1st Purchase of Supplies - What am I forgetting?

[j123vt_99]

Looks like I will need to get an ipac from ultimarc... Before I place my order, what else do I need? I'm not sure if I need a ps2 or usb. Is the difference on how it connects to the comp? If I go with the ps2, do I need a ps2 cable?

Also, I see ultimarc sells a kit of wires... Can I get these cheaper at like a home depot or radio shack?

I might order one joystick to give a try.

[jcroach]

You might want to pick up a set of PCB mounting feet.  Not necessarily required, but many people find them useful to attach the I-Pac to a wooden control panel.  I've found them impossible to find in the "brick and mortar" stores around me, so I finally ordered a set from Ponyboy.

In terms of USB vs PS/2, The main difference is that USB is "hot swappable."  You can plug and unplug it without rebooting your computer.  USB does not work with DOS.  USB also has a 6 keystroke max at any given time.  This might be an issue with a 4 player control panel.

Do the wiring yourself.  It's tedious, but rewarding.  And probably cheaper.  You just need stranded wire and then either quick disconnects or solder and a soldering iron.

Oh yeah, you need joysticks and buttons and games and such, but I assume you know that already! 

[AlanS17]

Hola, fellow Texan! You'll definitely want to make sure you get everything from Ultimarc in one order. They're located in the UK so overseas shipping can sting if you have to do it more than once.

Anyways, I recommend getting the PS2 version unless:
1.) You're using a Mac.
2.) You're building a stand-alone control panel.
3.) You want to be able to hot swap youre control panel for others.

Otherwise, the PS2 version is probably a better choice. They're the same board, anyways. The only difference is the cable that's included with the board. So if you can't decide which one you want, order a PS2 version and a spare USB cable (or vice versa). Ultimarc charges $3 per cable, but if you tried to find one locally it'll probably run you close to $10.

Definitely get the PCB feet. You'll thank yourself for it.

The wiring kit from Ultimarc is a little pricy, but it comes in 10 different wire colors. You can find wire anywhere, but usually in spools of just one color. Color coding makes installation and trouble shooting easier. It's also a little prettier (if you care about that). You also get 100 connectors (called quick disconnects). There are places to buy them locally, but they're usually sold in small packages and obscene prices. A pack of 8 at Radio Shack will cost more than a buck.

You'll probably need 4 packs so it'll run you $5 for the quick disconnects. Then you'll pay $8 for the crimper. Then you'll pay $6 for wire. Cable ties are a buck.

Hey! What do you know! It comes out to about the same as buying locally. I never bothered to do the math before. The difference is that you'll have extra connectors in case you screw up and multi-colored wire if you go with Ultimarc. You might as well do it. (At least I would.)

[Tiger-Heli]

In terms of USB vs PS/2, The main difference is that USB is "hot swappable."  You can plug and unplug it without rebooting your computer.  USB does not work with DOS.  USB also has a 6 keystroke max at any given time.  This might be an issue with a 4 player control panel.

USB is "officially" hot-swappable.  I hot-swap my PS/2 KeyWiz all the time with no issues, but YMMV.

USB will probably work with DOS MAME under Windows and may work in pure DOS depending on your BIOS.

USB Keyboards have a 6 keystroke max at any given time (plus modifiers such as Ctrl, Alt, and Shift).   The Ultimarc Encoders have the following limitations when used in USB mode:  Simultaneous limit of 14, 16, or 22 keys plus multipliers.   Key-Repeat is enabled on all keys.  In PS/2 mode, key repeat is only enabled on the Up and Down arrow keys.

You get the cable either way, unless you order the I-PAC VE.  Then you need your own USB A-B cable from your local computer store.

Also, you might confirm with Andy, but it used to be the $39 I-PAC was PS/2 and the $43 one  added the USB cable, so it was useable for both.  I would go with this option, as you can then use whichever one works best for you (if for example your replacement motherboard in five years no longer supports PS/2).

[jcroach]

Thanks for the correction.  I was a little worried there that I had bought the wrong encoder. (I-PAC VE for a 2-player system).

USB Keyboards have a 6 keystroke max at any given time (plus modifiers such as Ctrl, Alt, and Shift).

[j123vt_99]

thanks guys..

looks like i'll go with:

-ipac2 ps2
-pcb feet
- the wire kit

if i go to radio shack, what specific type of wire do i need?

[toyfiend2004]

how many buttons/controls are you using for your CP?  of course that means per player....

[testicle187]

I use 22AWG stranded wire from radio shack.  Anything between 18-22 guage should be fine, though.

[j123vt_99]

how many buttons/controls are you using for your CP?

[toyfiend2004]

i dont remember how much it cost, but a buddy of mine used 25 strand Cat5e cable.  he just stripped the "shell" from around the wired ends and used that.  it keeps everything clean and uniform.  and everything has a separate color that way.  just a suggestion.   

[AlanS17]

i dont remember how much it cost, but a buddy of mine used 25 strand Cat5e cable.

[ahofle]

i dont remember how much it cost, but a buddy of mine used 25 strand Cat5e cable.

[joshbr7257]

im no expert at this stuff, i was recently asking the same questions, but i went with gettting the 22 gauge wire at radio shack, you can get red and black 100ft spools(plenty of wire) and then talk to peale here on the boards for the quick disconects( a 100 pack) hes the cheapest i could find and if you dont have a wire crimper just get one at frys or radio shack for cheap. oh yeah and i ended up getting the ps/2 IPAC2 also. and if you havent ordered any buttons or controls yet, talk to ponyboy he will get them for you cheap. good luck