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Mac compatible Encoders
ElKootcho:
I recently picked up the x-arcade BYO arcade kit and when it arrived it was fairly obvious that it's not what I wanted. The main issue that I have is the pain-in-the-ass chore of switching from 4-way to 8-way (which will likely happen frequently). The programming of the board seems to be a bit of a pain as well but once done, should stay done so I can deal with that if needed. The board will handle 28 inputs.
Why'd I buy x-arcade? lifetime warranty and 30-day return policy (which I may be taking advantage of soon). price is a consideration as well. Their kit was a bit cheaper.
Soooo, Mac users: what do you recommend? I see these as my options (but please steer me in another direction if you have a better idea):
1: return all x-arcade products and start over with ipac2 (does MacIPAC application work well?) or is there another well respected MAC-compatible encoder?
2: keep x-arcade product and add dedicated 4-way stick
3: keep x-arcade encoder and upgrade to mag-stick for easy switching from 4 to 8-way
4: do you have another idea?
I'm probably just over thinking this whole thing.
Thank you for any help.
Crowquill:
Any encoder that will read as a standard USB keyboard or mouse should work fine. The programming part is probably the trickiest.
I think Ultimarc is the only one who offers a mac programming utility. All of the encoders I know of come pre-programmed to the MAME/MacMAME defaults anyway.
BobA:
Hi can you explain to me what is involved in the 4 way 8 way changeover. As far as I know the X-arcade units only had 8 way joysticks.
ElKootcho:
It involves removing a c-clip and flipping a part on the bottom of the stick. http://www.x-arcade.com/service/open.shtml
ElKootcho:
Not that I've seen or used one, but the general design of the x-arcade stick seems very similar to the Happ Super http://www.happcontrols.com/joysticks/super_joy_e.htm