Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum
Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: quarterback on December 04, 2004, 02:11:57 pm
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The KeyWiz Eco2 (http://www.groovygamegear.com/cgi/surfshop/shop.cgi?categories=0035&&c=detail.htm&itemid=KWECO002) has no passthrough, so I was trying to figure out a way to occasionally use a keyboard instead of the control panel buttons (while I figure out exactly what I need/what my final layout will be)
Should I just get/rig a 'switch' of some kind to mechanically change between the keyboard's ps2 connection and the Keywiz?
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USB keyboard will work. It is treated as a seperate device. I use one with my "old" Keywiz Eco, and there is no issue.
Much easier than messing with a switch.
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there are cheap ps/2 toggle switch devices that should work fine for you. I have seen them at most small computer shops. It is usually just an ugly beige box with a knob and A/B written on it. You could remove it from it's box and mount it somewhere inconspicuous i suppose. That'd be what I would do anyway. http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=17-107-119&depa=0
That one is only 9 bucks. Not exactly the same thing I meant(it is a cheapo kvm). I have a boat-load of old keyboards lying around(all ps2) so this would be pretty cheap for me. If you have to buy a keyboard anyway though, just get a usb-keyboard and forget about it.
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Thanks for the replies.
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I use a QVS PS-2 to USB adapter and agree with the newegg comments. For general typing it's not too bad, although if I have Shift manually held down and type a bunch of keys, after the third or fourth key, it unshifts. It would not be acceptable for gaming, though. I tried it on battlezone and if I held the key down, then released it, then pressed it again, it will not register as "down continuously."
FWIW.
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I use a QVS PS-2 to USB adapter and agree with the newegg comments.
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Thanks for the additional info. I went ahead and ordered it. I figure even if the typing is slow (or even sketchy) it'll probably be okay since I really just want to have the keyboard attached as a sort of 'backup' option so I can type things (tweak ini files or whatever) in a pinch.
It should do fine for what you want. Personally, if I just wanted a backup, I would mount the KeyWiz where I could easily unplug it and plug in a keyboard.
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Thanks for the additional info. I went ahead and ordered it. I figure even if the typing is slow (or even sketchy) it'll probably be okay since I really just want to have the keyboard attached as a sort of 'backup' option so I can type things (tweak ini files or whatever) in a pinch.
It should do fine for what you want. Personally, if I just wanted a backup, I would mount the KeyWiz where I could easily unplug it and plug in a keyboard.
That's how I do it.
I don't have to connect a KB all that often, so I just shut the machine down and switch devices when I do. I can get to the KB port from m coind door or I can pull the machine out and get to it from the back. It doesn't take long enough that I have ever considered more equipment or any other solution.
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I have one of these Belkin PS2 keyboard splitters (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33964&item=5143961210&rd=1) that I've been meaning to try out. It lets you plug in two keyboards and use them simultaneously. I would imagine using a keyboard and a KeyWiz would be fine with it.
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I have a 4-port powered USB hub mounted under my control panel overhang, and I use that to plug in a USB keyboard when I need it.
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i have a wireless usb keyboard\mouse unit. Just open teh coin door and pull the keyboard out...type away.