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turbotwist 2 choice - USB vs PS/2

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rockin_rick:

What is the difference between the USB and PS/2 'version' of the turbotwist 2?  Of course I understand USB vs PS/2 (I don't need an explanation of these), but why would I choose one or the other based on the operation of the TT2?

I'd rather use PS/2 as long as the performance is not worse than USB.  I guess I'm old school and have had too many 'issues' over the years with USB, and have never had any problems with PS/2.  I've also seen posts about others having issues with multiple devices getting assigned in random orders when connected and thus requiring reconfiguring in mame.

Does the TT2 work exactly like a USB mouse/seen by the PC as a USB mouse?

Can I get the USB version and use a USB to PS/2 adapter (that sometimes (or used to) come with USB mice - often green) if desired later?

IIRC, don't USB mice update faster than PS/2 mice?  Would this itself make USB a better choice?  Or does it not matter to the TT2 and either interface is equal in terms of performance?

Is the only difference between the USB version and the PS/2 version simply a different cable?  If so, can I get the USB version and also the PS/2 cable and interchange them at will?  Are there any firmware differences? 

I'm looking to be able to plug this in and have it Just Work.  If the USB connection will do that, then I'm all for it.  Otherwise, if the PS/2 is just as good, then I'd choose PS/2.

What interface did anyone else use?  Has it been problem free?

Thanks,
Rick


AndyWarne:

I can comment on this with regards to our SpinTrak spinner which has a very high resolution, as does the TT2. The comment is probably valid for the TT2 as well. Basically USB is the way to go IMHO. Although our spinner is a dual-interface device I don't really sell it as a PS/2 device because the PS/2 interface just isnt fast enough to deal with the data rate from the high-res device. I would definitely recommend USB.
The multiple device problem should not be an issue as this only arises when you have several of exactly the same device connected, such as a pair of identical gamepads with the same USB ID.
Andy

RandyT:

The TurboTwist 2 performs quite well using PS/2 with my test systems.

In fact, if I spin the TT2 really hard (many, many times harder than one would ever think of doing during gameplay)  I can get some backspin using USB.  It's not easy to do, but I can do it.

Strangely enough, I could not get backspin at all with the same extreme test when using the PS/2 interface.  This test was conducted at the Windows desktop, as it is one of the better places to get uniform testing conditions. 

I can't speak for other devices, but with the TT2, it's a matter of which interface suits your configuration the best, including how you intend to use it.  If you have swappable panels and don't want to reboot your system when you swap, USB will be the best choice.  If you have a fixed installation, where you won't be plugging and unplugging things all of the time, it's really up to you.  The TT2 interface is a true dual-interface control so if you change your mind, a simple passive (no electronics) plug adapter will let you switch to the other type.


RandyT


*edit*
It should also be mentioned that I most likely cranked up the PS/2 sampling rate to 200hz at some time in the life of my machines.  I don't see that setting in the current driver, but I have used it in the past.  If your driver doesn't have this option, there are programs out there to give you this boost.  200hz, BTW, is about twice the average report speed of "low-speed USB" mouse controllers.

More specific answers to your questions:

The TT2 is seen by the system as a mouse in PS/2 mode, just like in USB.  No fuss.

As stated earlier, you can use one of those "often green :) " plug adapters later.

When you plug it in, it will "Just Work", but with PS/2 you will probably need to do a re-boot.

We sell more USB than PS/2 versions.  There are a lot more USB ports on a computer than PS/2 mouse ports, so this probably has a lot to do with it ;)

I refrained from jumping into your thread because it sounded like you wanted to hear from actual users of the product, but it seemed necessary.  Hopefully other users can add to, confirm or deny the info presented so you can get the info you are looking for.



AndyWarne:

Backspin? Thats not good. I don't see how this can happen in a way thats attributable to the use of USB though. Lack of data throughput would cause a limit on the speed of movement rather than backspin.

RandyT:


--- Quote from: AndyWarne on February 02, 2007, 11:36:03 am ---Backspin? Thats not good. I don't see how this can happen in a way thats attributable to the use of USB though. Lack of data throughput would cause a limit on the speed of movement rather than backspin.

--- End quote ---

Something has to give if information is being collected faster than the host system is processing the packets.  This rate defaults to ~100hz for low-speed USB devices.  It occurs at the interface level, but is caused by an overflow related to USB processing requirements and polling frequencies.

Do you really find it surprising that PS/2, which has far less overhead and polling at twice the speed of "low speed" USB, shows fewer anomalies?

Also don't forget, the TT2 has 20% more resolution than the next closest spinner.  That means 20% more data needs to be collected in the same time-frame and more is expected from every part of the processing chain.  This is why I don't make guarantees of performance when the TT2 is used with hardware not specifically designed for them.

As I have stated before, and as has been confirmed by actual users; TT2 gameplay at all levels, including those surpassing normal use, is perfect regardless of the interface used, so it's a non-issue. 

Do you really care if the tires on your Rolls-Royce burst into flames at 400 mph?   :D

RandyT



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