iPac 2 USB or PS/2?

[drpcken]

Getting ready to buy my first iPac for a 2player control panel. I thought it was pretty straight forward until I started reading up on them.  Apparently there is a ps2 and usb version.  Which is better?  I'm assuming the USB version is in terms of speed.

Also I read a post here where a guy had some drops in his button pushes when he rapidly pushed them, especially in galaga.  Do you think this would be a problem for other games?

I want to have 2players with 7 buttons each, 1p and 2p buttons, and 2 admin buttons each, and maybe flippers.

Thanks!

[Epyx]

USB is certainly easier to work with.  However, of note...the default polling speed on Windows XP is 125hz which is about an 8ms response time.  There are patches and utilities to change this (which I recommend to at least 250hz/500hz or  2/1ms) though.

Some mouse utilities like those of Logitech allow you to change the USB polling speed, others do not.

This utility helps:

http://www.overclock.net/faqs/73418-how-improve-mouse-response-accuracy-changing.html

This really assists on trackball/spinner games imo.

Depending on your versions/configuration of Windows this may already be set higher so check your speed first.

[Octo]

I've had my IPAC2 PS/2 for about 4 years now (can't believe it's been that long) and it's been great.... Until I put it in my new arcade with an old media center. No PS/2 ports. I have an adapter but it won't work.

TLDR: go with the USB, it'll be around longer and there's more ports on a comp to plug it in to.

[drpcken]

If polling speeds can be changed I'll be happy

I was gonna go with a tiny xp version, but I may do the tiny win 7 if it proves to hold up.  Or I guess I can dual boot both to see.

[drpcken]

Also, is there anything else I'll need?  I've got the ipac and the grounding wires (string of wires).  Guess I need the wiring kit too huh?

[vrf]

Until I put it in my new arcade with an old media center. No PS/2 ports. I have an adapter but it won't work.

I was hoping the adapter would work. Do those adapters typically not work on an ps/2 ipac?

[Octo]

I dunno. I got the $3 adapter from Fry's, nothing fancy. It works with my desktop running XP, but not the media center running Vista (my roommates extra computer, since I frizzlefried my last one).

[Vebbo]

USB is certainly easier to work with.  However, of note...the default polling speed on Windows XP is 125hz which is about an 8ms response time.  There are patches and utilities to change this (which I recommend to at least 250hz/500hz or  2/1ms) though.

Some mouse utilities like those of Logitech allow you to change the USB polling speed, others do not.

This utility helps:

http://www.overclock.net/faqs/73418-how-improve-mouse-response-accuracy-changing.html

This really assists on trackball/spinner games imo.

Depending on your versions/configuration of Windows this may already be set higher so check your speed first.

I'll try this program 

[AndyWarne]

The polling speed issue is not relevant. The I-PACs are full-speed USB devices and this polling speed restriction only applies to low-speed devices. The poll rate is 2ms.

Also, the I-PAC boards are the same board for USB and PS/2. So if you wish you can order an additional cable and have both types of interface available.

Andy

[Epyx]

Thanks Andy for that clarification.  The utility is still useful depending on your USB devices...for my X-Arcade trackball it was definitely an issue.

[drpcken]

Yes Andy thank you!  Just got my i-pac in today  

Looking forward to making a mock up to play with

Thanks again everyone!