GP-Wiz MAX 32-input USB VS. I-PAC 2 Interface

[StinkyPinky]

I am attempting to construct my first MAME cabinet, and have come to a decision that may need some assistance.  For my control panel, I have narrowed my choice of interfaces to two.  The I-Pac 2 ( http://www.ultimarc.com ) and the GP-Wiz MAX 32-input USB ( http://www.groovygamegear.com ).  Am I on the right track with these interfaces, or do I need to go in a completely different direction?  Any input would be greatly appreciated.  Cheers!

[Shape D.]

my personal preference would be to go with the Ipac. connecting wires to it is just easier.

[tetsujin]

my personal preference would be to go with the Ipac. connecting wires to it is just easier.

How's that?  They both have screw-terminals.

The real question is how you feel about USB "joystick" input vs. keyboard input.  I think as long as your software supports USB game controls it's mostly a matter of taste.  (On that basis I'd go with the USB joystick encoder any day.)

[NoOne=NBA=]

Out of curiousity, why did you rule out the KeyWiz?
If you are planning to run MAME exclusively, it won't really make a difference which route you go.

If you are planning to run OTHER software, make sure they ALL support CONFIGURABLE joystick input if you plan to get the GP-Wiz, or that they all support keyboard input if you get the I-pac or KeyWiz.

You don't want to get caught short with a program that doesn't support the encoder you choose.

[Grasshopper]

Advantages of GP-Wiz:

* Lower price

* 4 extra inputs

Advantages of I-Pac:

* supports USB and ps/2 so you can hedge your bets if you're not sure which will be best for you. This is the most significant difference IMHO.

* Programmable keyset, and keeps settings when switched off.

There are other minor differences but the ones listed above are the ones that I think are important.

Personally I'd buy an Ipac.

[Kremmit]

The I-pac saves it's keymapping even after power-down, does the GP-Wiz?  I dunno.

Shipping is cheaper on the GP, as it's made in the USA.  The I-Pac comes DHL from the UK. 

If you're buying joysticks, buttons, trackballs, or other parts, both manufacturers have offerings.  If you want any of Ultimarc's other products (Opit-Pac, T-Stick+, etc), shipping becomes much more reasonable if you're buying other stuff at the same time.  And of course, if you like the stuff at Groovy better, the same holds true.  Buying from two (or three, or thirteen) different places really runs up the total shipping you pay to get the parts you need.

[StinkyPinky]

O.K.  Maybe I am confused here.  I guess I don't see the difference between a "joystick" encoder amd a "keyboard" encoder.  Both can be USB or PS2, and both are used to emulate keyboard strokes.  Is this correct, or am I way off?

[Hoagie_one]

joystick doesnt emulate keystrokes.  It sends actual joypad inputs like an actual gamepad.

[cholin]

The difference is the encoder.  Think of it like this:  One is a keyboard, one is a joystick.  Then rule them out.  Do your games support joysticks?  Do your games use the keyboard more often?  Is it more work to set one up to run other software?  Are you buying other stuff from a company?

For me, I chose the iPac because Ive heard more about it and because Im buying T-stik plusses anyway, I figure I should get the shipment all at once, save some cash.  Also, I like the idea of the design where theres only terminals on two sides.  Then I like because I can use my keyboard without mounting a switch, and the fact that it has a LED harness that I can custom wire to run my custom LED board

[Kremmit]

Either will work.  In most (all??) MAME circumstances, it won't matter a whit which one you use.  But if you want to use any other apps that will only work with a keyboard or only work with a joypad, then there you go.

[SteveJ34]

So, I've tried to follow this and the other threads on the GP-Wiz....

It is seen as a USB Gamepad, correct?

So it is not configurable as a keyboard device, ie: this would not be a solution if one were trying to create a USB based YDKJ controller where you need to define the following keys:

1,2,3,4, P, Q, B, etc

[SirPoonga]

The ipac also does key board LEDs if that is your thing.
otherwise it really doesn;t make a difference.

[Kremmit]

So, I've tried to follow this and the other threads on the GP-Wiz....

It is seen as a USB Gamepad, correct?

So it is not configurable as a keyboard device, ie: this would not be a solution if one were trying to create a USB based YDKJ controller where you need to define the following keys:

1,2,3,4, P, Q, B, etc

GP-Wiz shows as a gamepad, correct.  If you wanted to use one, and wanted the inputs to show as keyboard keypresses, I guess you could use the Joy2Key (JoyToKey?) software.  RandyT also sells the Keywiz, which shows as a keyboard with no messing around, but is PS/2 only.