KeyWiz, *PAC, etc. - which is preferred?

[Texasmame]

So far, I've managed to determine I'll need at least one IPAC and OPAC for the stuff I have in mind.  Just found out about the KeyWiz, too.

So, what is the general view here - which is "better" - the "PACs" or KeyWiz or something else?

Either considered more reliable, more flexible in configuration options and/or easier to use?

TIA,

John in TX

[monkeybomb]

They're both great.  It's a chevy ford type debate.  Look at the features and decide which is best for your project.

[Rudi]

Both companies are reputable, and have a loyal folllowing.  Either way you won't lose.

-Rudi

[MYX]

I have a IPac but on the cab I am building, I have gone with all GGG stuff. I have always liked the Ultimarc stuff, but Randy (Groovy Game Gear) makes 1st class stuff and He is not too hard to reach on this board if you need support. I really like my GGG goods. I can't claim total convert but right now GGG is getting all my $$$.

Now, if he could just come up with a competitive VGA Card to rival the AVGA.  I am using an AVGA for my arcade monitor and Ultimarc really has the market for these.

[kiddk1]

I have a keywiz it works great and RandyT is excellent in helping you with anything you need.

[original_maxlamer]

I use an IPAC4 because i have a 4 player control panel and needed the extra inputs

For the IPAC you have the shifted functions by pressing player1_start + another key where as the keywiz has a seperate key for "shazzam" shifted functions which in my mind is a better system

As i have had the occasion of player 1 and player 2 hitting start at the same time which accidently exited mame 
So the ability of hideing the "shazzam" key elsewhere (like underneath the control panel) is a big plus

[jammyjam]

I use an IPAC4 because i have a 4 player control panel and needed the extra inputs

For the IPAC you have the shifted functions by pressing player1_start + another key where as the keywiz has a seperate key for "shazzam" shifted functions which in my mind is a better system

This could easily be done with an ipac too as the shift key is programmable.

[original_maxlamer]

This could easily be done with an ipac too as the shift key is programmable.

You know i built my mame machine over a year and a half ago and i never thought to look into that 

[Texasmame]

Well, thanx guys!  Looks like it's just a matter of personal preference.  Guess I'll just weigh my options and select one.

The subject of the programmable buttons got me thinking.  Probably a stupid question but - since you can program MAME to have, say, the PLAYER ONE START button be any button on your computer keyboard, can you have any button or input on your control panel be any button in MAME?  Follow me?  I assume the answer is something like "yes, it's all fully programmable, regardless of if you use a *PAC or *WIZ" but just wanna double check. 

[pointdablame]

Well, thanx guys!  Looks like it's just a matter of personal preference.  Guess I'll just weigh my options and select one.

The subject of the programmable buttons got me thinking.  Probably a stupid question but - since you can program MAME to have, say, the PLAYER ONE START button be any button on your computer keyboard, can you have any button or input on your control panel be any button in MAME?  Follow me?  I assume the answer is something like "yes, it's all fully programmable, regardless of if you use a *PAC or *WIZ" but just wanna double check. 

"yes, it's all fully programmable, regardless of if you use a *PAC or *WIZ"

 

[Texasmame]

[/quote]

"yes, it's all fully programmable, regardless of if you use a *PAC or *WIZ"

 
[/quote]

KNEW that was coming! 

[Texasmame]

Why would one get a KeyWiz and not a GP-Wiz* or vice-versa.  Both are for MAME, correct?  So, what's the main difference?  I think I get the GP49 is for if you have a 49 way joy and want to be able to limit it to 4, 8, etc. with software but I don't get the other Key* and GP* differences. . .


Gettin' a bit confused,
John in TX

[NoOne=NBA=]

The biggest difference between the two is that the iPac supports USB, and the iPac-4 has more inputs.
You can get around the lack of inputs issue by getting a GP-wiz to backup the KeyWiz, but I had to go with the iPac on my cab because the cab is Mac-based.

[Fozzy The Bear]

Why would one get a KeyWiz and not a GP-Wiz* or vice-versa.  Both are for MAME, correct?  So, what's the main difference? 

The main difference is that KeyWiz emulates a keyboard, and GPWiz Emulates a Game Pad.  If your building a control pannel for Mame then you really need the KeyWiz.  But you can add a GPWiz as well if you want.

My vote goes to Randy's product simply because that's what I have most experience of, and because the Keywiz has never let me down.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)