Is it normal to have to run IPAC programming utility after restart?

[Timoe]

I have 3 IPAC2s, 1 IPAC 4 and 2 GPWIz49's but I'm a total newb.

I've only just started building my own CPs.

[Mooshoo111]

If its an Ipac2ve, yes I think so.

[mcdo15]

If its an Ipac2ve, yes I think so.

yes...the ipac2ve doesn't retain settings but the regular ipacs should
i had this problem ... sent it back and got a new one

[Tiger-Heli]

If its an Ipac2ve, yes I think so.

Of course, if it's permanently attached, you could just add a link to the I-PAC programming utility from your start menu.

[Timoe]

Its not an IPAC 2VE.  So is there anything I can do or do I need to send it back?

How do I make the Programming automatic if I dont want to send the iPAC back?

[Tiger-Heli]

If there's a MAME/ALT jumper, make sure it's set to ALT.

[Timoe]

Its a newer IPAC without the jumpers.  Here's the thing though. After every restart I always open up notepad and try the joystick.    nothing.

Or if I open up mamewah, nothing. 

My computer is just not recognizing the the thing

I run the program utility and all my problems go away.  I dont mind having to run the programming utility all the time.  But I was just wondering if that was normal.  Should I expect better?  It would just be nice to take this thing over to a friends house and have it be plug and play.

[Tiger-Heli]

Doesn't sound normal to me.

[2600]

Someone correct me where I'm wrong.

The IPAC2 has jumpers.  The IPACVE does not have jumpers.
The IPAC2 when using the jumper, stores the values when powered off when they are programmed.
The IPACVE does not.

By default for IPACVE and IPAC2 the joystick is left, right,up, down.  You wouldn't see anything in notepad.

Looks like you have a IPACVE to me.  Whether that is what you ordered is a different story.  But look on the Ultimarc website there are clear pictures of each board.

[Tiger-Heli]

Someone correct me where I'm wrong.

The IPAC2 has jumpers.  The IPACVE does not have jumpers.

The OLD I-PAC/2 has jumpers.  The NEW I-PAC/2 does not have jumpers.  I don't know about jumpers on the VE.

[Timoe]

I went to the ultimarc website and I cant tell from the photos any difference between the two normal and VE.   Can you tell from the pictures I posted?

And in notepad, when I use the RIGHT joystick (player 2) it shows up as G, R, etc when it is working.

The only non-standard keys I have are on my admin panel. Tab Esc etc.  What bothers me is that the whole thing is not recognized after restart.

[2600]

What's the header used for behind the PS2 connectors? Do you have one PS2 connector on your board or two, I can't tell from the pic.


Maybe it's just an initialization problem, so let's first deal with that.

Using a USB hub or plugged directly into the PC?  If with a HUB, try it without.

You say on a restart it is not detected, what about if you unplug the USB connector then plug it back in?  Does it work then?

If you have a PS2 cable try it with that on a restart and see if that works.

[Tiger-Heli]

I-PAC/2 has a main and a pass-thru connector on the edge of the board.  I-PAC VE has a single USB A connector in the center edge of the board and no pass-thru.

Looks to me like you have an I-PAC/2.

I think the header is for LED connections.

[Lilwolf]

This sounds like a job for Andy.

Email him directly.  Hes GREAT on tech support.  Heck, he helped me fix a opti-pac that I miswired and blew up...  (note:  don't swap the +5 and ground when wiring an opti-pac... )

[2600]

I wanted his response Tiger-Heli. 

I forgot about the LEDs, I should get back to work, I don't know why I insist or trying to help when you've already got him taken care of.

[Tiger-Heli]

I wanted his response Tiger-Heli. 

I forgot about the LEDs, I should get back to work, I don't know why I insist or trying to help when you've already got him taken care of.

I think you've been more help than I have so far. 

[Timoe]

Ok, so I tried the list and heres what I found

I have an IPAC2 not a VE
When plugged in the LED blinks once and then stays lit. - this is normal
After I run the software, if I unplug the USB cable and then replug, it IS still recognized

After I restart - nothing, not even the ipac software recognizes the keystrokes

BUT

if I change to a ps2 cable instead of the USB.  Everything is fine.  and it works after restart.  The only thing is, I dont want to have this little CP always hooked up to my computer and I have to unplug the keyboard to use it.

I guess I will go back to the USB cord and using the software everytime.  But for the rest of my IPACs I will always go PS2 as they will all be used in dedicated cabinets. 

Thank you VERY much for all your helpful tips and suggestions

[2600]

Quick question:

After a restart and before you program it, what happens if you unplug it and plug it in?

[CheffoJeffo]

Are you plugging the USB directly into your machine, or into a hub ?

[Timoe]

I do not have a USB hub.

I thought I'd try 2600's idea.  I know I had already tried but just to make sure.  The replug detection technique does not help it.  Maybe the fault is with my Computers USB detection setup?  My printers and everything work fine though.  Same with my digicam.  ?

Now I have to figure out how to make the software automatic upon startup.  Any good tutorials for that.  I guess I'll try the FAQs later.

[tristan]

What OS are you running?

[2600]

I'd do like Lilwolf said, contact Andy.

[AceTKK]

Which OS are you using? It sounds like something might be wrong with your USB drivers.  Do you have access to a USB keyboard?  If so, swap the IPAC with that and see if you have the same problem.  If the problem persists, then the USB port/driver is the problem.  If the problem goes away then you need a new IPAC.

-Ace-

[Timoe]

XP pro SP2.  How can I fix a driver issue?  Can I download them or something?


I have a USB gamepad that works no matter what when I plug it in.  Same port too.

[Tiger-Heli]

I do not have a USB hub.

I thought I'd try 2600's idea.  I know I had already tried but just to make sure.  The replug detection technique does not help it.  Maybe the fault is with my Computers USB detection setup?  My printers and everything work fine though.  Same with my digicam.  ?

Now I have to figure out how to make the software automatic upon startup.  Any good tutorials for that.  I guess I'll try the FAQs later.

If you decided to go PS/2, you could plug the I-PAC into the PC and the keyboard into the I-PAC pass-thru and work that way, if that's convenient.

Automatic software - I think you just program the unit, but save the profile as say "timoe.ipc", Navigate to the Winipac software (or copy your current shortcut), right click on Winipac.exe and click "Create Shortcut".  You will see a file named "Shortcut to WinIpac.exe".  Right click on this, and change the target line to end with "WinIPAC timoe.IPC".

To load at startup, just drag and drop this to your Programs/Startup folder.

The problem is that's only helpful if the I-PAC is plugged in when you re-boot.  And if the I-PAC is being recognized.  What you might do is also copy this shortcut to the desktop.  Then you can double-click on it when you want to program the I-PAC.

One last thing I thought of (just an idea, and probably a bad one).  I had a similar problem with my KeyWiz in PS/2 mode under WinXP.  Under 98, the PS/2 ports were always active and I could hot-swap it with no problem.  Under XP, I plugged it in and it wouldn't do anything.  I re-booted without unplugging it, and it has worked since then.

Try leaving the I-PAC plugged into the USB port and re-starting the computer.  Hopefully, this will make WinXP realize the new hardware is added (you may not get a message) and add the drivers for it.

You also might look under Control Panel - System - Device Manager and look for any HID (Human Interface Device) or keyboards for drivers that might be conflicting and remove them as needed.

[AndyWarne]

Have you checked the troubleshooting section on www.ultimarc.com/ipac2.html, especially the heading: Problem: (USB Only) Board appears not to work until WinIPAC is run every time

If this does not help, please drop me an email.
Cheers
Andy

[Timoe]

Andy

I appologize for not reading your trouble shooting section on your website thoroughly before posting here.

That was it.  Problem solved.  I would have been fine to live with it the way it was but this is much better.  Thank you very much.

I think I'll go build more arcade controls now.