Which Keyboard Encoder to buy?

[rdowdy95]

Originally I was looking at getting an IPAC2.  PS/2 style of course.  Then many people on here were saying KeyWiz from GroovyGameGear.  So I then started looking into this KeyWiz Max 1.5.  The Keywiz Max looks pretty good.  I looked at the version 2.0 software it has, and my question is this.  Say I pick profile A or whatever as my main button settings, and then I save it as my Name Dowdy Arcade or whatever can I highlight the Default radio button and then everytime I boot up the system it will remember my Dowdy Arcade Configuration?  If that is right then that is cool.  $34.95 for the Keywiz and $39.00 for the Ipac2.  What do you guys think???

Not to cause any wars between the people who sell these.  Also what do you think about the guys behind the products.  Do they back up their products pretty good?

[rdowdy95]

Also setting a profile to default will that save it in the system or save it in the KeyWiz so next time I turn it on I will have the same controls?  Cause I need to know the settings that will save it into the KeyWiz's memory.

[rdowdy95]

I-PAC retains it's programming after power off. Beware! Not all keyboard encoders do this!


Does KeyWiz do this?

[blueznl]

No, but why would that be important? You can download the config every time your machine starts.

I've decided on the I-Pac VE (if that's the proper name). Looks just a tad better than the KeyWiz, though to be honest it will be my first encoder 

[leapinlew]

Dowdy,

I've used 4 Ipacs now - no problems or complaints. To be fair, I haven't used the Keywiz yet.

[Hawkypro]

I use the Ipac ve  and its built like a rock. The PCB is of great quality. I have used this for a year without a problem. I have not used the keywiz so i cant comment on it.

[RandyT]

I-PAC retains it's programming after power off. Beware! Not all keyboard encoders do this!


Does KeyWiz do this?

Hardware retention of programming is only beneficial under very specific circumstances.  The plain fact is that most users don't ever bother programming their encoders.  They just use the defaults and tweak MAME (or other app) to match.

In any event, the V2.0 software makes it fast and simple for anyone to use the VEEPROM feature of the KeyWiz so that it acts exactly like hardware code retention once the OS boots.

There are also a couple of other "memory" features in the software that take advantage of the fact that the uploaded codeset isn't persistent.

RandyT

[Havok]

I have a Keywiz, and since I wanted to program a few buttons extra, I run the loader software on bootup. Once the programming is complete (a few seconds) it then fires off AtomicFE. Works flawlessly, and from power off to being in the front end is 32 seconds. I could probably trim that down further, but my machine runs Windows XP Pro with ALL services enabled, as this is internet connected and I run PC games as well (from the front end).

[rdowdy95]

So Havok and Randy you are saying do the VEEPROM style.  Load the shortcut and the /commands after the .exe shortcut to load the software so it gets the buttons all configed, then that software can also load say like Mamewah automatically after it is done setting up the buttons and stuff?

[RandyT]

So Havok and Randy you are saying do the VEEPROM style.  Load the shortcut and the /commands after the .exe shortcut to load the software so it gets the buttons all configed, then that software can also load say like Mamewah automatically after it is done setting up the buttons and stuff?

You don't need to do any command line stuff with the new software.  Just configure your profile(s) the way you want, and when you hit save you'll have the option of associating an executable (front end, game, whatever).  Then select that profile (codeset, keymap, whatever you wish to call it)  as the default.  From that moment on, every time you boot your system, that profile will be automatically uploaded to the KeyWiz and the application associated with it will launch.

RandyT

[rdowdy95]

Hey guys forget what I just said above.  I saw this picture on a PDF on Randy's website.  Picture has the look of the keywiz, and it says these are the Default Keys in ROM then it says always accessible.  All of these keys are the keys I will be using on my control panel.  I don't even have to use the Shazaam key.  See I am doing 2 player capcom 6 button layout.

ON the Rom setting the normal setting.  
I have all 4 directions on player 1 (Also going to plug in a 4way into the same deal on player1 as my 8way) and player 2 joystick.
Buttons 1-6 for player 1 and player 2.  This thing also has the 1 and 2 keys for the start buttons plus the 5 and 6 keys for credit buttons, then it has a P for pause, and TAB, ESC and Enter inputs hell that is all I need.

So if I am reading this correctly if I plug all my stuff in properly I don't even have to use the software, right?  GENIUS!!!  

[rdowdy95]

Randy one other thing.  Your Wizard logo guy is jacked up.  Buff upper body for an old Wizard!  :-)

[RandyT]

So if I am reading this correctly if I plug all my stuff in properly I don't even have to use the software, right?  GENIUS!!! 

Heh.  I don't know about that, but it's what I was referring to when I stated that most won't even program their encoder.  You will need to tweak 2 entries in MAME as they default to joystick buttons (no way around that for a 6-button per layout,) but that would be it.

Randy one other thing.  Your Wizard logo guy is jacked up.  Buff upper body for an old Wizard!  :-)

He reminds me of me    (yeah, I wish....)

RandyT

[rdowdy95]

Randy here is how mine will be cause I didn't understand the tweak joystick buttons in MAME.

P1 = UP
P1 = DOWN
P1 = RIGHT
P1 = LEFT
*On P1 Directions I will have an 8 Way and 4 Way going into the same inputs.

P2 = UP
P2 = Down
P2 = Right
P2 = Left

Then Buttons:
P1 = Button1
P1 = Button2
P1 = Button3
P1 = Button4
P1 = Button5
P1 = Button 6
P1 = Button7 (NOT BEING USED)
P1 = Button8 (NOT BEING USED)

P2 = Button1
P2 = Button2
P2 = Button3
P2 = Button4
P2 = Button5
P2 = Button 6
P2 = Button7 (NOT BEING USED)
P2 = Button8 (NOT BEING USED)

P1 Credit Button = number 5
P2 Credit button = number 6

Both start buttons = numbers 1 and 2

Then Admin buttons
P for pause, Enter, Tab and ESC.

I won't have to configure anything if that is all I am using right?

[Donkey_Kong]

Randy one other thing.  Your Wizard logo guy is jacked up.  Buff upper body for an old Wizard!  :-)

He reminds me of me    (yeah, I wish....)

RandyT

[/quote]

I'm not buying that! Joystick builder guys aren't all buffed up like that.  I mean come on...

No, but why would that be important? You can download the config every time your machine starts.

I've decided on the I-Pac VE (if that's the proper name). Looks just a tad better than the KeyWiz, though to be honest it will be my first encoder 

I have the Ipac VE. It doesn't retain programming between boots. I believe there was a thread weeks ago for some kind of mod within your config utility to achieve programming retention. Or do what I do and 1 clik at boot and I'm back in it. I love the programming of buttons to specific duties and of course the shift or shazam key.

Consensus is that with the Ipac or Keywiz you will do fine. I think that the decision usually might rest on your other needs. Just need an encoder then you have to make the choice. If you need something else from GGG and an encoder then you get the Keywiz. Need something else from ultimarc and an encoder get the Ipac. It ain't rocket science. THEY DO THE SAME THING. Both sellers are very reputable and stand behind the products. Both want and need you to be happy with the product. So you can't miss with either!!

 

[rdowdy95]

Thanks DK what I also like about Andy and Randy.  LOL!  The names are kind of similar.  They both sell encoders, they both are great forum posters, and their names sound alike.  How cool is that!

[RandyT]

Randy here is how mine will be cause I didn't understand the tweak joystick buttons in MAME.
...
I won't have to configure anything if that is all I am using right?

Player 2's buttons 5 and 6 default to actual gamepad/joystick buttons.  This needs to be changed no matter what encoder you use, when both players have 6 buttons.  You need to change these through use of the configurations menus, usually brought up by the TAB key.  Do it once and you are set.


RandyT

[rdowdy95]

This is done by pressing TAB.  Then pressing Input General, then do Player 2 Controls and Change button 5 and 6 to I and K right.  I think that is what I will do.  That won't be hard at all.  Thanks Randy.  I am going to place my order right now!

[Timoe]

I dont know if this has been mentioned or not but

KEY WIZ ECO is the best. at $20 and so compact it cannot be beat.

I have tried all the IPACs and they are great also, but a little pricey.  After you build a control panel with a tiny key wiz eco, you will never want another big bulky encoder like the key wiz 1.5 or the Ipac.

I'm hoping for a LedWiz Eco, cause even the reg LedWiz is too bulky for me.

 

[loadman]

I'm hoping for a LedWiz Eco, cause even the reg LedWiz is too bulky for me.

OK now you are being silly

 

[Fozzy The Bear]

I dont know if this has been mentioned or not but

KEY WIZ ECO is the best. at $20 and so compact it cannot be beat.

I have to second this... The KeyWiz Eco in the no solder version gives you the biggest bangs for the buck.  It's spectacularly good value for money.

Best Regards,
Julian (Fozzy The Bear)

[steveh]

what if you are looking at doing a 4 player setup?  is the ipac4 the only real option?

[Kaytrim]

what if you are looking at doing a 4 player setup?  is the ipac4 the only real option?

You could get two GPWiz boards from GGG  I have one for my two player setup and it works fine.  Just remember when you order get two different IDs.  Because these are based on Game Pads there is no key ghosting issues at all.

[GrantJ]

you will never want another big bulky encoder like the key wiz 1.5 or the Ipac.

If it's small you need then you could check out the Mini-PAC which is only a few $ more and you then have USB option and a full keyboard pass-thru plus a few other neat features which may or may not be useful.
The I-PAC VE is also pretty cheap with its free shipping option.

[steveh]

how difficult would the gpwiz be to program, especially on the fly?  and also whats the chances of the os swapping the controls on me?  as i have heard that can be a problem when hacking a joypad.

[Kaytrim]

The problem with mouse hacks and joypad hacks is that they are identified the same in Windows so it is a first in, first id situation.  Because each GPWiz will have it's own unique name the chance of os swapping controls will be none.  (Randy correct me if I am wrong.)

Just keep in mind that you must order separate USB Device numbers when you purchase from GGG.  The separate USB Device numbers are only for the same controler name.  You can have LEDWiz Device 1 and a GPWiz Device 1 with no difficulties because of the name difference.  If you order a second GPWiz then you must designate Device 2.  If you don't then you will still have the resigning of IDs on boot up.

[steveh]

ok that makes sense.  but what about default mame config.  since the gpwiz is a joypad would i have to remap every button in the config, or can the gpwiz use keystrokes. 

i think maybe the best idea would be 1 keywiz for players 1 and 2, and one gpwiz for 3, and 4.  at this point im not even that sure i will do 3 and 4 players. but its an idea.  are there any problems with using both of these units together.

also does GG have any kind of adapter, to make any of it work with a ps2?  i am probably going to make a sample controller box to plug into a pc and i would like it to double for a ps2 as well (if possible)

[Kaytrim]

ok that makes sense.  but what about default mame config.  since the gpwiz is a joypad would i have to remap every button in the config, or can the gpwiz use keystrokes. 

i think maybe the best idea would be 1 keywiz for players 1 and 2, and one gpwiz for 3, and 4.  at this point im not even that sure i will do 3 and 4 players. but its an idea.  are there any problems with using both of these units together.

also does GG have any kind of adapter, to make any of it work with a ps2?  i am probably going to make a sample controller box to plug into a pc and i would like it to double for a ps2 as well (if possible)

You would need to remap the controls in MAME.  What I did was remove all the control maps in the MAME directory structure.  I don't remember which folder but it should be easy to find.  Then I opened one game in MAME and mapped all the basic controls.  This will also set the default control file in MAME.  Now whenever you open a game for the first time it will copy the default file and you are ready to play.

To be able to use your controls on a PS2 you will need to hack a PS2 controller.  The GPWiz is USB only for a PC.  Do a search on the boards for a PS2 hack there should be at least one thread talking about it.

[RandyT]

i think maybe the best idea would be 1 keywiz for players 1 and 2, and one gpwiz for 3, and 4.  at this point im not even that sure i will do 3 and 4 players. but its an idea.  are there any problems with using both of these units together.

No problems, and it's my current recommendation for those requiring more inputs for larger panels.   The combination literally provides the best of both worlds with a little common sense decision making on the control layout.  It sounds like you have it figured correctly.

RandyT

[NoOne=NBA=]

I've used both encoders for years and never had a single problem with either brand.
I have also used both with a variety of other products (AKI, SJC, GP-Wiz, mouse hacks, analog joysticks, wheel/pedal sets, etc...) all without any problems.
Both companies stand behind their products as well as any company I have ever dealt with.

The differences have been debated for years, but the only ones I've seen than actually MAKE a difference to me are:
Ipac will do USB.
Ipac shift function allows the shift button to do a secondary function on release. (I have mine set to pause).
KeyWiz is less expensive.
KeyWiz shift function can be wired so that individual buttons perform shifted functions.

[spacies]

IPACs here.

[mrbones]

I'd buy anything but an Ultimarc USB keyboard controller. I have to reprogram my Minipac everytime on boot up. It's a PIA.