Control panel issues

[bartre]

Hi all, gotten some pretty good help here in the past, but i've come across yet another problem
I'm using an ipac from ultimarc that i got a couple years ago, but the thing is, when i turn on my computer, it doesn't recognize the key inputs unless i restart, and i have to restart, if i shut down and turn the pc back on, the controls still don't work.
I'm pretty sure it's a windows problem because when i boot up the computer, if i set one of the keys to be f1, i can get to the bios and dink with that.
does anyone have an idea for me?

[DeLuSioNal29]

What is the ipac doing when you first boot up?  Depending on what blinks and how many times you can troubleshoot it further by referring to the error codes:

http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac2.php

Also... since the ipac is independent (doesn't require Windows or software to run, since everything is stored on the ipac itself once you program it) I seriously doubt that it's Windows related since no drivers are loaded for the ipac.

Also, for troubleshooting, have you tried using a Win98 boot disk to get to the C:\ prompt?  Then try pressing buttons to see if any show up on the screen.  Do this from a cold boot (first turning it on) since this is the issue you are having.

But the LED on the ipac tells all.  I would check out the error codes first.

Good Luck!

DeLuSioNaL

[bartre]

well, i dinked around with the error codes, and sure enough, one of the switches was bad.
so i now have no error code.
unfortunately, that did not fix the problem.
any other ideas?

[DeLuSioNal29]

Double-check ALL of your connections.  You're probably thinking... I connected them all correctly.  But put your pride aside and actually do it.  (even if you think it's connected right).  I consider myself very experienced with building controls and every now and then, I'll connect a microswitch wrong which causes problems.  The most common error?  Connecting the wrong connection the the NC instead of the NO switch or reversing the ground, etc.

Give it a shot and see.

DeLuSioNaL

[bartre]

well, i double checked all of my connections and found 1 iffy one, so i redid it, and, nothing.
I took my cp as it is and plugged it into my normal desktop and viola! it worked, but it's still doing the same thing on my computer that i want to put in my cabinet.
so, the problem from what i gather isn't the iPAC, but my computer, unfortunately, i don't have a windows 98 disc to get me into dos before booting, so is there anything else i can try to fix it?

[Hewskie]

Back up everything and reformat? I love fresh installs 

It's a pain, but it will probably work. I'm no computer genius and someone may have a much easier and simpler solution, so it's up to you, it's what I would do 

Hewskie

[DeLuSioNal29]

Have you tried using notepad in safe mode?

[bartre]

Have you tried using notepad in safe mode?

just did, it's the same issue there.
so, the light flashes, then stays lit, the keyboard doesn't work, i reset the computer, and the light never goes off for a second and it does work.
could that point to something?

[DeLuSioNal29]

I'm no expert, but it seems like something is wrong with the ipac.  I had a similar issue when my keyboard strokes would work intermittently.  I contacted Andy at Ultimarc and he sent me an IC chip to swap out on the ipac.  It solved my problem.

Did you try contacting him yet?  andy@ultimarc.com

Point him to this forum topic too, so he can see what you've tried so far.

DeLuSioNaL

[drventure]

How much do you have connected to that particular USB port (or is the IPAC connected to USB)?

If it is, and there's most than 400-500ma draw on the port, it could cause the ipac to function abnormally.

I was seeing that with my usb trackballs and U360's till I got a better, powered, USB hub.

Then everything just magically started working properly 

[bartre]

How much do you have connected to that particular USB port (or is the IPAC connected to USB)?

If it is, and there's most than 400-500ma draw on the port, it could cause the ipac to function abnormally.

I was seeing that with my usb trackballs and U360's till I got a better, powered, USB hub.

Then everything just magically started working properly 

the iPAC is actually an old one, it's a ps/2 iPAC...

[DeLuSioNal29]

That's the same one that I have.   It could be a good thing, since the newer ones don't have chips that you can swap out.

D

[AndyWarne]

I am sure we can resolve this by email but one thing to try: If you have a keyboard connected to the pass-through port, try using a different keyboard on this port.

Andy

[bartre]

tried it.
the keyboard always  worked.

[YoGaBaR]

I had this exact problem with mine. So I figured the computer was too old and I didnt want to mess with it. Since it worked on a different computer I just used the other computer. Let us know what solved your problem so maybe I can use the other computer in a different cab!

[AndyWarne]

The easiest way around this problem is if I send you a USB cable and you can run the I-PAC in USB mode.
Andy

[bartre]

well, sure, but would the cable plug directly into the iPAC or would it just be a ps/2-usb converter?