Multiple I-PAC4's one PC?

[Dazz]

My 3 year old I-PAC4 seems to be having issues with several of the player 3/4 inputs.  So, after lengthy troubleshooting with Andy, I decided that I would purchased another one.  It arrived today and I am going to wire it later this evening.  Before I get to wiring it, I was thinking about using the other one's working inputs and use them for external controllers or 2nd more specialized control panel. 

1.  Is it possible to have multiple I-Pac's hooked up to one machine? 

2.  If so, what is the best way to hook up multiples?  One of them is USB and that will be the primary one.  The other is PS2.  Could I simply run the PS2 one through the Passthrough on the USB one or must it be hooked up to the PS2 port on the computer?

3.  How would I go about programming them?  Would I just plug in the one I want to program, program it, then unplug it, plug the other in and program that one?  I want them to have the same key configs on them so I don't have to re-configure other emulators.  I know that in the I-Pac programming app in the options you can set USB or PS2.  Can I plug both in and just change that option to program the other one?

Thanks in advance!

[Avrus]

I use Mini-Pacs but same thing essentially.

1.  Is it possible to have multiple I-Pac's hooked up to one machine?

Yup, I have 3 Mini-PACS hooked up.

2.  If so, what is the best way to hook up multiples?  One of them is USB and that will be the primary one.  The other is PS2.  Could I simply run the PS2 one through the Passthrough on the USB one or must it be hooked up to the PS2 port on the computer?

I have mine connected via USB only, no issues.

3.  How would I go about programming them?  Would I just plug in the one I want to program, program it, then unplug it, plug the other in and program that one?  I want them to have the same key configs on them so I don't have to re-configure other emulators.  I know that in the I-Pac programming app in the options you can set USB or PS2.  Can I plug both in and just change that option to program the other one?

Correct on your first statement.   You need to program them one at a time, you can't have both plugged in at the same time for programming.

[Turnarcades]

Based on my knowledge of them, my guess would be yes, that would work, as long as you plug them in and program them both seperately first. In the same breath, if they were the same connection, you can run them in serial, with one i-pac plugged straight into the other, then hooked up to the PC.

[protokatie]

Totally useless post as per your question:

Av:

I use Mini-Pacs but same thing essentially.

Are we the only one "pushing" the minipac here? I know I am a novice in the MAME world, but it almost feels like you and I are the ones trying to sell a drug that was once popular in the 1970's to people who only cry for X or some other newer drug...

People! Please! Think of the Minipacs! For less than a cup of coffee, you can keep a Minipac fed, clothed and taught about a man who gave his life to forgive you of your sins! (Andy Warne, that is; not that other guy...)

Edit: Man I need to stop watching Zero Punctuation. That guy makes me think I can be funny like him...

[Dazz]

Thanks for the info guys.  I guess it's time to start designing my next control panel...  I'm thinking 4 Joys for 2 player 2 joystick games with a Defender button layout.  Not really sure exactly what I want to do just yet.

Here is a pic of my current control panel...


Looking to create something for more specialized games.  2 player 2 joys is a must for my second control panel though.

I am totally open to suggestions for second control panel layout if anyone has any...

[protokatie]

I am totally open to suggestions for second control panel layout if anyone has any...

* protokatie moves to higher ground... (and takes anything that could get water damage with me)

 

[Avrus]

Thanks for the info guys.  I guess it's time to start designing my next control panel...  I'm thinking 4 Joys for 2 player 2 joystick games with a Defender button layout.  Not really sure exactly what I want to do just yet.

Here is a pic of my current control panel...


Looking to create something for more specialized games.  2 player 2 joys is a must for my second control panel though.

I am totally open to suggestions for second control panel layout if anyone has any...

4 trackballs.  Just to 1 up me.

 

[Avrus]

Totally useless post as per your question:

Av:

I use Mini-Pacs but same thing essentially.

Are we the only one "pushing" the minipac here? I know I am a novice in the MAME world, but it almost feels like you and I are the ones trying to sell a drug that was once popular in the 1970's to people who only cry for X or some other newer drug...

People! Please! Think of the Minipacs! For less than a cup of coffee, you can keep a Minipac fed, clothed and taught about a man who gave his life to forgive you of your sins! (Andy Warne, that is; not that other guy...)

Edit: Man I need to stop watching Zero Punctuation. That guy makes me think I can be funny like him...

Lol.  Mini-PACS rule.  I mean, the value is awesome.  Essentially an Ipac with support for a trackball and a spinner.  Of course Andy never anticipated someone being bold (crazy) enough to create (forge from the depths of hell) a control panel with 3 trackballs and 2 spinners.

[Dazz]

I am totally open to suggestions for second control panel layout if anyone has any...

* protokatie moves to higher ground... (and takes anything that could get water damage with me)

 

Ok, guess I better be a bit more specific...  I must use items that are already in my inventory.  I cannot purchase anything new for this control panel.  It will be made out of 3/4 MDF that I have left over from my cabinet build. 

Current Inventory:
4 x Happs Competition Joysticks
12 x Happs Competition Convex Pushbuttons
4 x Happs Ultimate/Classic Concave Pushbuttons
1 x Player 1 start
1 x Player 2 start
I-Pac4

[Avrus]

I am totally open to suggestions for second control panel layout if anyone has any...

* protokatie moves to higher ground... (and takes anything that could get water damage with me)

 

Ok, guess I better be a bit more specific...  I must use items that are already in my inventory.  I cannot purchase anything new for this control panel.  It will be made out of 3/4 MDF that I have left over from my cabinet build. 

Current Inventory:
4 x Happs Competition Joysticks
12 x Happs Competition Convex Pushbuttons
4 x Happs Ultimate/Classic Concave Pushbuttons
1 x Player 1 start
1 x Player 2 start
I-Pac4

What kind of games are you primarily playing?  That's going to determine layout strategy.

[NoOne=NBA=]

Looking to create something for more specialized games.

Nothing out there beats a modular CP.
Modular will let you set up a generic CP for playing alot of games, but will also allow you to put EXACTLY the right control in for whatever game you want to play.