I-Pac Programming (Problem Fixed!)

[eccs19]

Now I didn't think re-programming my I-Pac would be difficult, but seems I was wrong.  I've got an older I-Pac (No LED's on it, and manual jumpers for programming) I've got the older loader for the older I-Pac, but just not having any luck.  If I try programming it with the jumper set to MAME, I get an error saying that it's set to MAME.  That's fine and dandy. I change the jumper to ALT, and I've tried it with a few different combinations. Keyboard plugged in, no keyboard, etc.  Here are some of the errors I've seen.

1. FAILED - IPAC NOT CONNECTED
2. PROGRAMING IPAC PLEASE WAIT - RE-SETTING IPAC PLEASE WAIT - FAILED RECONNECT IPAC

Sometimes when I'm trying to program it, the mouse stops responding, sometimes it's OK. 

I've tried the IPAC out in mame, and it works like it's supposed to, but I just can't reprogram it with the configuration I want. I've tried different settings in the IPAC utility. (WinIPAC Version 1.0.16) This is the one that Andy's site says I should use for this older one, unless I've mis-read.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[mahuti]

I'd suggest plugging in a ps2 keyboard into the pass-thru, open up notepad and follow the directions here

Run the "T" mode to test.

If you have a shorted switch, then you won't be able to program the I-pac. The directions at the link above will show you which (if any) switches are shorted.

If you've already tried that... well I'm out of suggestions.

[eccs19]

I'd suggest plugging in a ps2 keyboard into the pass-thru, open up notepad and follow the directions here

Run the "T" mode to test.

If you have a shorted switch, then you won't be able to program the I-pac. The directions at the link above will show you which (if any) switches are shorted.

If you've already tried that... well I'm out of suggestions.

I actually don't have it hooked up to any switches yet, so there shouldn't be a short with any switches.  I will try the test mode anyways just to see what happens. 

I have actually had the program once say PROGRAMING IPAC, but it seems to stay at that stage a long while.  How long does it usually take for the programing to go through? Am I just not waiting long enough??

[Hoopz]

The newer versions get programmed in 2-3 seconds. 

Have you emailed Andy? Or searched/posted on Ultimarc's forums?  I would start with Andy.  He is always helpful.

[eccs19]

The newer versions get programmed in 2-3 seconds. 

Have you emailed Andy? Or searched/posted on Ultimarc's forums?  I would start with Andy.  He is always helpful.

I did originally email him, but more to confirm if mine was an older one or not.  I'll try the tests as mentioned in previous post, and then I'll send him another e-mail. (link to this thread)

[Tiger-Heli]

The older I-PAC needs THIS software: http://www.ultimarc.com/winipac.html (Sounds like thats what you are using, though).

[eccs19]

The older I-PAC needs THIS software: http://www.ultimarc.com/winipac.html (Sounds like thats what you are using, though).

Yup, that's the one I'm using.  Bummer if I can't get the programing part of it to work.

[eccs19]

Just in case anyone has this same problem,  it turned out that my IPac was not as old as I thought it was.  I just needed the newer software, and away I went.  I had to do a factory reset first, but once that was done, I was good to go.

[Tiger-Heli]

Or it may have been old but had the chip upgraded.  Andy sells a chip replacement for the older boards.  I guess the best advice for new users is to try all the software versions.

Glad you have it working!

[Mark70]

I was having ipac problems.  My shift function wouldn't work.  Turned out that I bent one of the quick connects and had a button shorting to ground.  That was  hard to find.  I couldn't figure out what was wrong with the ipac.... turns out it was my fault.

[eccs19]

Or it may have been old but had the chip upgraded.  Andy sells a chip replacement for the older boards.  I guess the best advice for new users is to try all the software versions.

Glad you have it working!

It must have been shipped with the chip upgrade. Only thing that makes sense.

I'm glad to got it working also, now I've got it programed, and ready to go into my bartop.  I was kinda on hold because of it.   

[Level42]

Good you figured it out I've got a J-pac and recently bought a second hand (but never used) I-pac (together with a ton of other arcade parts including an Oscar ).

This came with a seperate upgrade chip. It's the big chip on the I-pac. The upgrade version had a tiny extra chip mounted under the big one. There's some soldered wires going to several pins on the big chip. The guy I bought it from hadn't even placed that upgrade on the I-pac yet

Anyway, haven't tried it yet, but the soldered wires on the pins of the big chip should give a clue on wether it's un upgrade or not.....

[Tiger-Heli]

If it works with the new software, it upgraded.  No need to go pulling the chips unless Eccs19 is overly curious NTTIAWWT.