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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: matthewfenn on February 20, 2022, 09:29:59 am

Title: Ultimarc IPAC Ultimate I/O control board - how many watts does it draw?
Post by: matthewfenn on February 20, 2022, 09:29:59 am

Hi all,

Newbie here - but willing to learn!

I am starting a project using a Raspberry Pi 4B (running RetroPie) to create a MAME control panel.

The Pi can support up to 5.5W of downstream power shared between its 4 USB ports.   I ideally want to hang two I-PAC Ultimate I/O boards off it for a 4 player setup - as well as a couple of ServoStik Control Boards...  and before I purchase any more components, I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up to fail.

Anyone done something similar?  Most of the 4 player builds I've seen use a PC with a significantly higher power availability than a Raspberry Pi!

Matthew

Title: Re: Ultimarc IPAC Ultimate I/O control board - how many watts does it draw?
Post by: PL1 on February 21, 2022, 05:55:07 pm

Quote from: matthewfenn on February 20, 2022, 09:29:59 am

I ideally want to hang two I-PAC Ultimate I/O boards off it for a 4 player setup - as well as a couple of ServoStik Control Boards...  and before I purchase any more components, I want to make sure I'm not setting myself up to fail.

The encoder portion of the Ult. I/O boards shouldn't draw enough current to be a problem.

Are you planning on using LED buttons?
- If you are, you'll definitely need another power source.  The power rail in a RasPi is . . . less than robust.   :lol
(see Javery's marquee lightbox LED strip woes here (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,164810.msg1751897.html#msg1751897))
- If not, an I-Pac4 (https://www.ultimarc.com/control-interfaces/i-pacs/i-pac4-board/) is less expensive and easier to create an orderly custom wiring harness.   ;D


Scott