ooooh!

[rampy]

http://www.groovygamegear.com/

where's my CC =)

rampy

[schwefeljm]

Only if it had more imputs

Will not work for a 4 player CP, well, not very well.

[Brax]

Is it just me, or does that joystick logo look rather phallic?
At least he doesn't look happy about touching it!  

[romid]

This seems like a really good deal...though I just recently bought a I-Pac

[Jeehemdee]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

[Odonadon]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

You can hook your keyboard up to the KeyWiz  Max - effectively the same as an I-pac.

Odonadon

[KevSteele]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

It looks like the "Max" version of the KeyWiz has a pass-through connector.

Shame it doesn't have USB capabilities, but I do like that it has more inputs (32) than the standard IPAC/2 (26).

[rampy]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

You can hook your keyboard up to the KeyWiz  Max - effectively the same as an I-pac.

Odonadon

I'm not RandyT (but i play one on tv)....

I believe this was done intentionally as having a keyboard connected all the time through the encoder takes away from the power and efficiency of the encoder (one of it's selling features -> you can mash and mash and the key wiz won't block or drop keypresses)... that's why there is a switch to enable the external keyboard port on the key wiz max.  You only want/get keyboard access when it's been switched "on".

With that said, you could always run your keyboard in parallel with the key wiz... that's what I plan on doing for my RF USB keyboard.

rampy

PS that's my understanding anyways, articulated in a very generalized way... I may be wrong... I may be crazy... but you can't stop me from posting muhahahaha (well Sirp, NIVO, PJ, Saint, et al can... but YOU can't...) =P

[Silverwind]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

You can hook your keyboard up to the KeyWiz  Max - effectively the same as an I-pac.

Odonadon

I'm not RandyT (but i play one on tv)....

I believe this was done intentionally as having a keyboard connected all the time through the encoder takes away from the power and efficiency of the encoder (one of it's selling features -> you can mash and mash and the key wiz won't block or drop keypresses)... that's why there is a switch to enable the external keyboard port on the key wiz max.  You only want/get keyboard access when it's been switched "on".

With that said, you could always run your keyboard in parallel with the key wiz... that's what I plan on doing for my RF USB keyboard.

rampy

PS that's my understanding anyways, articulated in a very generalized way... I may be wrong... I may be crazy... but you can't stop me from posting muhahahaha (well Sirp, NIVO, PJ, Saint, et al can... but YOU can't...) =P

When i tested my I-pac4 out just a week ago ..  i hooked it up via USB to my PC.. and had my PS/2 keyboard plugged into the PC as well.. they both played very nicely with each other

I'll eventually buy a wireless kb/mouse which will also utilize a USB port.. so I don't think I will ever have to use the pass-through.. but it's nice it's there in case for some reason I would like to do it that way..

[DeathMonk]

I have a keyboard and 2 p360's hooked up to I-PAC--never lost any keypresses

[Chris]

I'm adding a USB port to my cabinet accessible underneath the control panel overhang; this way I can plug in a USB keyboard or a USB game controller from outside the cabinet when I need it...

--Chris

[SirPoonga]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

People just don't read!!!!!!  Read the FAQ!!!!  *sigh* lazy bums

[rampy]

yeah... true dat.. it's explained much better

here

[Silverwind]

Something is not clear to me:

on the I-Pac you have a keyboard "In" plug, ant "Out" so that you can still use your keybaord.

Can you do this with the KeyWiz..or do you lose your access to your keyboard ?
(I can only see one plug (at least on KeyWizEco and KeyWiz..))

Thanks !

People just don't read!!!!!!  Read the FAQ!!!!  *sigh* lazy bums

i guess it's a nicer version of RTFM

but at least now we know.. and knowing is half the battle!

[SirPoonga]

i guess it's a nicer version of RTFM

but at least now we know.. and knowing is half the battle!

It's sound weird to say RTFF!

[Zinfari]

Anyone know if there is any way to daisy chain or other way to use 2 at the same time.  That would allow them to be used for 4 player installs.

-Zinfari

[SirPoonga]

Anyone know if there is any way to daisy chain or other way to use 2 at the same time.  That would allow them to be used for 4 player installs.

-Zinfari

not going to happen.  It;s a keyboard.  keyboards aren;t parallel devices.  I'm sure there is some electrical engineering genius way to do it but it won;t be cheap then.

[Brax]

I believe this was done intentionally as having a keyboard connected all the time through the encoder takes away from the power and efficiency of the encoder (one of it's selling features -> you can mash and mash and the key wiz won't block or drop keypresses)... that's why there is a switch to enable the external keyboard port on the key wiz max.  You only want/get keyboard access when it's been switched "on".

So he says, but have you EVER had your IPAC drop keystrokes? Nope, me either.
Gimme my keyboard pass through on the cheap keywiz!!  

[rampy]

I believe this was done intentionally as having a keyboard connected all the time through the encoder takes away from the power and efficiency of the encoder (one of it's selling features -> you can mash and mash and the key wiz won't block or drop keypresses)... that's why there is a switch to enable the external keyboard port on the key wiz max.  You only want/get keyboard access when it's been switched "on".

So he says, but have you EVER had your IPAC drop keystrokes? Nope, me either.
Gimme my keyboard pass through on the cheap keywiz!!  

FWIW I don't own an IPAC, (not that I wouldn't own one, they seem great... may get a jpac at some juncture and/or VGAcard)... and no where did I say that IPAC's drop keystrokes...

Just a clarification, lest anyone think i'm a key wiz fanboy or an ipac basher...

but that doesn't mean we can't have the discussion as to the merits (or demerits) of the keywiz/ipac... *shrug* I think it's kinda like driving a sports car to work every day (to borrow an analogy) you don't need 300-500 hp but you like knowing it's there =P

Rampy

[eightbit]

This is an exciting time for this hobby, there seem to really be some new innovations and choices being given to us.

I have done a couple cabinets with Ipacs, one with a sidewinder, one jukebox with a touch screen and I was a beta tester for the keywiz. What I have to say is not necessarily endorsed by RandyT nor was it reviewed by him in advance and he had no input in it.

WARNING OPINION ALERT- Read the following at your own risk to your physical and mental well being.

I am not bashing the ipac, I love my ipacs. The keywhiz is a less costly alternative with a few different features. The keywiz is a great product for what it was designed to do. Most of what it does it does is comparable to an  ipac. After all it is just a keyboard encoder(with a "shazzam" button!). But it was a keyboard encoder designed with the maximum number of inputs, ease of customizable/easy to switch programming and the fastest processing possible with a strict requirement of being inexpensive. I think Randy has succeeded very well at doing that.

In all fairness theres 2 features it can't do that the ipac can. It doesn't support keyboard LED's or a dedicated keyboard passthrough. Both were eliminated for performance reasons and maximizing the number of inputs. For just a few dollars you can buy a ps/2 to USB keyboard adapter or get a USB keyboard. This will give you the dedicated keyboard if you want it. If you want keyboard LED's today then you'll have to get an ipac but check into the limitations of going this route before you do. The ipac shares the LED lines with button inputs so they will flash whenever those shared buttons are pressed. There also may be performance issues because of the shared inputs. The keywiz has a 5v source of power on it so if you want to run some p360's or light up some buttons with LED's you can still do that.

The keywiz eco is priced very close to or less than what a gamepad hack is going to cost you. Its tough to justify hacking some game pads when for just a little more you can get one of these with all the flexibility and compatability that a keyboard encoder offers. I won't be buying the eco because there is no way you can convince me that its worth saving $7 to do the soldering plus the flexbility of changing wiring later. I beta tested the max but the next one I order will likely be the standard model, with a USB keyboard.

From the posts in this thread it sounds like at least Rampy might order one and some of you others are interested. I'm sure there will be posts from others soon with hands on experience that will be less biased than mine since it was exciting for me to be involved in the beta testing. I'm sure everyone will be interested to hear what those opinions will be.

[Chris]

The most important thing here is that more options is better for everyone.  Well done, RandyT!

[DeathMonk]

The most important thing here is that more options is better for everyone.  Well done, RandyT!

True dat.

[SirPoonga]

If you want keyboard LED's today then you'll have to get an ipac but check into the limitations of going this route before you do. The ipac shares the LED lines with button inputs so they will flash whenever those shared buttons are pressed. There also may be performance issues because of the shared inputs. The keywiz has a 5v source of power on it so if you want to run some p360's or light up some buttons with LED's you can still do that.

Not arguing, just providing facts.  You said to research.
You own ipacs, you have issues with the buttons the leds share?  I don;t/  They happen to be the buttons hardly used too, hmm, I think there is a reason then they were put on those buttons.
second, yeah, anyone can lightup buttons without an ipac, but to light them up as coins are being inputed according to how the game did it is only possible through the keyboard leds.  UNLESS you make some custom parallel port or usb adaptor and rewrite the set_led_status function in mame.

The keywiz is cool in the fact that it is cheaper and does most everything the ipac does.

[eightbit]

Not arguing, just providing facts.  You said to research.
You own ipacs, you have issues with the buttons the leds share?  I don;t/  They happen to be the buttons hardly used too, hmm, I think there is a reason then they were put on those buttons.
second, yeah, anyone can lightup buttons without an ipac, but to light them up as coins are being inputed according to how the game did it is only possible through the keyboard leds.  UNLESS you make some custom parallel port or usb adaptor and rewrite the set_led_status function in mame.

The keywiz is cool in the fact that it is cheaper and does most everything the ipac does.

I did try to present a fair review and point out both its good points and its limitations. I also admitted my bias because of my involvement not that I can take any credit.

Its not that I have issues with the shared inputs since I've never used the LED capability. I don't like the idea that the LED's are shared but right now thats the best choice that you really have.

The keywiz is cool and while its true that there are things the ipac can do there are also things the keywiz can do that the ipac can't like switching between a custom program and the default program on the fly. Another thing a lot of people miss is that it has a dedicated shazzam (shift) key. No more worrying about both players hitting the start buttons at the same time and exiting the game.

[SirPoonga]

The keywiz is cool and while its true that there are things the ipac can do there are also things the keywiz can do that the ipac can't like switching between a custom program and the default program on the fly.

Again, not arguing, just pointing out my opinions.  The IPAC can do this with bat files.  Different implementation, but is possible.  That's why alot of people happy to see ipac fixed their XP problems.  Especially HowardC.
With batch files you can switch to an unlimited amount of mappings.

Another thing a lot of people miss is that it has a dedicated shazzam (shift) key. No more worrying about both players hitting the start buttons at the same time and exiting the game.

That's cool, BUT here's the other side of the story.  It's an extra button.  And since both cards can redefine controls it really isn't an issue.  I actually like the shared input, one less button in the design.  My pause button is my shift buttons.  Doesn't cause issues.   The escape thing on the ipac is just bad thinking ahead, they really should remap that to a different default.


Just giving my opinions so people can make an educated decision to the interface they want.

[RandyT]

Again, not arguing, just pointing out my opinions.  The IPAC can do this with bat files.  Different implementation, but is possible.  That's why alot of people happy to see ipac fixed their XP problems.  Especially HowardC.
With batch files you can switch to an unlimited amount of mappings.

This method can also be used with KeyWiz, but the number of profiles available is 15.  It's doubtful that anyone would have that many different configurations for their CP, but they are there anyway.  

The difference between the two methods is that with KeyWiz, you can have the custom set load automatically at boot time, and be able to switch  between the default set and custom set instantly and at will, without ever having to touch the programming software again if you don't want to.

The software for KeyWiz is an initial release, but already offers more functionality than most.  There are more capabilities that can be added, but we will wait for user feedback on this one before we decide what else it should do.

That's cool, BUT here's the other side of the story.  It's an extra button.  And since both cards can redefine controls it really isn't an issue.  I actually like the shared input, one less button in the design.  My pause button is my shift buttons.  Doesn't cause issues.   The escape thing on the ipac is just bad thinking ahead, they really should remap that to a different default.

Just giving my opinions so people can make an educated decision to the interface they want.

Very shortly, we will be offering "Shazaaam!" buttons that will address this.  They will cost a little more than a standard button, due to some extra hardware, but will make a dedicated button for Shazaaam! functions unnecessary.  Using these new buttons will open up more possibilities for controls as all 32 inputs can be used for controls, and still have up to 24 other buttons for administrative functions (if you really wanted that many .)

Also, as Shazaaam! functions are initiated on "key-down" with repeat enabled, combination button presses still work if that functionality is desired.  

It all boils down to the fact that the KeyWiz and IPAC are two different products, with different capabilities and design philosophies.  Hopefully the availability of the KeyWiz will offer people more options to do things the way they want where those options may not have existed before.


And thanks for fielding the KB question, rampy .  You are right in that the integrated pass-through was outside of the design philosophy for KeyWiz.  USB keyboards work great along side of it.


I also want to thank eightbit and saint for field testing the first units, testing the software and offering their feedback.  Their assistance was invaluable in getting this completed.

RandyT

[SirPoonga]

Again, not arguing, just pointing out my opinions.  The IPAC can do this with bat files.  Different implementation, but is possible.  That's why alot of people happy to see ipac fixed their XP problems.  Especially HowardC.
With batch files you can switch to an unlimited amount of mappings.

This method can also be used with KeyWiz, but the number of profiles available is 15.  It's doubtful that anyone would have that many different configurations for their CP, but they are there anyway.  

The difference between the two methods is that with KeyWiz, you can have the custom set load automatically at boot time, and be able to switch  between the default set and custom set instantly and at will, without ever having to touch the programming software again if you don't want to.

The software for KeyWiz is an initial release, but already offers more functionality than most.  There are more capabilities that can be added, but we will wait for user feedback on this one before we decide what else it should do.

Right, I'm just making the distinction that with the ipacutil you can have more than just a default and 1 custom.  You can have multiple mappings.  Great if you run alot of different software.

[x-wing]

The software for KeyWiz is an initial release, but already offers more functionality than most.  There are more capabilities that can be added, but we will wait for user feedback on this one before we decide what else it should do.

Will a linux version of the software be available, or are we going to be ignored again??  

I hope not because my next cabinet could definitely use a keywhiz!

[RandyT]

Right, I'm just making the distinction that with the ipacutil you can have more than just a default and 1 custom.  You can have multiple mappings.  Great if you run alot of different software.

Sorry if I wasn't clear before  .  The KeyWiz software can be run from the command line, just like the IPACutil and can do the same thing.

The only distinction between the two currently, is that the KeyWiz Uploader software uses 15 profiles that can be called by their letter designation (simple to remember) from the command line and IPACUtil can directly call a path/filename and have an unlimited number.  If we hear from our users that 15 isn't enough, command line execution of path/filename is just a minor mod and will be the next addition to the software .

It was done this way with the mindset that for 98% of the people, 15 different configurations would be ample while still maintaining simplicity.

Also, the KeyWiz has both the default and custom set accessible at all times from the CP without re-programming.  To be able to program the IPAC, you need to move a jumper, at which time only the custom set is available.  If you decide you want to use the defaults after you move the jumper , you would either have to move the jumper back or program it, which isn't the case with KeyWiz.

I hope this explained it better .
RandyT

[Tiger-Heli]

Only if it had more imputs

Will not work for a 4 player CP, well, not very well.

Neither does an I-PAC/2, which is in the same price range.  The I-PAC/4 is more than double the price of the KeyWiz, so that's not really a fair comparision.

Actually, it can work very well for a four-player CP.  I did a lot of research on this recently.  Consider the following: the only four-player six-button game is Super Street Fighter 2: tournament edition (according to KLOV, and possibly not emulated).  According to KLOV, there are exactly three 4-player 4-button games (2 Dungeons and Dragons, and NBA JAM Extreme (not emulated)).  These games would require 8 inputs per player or 32 total, so you lose your player start buttons, but the Shazaam key does not take away an input, so it is possible to set Shazaam plus Player 1 button 1 up as Start 1, Shazaam plus Player 2 Button 2 as Start 2, and so on, for other players.

If you are not concerned about these games, 4-player 3-button games require 28 inputs, which leaves you with 4 inputs left over.  It is playable (but not authentic) to map your coin and start inputs (in MAME) to the same button, so every time you press Start 1 you also add a credit for player 1, but you probably would want to anyway.  Using this method, you would take all inputs except Player 1 and 2 Start, joystick and buttons 1 through 3, and map them to the Player 3 and 4 buttons.  Then set MAME up to use these keys for these games.

It's really a lot simpler than it sounds.

The tricky part is getting a 4-player 4-button setup that also works well for 4-player 3-button games, but since the I-PAC/2 won't support 4-player 4-button games at all and won't support 4-player 3-button games easily (no coin or start buttons) the KeyWiz is much more workable for this situation.

Nothing against the I-PAC/2, it was never designed as a 4-player controller!

[Howard_Casto]

Only if it had more imputs

Will not work for a 4 player CP, well, not very well.

Neither does an I-PAC/2, which is in the same price range.  The I-PAC/4 is more than double the price of the KeyWiz, so that's not really a fair comparision.

Actually, it can work very well for a four-player CP.  I did a lot of research on this recently.  Consider the following: the only four-player six-button game is Super Street Fighter 2: tournament edition

It's emulated but klov got it wrong... it's 4 player in alternating 2 players at a time (in other words 2 player, 6-button)  Also ssf2te is the last and honestly lamest, sad attempt to streatch a few more buck out of street fighter 2.  Nobody really likes this game any more than super street fighter 2 or the dozen other versions of the game.  

On the keywiz... I understand that randy wants to have the maximum number of inputs, but as you were leading towards it really isn't necessary.  His excuse for leaving out the leds and the pass-through is mainly a speed/limiting the number of inputs issue.  

That sounds good,  but has nearly everyone on this thread has said, there aren't any issues with the speed on the ipac, nor the number of inputs, nor the shift key feature (except for it's odd mapping of escape of course).  Also there isn't an issue with remapping, as the latest generations of the ipac allow for on the fly key remapping without any software as well, it just works differently.  

So without picking sides on either one here is what we have........  

Two similar encoders, with one (keywiz) lacking several nice features in lue of more useless, different features (no delay on the shift key and more inputs).  But the keywhiz is cheaper.  

So if you are really budget conscious and/or want a cheap 4 player layout then get a keywiz, otherwize get an ipac.  

From where I sit the better performance of the keywiz is great, but totally unneeded as the ipac already does a perfect job performance wise.  

I wish randy the best of luck, and I honestly think it will do well because of the lower cost, but the selling points he is giving really aren't selling points imho.  Even if they were the pass-through option and usb support is really a key selling point ot the ipac and the lack of those features is more of a downside then any new advantages.  

Anyway, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, I just think the consumer should understand the benefit (or lack there of) these new features will actually have in practical setups. Again, both are great products and I don't think you would really be "jipped" by buying one over the other anyway.      

[Tiger-Heli]

It's emulated but klov got it wrong... it's 4 player in alternating 2 players at a time (in other words 2 player, 6-button)  Also ssf2te is the last and honestly lamest, sad attempt to streatch a few more buck out of street fighter 2.  Nobody really likes this game any more than super street fighter 2 or the dozen other versions of the game.  

Thanks, Howard, that's solves a lot of the puzzle on ssf2te.  Not surprised KLOV got it wrong.

Good summary on the KeyWiz vs. I-PAC.  I agree with almost all your points.  (Now there's a scary statement . . .  j/k)

[RandyT]

On the keywiz... I understand that randy wants to have the maximum number of inputs, but as you were leading towards it really isn't necessary.  His excuse for leaving out the leds and the pass-through is mainly a speed/limiting the number of inputs issue.  

That sounds good,  but has nearly everyone on this thread has said, there aren't any issues with the speed on the ipac, nor the number of inputs, nor the shift key feature (except for it's odd mapping of escape of course).  Also there isn't an issue with remapping, as the latest generations of the ipac allow for on the fly key remapping without any software as well, it just works differently.  

So without picking sides on either one here is what we have........  

Two similar encoders, with one (keywiz) lacking several nice features in lue of more useless, different features (no delay on the shift key and more inputs).  But the keywhiz is cheaper.  

So if you are really budget conscious and/or want a cheap 4 player layout then get a keywiz, otherwize get an ipac.  

From where I sit the better performance of the keywiz is great, but totally unneeded as the ipac already does a perfect job performance wise.  

I wish randy the best of luck, and I honestly think it will do well because of the lower cost, but the selling points he is giving really aren't selling points imho.  Even if they were the pass-through option and usb support is really a key selling point ot the ipac and the lack of those features is more of a downside then any new advantages.  

Anyway, I'm not trying to beat a dead horse here, I just think the consumer should understand the benefit (or lack there of) these new features will actually have in practical setups. Again, both are great products and I don't think you would really be "jipped" by buying one over the other anyway.      

Howard, your points are taken, but I have to respond to this.

I think that by failing to mention some of the other features in your comparison, you are selling the KeyWiz short.  

You mention that no-one has ever had any problems with performance with an IPAC, but it isn't used much in a 4 player configuration either.  The larger buffer and extra inputs does make this a possibility with the KeyWiz, and because of the way it is designed, it should work quite well for that application.  In other words, it's up for the task.

You also don't mention key-repeat.  From what I understand, the IPAC does not do key repeat in PS/2 mode.  The first time you try to scroll through a large list, you'll see the value of this.

You also gloss over the software support.  As I haven't really given a complete feature list, I'll take the blame on that one.  The KeyWiz software is more comprehensive than any other out there for this type of device.  You can set up and name a profile that will allow you to edit/upload the new character definitions and automatically launch the application associated with it.  Automated programming and launching of applications can even be done from a shortcut or the command line.  Did I mention that, with the exception of the command line stuff, you can do all of this without the need to drag your keyboard out?

And I am curious about on the fly codeset switching on the IPAC.  Could you elaborate a little?


I'd also like to say that the things that are not valuable to you, might be of great importance to someone else.  And likewise, the things I see as valuable, others may see differently.  For instance, I don't care about a keyboard pass-through, as I have a USB keyboard.  I also don't care about USB compatibility, as again, I have a USB keyboard.  And my personal opinion is that I don't want USB keyboard technology for my controls because I don't feel that it's up to task, but I'm sure it's fine for others, especially people with MACs who have no other options.  As for LEDs, I don't use them (as most don't), but if I did, I would want to be able to select the type I wanted to use and not be limited to the low current/output variety.  But again, that's just my opinion.

So you see, all of those "valuable" features you mentioned have no value at all to *me*

While I don't feel that you aren't taking sides, I do appreciate the comment about not getting "jipped" either way  

I won't tell anyone that the KeyWiz is the solution to every situation (just ask Tiger-Heli).  They have to do what is right for them by weighing all the factors.  Being able to sleep at night is more important than taking someone's money for something that may not serve their needs. Otherwise I could have played "status quo" and charged the going rate for these devices, but that's not what was important to me.

I really was hoping this wouldn't turn into a KeyWiz vs IPAC war.  They are two different products each with merits/downsides of their own, depending on the perception/needs of the individual looking at them.  But based on discussions I have had and the orders I have recieved so far, I'd say that your perception isn't shared by everyone.

RandyT

[eightbit]

Only if it had more imputs

Will not work for a 4 player CP, well, not very well.

I've been thinking about this and if you wanted to you could easily get 3 more inputs. Simply hack a mouse and you'll have 35 inputs with a keywiz. I've been playing with the idea of a 4 player panel with 35 inputs.

[SirPoonga]

Only if it had more imputs

Will not work for a 4 player CP, well, not very well.

I've been thinking about this and if you wanted to you could easily get 3 more inputs. Simply hack a mouse and you'll have 35 inputs with a keywiz. I've been playing with the idea of a 4 player panel with 35 inputs.

Only 35 inputs?  (35-16-8)/4 = 2.75 buttons per player
16 being inputs for 4 joystick, 8 being coin and start.

[Tiger-Heli]

Only if it had more imputs

Will not work for a 4 player CP, well, not very well.

I've been thinking about this and if you wanted to you could easily get 3 more inputs. Simply hack a mouse and you'll have 35 inputs with a keywiz. I've been playing with the idea of a 4 player panel with 35 inputs.

Only 35 inputs?  (35-16-8)/4 = 2.75 buttons per player
16 being inputs for 4 joystick, 8 being coin and start.

Forget coin inputs, for your four-player game, map MAME so Coin1 and Start1 are both "1", same for other players.  Now 4-buttons are out, but

4 joy - 16
4 button - 12
4 Start buttons - 4
plus 3 leftover inputs for say Pause, Escape, and Tab.

[eightbit]

Only 35 inputs?  (35-16-8)/4 = 2.75 buttons per player
16 being inputs for 4 joystick, 8 being coin and start.

I think what I came up with is that 40 inputs would be ideal if I shifted p1/2 to get p3/4 and the same thing with the coins. That would be 6 buttons for p1/2 and 4 buttons for p3/4.

If I dropped to 2 buttons for p3/4 and I mapped credit to start then it could be done with 1 input left.

Its just a reoccurring plan/thought  that I've been having.

[)p(]

You also don't mention key-repeat.  From what I understand, the IPAC does not do key repeat in PS/2 mode.  The first time you try to scroll through a large list, you'll see the value of this.

Most fe's will check for a keydown so this is no problem in most cases...

peter

[SirPoonga]

You also don't mention key-repeat.  From what I understand, the IPAC does not do key repeat in PS/2 mode.  The first time you try to scroll through a large list, you'll see the value of this.

Most fe's will check for a keydown so this is no problem in most cases...

peter

and many fe's have a page down feature.

[brandon]

I have a question for Randy... Could you use 2 keywiz if one of them is connected via ps2>USB converter?  I guess if the programming software communicates with the device through the ps/2 then that might confuse the software... but couldn't the one connected to the USB converter still use the default key profile and just have the one on the ps/2 be programmable?