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| I-PAC shift function vs. KeyWiz Shazaam Function for Howard C. |
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| RandyT:
--- Quote from: _Iz- on February 19, 2003, 02:09:42 pm ---So for each "special button" does 1/2 of the "Y" connect to the shazzam input on the keywiz and the other 1/2 connect to the specific input you want to use? I assume it then forces the keywiz to use the shifted code for that specific input? --- End quote --- Full instructions will be supplied with the adapters, but it is very simple to connect these if you are using crimp-on disconnects. --- Quote ---However, I personally still like the dual function shift button on the ipac better. Like HC I have my control panel configured without any "extra" function keys, I just use the ipac shifted codes for controlling mame. Although, I suppose 1 extra button wouldn't be the end of the world, I just prefer no extra... --- End quote --- No extra button is required. The method I explained above works quite well in practice. Just wanted make sure that was clear :) --- Quote ---RandyT - Any idea if your adapter would work on the Ipac for single button shifted inputs? --- End quote --- Refer to the forums for that product. I believe that question was answered recently. RandyT |
| Tiger-Heli:
--- Quote --- --- Quote from: RandyT Refer to the forums for that product. I believe that question was answered recently. RandyT [/quote ---http://www.ultimarc.com/messages/2111.html For the lazy --- End quote --- --- End quote --- |
| _Iz-:
I am confused and somewhat offended by your reluctance to explain how the keywiz's "special adapter" functions or even how it connects to the keywiz itself. You seem to be attempting to lead me to believe that it is "just magic". The ability to extend the number of inputs on the keywiz is (as I'm sure you already know) a major selling point for it. I would assume that someone proud of their product and it's "superior" design would not have to hide behind a veil of secrecy and would want to disseminate as much information about it in order to enable prospective purchasers to make an informed choice. While I currently own an IPAC (it was the only "real" product available at the time I purchased it, Hagstrom's encoders are a joke IMHO) I will most definitely be building more cabinets in the future. I also know several people planning their own cabinets anxiously following the construction of my cabinet. Their buying decisions will be greatly influenced by my opinions. I am very interested in your product but I am rapidly being turned off by your lack of information and cooperation. |
| eightbit:
--- Quote from: Howard_Casto on February 19, 2003, 12:12:44 pm ---I, for example, refuse to have special "mame keys" on my control panel. If I have to have a "shift key" put on special then I'm not getting it. The idea is I want my cp to look like it could actually be on a real arcade machine. If I have a row of function keys then it ruins that. I figure a lot of people with faithful mame conversions of arcade cabinets feel the same way. --- End quote --- In mame you can avoid the use of having to program your encoder to do a shifted function by programming any combination of buttons to do a certain function. You can even have a dedicated shift button if you want. You can even do more than 2 button combos if you want it to be difficult to get into your game setup menu you could set it for 3 keys. In real arcade cabinets there were additional buttons for free play or credits or configuration. They were usually located inside the coin door. I definately agree with the less clutter philosphy. If keeping your panel authentic is a priority you could mount your shazzam key there. If you don't like reaching inside the coin door you could mount it on the side, under the marquee, under a overhang on the front of the cab. Using Randys method you could squeeze out enough inputs on the 2 player keywiz to make an acceptable 4 player panel and still save money over buying a 2p Ipac. I would like to see it done, I'd like to try it even but I have a few projects right now consuming a lot of time so I don't know how soon I'll get to it. On a related topic lets hear from those that have ordered and received keywiz's. Some of you must have gotten them by now. We can continue to speculate ad nauseum how good they are, but I want to hear from the people that have them. |
| Tiger-Heli:
--- Quote --- --- Quote from: Howard_Casto ---The amount of inputs and the way the shift/shazaam keys function have nothing to do with each other. I had come to believe that the shazaam key could also be used as a regular key. Apparently that is not the case. So I take it back, the shazaam key isn't the same as the ipac shift key. It's WORSE :D A dedicated shift key is a bad thing.. umm k. You should at least have the option of using it as a dual function key. --- End quote --- It's worse in the sense that you don't actually have 33 dedicated inputs, you have 32 plus shazaam, while the I-PAC has 28 including Shift. I'll try to explain it this way: If I have a four player-four button panel with the KeyWiz, I can still use the Shazaam key to provide shifted coin inputs for each player. Let's say I have a 4-player 3-button CP with the I-PAC (28 input). What button are you going to assign as the shift-key??? You don't have a P1 Start button any more b/c this button has been used for the play-action buttons. You could assign P1B1 as SHIFT, place a centrally located button on the panel wired in Parallel to P1B1, and use this as a Shift button to activate Coin inputs, etc, but now you have another button on the panel, which is what you wanted to avoid and if accidentally pressed and released by itself, this generates the P1B1 key code. --- Quote ---I, for example, refuse to have special "mame keys" on my control panel. If I have to have a "shift key" put on special then I'm not getting it. The idea is I want my cp to look like it could actually be on a real arcade machine. If I have a row of function keys then it ruins that. I figure a lot of people with faithful mame conversions of arcade cabinets feel the same way. --- End quote --- You don't need a row of function keys, you need one Shazaam! key that can access your other functions. Use RandyT's adapters and you don't even need that!!! --- Quote ---This revelation has really offset the balance for me. I can now say that the ipac is better than keywiz, although the keywiz would still be a good choice for budget projects. --- End quote --- You can say that, but anyone can say anything. If you want a 4-player 4-button panel, it can't be done with the I-PAC, it can with the KeyWiz. If compact size is a factor, go with the KeyWiz. If cost is the primary concern, go with the KeyWiz. The KeyWiz has a screw terminal for +5V as opposed to tapping into a header row on the I-PAC (not that that's a major concern). The KeyWiz supports (with adapters) using shifted keys without a dedicated button. The shift function is different between the two units, you have to decide which way you like better (if it matters to you). The software is different between the two units. The I-PAC support USB. The I-PAC has a dedicated keyboard pass-thru. The KeyWiz Max pass-thru is an either/or affair. The I-PAC supports LED's (although not super-bright ones and although they will flash when buttons 7 or 8 are pressed). LED support will be added to the KeyWiz in a separate product. No offense to RandyT, but the I-PAC has a longer history, was the first product of this type offered to the BYOAC community, and Andy's support of it has earned him the respect of many members of this forum. Again, I'm not saying that RandyT won't support the KeyWiz. I didn't mention speed of processors or buffers, b/c I haven't heard of this being a problem with either unit. There are also other encoders with other features (MK series, ButtonBox, Hagstrom), but since the I-PAC and the KeyWiz are the most comparable, I am limiting the discussion to these two. --- End quote --- |
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