My 1st Control Panel Almost Complete!

[bsoder52]

 
Long time reader, first time poster!  I'd like to thank everyone who has been a contributer to ArcadeControls.com, it's awesome how everyone helps each other out in here.  A special thanks to Steve MameWah.com for helping me understand how to correctly run Mame with Mamewah.

Here is where I'm stuck:

My control panell has three joysticks:  2 are "StreetFighter" 6-button set-ups are 8-way sticks, and then I also have a controller in the Middle with 2-buttons which is set-up for 4-way play.  I have player 1/2 buttons, and also 4 generic buttons on the top of the panel.  I'd like to mount 2 more illuminated buttons where a coin door would normally go.  So here is the question at hand.  I have read all the "Ipac vs. Keywiz" strings.  I'm not sure if the Ipac will have enough "slots" for all my wiring hookups.  Does the Ipac support 3 controllers?  Does the Keywiz?  I'd like to hear from people who have built control panels like mine, and let me know which way to go with the emlation interface?  \

I don't know how to post the pics in here yet, but if someone could help me post them I can email them right out.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!
Brian

[BobA]

To quote from the ultimarc site

"The I-PAC2 has 28 inputs. They are all programmable and are designated as 2 joysticks, 8 buttons each, plus coin1, coin2, start1, start2. One of the inputs is assigned as a shift key to access an alternate code set."

"The I-PAC4 has 56 inputs. All programmable and designated 4 joysticks, 8 buttons each plus coin 1,2,3,4 and start 1,2,3,4. Two of the inputs are assigned as shift keys to access two separate codes sets covering the player 1,2 and the player 3,4 inputs."


So if you want separate imputs for all your joysticks and buttons get the I-PAC4.  If you want to double up on your player one and have both the 4 way and 8 way on the first player then get the I-PAC2.  

BobA

[bsoder52]

Thanks for the feedback!  It sounds like the I-Pac 4 is the way to go.  The less complicated I can keep the wiring and software set-up the better!
 

If anyone out there is soo kind to help me get these pics on the string I could really use the help!
Brian

[SirPoonga]

No, you can wire the 4 way to the same inputs as the player 1 8way, an ipac2 or kewiz will still work for you.

[Xphile]

um...you won't be using your 4-way at the same time as your 8-ways, right?  so just wire your 4-way to the same inputs as your player1 8-way,  (unless I'm missing something you're wanting to do..)

[bsoder52]

Thanks for the aditional feedback.  With  these interfaces (Ipac & Keywiz):  do they have hookups for a keyboard to override the button configuration if needed?  

[BobA]

I am not sure if everyone read the info in my other post correctly.  I said that if you wire the 4 way and 8 way together for the first player you could use the IPAC-2.  Which is what everyone said again for some reason. Maybe they were trying to point it out again as you seemed to choose the IPAC-4.

Use either IPAC as it has a true kb passthru.  The keywiz has only a switchable kb port AFAIK.

BobA

[bsoder52]

Thanks again!  Sounds like the Ipac2 is the way to go!  I can't wait to get the system finished off!  Man, it takes alot more time and effort for one of these projects.  
But extrememly addicting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
After my Mame Cab (God willing it will get finished and will work)  will be a laser disk type standup, then I'm thinking a trackball stand-up.  That should keep me busy and broke for at least a year......