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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: sdrob04 on February 14, 2021, 03:29:37 pm

Title: U-HID Nano vs Mini-PAC 'inputs'?
Post by: sdrob04 on February 14, 2021, 03:29:37 pm

Just hoping for some clarity on the U-HID Nano, which is said to have "8 inputs/outputs".  In real-world terms, does this mean one would get a 4/8 way joystick + 4 additional buttons, and that's it?  If so, I'm curious to know how are people using the Nano.  I'm working on a bartop build which will likely have at least 7 or 8 'play' inputs (joystick + 3-4 buttons) and hopefully a few admin buttons, and wanted to ensure that choosing the Mini-Pac made the most sense.   

Title: Re: U-HID Nano vs Mini-PAC 'inputs'?
Post by: PL1 on February 14, 2021, 04:49:28 pm

Quote from: sdrob04 on February 14, 2021, 03:29:37 pm

Just hoping for some clarity on the U-HID Nano, which is said to have "8 inputs/outputs".  In real-world terms, does this mean one would get a 4/8 way joystick + 4 additional buttons, and that's it?

That would use all eight of the available inputs.
- Ground for those eight switches is provided by the other pin.

Quote from: sdrob04 on February 14, 2021, 03:29:37 pm

If so, I'm curious to know how are people using the Nano.

One common use is as an analog (potentiometer) encoder for 270 degree steering wheels and analog pedals.

Quote from: sdrob04 on February 14, 2021, 03:29:37 pm

I'm working on a bartop build which will likely have at least 7 or 8 'play' inputs (joystick + 3-4 buttons) and hopefully a few admin buttons, and wanted to ensure that choosing the Mini-Pac made the most sense.

There are a variety of encoders that would work for that no-spinner, no-trackball setup.

The most sensible choice depends on your ability to strip wires, crimp Quick Disconnects (QDs), solder, and load a firmware on an Arduino.

  "I can't do any of those things." -- MiniPac (regular, not opti) if you want a keyboard/gamepad/mouse button hybrid encoder or a "Zero Delay" encoder if you want a far less expensive gamepad-only encoder.

  "I can strip wires and crimp QDs." -- IPac2, KeyWiz, etc.

  "I can strip wires, crimp QDs, and solder." -- KeyWiz40-Eco or GP-Wiz40 ECO.

  "I can do (or learn) all of those things." -- A very inexpensive Arduino Pro Micro running a keyboard or gamepad encoder firmware.


Scott

Title: Re: U-HID Nano vs Mini-PAC 'inputs'?
Post by: sdrob04 on February 18, 2021, 02:12:50 pm

Great summary and you provided a few options I was unaware of.  Thanks, PL! :)