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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 10:12:35 am

Title: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 10:12:35 am
Ok,  I'm finally getting ready to kick my project into gear and finally got the $$ to get some of the things I want.  I was looking at the i-pac 4 for encoding.  I am running a PII 500.  I thought I would run it in straight up dos mode.  Do I need to actually run windows?

From the Ultimarc site about the ipac 4:
Quote
No special drivers needed. USB drivers are generic Windows. On many motherboards USB will work in DOS.


How can I test if USB will work with DOS on my machine?

Thanks for all feedback!
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: whammoed on February 16, 2006, 10:21:08 am
Do you have a regular usb keyboard?  If so plug it in and check it out.  Why not just use it with the ps2 port though?
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 11:19:01 am
I thought the ipac 4 had to be used with usb.  Did I miss where it says it can be used with PS2 port?  ???
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: Hoopz on February 16, 2006, 11:27:23 am
Quote from: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 11:19:01 am
I thought the ipac 4 had to be used with usb.  Did I miss where it says it can be used with PS2 port?  ???

Yep, you probably missed it.  From Andy's website:

Quote
56-Input button/joystick switch interface. USB or PS/2.

Since you are using DOS, PS2 will probably be easier for you.   Good luck.  :D
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: eccs19 on February 16, 2006, 11:33:36 am
Quote from: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 11:19:01 am
I thought the ipac 4 had to be used with usb.  Did I miss where it says it can be used with PS2 port?  ???

You can order it as either USB or PS2.  You confirm what one you want when you order.  If your using DOS then I would recommend PS2 version.  Even PS2 version if running 95/98/ME.  USB worked with these, but they all had some troubles.  2000 and XP should be OK USB version.
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 12:47:14 pm
ps2 it is!  Thanks all!   ;D
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: Silverwind on February 16, 2006, 06:32:22 pm
My IPAC-4 has PS/2 output, with a ps/2 to usb adapter on the end of it.  Most modern motherboards support USB keyboards at the BIOS level also, so either option is a possibility.

To test it..
step 1: plug in IPAC
step 2: boot to DOS
step 3: mash buttons
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: RickDIII on February 16, 2006, 07:14:56 pm
Quote from: Silverwind on February 16, 2006, 06:32:22 pm
To test it..
step 1: plug in IPAC
step 2: boot to DOS
step 3: mash buttons

I don't have a usb keyboard and wanted to ask the question before I purchased the IPAC.  Just trying to avoid purchasing an item that wouldn't work.

But it helps knowing that the ps2 is native with a usb adapter.  Thanks for the feedback!
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: Tiger-Heli on February 17, 2006, 10:57:34 am
Correction - AFAIK - if you order PS/2, you only get PS/2.  If you order USB, you get an extra cable that can be used as USB as well as the PS/2 cable.

Sounds like you just need the PS/2 version, but you might pay the $5 extra for the USB cable in case you upgrade down the line and don't have to order it again.

USB BIOS support does not mean that a USB keyboard will work well in DOS, AFAIK.
Title: Re: How can I tell if the I-pac 4 will work with my pc in Dos mode?
Post by: Silverwind on February 17, 2006, 04:20:01 pm
Quote from: Tiger-Heli on February 17, 2006, 10:57:34 am
Correction - AFAIK - if you order PS/2, you only get PS/2.  If you order USB, you get an extra cable that can be used as USB as well as the PS/2 cable.

Sounds like you just need the PS/2 version, but you might pay the $5 extra for the USB cable in case you upgrade down the line and don't have to order it again.

USB BIOS support does not mean that a USB keyboard will work well in DOS, AFAIK.

That is how mine came.  I figured since I'm already spending XX dollars for the IPAC might as well spend a few more for the usb adapter.  Works great for me either way.