IPAC2 Problems... now you don't, now you see it...

[Gamester]

Having a strange problem with my IPAC2 (connected via PS2).  When the system cold boots (i.e., turned on for the first time), the IPAC will not function.  However, if I do a restart (warm reboot), the IPAC turns on and works fine.  I'm dumbfounded...

I watched the LED on the IPAC, and on cold boot, it flashes, then turns off completely.  During a warm reboot, the light turns on solid and stays on.

Two questions:

1)  Suggestions?  My first suspicion was a motherboard issue.  I tried a couple different BIOS versions, and it made no difference.  I also plugged in a PS2 keyboard and that works fine, so I know the port itself is okay.  I'm more inclined now to think it's something with the IPAC itself.

2) Is the only difference between the USB and PS2 versions of the IPAC2 the cable itself?  Could I use a USB-to-PS2 converter and connect the IPAC to the computer via USB??

[DeLuSioNal29]

Try changing a key with the Win-iPac utiltity and then flash it.   Then go back to the defaults and then flash it again.

D

[Gamester]

Thanks for the reply.  Unfortunately it didn't work...  

It's just weird...  it seems like some kind of initialization or 'handshake' issue between the motherboard and the IPAC on first boot.  Why it corrects itself on a warm reboot, I do not understand.

That's why I'd like to try it plugged into USB.  However, I'm trying to figure out it it's as simple as just using a USB-to-PS2 converter.  Ultimarc's webpage implies that the IPAC board is the same whether you use USB or PS2, it's simply the cable that's different, but I have yet to find any positive confirmation of this.

[DeLuSioNal29]

Have you tried contacting Andy@ultimarc.com?

He usually gets back to you insanely fast!  And he's very knowledgable.

Good luck!

D

[Bobulus]

Does it make any difference if you have a real keyboard plugged into the pass-through or not?

[Gamester]

Have you tried contacting Andy@ultimarc.com?

He usually gets back to you insanely fast!  And he's very knowledgable.

I did actually, but with it being Sunday, and the time difference between us, I figured it might be a while before he responded, so I thought I'd try a two-pronged approach.  As an update, Andy did reply at 4:25AM this morning, and he thought it did sound like there might be a weird compatibility problem between my MB and the IPAC.  Consistent with his reputation for good customer service, he offered to send me a USB cable free of charge, and also wanted to know the details of my motherboard so he can attempt to fix the problem.

Does it make any difference if you have a real keyboard plugged into the pass-through or not?

Hrmmm... you know what Bobulus, that's a very intruguing idea.  Let me try it.  Maybe that will 'trick' it into working.  I don't care if I have to leave a PS2 keyboard inside the cab, if that'll make it work.  If not, I guess I'll go the USB route.

[Gamester]

Alas, connecting a keyboard to the pass-thru connector did not work.  Andy is going to send me a USB cable.  I suspect that will resolve the issue.

Thanks for the responses folks.