Keyboard Encoder Questions.

[steveh]

Hello,

I have been reading these forums for quite a while now.  I am Currently in the End Stages of my Research for my arcade machine.  I have most parts i need.  But I have a Few questions about the Keyboard encoders.

I am planning on doing a 4 player setup (not 100% positive but i am leaning this way)

i am trying to weigh the differences in the keyboard encoders.

The Keywiz eco 2 and the KeyWiz Max 1.5 seam to have only 2 differences.
A switched ps2 port and screw terminals.  Is this the only differences between the 2 units?

Do they make, or are they planning to make a KeyWiz for 4 players ( like the Ipac with the 56 inputs? )

Can 2 of the Keywiz Eco 2's be connected to the system for extra inputs?

If i hook up 2 will i be able to program them both, or reprogram them with that new software that was just posted?

If i decide to use the usb units (GP-Wiz49 or the GP-Wiz) are there any problems when rebooting?  I have read instances where people have hacked usb joypads and have them setup only to have the players swapped arround when they reboot.  what is build into these to stop that if any thing?

Ive read alot of info on the I-Pac units and untill recently i was pretty sure i was going to get one of their ipac4 unit.  now i am confused as to the direction i want to go. 

what benefits would i get/lose with going with a ipac over a keywiz?

Also is there any good software around that could help me design my controller layout?  This is another area where i am confused as to what i will like.  I need to visually see what i can make it look like.

Thx for the help guys.

[diverdown]

I can't answer most of your questions, take a look at the thread comparing the two. You will see randyT and Andy go into finer detail.

The 2p/4p is totally up to you. Do you have three friends? or just 1?

I have bought and Ipac4 - eggsalent and easy with great support software.
I have bought a keywiz eco - eggsalent but harder to wire up  AND NOW HAS SOFTWARE

both come from great reliable folks


I have just bought 3x ipac2 for 3 friends projects because they are one of the easiest to use.
If the keywiz software was around I would have been tempted to get a keywiz (doh)
I personally would go for the ipac4 rather than doubling up on 2 ecos but to each their own.


with regards to the control panel software


http://www.mameroom.com/files/CPD_Setup.zip

Should send you in the right direction


take a look here for info

http://www.retroblast.com/reviews/mrdesign.html

[steveh]

Thank you for the tips.  I have had no time this weekend to look at that software.  Any one else able to answer my questions that were missed?

[Hoopz]

Also is there any good software around that could help me design my controller layout?  This is another area where i am confused as to what i will like.  I need to visually see what i can make it look like.

Try this link for designing your layout:

http://www.move360media.com/mame/icpd1_1.swf

[steveh]

I can't answer most of your questions, take a look at the thread comparing the two. You will see randyT and Andy go into finer detail.

where is the thread or how can i search for it?  i could not find it.

[xmenxmen]

I build a 4 player cp using 2 GP-Wiz Eco 32 Input USB Controls Interface and they work just fine.  Make sure when ordering you pick different USB Device Number for each.  I just pick 1 and 2. 

[steveh]

So i finally started playing the the cp software you posted.  are there any samples i can download and use with this software?