Dumb IPAC Question

[marcoval]

Ok Ok I know this is probably a stupid question but I have one about the IPAC's interface with the joystick of my choice. Ok MAME on the keyboard uses the 4 directions as the 4 different arrow keys or whatever. Does that mean that if I'm using an IPAC, (which has 32 inputs, correct?) that each joystick I add is going to use at least 4 of those slots? Or, is there some way to connect directly to my PC and ignore the IPAC with my joysticks?

[_Iz-]

I think the IPac has 28 inputs (not 32) and yes, each joystick uses 4 of those inputs. There is no way to directly connect an arcade joystick to the PC, you must use something to convert the signal to something the PC can understand like the IPac or a hacked gamepad.

FWIW if you don't think the standard IPac has enough inputs to suit you there is also the IPac4 with 56 inputs...

What are you making that you feel you need more inputs?

[2slk]

marcoval,

 Well, the easiest way to connect your joystick to the PC is through an encoder board like the I-pac. An encoder actually sends the keyboard strokes to the PC. For example, when you move the joystick up, the encoder will send an 'up arrow' to the PC. This, provided your wiring is correct and you are using the default MAME setting or have the encoder programmed accordingly. Whatever action is programmed for the 'up arrow' key will result. There are other options but if you have an I-pac, I see little need for doing any bypassing.

 If by 'each joystick' you mean a joystick for a different player, then yes each one will use up 4 slots. If you are using say 2 sticks for player 1 (1 dedicated 4-way and 1 dedicated 8-way), then you will only need 4 slots as they can both use the same connections simultaneously. You won't be using them at the same time so only 1 will be signalling.  

 The I-pac2 will give you plenty of inputs if you want to build a 2-player panel with 6 or 7 buttons per player. Once again, you are not necessarily limited to two sticks depending on what your intended use vs. your design is. A fully equipped 4-player panel will require the I-pac4 (more inputs).

 Does this answer your question?

[marcoval]

Perfectly aswered my question. I don't really have anything specific I'm going for, more just wanting to see how I would count it out when I do design it.

[Silverwind]

Perfectly aswered my question. I don't really have anything specific I'm going for, more just wanting to see how I would count it out when I do design it.

yes each joystick takes 4 inputs..  not a big deal.. the ipac still gives enough room for 4 inputs from joystick and then 8 buttons per player.. if you need more than that ? hehehe

Also includes other inputs for coin and start..

for two player ipac should be plenty.. but as mentioned if you need more you can get the ipac4 which is what I have..