DOS Mame Cabinet - which i-pac to purchase

[bradleyj00]

I have a DOS mame cabinet. It is running a compilation called DEFCADE, which as you may know, is a prepackaged version of DOS mame .83 and ArcadeOS. I am very pleased with it.

Currently I am using a keyboard hack, which works, but messy, and from time to time, problematic. I'd like to replace it with an I-PAC, but unsure which version to purchase. I'd also like to install a spinner and trackball.

Can someone recommend which product I should purchase?? Keeping in mind I am running DOS, which I am assuming will not accept input from a USB source.

Any advice would be apprciated.

Thanks,
Jim

[aumameman]

stay clear of usb devices in dos as they are not compatible with all motherboards in a dos environment and not always PNP like in windows and linux. Depending on if you have a 2 player or 4 player cab would depend on which model to choose.  The VE (value edition) is no good for your purposes.

In summary get one of the ps2 models.

[Tiger-Heli]

The VE is out, as is the Mini-PAC, as the trackball/spinner interface only works in USB mode.

The KeyWiz from www.groovygamegear.com would also be an option, but it lacks EEPROM, so you have to either use the default codeset (which is very good for MAME), or program it before each use.  The DOS version of the KeyWiz software lacks the fancy GUI, but it does work.

[RayB]

I have a DOS mame cabinet. It is running a compilation called DEFCADE, which as you may know, is a prepackaged version of DOS mame .83 and ArcadeOS. I am very pleased with it.

DEFECADE?

[quarterback]

DEFECADE?

Click here for pronounciation.

[bradleyj00]

Thanks for the replies.

Here's a little more info about defcade:

http://def.buste.de/

[bradleyj00]

Sounds like the KeyWiz Eco 2 will do the job. What about the trackball and/or spinner? Can I simply duplicate the wiring currently used on my joystick? I assume the trackball and spinner simply tie into the up/down/left/right buttons....or will I require and additional interface for this?

Thanks again,
Jim

[Tiger-Heli]

Sounds like the KeyWiz Eco 2 will do the job. What about the trackball and/or spinner? Can I simply duplicate the wiring currently used on my joystick? I assume the trackball and spinner simply tie into the up/down/left/right buttons....or will I require and additional interface for this?

Thanks again,
Jim

No - you need a different interface.  RandyT just released the Opti-Wiz which should do the job - See this thread (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47866.0)

Actually, on further review, it's not released yet, but if you're ordering an Eco, you might talk him out of one.  Or you could hack a mouse - lots of links here - http://www.mameworld.net/tigerheli/encoder/main.htm#49

Lastly, you could buy an Opti-Pac from www.ultimarc.com, but it's probably overkill for a simple trackball/spinner connection.

[Grasshopper]

The VE is out, as is the Mini-PAC, as the trackball/spinner interface only works in USB mode.

The KeyWiz from www.groovygamegear.com would also be an option, but it lacks EEPROM, so you have to either use the default codeset (which is very good for MAME), or program it before each use.  The DOS version of the KeyWiz software lacks the fancy GUI, but it does work.

I wouldn't rule out the Mini-PAC. It's true that you won't be able to use the trackball/spinner side of  the interface in ps/2 mode but it's still cheaper than a regular Ipac.

[Tiger-Heli]

I wouldn't rule out the Mini-PAC. It's true that you won't be able to use the trackball/spinner side of  the interface in ps/2 mode but it's still cheaper than a regular Ipac.

Valid point, although it's still more than the KeyWiz Eco.