How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?

[RickDIII]

Ok,  I'm finally getting ready to kick my project into gear and finally got the $$ to get some of the things I want.  I was looking at the i-pac 4 for encoding.  I am running a PII 500.  I thought I would run it in straight up dos mode.  Do I need to actually run windows?

From the Ultimarc site about the ipac 4:

No special drivers needed. USB drivers are generic Windows. On many motherboards USB will work in DOS.

How can I test if USB will work with DOS on my machine?

Thanks for all feedback!

[whammoed]

Do you have a regular usb keyboard?  If so plug it in and check it out.  Why not just use it with the ps2 port though?

[RickDIII]

I thought the ipac 4 had to be used with usb.  Did I miss where it says it can be used with PS2 port? 

[Hoopz]

I thought the ipac 4 had to be used with usb.  Did I miss where it says it can be used with PS2 port? 

Yep, you probably missed it.  From Andy's website:

56-Input button/joystick switch interface. USB or PS/2.

Since you are using DOS, PS2 will probably be easier for you.   Good luck. 

[eccs19]

I thought the ipac 4 had to be used with usb.  Did I miss where it says it can be used with PS2 port? 

You can order it as either USB or PS2.  You confirm what one you want when you order.  If your using DOS then I would recommend PS2 version.  Even PS2 version if running 95/98/ME.  USB worked with these, but they all had some troubles.  2000 and XP should be OK USB version.

[RickDIII]

ps2 it is!  Thanks all!   

[Silverwind]

My IPAC-4 has PS/2 output, with a ps/2 to usb adapter on the end of it.  Most modern motherboards support USB keyboards at the BIOS level also, so either option is a possibility.

To test it..
step 1: plug in IPAC
step 2: boot to DOS
step 3: mash buttons

[RickDIII]

To test it..
step 1: plug in IPAC
step 2: boot to DOS
step 3: mash buttons

I don't have a usb keyboard and wanted to ask the question before I purchased the IPAC.  Just trying to avoid purchasing an item that wouldn't work.

But it helps knowing that the ps2 is native with a usb adapter.  Thanks for the feedback!

[Tiger-Heli]

Correction - AFAIK - if you order PS/2, you only get PS/2.  If you order USB, you get an extra cable that can be used as USB as well as the PS/2 cable.

Sounds like you just need the PS/2 version, but you might pay the $5 extra for the USB cable in case you upgrade down the line and don't have to order it again.

USB BIOS support does not mean that a USB keyboard will work well in DOS, AFAIK.

[Silverwind]

Correction - AFAIK - if you order PS/2, you only get PS/2.  If you order USB, you get an extra cable that can be used as USB as well as the PS/2 cable.

Sounds like you just need the PS/2 version, but you might pay the $5 extra for the USB cable in case you upgrade down the line and don't have to order it again.

USB BIOS support does not mean that a USB keyboard will work well in DOS, AFAIK.

That is how mine came.  I figured since I'm already spending XX dollars for the IPAC might as well spend a few more for the usb adapter.  Works great for me either way.