Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: needlesmcgirk on July 23, 2006, 01:21:00 pm

Title: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: needlesmcgirk on July 23, 2006, 01:21:00 pm

Hello,

I've ordered all my controls (Happ) and am about to begin on the construction of my control panel and cabinet. I am curious which keyboard encoder is regarded as "the best." I am looking at the Hagstrom Electronics KE72 and the Ultimarc I-PAC 4 Interface.

For your reference, it will be a 4 player control panel. Pretty plain, just 4 joysticks and about 30 buttons. Thank you very much!

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: DaveMMR on July 23, 2006, 03:30:28 pm

For just 4 joysticks and buttons?  I would go with the Ultimarc, just based on price alone ($65 vs. the $120 for the Hagstrom).  I haven't really seen any complaints about it, so I don't think you'll be dissapointed.

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: vorghagen on July 24, 2006, 03:08:59 am

When building my 4 player panel I went for the IPAC4 and had zero problems with it.
Insanely easy to hook up, software was a breeze, keyboard pass thru worked a charm. I'd recommend it in a second......... and I just did.

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: zerocle on July 24, 2006, 03:22:16 am

I just bought my ipac 4 for my 4 plyr cp, dont know why im replying, i havent even tested it yet, but i figure for the money diff. you cant go wrong!

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: divemaster127 on July 25, 2006, 12:16:21 pm

I would use the ipac4, I sell these under divemaster127 on the buy/sell thread & these ship from the states
thanks
dm

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: needlesmcgirk on July 25, 2006, 06:10:21 pm

Divemaster,

I have decided to put a dedicated 4-way joystick in my control panel, so I will have 5 joysticks.  Will I be able to program all of them with the I-PAC 4?

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: AtomSmasher on July 25, 2006, 06:21:16 pm

Quote from: needlesmcgirk on July 25, 2006, 06:10:21 pm

Divemaster,

I have decided to put a dedicated 4-way joystick in my control panel, so I will have 5 joysticks.  Will I be able to program all of them with the I-PAC 4?

You just connect the 4-way to the same connections as the player 1 joystick, so basically you have two player 1 joysticks and don't use any extra connection spots on the IPac.  Thats how I, and I think everyone else, set up the dedicated 4-way.

Title: Re: Which keyboard encoder do you guys think is best?
Post by: divemaster127 on July 25, 2006, 07:00:03 pm

yes, the ipac4 is fine for this just as the above post states
thanks
dm