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I-Pac vs. Keywiz
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RandyT:

--- Quote from: AceTKK on April 07, 2005, 05:01:10 pm ---From the picture on Randy's site it doesn't look like the Key-Wiz Eco has IDE-compatible pins on the board, just solder pads.  Maybe you're thinking of the Mini-Pac?

--- End quote ---

If you go to the store, you'll see the "no-solder" option.  It has the pins.

RandyT
Timstuff:
I'll probably spend the extra 3 bucks to get the no-solderig version. It'll save me more time and effort, and it'll also leave the door open for future rewires without alot of hassle.
mlcampbe:
I've not seen anyone mention the ipacVE which is $35 including shipping. Feature include:

The I-PAC VE has ALL the features of the classic I-PAC2  board with the following exceptions:

    * When a custom codeset is used, it is stored in RAM instead of EEPROM, meaning that storage needs refreshing after power-down (this does not apply if you always use the built-in default MAME code set of course, the settings revert to MAME on power-down)
    * USB connection only. Suitable for all Windows versions and Linux, Mac. (Not DOS). Your existing keyboard remains unaffected.
    * 4 EXTRA INPUTS! Total 32 inputs.
    * When supplied with the free air mail option, no cable is sent. You will need any standard A-B USB cable, as used on all USB devices and available from any PC store (many people have these lying around anyway!).

Check it out at http://www.ultimarc.com/ipacve

Is this even worth considering??
Lilwolf:
I personally think needing to program it every boot isn't worth saving a few bucks personally.  I think this was designed by people who wanted to mass produce some controllers instead of people building a single cabinet.

I don't believe the encoder is a place to skimp on.  The screw in terminals are worth the money (crimping IDE cords doesn't hold all that well). 

We are really talking 10 - 20 bucks here.  And for something that will save you a TON of time and make it all look better in the end.  Also allow you to change the cabling without recrimping... 

Buy the good version of either (both are great).  Get some GOOD wire (no cat5).  Make sure its NOT solid core (doesn't crimp well).  Get a crimper.  Get 50+ quick disconnects... And some good wire ties that you can screw down. 

All will make your cabinet something you don't dread to look inside.
Tiger-Heli:

--- Quote from: mlcampbe on April 07, 2005, 09:24:50 pm ---Check it out at http://www.ultimarc.com/ipacve
Is this even worth considering??

--- End quote ---
IMHO, the I-PAC VE is a direct competitor, (and a direct response) to the KeyWiz MAX.  The main difference being the VE is USB ONLY, and the KeyWiz is PS/2 ONLY.

There have been numerous discussions on the feasibility of keyboard encoders in PS/2 and USB modes, and I won't re-hash that here.

The secondary difference being that if the KeyWiz works for you, the no-solder KeyWiz ECO will do about the same thing for $23, so you can get one with shipping for about the same price as Ultimarc's least expensive option (minipac) BEFORE shipping.

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