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Which is better - I-pac or KeyWiz keyboard encoder?

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CheffoJeffo:


--- Quote from: DeLuSioNal29 on January 30, 2008, 02:07:16 pm ---For calculating the number of inputs:  (this was confusing for me when I was a newbie so I figured I'd include it)
-  Keep in mind that the 8 way joys only take up 4 inputs per joystick.  The diagonals are actually pressing two at the same time.
-  You can "double-up" inputs.  This is good for things like 4 ways sharing the same inputs at 8 ways for player 1.

Example for calculating inputs on a typical 2 player panel with 6 buttons per player:
2 - joysticks (1 for each player) = 8 inputs
1 - 4 way joystick = 0 inputs ("doubles-up" on player one 8 way inputs which does not need any additional inputs)
6 - buttons for each player = 12 inputs
2 - credit buttons (1 for each player) = 2 inputs
2 - start buttons (1 for each player) = 2 inputs
4 - pinball buttons (2 on the left side of panel (on the side) and 2 on the right) = 0 inputs ("doubles-up" on player one buttons 1 & 2)
24 inputs total in this example
Or you can have less if you use the shift/Shazam button.

The KeyWiz-ST can handle up to 32 inputs so is ideal for a 2 player setup.
The Ipac4 can handle up to 56 inputs so is ideal for a 4 player setup.

Note:  Spinners and/or trackball use separate encoders from the joysticks and buttons.  The Groovy Game Gear Spinner (Turbo Twist 2) comes with it's own USB interface built in as does the Electric Ice-T Trackball (USB) so no encoders are needed for those.  Other brands will need additional encoders that do not come with the trackball/spinner.  (i.e. - Ultimarc's optipac encoder for spinners/trackballs).

--- End quote ---

 :applaud:

A very useful example ... thanks for taking the time.

 :cheers:

onespriggan:

thanks for the quick responses everyone!  This clears up a lot of questions I had.  I think I will try out the KeyWiz. 

Havok:


--- Quote from: unclet on January 30, 2008, 01:39:28 pm ---Does the KeyWiz connect to the PS2 keyboard port of the computer?  If so, then does the KeyWiz allow for a normal keyboard to be connected with a pass-thru connector?

--- End quote ---

I use a Keywiz, and have a usb keyboard hooked up at the same time - works great, and I don't have to flip a switch...

** Edit **

The Keywiz is ps/2 only...

Singapura:

I put exactly the same question on the Mameworld board this morning! Thanks for the information  :cheers:

protokatie:


--- Quote ---Mini-Pac because it comes with wiring harness.   Grin
--- End quote ---

If you order the right one it does :P. Or you can order the minipac without the harness if you want to make your own I guess.. There are two versions of the minipac, and you can get the one with the optical capabilities as well (I went with the cheaper one since I dont plan on having spinners or the like)

I am a NewB at this, so the obvious choice for me was the minipac, and would definetly recommend it to other NewBs as well. If I get into the addiction of making arcade cabs, I will prolly go for Ipac4's for 4player cabs, and may look into keywiz.

If you are good at dealing with wiring, and dont need a hole tonne of inputs, my suggestion would be to flip a coin to choose between Ipac and keywiz...

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