New products: KeyWiz40ST™ & KeyWiz40ECO™ - GroovyGameGear

[RandyT]

These have been available for a short while, but I wanted to wait until I had the new software completed before making the official announcement. 

In line with our long-standing efforts to bring high-quality controls interfaces that deliver the best "bang for buck" possible, we bring you the KeyWiz40™ line of interfaces.  Same great performance as the previous KeyWiz versions, but now with 40 software configurable direct inputs, enough for even a modest 4-player panel at a previously unheard of price.  The KeyWiz40's also employ a new codeset uploading protocol which, with the new KeyWiz Uploader 3.0 software,  provides fast codeset uploads under 98SE and Win2k/XP, with 2K/XP uploads taking less than 3 seconds!  The default ROM based codeset has also been improved, and now includes the full F-KEY set as part of the default Shazaaam! definitions.

For those who want to save some money and solder to the board, we also offer the ECO version, which has all of the same features as the ST except for the screw terminals.  Even total novices should have no trouble soldering to this board, thanks to the wide-open spacing and large solder-points.

The new KeyWiz Uploader 3.0™ software has been specifically designed for use with the KeyWiz40 line of interfaces.  It features the same capabilities as previous versions, including Stealth Uploading, Automatic Codeset Uploads, Virtual EEPROM operation, Software Launch after upload, Integrated Input Testing, etc. 

It also supports the new high-speed uploads under 2K/XP, and provides a much more intuitive editing interface.  The on-screen PCB reflects the layout of the actual board, with all definitions visible at all times.  To change an input definition, one needs only to click the box over the input and then click a key on the on-screen keyboard.

The full feature listing and documentation for both the KeyWiz40's and the KeyWiz Uploader Software can be viewed at the GroovyGameGear store under the product listing.

A heartfelt thanks once again to all who have supported GGG in the past with their purchases and continue to do so.  This is all we do, so without you, we couldn't keep innovating and bringing these new items to the community.  There's more to come, so stay tuned!

RandyT

[melarky]

These new boards look great, and I'm glad you posted, I didn't know about them before now.  I have used your other control boards and they are fantastic, and these should be great for a future project I will be doing.  Keep up the great work!

[SirPeale]

I still want to see you make an encoder with a JAMMA interface.

[gamentine]

Those look awesome!!

Are they recognized as a keyboard? or as a joystick?
Can all the buttons be held down at the same time?

[RandyT]

Thanks for the comments.

I still want to see you make an encoder with a JAMMA interface.

I have a board layout that's pretty much been sitting there for months.  Because of all the stuff that is supported through JAMMA, it's difficult to decide what features the encoder should incorporate.  Too many and it starts to become expensive/complex.  Too few and it might not fit the bill for the majority of users. 

Anyone with any input at all on this one should email me.  It would be greatly appreciated.

Are they recognized as a keyboard? or as a joystick?
Can all the buttons be held down at the same time?

The KeyWiz is natively recognized as a keyboard encoder.  Because of the way the Shazaaam! feature is implemented, up to 39 buttons can be held down at the same time.  No matrix, no ghosts, and no blocking.

RandyT