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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: miles2912 on September 18, 2005, 06:54:42 pm

Title: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: miles2912 on September 18, 2005, 06:54:42 pm

Am I missing something here.  The Mini pac comes with all the connections that the I-PAC comes with plus a wire harness and Optical connect for a trackball/spinner.  The price is a little cheaper than the ipac/opti pac combo plus you get pre wired wires.  I can see a problem if your controls are further apart than the harness, but other than that the mini-pac sounds like a great deal. 

Anyone care to comment?

Miles

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: AceTKK on September 18, 2005, 07:32:25 pm

Yea, the Mini-Pac is a great deal.  Especially if you have the inclination to make your own wiring harness.  The Opti-Pac allows you to hook up multiple trackballs / spinners, but if you're only using one then the Mini is the way to go IMO. 

-Ace-

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: Tiger-Heli on September 19, 2005, 08:14:21 am

Depends if you want dual trackballs or only one.

<edit> Ooops - AceTKK already said that. . .

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: miles2912 on September 20, 2005, 01:57:21 am

Hmmm ...  According to the Mini-Pac wiring page it shows inputs for 2 tracballs plus a spinner.  Am I reading it wrong?

Miles

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: LiquidFire on September 20, 2005, 04:37:05 am

After reviewing the info, I decided that for my upcoming cabinet I wanted the I-PAC / OPTIPAC combo for the total mind-numbing number of inputs allowed. Can't be sorry going that route even though I will never need it.

However, for a second project I am building a control panel standalone for the 'squids' and I chose the Mini-Pac & harness since I won't change it once it is done.

The major difference from an engineering standpoint IMO is the ruggedness of the parts. The I-PAC is certain to last and taste better longer.

For sheer productivity, nothing will beat the Mini-Pac. As Andy says, geared toward OEM cab builders. The small design probably benefitted from some generational lessons. If I was building to sell, I would use it and the pre-made harness to save time.

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: Tiger-Heli on September 20, 2005, 08:41:15 am

Quote from: miles2912 on September 20, 2005, 01:57:21 am

Hmmm ...  According to the Mini-Pac wiring page it shows inputs for 2 tracballs plus a spinner.  Am I reading it wrong?

Miles

http://www.ultimarc.com/mp_inst.html

Yes, but I see how you got confused - Trackball X - X (horizontal axis), Trackball Y - Y (Vertical axis).

One trackball and one spinner as opposed to two trackballs and four spinners.

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: Timoe on September 20, 2005, 01:33:43 pm

So you can do one track ball and one spinner?



Yes, Timoe, this is correct

Title: Re: IPAC/Opti vs. Mini-pac
Post by: miles2912 on September 20, 2005, 07:15:57 pm

.. and that is exactly how I am going to use sit.  One trackball and one spinner.   I placed the order (shipping number sent the same day!) and am looking forward to putting it all together.

Miles