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Keyboard Encoder, I-Pac, KB16, other?
Tiger-Heli:
Since it was mentioned, here are my thoughts on the TOKN-16.
I can't get to the TOKN website, so I can't verify price, but I think it was on the order of what you would pay for the KeyWiz ECO (with pin header) or the GP-Wiz ECO. UPDATE: On E-bay, seems to be going for about $10.50, or about half before shipping of what a KeyWiz Eco would be.
And I know I need to add the data for it to my comparision pages.
However, assuming that price point is correct, I have a hard time recommending it over the KeyWiz products for the following reasons:
Sixteen inputs vs. 32.
No shift (Shazaaam!) function for additional inputs.
Matrix rather than common ground wiring.
Programmable in a manual sense, but no way to load a custom codeset through software.
None of these are showstoppers in and of themselves, and I think the unit does what it does well (i.e. roughly the equivalent of a programmable keyboard hack, with a working pass-thru).
Basically, it makes sense for someone say building a cab for a single player, for MAME only, and extremely concerned about cost, who doesn't want to bother with hacking a keyboard, and wants their choice of arcade keys.
JoyMonkey:
Assuming you'll be using Windows, I'd use a KeyWiz for Players 1 & 2 and a USB GP-Wiz for players 3 & 4. This is a more affordable option and I'm a big fan of RandyT's products (that said, I don't doubt that the IPac is excellent).
Also, I'd give Players 1 & 2 six buttons each - seems that people that like 4 player games also like fighters.
Players 1 & 2:
4 - Directionals
6 - Buttons
1 - Start Button Players 3 & 4:
4 - Directionals
4 - Buttons
1 - Start Button[/color]
Additional Buttons: 1 - Shazam (aka shift)
Total inputs: 41
You don't need all those extra administrative buttons (for coins etc) - just use the Shazam key or button combos, this will help your panel look less cluttered and means less work for you.
For example, in Mame you can set Coin1 = Shift and P1 Button1 , Exit = P1 Start and P2 Start.
Tiger-Heli:
--- Quote from: JoyMonkey on April 07, 2005, 09:07:02 am ---Assuming you'll be using Windows, I'd use a KeyWiz for Players 1 & 2 and a USB GP-Wiz for players 3 & 4. This is a more affordable option and I'm a big fan of RandyT's products (that said, I don't doubt that the IPac is excellent).
--- End quote ---
Agreed, and I like this option, although you could alternatively use the GP-Wiz for Players 1 and 2 and the KeyWiz for 3 and 4, or a combination. For MAME, it doesn't make a difference, but it depends whether your other programs are geared more toward keyboard or gamepad input.
--- Quote ---Also, I'd give Players 1 & 2 six buttons each - seems that people that like 4 player games also like fighters.
--- End quote ---
Agreed in general.
--- Quote ---Total inputs: 41
You don't need all those extra administrative buttons (for coins etc) - just use the Shazam key or button combos. For example, in Mame you can set Coin1 = Shift and P1 Button1 , Exit = P1 Start and P2 Start.
--- End quote ---
OTOH, total inputs: 41 and the KW and GP-Wiz combined gives 64 inputs, so you have plenty to add 4 start, 4 coin, and Pause and Escape without button combos if you wanted to. Also, the KeyWiz has the option of 1-press combo buttons, so you can use these as well.
mattp:
Make sure you realize that programming a codeset from the PC on the fly is largely marketed as a feature in an attempt to cover up the fact that some encoders DO NOT have
EEPROM for persistent storage of your settings. Read the fine print.
This means you have to reload everytime you unplug your encoder or restart the PC
which is very undesirable for desktop consoles.
The TOKN KB16 is designed as a cost reduction for commerical standup arcade,
typically 1P 2P alternating w/up to 8 gameplay and 4 control buttons
or 2P simultaneous with 2 gameplay buttons each and 4 control.
TOKN KB16 also shines in the area of desktop consoles because you can connect many together with DIN cables. 8 or more! While connected in series, each player can still change their assignments! Something that you definitely can't manage with a PC shazzapp.
Don't let the eBay low prices fool you. Its a promotional campaign. If you get one cheap, then congrats, you've waited patiently. If you don't like waiting you can get them at tokn.net for about 25 a pop plus shipping. The lowest on the web for true passthru w/ EEPROM. Check em out....
Tiger-Heli:
--- Quote from: mattp on April 07, 2005, 02:03:36 pm ---Make sure you realize that programming a codeset from the PC on the fly is largely marketed as a feature in an attempt to cover up the fact that some encoders DO NOT have
EEPROM for persistent storage of your settings. Read the fine print.
This means you have to reload everytime you unplug your encoder or restart the PC
which is very undesirable for desktop consoles.
--- End quote ---
Dead wrong! I use my encoder for PC games as well as MAMETM. Each PC game needs a different codeset. So I use the encoder software to load the different set. This would be a useful feature whether the encoder uses EEPROM or SDRAM. It would be a royal pain to change 32 (ermmn 16) key assignments MANUALLY each time I wanted to play a different game.
--- Quote ---The TOKN KB16 is designed as a cost reduction for commerical standup arcade,
typically 1P 2P alternating w/up to 8 gameplay and 4 control buttons
or 2P simultaneous with 2 gameplay buttons each and 4 control.
--- End quote ---
Okay, 2P simultaneous with 2 gameplay buttons each, so basically a 1Player or classics cab (no 2P street fighter).
--- Quote ---TOKN KB16 also shines in the area of desktop consoles because you can connect many together with DIN cables. 8 or more! While connected in series, each player can still change their assignments! Something that you definitely can't manage with a PC shazzapp.
--- End quote ---
Yes, but it takes two of them to get the number of inputs of a KeyWiz Eco, and the programming still needs to be done manually.
--- Quote ---Don't let the eBay low prices fool you. Its a promotional campaign. If you get one cheap, then congrats, you've waited patiently. If you don't like waiting you can get them at tokn.net for about 25 a pop plus shipping. The lowest on the web for true passthru w/ EEPROM. Check em out....
--- End quote ---
I thought there was a pretty limited market for it at the E-bay prices, much less at $25 a pop plus shipping.