft natural keyboard is an offender here) which sometimes miss the sending of key up-codes. This does not have a great effect on PS/2 but in USB mode any one single missing up-code will cause the Windows driver to go into auto-repeat mode. The belkin adaptor gets around this by issuing a spurious up-code after a pre-determined period of time (which is a good reason why it should never be used for gameplay!)
So, although it will work, there might be some issues owing to the different way in which PS/2 and USB work.
To answer the other point, if anyone has an I-PAC which does not keep it's settings (except the VE version) please email me as this is a fault which needs to be looked at.
Andy

[Sasquatch!]

Interesting.  Guess I'll just see how it goes then.  Thanks for the reply, Andy!