Encoder Questions

[jekyll]

OK, so I know that this topic has surely been covered in the past, but given some new changes (software-wise, LED, etc), just thought I'd ask. I just ended up picking up a Hagstrom encoder (KE-72T) as I am in the process of assembling parts for my first cab. This encoder had come highly recommended based on www.arcadecontrols.com and other reviews. Yet it seems that you guys all really like the Ipac. I am planning on having a trackball and spinner, so assume I would have to get Ipac + Optipac. Is this combination worth me trying to return/sell the Hagstrom? I just got it and haven't even used it yet, so figure that if the overwhelming opinion is that the Ipac/Optipac is better, then I should go that route now, rather than designing the system around the Hagstrom and then having to change it all later. Must admit that the shift key on the Ipac sounds enticing...but how much am I going to need to use these additional controls?
I figure that most of the time I'm going to load up my frontend, play my favorite games, and that's about it. Are you guys really using all of these additional keystrokes that the shift seems to provide? When are you using them - i.e. what are some instances when it seems like it would be really helpful?
Sorry for the multiple questions, but I figured I'd ask the experts for their opinions...

[_Iz-]

I personally love being able to exit mame, or pause, or tab, etc...  without having to have extra dedicated buttons on my control panel or pulling the keyboard out all the time...

[SirPoonga]

Many of the pages on arcadecontrols.com are old.  hagstrom use to be the only way years ago.

Pretty much everyone does ipac now.  The keywiz just entered the market.


The shift key is essential IMHO.  I use it to map the shifted keys of p2b1 and p2b2 to load ans save.  

[rampy]

just for the sake of argument I'd like to point out:

You can just get an optipac it doesn't have to be married to an ipac to work (i.e. it's a stand alone product and could work side by side with a hagstrom keyboard encoder - although not sure what you'd need to do to power the optipac then (tap pc power supply...)

But with that said... eh if it's not too much of a pain to I'd return the hagstrom and order an ipac/optipac ... otherwise just order the optipac solo =)

good luck,

rampy

EDIT: doht! shows how much I know.. I didn't realize the ke-72T had a trackball interface. please disregard my message it was pre-coffee and I can't be held responsible for that can I?

[Tiger-Heli]

Just wanted to point out, the KE-72T handles 72 inputs and a trackball interface, the I-PAC is 28 inputs the I-PAC/4 is 56, the KeyWiz is 32 (you could power an opti-pac from the KeyWiz), and the opti-pac handles 2 trackballs.

Point being that the KE-72 has more inputs, and will probably do all you need, but it comes down to what you require for your project.

[Odonadon]

Many of the pages on arcadecontrols.com are old.  hagstrom use to be the only way years ago.

Pretty much everyone does ipac now.  The keywiz just entered the market.


The shift key is essential IMHO.  I use it to map the shifted keys of p2b1 and p2b2 to load ans save.  

I agree.  The shift key is especially useful when using non-MAME emulators like ZSNES.  You need the ESC key (shift p2, obviously) and enter key (shift-left) to maneuver the menus and exit the emulator.  Extremely handy.  Buttons soley for that purpose just look ugly.  Shifted keys are brilliant.

Odonadon

[djsting]

I have just started my project so I can not comment on the shift key yet, I'm not sure how I will like it.  But what I wanted to say is that Happ Controlls also has a USB 3" trackball which includes 3 buttons available for $150us.  I have one of these and tested it out as soon as I got it and it works perfectly on any computer with a USB port.  The computer recognizes it as a mouse and the 3 buttons act as the mouse buttons...NO PROBLEMS!  Talk about easy!