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Author Topic: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?  (Read 4405 times)

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endrien

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Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« on: September 02, 2009, 02:56:34 pm »
Looking for cheapest/easiest...Keywiz has the no soldering option but GP-Wiz has the cheapness option and you could probably just coil the wire through the holes for no soldering(I don't mind soldering but it would be a pain)

Franco B

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2009, 03:34:36 pm »
Cheapest and easiest don't always go hand in hand.

If you were to get a board with out terminals you definitely want to solder. If you just wire wrap it you are just asking for connection problems and shorts across the inputs.

If it was me I would spend the extra couple of $$ and get the screw terminal version. It will save a lot of work and it also makes it much easier to troubleshoot and solve problems if you should have any. It only takes seconds to unscrew the terminals and move wires if necessary compared to the amount of time it would take desoldering and resoldering or cutting wires to swap inputs etc.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #2 on: September 02, 2009, 05:03:34 pm »
I personally didn't have a soldering iron or the experience (or skills?) to solder so I paid the extra money for the screw in terminals.  Also the savings didn't justify it for me to save $10 and spend $10 or more for a decent quality soldering iron and solder.  The GP Wiz with screw terminals also has rotary support where as the eco version doesn't.
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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #3 on: September 02, 2009, 05:14:18 pm »
Just for reference...  If you go to Radio Shack and try to buy the screw down terminals used on the GP-Wiz, you will have to buy several packages of 3 at ~$5 each.  That works out to more money than increased cost of the unit that includes the terminals.  That means it is the cheap option IMO.

If you don't buy that version, at least get some terminal strips so you can change your setup without soldering inside the cabinet (or removing the CP I guess).  Those are fairly cheap and make it a little easier to change things.

endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #4 on: September 02, 2009, 06:16:55 pm »
I personally didn't have a soldering iron or the experience (or skills?) to solder so I paid the extra money for the screw in terminals.  Also the savings didn't justify it for me to save $10 and spend $10 or more for a decent quality soldering iron and solder.  The GP Wiz with screw terminals also has rotary support where as the eco version doesn't.
Check again, it does: http://groovygamegear.com/webstore/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=76_81&products_id=234

and I just bought that one which I linked to.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2009, 06:54:34 pm »
Looking for cheapest/easiest...Keywiz has the no soldering option but GP-Wiz has the cheapness option and you could probably just coil the wire through the holes for no soldering(I don't mind soldering but it would be a pain)

Solder them. Otherwise you are going to get shorted or open connections all over the place.
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bkenobi

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2009, 12:06:14 pm »
I just checked RadioShack.com and it looks like the PCB screw down terminals are a bit cheaper than I remember (or the price dropped).  They have 4 packs of 2 position terminals available for $2.  That means you need just 5 packs of these to turn a GP-Wiz eco into the equivalent of the full version.  Soldering these in should be CAKE, so if you want to upgrade to a real connection, it's not too late!

http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2102861

You might be able to get these cheaper on ebay.  I have used these before and know they work is all.

Beretta

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #7 on: September 03, 2009, 12:33:02 pm »
definitely solder them, dont try to get away with a wrap almost surely will lead to problems.

as for changing the setup later you can always use QD's, or use a db25 connector.
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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #8 on: September 03, 2009, 05:09:17 pm »
I suppose.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #9 on: September 03, 2009, 05:22:55 pm »
Well, you could do it your way ... then when it fails miserably and you post about how it doesn't work, we can all say that we told you so.  ;)

Your call.

FWIW, I applaud your exuberance for this hobby, particularly at your age, but if you want things to work properly, you need to be prepared to do the work properly. Don't cut corners, take your time and you won't be disappointed.

 :cheers:
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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #10 on: September 03, 2009, 05:42:03 pm »
Yeah I know, I don't mind soldering and its not hard But it will be a pain if I have to remove anything.

Franco B

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #11 on: September 03, 2009, 06:22:02 pm »
Hence why i sugested using one with terminals  ::)

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #12 on: September 03, 2009, 08:41:15 pm »
just chrimp some QD terminals to the ends, or wire it up so it's easy to disconnect.. such as a db25 *wink wink*

we're not talking about soldering to the micro switches on the controls mind you.. they have male QD terminals.. although you can solder to the terminal it self it is highly not recommended and extremely sloppy looking.. it also is difficult to change.

we are talking about soldering on the keywiz, not the the controls.
this is my suggested way to wire the controls.

keywiz -> solder -> wire -> db25 <- wire -> db25 -> wire -> QD* -> arcade controls

*QD means quick disconnect terminal.

it's a good idea to end it with QD's anyway since most micro switches are gonna want .178 terminals.. although the more common .250 terminals also work may have to tweak them a bit for good grip though.

it's not hard mate and this kinda setup means it'll be real easy to swap panels or controls around.
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bkenobi

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #13 on: September 03, 2009, 10:04:59 pm »
I think you have a lose wire in your list.   :laugh2:

keywiz -> solder -> wire -> db25 (female) <- -> db25 (male)-> wire -> QD* -> arcade controls

If you choose to do it this way, you have the option to have an easily swappable panel too.  If you mount the keywiz to the cab, then you can simply pull the CP off and put a new one on (just plug in the DB25 and away you go). 
« Last Edit: September 03, 2009, 10:06:30 pm by bkenobi »

Beretta

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #14 on: September 03, 2009, 10:08:21 pm »
opps  :dunno
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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #15 on: September 09, 2009, 11:22:18 pm »
I can't wait till I get this...Wonder how long it will take to get to canada....

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #16 on: September 10, 2009, 12:48:47 pm »
Oh, it should go without saying but you will need more than one DB25 for the Keywiz40 since it has more than 25 leads...

endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #17 on: September 10, 2009, 12:51:44 pm »
Huh? And I didn't buy the keywiz anyways.

Beretta

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #18 on: September 10, 2009, 12:55:28 pm »
rofl just yesterday you posted you can't wait to get it now today you act confused "huh?"

oh man.  :laugh2:
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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #19 on: September 10, 2009, 02:05:45 pm »
Not really a people person are we?

You get a crap load of help and all you give is ---smurfy--- replies. Expect to receive the latter rather than the former.

CheffoJeffo

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #20 on: September 10, 2009, 02:46:00 pm »
I seem to remember something similar happening with USSE, although he hasn't made the efforts that Endrien has (the project management software that he is working on) and was more annoying with respect to basement fittage.

Endrien -- do yourself a favour and stop with your RapidPosting. Slow down, think and provide us with appropriate amounts of information so that we can help you. A number of your posts are flat out wrong and a number run contrary to the experience of those who have been around long enough to know better. Read what people write and try to understand what they are saying, then reply and provide any information that they may be missing. In this case, which interface did you order (although Beretta's comment about needing 2 DB-25s, should you choose to go that route applies in either case) ?

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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #21 on: September 10, 2009, 05:13:53 pm »
Not really a people person are we?

You get a crap load of help and all you give is ---smurfy--- replies. Expect to receive the latter rather than the former.
Uhm...What exactly are you talking about? And what are you you talking about as well Cheffo. I hardly post here. Also what the ---fudgesicle--- is wrong with saying Huh? I was responding to what bkenobi said because I don't know what DB25's are. hence Huh as in, what is that? Jesus you guys need lay off and just leave me the ---fudgesicle--- alone.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #22 on: September 10, 2009, 05:22:47 pm »
Not really a people person are we?

You get a crap load of help and all you give is ---smurfy--- replies. Expect to receive the latter rather than the former.
Uhm...What exactly are you talking about? And what are you you talking about as well Cheffo. I hardly post here. Also what the ---fudgesicle--- is wrong with saying Huh? I was responding to what bkenobi said because I don't know what DB25's are. hence Huh as in, what is that? Jesus you guys need lay off and just leave me the ---fudgesicle--- alone.

OK, you silly little emo-newfie-twerp, I've tried to help you out along the way when you've said stupid things, and to point you to local help as well as provide guidance since you seem to be totally clueless about this hobby in Canada, but you seem to be intent on being an obnoxious and ignorant little twerp. So be it.

It's no wonder that most of KLOV wants you to shut the ---fudgesicle--- up.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #23 on: September 10, 2009, 05:31:52 pm »
well i did mention before that a db25 was a connector right?

if you was confused what a db25 was all you had to do was ask.. "huh?" can be wildly misinterpreted since you had already posted AFTER db25's had been brought up.

someone reading this thread it looks as if your very descriptive "huh?" was in reference to not having bought the keywiz rather then any confusion about what db25's was.

in any event simply spelling out what you was confused about will help to clear up any misunderstandings in the future.

if you have a question dont hesitate to ask, of course a quick search on google "db25" would have brought up ample relevant results including wikipedia which would have informed you that they are "D (shape of plug) sub" connectors with the "25" standing for the size of the connector (25 pins), same kinda connectors used on printer ports.
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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #24 on: September 10, 2009, 05:38:15 pm »
Directed to Cheffo:
The only reason I responded like I did is because I was a offended by the way you replied and don't understand why you replied like it. In all honesty was confused as to what he had said so I said huh.
I'm done with these forums. You need chill.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #25 on: September 10, 2009, 05:45:50 pm »
Directed to Cheffo:
The only reason I responded like I did is because I was a offended by the way you replied and don't understand why you replied like it. In all honesty was confused as to what he had said so I said huh.
I'm done with these forums. You need chill.

Let's not forget that you are the one who took this conversation into the offensive. Spare me the "you hurt my feelings" crap after telling me to leave you "the ---fudgesicle--- alone".

As I recall you said the same thing about being done over at KLOV before you racked up 500 posts in a week.

My advice to this point has all been honest, accurate and well-intentioned. If you take it as otherwise and don't heed it, then that is on you and you'll just flame out like the other moody emos.
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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #26 on: September 10, 2009, 05:53:54 pm »
That's nice. Follow the stereotype.  Just because my hair is styled in a way doesn't mean I'm emo. Hell you don't even know what an emo person is.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #27 on: September 10, 2009, 05:57:37 pm »
That's nice. Follow the stereotype.  Just because my hair is styled in a way doesn't mean I'm emo. Hell you don't even know what an emo person is.

Actually, I've based everything on your behaviour ...

I also note that you've been labeled as emo on 3 different arcade-related boards.
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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #28 on: September 10, 2009, 06:12:52 pm »
I haven't even joined 3 different boards........

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #29 on: September 10, 2009, 06:13:29 pm »
Yeah, that says something, doesn't it ?

 ::)
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endrien

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #30 on: September 10, 2009, 06:15:32 pm »
Yeah, that says something, doesn't it ?

 ::)
Also on klov things have pretty much died down, was rough joining in but no real problems now. Unlike here where I post every now and then and to be honest until now I haven't said anything disrespectful or mean on these forums.

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Re: Keywiz40-ST or GP-Wiz40-Eco USB?
« Reply #31 on: September 11, 2009, 10:19:46 pm »
Don't let these old fogeys bug ya, just back off their lawn and they'll leave you alone.

 ;D