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Author Topic: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac  (Read 4585 times)

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miles2912

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IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« on: September 18, 2005, 06:54:42 pm »
Am I missing something here.  The Mini pac comes with all the connections that the I-PAC comes with plus a wire harness and Optical connect for a trackball/spinner.  The price is a little cheaper than the ipac/opti pac combo plus you get pre wired wires.  I can see a problem if your controls are further apart than the harness, but other than that the mini-pac sounds like a great deal. 

Anyone care to comment?

Miles
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AceTKK

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2005, 07:32:25 pm »
Yea, the Mini-Pac is a great deal.  Especially if you have the inclination to make your own wiring harness.  The Opti-Pac allows you to hook up multiple trackballs / spinners, but if you're only using one then the Mini is the way to go IMO. 

-Ace-
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Tiger-Heli

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #2 on: September 19, 2005, 08:14:21 am »
Depends if you want dual trackballs or only one.

<edit> Ooops - AceTKK already said that. . .
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miles2912

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #3 on: September 20, 2005, 01:57:21 am »
Hmmm ...  According to the Mini-Pac wiring page it shows inputs for 2 tracballs plus a spinner.  Am I reading it wrong?

Miles
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LiquidFire

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2005, 04:37:05 am »
After reviewing the info, I decided that for my upcoming cabinet I wanted the I-PAC / OPTIPAC combo for the total mind-numbing number of inputs allowed. Can't be sorry going that route even though I will never need it.

However, for a second project I am building a control panel standalone for the 'squids' and I chose the Mini-Pac & harness since I won't change it once it is done.

The major difference from an engineering standpoint IMO is the ruggedness of the parts. The I-PAC is certain to last and taste better longer.

For sheer productivity, nothing will beat the Mini-Pac. As Andy says, geared toward OEM cab builders. The small design probably benefitted from some generational lessons. If I was building to sell, I would use it and the pre-made harness to save time.
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Tiger-Heli

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2005, 08:41:15 am »
Quote from: miles2912 on September 20, 2005, 01:57:21 am
Hmmm ...  According to the Mini-Pac wiring page it shows inputs for 2 tracballs plus a spinner.  Am I reading it wrong?

Miles

http://www.ultimarc.com/mp_inst.html

Yes, but I see how you got confused - Trackball X - X (horizontal axis), Trackball Y - Y (Vertical axis).

One trackball and one spinner as opposed to two trackballs and four spinners.
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Timoe

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #6 on: September 20, 2005, 01:33:43 pm »
So you can do one track ball and one spinner?



Yes, Timoe, this is correct
« Last Edit: September 20, 2005, 01:49:57 pm by timoe »
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miles2912

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Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
« Reply #7 on: September 20, 2005, 07:15:57 pm »
.. and that is exactly how I am going to use sit.  One trackball and one spinner.   I placed the order (shipping number sent the same day!) and am looking forward to putting it all together.

Miles
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