Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: ratzz on August 29, 2007, 05:55:29 pm

Title: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: ratzz on August 29, 2007, 05:55:29 pm

Hi all,

I need a bit of advice.

I've just been reading the Wiki, and am confused about which encoder to go for.

Cab will be one player with addition of trackball.

what do you guys recommend for encoder?

Thanks in advance,
ratzz

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: Green Giant on August 29, 2007, 06:40:47 pm

What kind of joystick you looking to use?

If just a basic 4-8 switchable, then go look at www.groovygamegear.com  They make good products at some of the best prices.  The gpwiz or the keywiz from them should satisfy you, and you can purchase all the other parts you will need there as well like an optiwiz for the tball.

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: AndyWarne on August 29, 2007, 07:21:46 pm

Our Mini-PAC which will handle all the controls on one board.
www.ultimarc.com/minipac.html

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: BobA on August 29, 2007, 11:13:32 pm

I will second Andy and say go with a minipac.   I have one and it works great.

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: KDOG on August 29, 2007, 11:23:52 pm

And you can get it from divemaster. He sells Andy's stuff stateside. Plus he has almost everthing else you would need.
http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47066.0 (http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php?topic=47066.0)

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: ratzz on August 30, 2007, 06:51:08 am

Ok, thanks guys -- I will look into your advice.

 :cheers:  :cheers:  :cheers:

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: xmenxmen on August 30, 2007, 10:39:35 am

Actually the keywiz and the optiwiz would be cheaper if you have to consider the harness of the mini-pac.  The keywiz has terminal strips on it and the optiwiz has a solderless version.

But if money is no objection, definitely go with the minipac.  Either solution will work just as good.

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: Green Giant on August 30, 2007, 10:55:41 am

If money is no problem get some U360 joysticks.  They are analog sticks that switch to 2/4/8/49/etc. joysticks automatically through software.

Otherwise you can get just about everything you need from groovygamegear including some very unique lighting options and coin door options.

Title: Re: Keyboard Encoders
Post by: xmenxmen on August 30, 2007, 05:25:20 pm

Almost forgot about the cheap side:

keywiz eco or gpwiz eco + classic mouse hack.  Less than 25 bucks assuming u can find the mouse. 

ms ball mouse with scroll are one of the easiest to hack even for those with very limited soldering skills.

(http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/images/intellimouse-explorer-1.jpg)

As for the eco, you just need an ide cable for the interface and wiring. 

But again, if cost is not an issue or got more to spend, take the other option.