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QuackMasterDan:
Hi there, I've finished building my arcade machine and all I left to do now is wire up the buttons and I have no idea what I am getting into here.

First off, on my control panel I have 58 inputs. 4 joysticks, 6 buttons each, and the rest are miscellaneous buttons (coin, start, pause, etc). First off, I really do not want to do any soldering if possible. The iPac looks very appealing as I can just screw in the wires to the board, and I was just going to thread the wire through the holes on my microswitch and twist.

As the largest iPac is 56 inputs, with 2 of them shift. I cannot use 58 inputs on a 54 input board. So I guess the iPac is out of the question (is it?) So the first question is, what keyboard encoder should I purchase? I don't want to have to do any soldering, and do not know how to crimp wires.

Next question: I've read that I need to purchase a wiring block, and after looking on google, sites like amazon, the best I can make of it is that a wiring block is a strip of metal, that can output electricity to many common connectors on microswitches. I'm not sure how to use one, and do not know exactly what it is.

The final question, what is the easiest method for a complete soldering/crimping/wiring newbie to hook 58 inputs into an arcade machine. Also, should I use USB or PS/2?

Thanks for reading this much.  :)
am_monkee:
Though I'm a newb myself, I'd recommend either the ipacs or the keywiz. Don't try to hack a keyboard if you're unsure how. The ipac has 56 inputs which has each 4 joysticks, 8 buttons, and things like coin 1,2,3,4, etc. I'm fairly certain this would work for you. If you get the ipac, you'd just need to screw the wires in the respective places-it's very easy. The ipac is from ultimarc.com

The keywiz can be found on groovygamegear.com. I haven't used it, so I can't speak directly, but I know a lot of people seem satisfied.


I use the minipac ps/2 and it works great. I'd recommend ps/2 over usb, but that is really a personal preference for me. Ultimarc sells good products and the ipac is easily to install, hook up, and interface w/ your pc.

Hope this helps and good luck.
Apollo:
Generally there is no need to have more than 4 buttons for players 3 and 4 however you have already made the holes so too late.

4 joys=16 inputs
6 buttons each=24 inputs

I'm not sure where you are seeing a problem as that is only 40 inputs?
To connect you just need a whole lot of quick connects and you're all set to go.
BobA:
Not to say you counted wrong but 58 seems like way too many inputs for 4 joys and 6 buttons plus extras.  The joys and buttons add up to just 40 inputs.   You do not need terminal blocks but some like to use them for grounds. A more common way to handle the ground is to  daisy chain your ground wire from switch to switch.

DO NOT WRAP AND TWIST the wires to your microswitches.  You will have nothing but problems with bad connections.  The common way to connect is to use a crimping tool and push on connectors.
Spaz Monkey:
Well, first thing, you need to recount your "inputs".  Most 4 player games don't need 6 buttons.  Most 2 player games only need 6 buttons.  And for a single player with 6 buttons, you have 12 inputs & 1 ground (4 for joy, 6 for buttons, 2 for start & credit).  You can have 1 common ground for all inputs.

As for the wiring block, it will not output electricity to many common connectors (cut & pasted from your post). All it will do is allow you to do is connect wires and make it look nice.  The fuse box in your car is like a wiring block. (very basic analogy).  You cannot plug one wire in on one end and have the other side active.  The wiring block is a cheap & inexpensive alternative to Molex.

Darn, two posts too late.
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