Dead Keywiz?

[ardarvin]

Hey,

I just recently bought a KeyWiz. I've wired everything up as per Default ROM config, but unfortunately the keywiz doesn't seem to recognize any of the wired inputs.

It's the screwdown version, and I've went through every input, holding a ohmmeter from the top of the ground input screw to each of other input screws, then pressing the corresponding button and I get continuity. (meaning the buttons are all wired properly).

The Keywiz does work in keyboard bypass mode, but when I flip the switch I get no response.

Also, I've tried running the little keywiz configuation app, but when I open the app, it tries to connect to the keywiz a few times then fails.

[ardarvin]

A couple more things.... the voltage at the pad labelled 5v is indeed 5v.

I'm using standoffs with small headed screws, so there's no shorting going on.

[gamenut]

When you run the keywiz app, make sure the switch is pointing towards the two plugin tower thing(keywiz mode, not keyboard). Then your app will find the keywiz and you can map out your buttons. Did all ready hook up your Shazam button? If so, unhook it from the key wiz and try your buttons agian. You might have turned it on by accident.

[RandyT]

Because we test each of the units 100% before they are shipped, it's very rare that a "dead" unit makes it into a customer's hands.

1: Believe it or not, the cause for this behavior is often the cables being plugged into the wrong ports on the KeyWiz.  Computer goes to Purple, Keyboard goes to Green.

2: Check the unit with a different computer.  While extremely rare, an incompatibility with a particular MB chipset implementation could be possible.

3: Due to the cooler weather and lower humidity, static electricity is becoming more of an issue.  It may have suffered damage through handling.  Staying discharged by using a static control wristband or periodically touching the metal of your computer case while handling electronics will help prevent this. 

Whatever the case, contact me and I will help you get sorted out.

RandyT

[ardarvin]

I plugged it into another computer, and it worked. So I guess it's a motherboard incompatiblity.   

The computer in question is an old Sony P3, with an Intel 82801AA interface chipset, and an Intel 82815AA IO controller.

As a side note, I did use static straps when assembling (i assemble digital cameras for a living), and had the ports plugged in correctly.

Randy I'll email you, to figure out what to do now. This is the only computer I have for the MAME project.

[diverdown]

If you are happy to pay postage from all the way over hear I have a few old P111 Mobos without chips sitting on my shed shelf.

Here being Australia

[Havok]

I would recomend trying to obtain the latest BIOS version from the manufacturer. It's a long shot - but it may work...

[Mr. Bubblehead]

As a side note, I did use static straps when assembling (i assemble digital cameras for a living), and had the ports plugged in correctly.

What country do you live in, and how old are you?  I thought all electronic stuff was made by Chinese children 

[ardarvin]

Heh... I'm an 8 yr old chinese girl, and I wanna play all those cool games that grandpa used to play back in the day.

No, actually I'm 30, live in Canada, and believe it or not, we (prosilica.com) do our own manufacturing here.

And thx for the tip Havok. I already tried updating each and every driver for the system, but I didn't think of trying to update the BIOS.

If that doesn't work, Randy has offered to send me a GP-Wiz (USB) which will most likely work.

[ardarvin]

Well, updating the BIOS didn't work Looks like it's GP-Wiz time.

[Havok]

Well, if it's any consolation: I use a Keywiz and GPwiz's - they both are great products...

[ardarvin]

meh, it just gives me an excuse to get a new home PC, and increase the specs on my MAME pc by quite a bit, so I'm not too worried.

Agreed though, the keyWiz seems like a pretty sweet product.