Connct PS/2-IPAC to USB?

[Luigi]

Hi.

I'm using an I-Pac in my Mame-Cab connected to the PS/2-Port. Works very well.

Does anyone know if there is a differende between the USB-Version and the PS/2-Version?

A guy in a german forum wrote that the only difference is, that a cable with an USB-connector is deliviered.


Can I simply use an USB-2-PS/2-Adaptor to use the I-Pac at the USB-Port??

[hanelyp]

A keyboard encoder through a generic PS/2 to USB adaptor should work fine as long as a limit of left/right(<shift><ctrl><alt><'windows'>) + 6 other keys pressed at once is enough.  Given that you usually want to avoid the 'windows' key for joysticks and triggers, that gives from 6 to maybe 12 usable keys at once.

[Luigi]

Thanks.

The number of pressed keys doesn't matter (only calssic games are played with max. 2 buttons). Connecting to my Notebook is the problem since it doesn't have a PS/2-Port

So I'll give it a try

[AndyWarne]

The I-PAC is a dual-interface device and fully supports USB. To use one which was shipped as a PS/2 in USB mode you need either the cable we supply or the type of simple "plug type" of adaptor which is often supplied with dual-interface keyboards or mice.
Don't use a PS/2 to USB converter! As well as running into the 6-key limit you will find another more serious problem which is that these converters "cancel" any held-down keys after a couple of seconds to avoid stuck keys in USB (which causes a key repeat situation). This is of course hopeless for gaming.
Andy

[Luigi]

Hi Andy.

I just did a test on saturday....and after I thought about changing the jumper from PS/2 to USB  it worked very well. I used a simple PS/2-USB adaptor from an USB-mouse.

Now I need a new I-Pac for my Mame-Cab...will the I-Pac VE be available soon??