KE-72T Hagstrom Encoder

[Ler6557]

Hi. I am a newbie and wondered why the KE-72T had four ports. I thought since the encoder acts as though a real keyboard encoder with the pushbuttons working as keys, all you needed to do was hook the KE-72T up to the PS/2 keyboard port on the computer and everything would work.

[Tiger-Heli]

Hi. I am a newbie and wondered why the KE-72T had four ports. I thought since the encoder acts as though a real keyboard encoder with the pushbuttons working as keys, all you needed to do was hook the KE-72T up to the PS/2 keyboard port on the computer and everything would work.

That's all you have to do.

Four ports -
PS/2 keyboard port - As you said for hooking the KE-72T to the computer.
PS/2 pass-thru port - For using a PS/2 keyboard on the computer with the KE-72 plugged in.
PS/2 mouse port - For hooking the trackball to the computer.
RS-232 parallel port - Optional interface for programming the unit, but you can also program it through the PS/2 port, AFAIK.

Having said that, while the unit is a solid piece of equipment, it is not designed for arcade controls, and not optimum for MAME.

If you need that many inputs, you could buy an I-PAC/4 an I-PAC/2 and a opti-pac (84 inputs and two trackball interfaces), for about $30 more.

If you can get by with 56 inputs, an I-PAC/4 and an Opti-Pac are slightly LESS expensive than the KE-72T.  (And you don't NEED more than 56 inputs, unless you are into 4-player console emulation without using USB gamepads).

If you want to save the most money, the pin-header versions of the KeyWiz Eco, two GP-Wiz Ecos, and one www.oscarcontrols.com pre-hacked mouse, gives you 96 inputs plus a trackball interface for $82.

[SteveJ34]

....
Having said that, while the unit is a solid piece of equipment, it is not designed for arcade controls, and not optimum for MAME.
....

I don't quite follow the statement that it is not optimum for MAME.

It is a little pricey and now there are alternative options but few years back when there weren't as many options this is what I went with and it has worked flawlessly in my 2 player upright.

[Tiger-Heli]

I don't quite follow the statement that it is not optimum for MAME.

I might not have worded that correctly - all I meant was "Doesn't have the MAME codeset by default."  and "Doesn't support shift functions - which are great for having access to admin functions without a bunch of extra buttons on your panel".  And it's way pricey compared to the alternatives.

It is a little pricey and now there are alternative options but few years back when there weren't as many options this is what I went with and it has worked flawlessly in my 2 player upright.

I don't doubt that for a minute.  But you don't need 72-inputs for a 2-player upright (I hope!!!)

[SteveJ34]

I might not have worded that correctly - all I meant was "Doesn't have the MAME codeset by default."  and "Doesn't support shift functions - which are great for having access to admin functions without a bunch of extra buttons on your panel".  And it's way pricey compared to the alternatives.

Agreed. Add the breakout board  and it only gets pricier...

I don't doubt that for a minute.  But you don't need 72-inputs for a 2-player upright (I hope!!!)

Certainly not....

I think my reasoning at the time was the other options  I was looking at only had 36, the 72T had integrated Trackball interface which I could plug up a Happs to and go, and finally... 72 gave me the option to expand to more buttons later should I decide to retool into a 4 player unit or....

Other options have since come available for which I have been a customer for ipacs, keywhiz, and gp-wizes  for other projects.

[LPZ]

IMHO, the KE-72T is the cadillac of the keyboard encoders.  You can program it for any custom keystroke that you want.  It doesn't have the plug and play GUI, but the options it has makes it pretty darn good for it's application.  I do agree it does cost TOO much, especially when you add some breakout boards and some cables.  It was the most expensive part of my cab that I had to purchase.