KE72 or I-Pac(s)

[bhille]

I'm starting to get my parts list together for my cab.  I was originally going to go with Arcadeos and a KE72 controller.  Well, since Arcadeos isn't developed anymore (and the key remapping doesn't work) I was thinking about AdvnaceMenu.  They are recommending the I-Pac for keyremapping for different emulators (load a config. before and after emulator).  Can the KE72 even do that?  I will be making a 4 player joystick panel, 2 player spinner/trackball panel, and potentially a steeringwheel panel.  I thought will all that the KE72 would be best.  Any thoughts?  I would *like* to run DOS, MAME, Nesticle, Z26, and an Apple II emualtor.  I would appreciate your advise!

Thanks,

Brian

[Jeremy Cline]

I've used both the KE72 and the I-Pac and I'll tell you that the I-Pac is MUCH EASIER to wire-up and program.  The KE-72 was a pain-in-the-ass.  Also, a slight shock to my all-metal cabinet fried my KE-72.  Dead. Kaput.

I-PAC + Opti-pac = arcade heaven!

Jeremy Cline

[bhille]

On the four player panel, I figure I will need 44 defined keys (4 per joystick and 28 buttons).  I know you can combine I-Paqs to get more funtions...how hard is it to program while both are connected?  Is that pretty easy too?  I like the idea of having 72 inputs with the KE, but since I was thinking about the Opti-Pac, one supplier has it's advantages to.

Brian

[Lilwolf]

You can program 2 ipacs I hear at onces.  You do have to add some command line to access the second one.  I was under the impression that you could only do the closest one, but others are saying that you can access them both.

but also consider the MK64.  Great for 4 player cabinets with all the extra buttons you could ever want.  The connections aren't as nice as the ipac (you use a ide or scsi cable), but not bad.

Trouble is that you wont have yoru 5 volts for your optipac (my trouble... I blew my board tyring to get power from my keyboard cable... put +5v to ground and ground to 5volts and got something to smoke...opps)..

but I'm starting to think that usb trackballs are a better solution since there are mame versions athat allow 2 mice at once if they are USB withotu extra setups