Opinions on Keyboard mapping in windows

[riley454]

What standard windows programs are the simplest to map keyboard inputs?

I am planning a MAME setup with 2x (8-way) joysticks, 6 in-game buttons for each joystick and another 6-10 buttons for P1/P2/coin etc etc etc

If I can map my keyboard chip to suit my MAME setup (about 30 inputs) using basic keyboard strokes excluding SHIFT/CTRL and use only letters and numerical characters and "F" keys (F1,F2 etc) is it better to use Wordpad/DOS prompt or something else that comes standard with Windows? Or should I download one of the many hack programs? And if so, which one?

I would mostly prefer not to download anything and just re-assign keyboard inputs in my MAME setup. What do you guys suggest?

[u_rebelscum]

Mame can remap to any keyboard or joystick inputs, so I'd look at it from a different POV.

What encoder/interface are you planning on using? 

If you think you can hack any standard keyboard (which it almost sounds like), you'll probably won't be successful.  The standard keyboards a) can only do about 6 simultaneous keypresses at a time, and b) usually don't remap at a level mame can see.

So if you use a keywiz or ipac or other keyboard encoder designed for mame use, they have their own remapping software.

OTOH, if you do a gamepad encoder like the gpwiz, you don't need a keyboard mapper, as mame can see the gamepad inputs fine.


Or am I missing something from your question?

[HanoiBoi]

Hi Riley,

You look new to the forum, so I'll have to assume new to MAME setup.  I will also assume that you aren't trying to map directly in Windows for a specific reason, but rather simply trying to figure out how to map the joysticks/buttons to keystrokes.  That said, the keyboard encoding sounded confusing to me until I finally did it and discovered how easy it was.  Very simple.  Unless I'm not understanding exactly what you want to do, this is what I'd suggest...pick yourself up an IPAC2 (up to 32 inputs) from Ultimarc, for $40.

The inputs on the IPAC are screw down connectors, which are all clearly labeled.  See http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html).  There is configuration software that comes with it, but I haven't even had the need to load it as the IPAC2 comes pre-configured.  If you run wire from a button to the input labeled '1COIN', that input is already configured for button '5'.  It's that simple.  When all wires and grounds are connected, and the IPAC is connected to your PC, pressing that button is just like pressing '5' on the keyboard.  As long as you wire your inputs (joysticks/buttons) to the correct input, you're golden!

The IPAC is also connected to your PC/Laptop via either USB or PS/2.  You need to know prior to ordering.  This connection will also provide power to the IPAC.

Hope that helps,
HanoiBoi

[riley454]

Thanks for the replies, sorry for being tardy but I've only just been able to read your thoughts. And after your responses I've realized I should have given a bit more detail.

I have decided to make my own MAME console setup for various reasons. Yes I know buying IPAC etc is much quicker and simpler, but hacking an old keyboard is my current project. I have been able to acquire a few old keyboards and have read and thoroughly understood a number of methods of converting a keyboard into a gaming controller. I think this site actually has some good quality info on the subject.

My question was more in relation to determining the simplest way of mapping the keystrokes of the chip inside a keyboard through a regular windows program.

I can hard-wire the various terminals and work out the matrix of of standard letters, but what is the easiest way to work out which combination in the matrix is CTRL (left or right) and SHIFT etc?

[u_rebelscum]

Okay, you want to hack a keyboard.

Have you read this page?  Very detailed info all about hacking keyboards, including basics on matrix keyboards, pluses & minuses, how to, & alternatives.  Looks like a multimeter, opening up the keyboard, and a spreadsheet.

Hopefully someone who has hacked a keyboard can help with specifics; I've never hacked a keyboard.