X-Arcade Tankstick limited button presses (6 button limitation)

[ABACABB]

This came up in another post under a different topic but I felt compelled to give this topic its own thread for those who are thinking a buying an X-Arcade product.

The Tankstick comes with 2 differnt types of connections, USB and PS/2.  The PS/2 connection does not work on most computers and XGaming says it is a voltage issue with the motherboard, that was why they switched to the USB connection.  However if you connect your Tankstick via USB you will have a limitation of 6 Simultaneous button presses.  YES 6!!!! If you happen to be playing a two player game and both players are holding the stick in a diagonal direction (that will use up 4 of your available 6) you are left with 2 buttons that will function simultaneously. I cannot begin to tell you how much this sucks!!  There is not much on the web to support this topic but it needs to be known and there is no mention of this issue on their website.

XArcade has a small test utility that will show you simultaneous button presses and once you get to 6, no other inputs work.  The only exception to this is Alt, Ctrl and Shift.  Those 3 do not count towards your total of 6 so you could get 9 but only if your controls are configured to use those buttons.  If you play games like NBA Jam or NFL Blitz where you are moving diagonally and both players are holding Turbo this becomes a major problem!! 

So I contacted X-Gaming about the issue and here is the return response I got from their technical support:

A response to your recent inquiry Case #19888 is now available. Please use the link below to read the response and reply. DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL, USE THE LINK BELOW. If you cannot read the entire response in the case, you can still see the full response in this email. Your case will be labeled as closed when we reply, but it will reopen automatically when you respond and update your case.
 
Case Number 19888
Case Subject Limit on simultaneous buttons
Customer XXXXX
Contact 
Creation Date 1/27/2012, 12:07 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)
Case Type 
Case Priority Medium
Case Status Closed
Updated By Jeremy K
Date Updated 1/30/2012, 11:04 am

Click here to reply & update your Case
DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL - IT WILL NOT BE READ/ANSWERED
 

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Message History


There is a USB limitation of 6 buttons PLUS Shift, Alt, and Ctrl, for a total of 9. Using the PS/2 port instead there is no limitation.


Otherwise you could connect it with our PS3 or 360 adapter to make it act like a gamepad instead, which would have no limitation.



-----Original Message-----
From: XXXXXX
Sent: Friday , January 27, 2012 12:07 pm EST (GMT-05:00)
Subject: Limit on simultaneous buttons

It seems that there is a limit of 6 simultaneous button presses to be recognized by a computer on the Tankstick. Is there a way around this or do you offer an upgraded encoder that would allow more simultaneous button presses? When playing 2 player games, if both players are pressing a diagonal direction and holding a turbo button, the Tankstick is maxed out and won't recognize additional inputs.




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Please feel free to contact us anytime, we are always glad to help. Also keep in mind that most any question can be answered on our Customer Service page here: http://www.x-arcade.com/service  


So if you notice at the end of the reply email it says you can use a PS3 or XBox adapter to make this issue go away, "no limitation" is what they state.....Hmmm so I checked their website for this adapter.  I found the adapter BUT there is a disclaimer at the bottom that says:

"USB NOTE:

Please Note: That although the PS3 connection is USB, it will not support connectivity to your pc."

http://www.xgaming.com/store/x-arcade-adapters/product/x-arcade-ps3-xbox-playstation-3-adapter/

Just fu**ing great!  You shell out $200 bucks for a 2 player "arcade quality" controller as they claim but really doesn't support 2-player games all that well.  I wish they would admit this fuckup and offer an upgrade or start offering a Tankstick with an actual joystick encoder with a USB interface so this thing will work as it ALREADY SHOULD!!!     

Build quality: A+
Functionality: Epic Failure!!
 
 

[DarthMarino]

I use PS3 controllers directly plugged into my computer all the time with MotioninJoy.  I'm wondering if this would connect the same way.

[05SRT4]

Finally I have a reason I can use when im getting owned at street fighter!!

I can honestly say that this has never caused a problem for me when playing. I'm not that heavy playing extensive though. I'm sure if I get more into the the 6 button fighters it might pose a problem.

[ark_ader]

I am having a real problem trying to get my head around the problem of not being able to have more than 9 single player buttons on a control panel or games console, never mind having to press them at the same time.  X Arcade has eight + direction per player, most of NeoGeo games are 3 button.

I have never played a game (and I would like people to share which ones that need it) that required 9 buttons to be pressed at the same time.

I think the OP should qualify his argument more than trying to slam a perfectly good product.   

[ABACABB]

I am having a real problem trying to get my head around the problem of not being able to have more than 9 single player buttons on a control panel or games console, never mind having to press them at the same time.  X Arcade has eight + direction per player, most of NeoGeo games are 3 button.

I have never played a game (and I would like people to share which ones that need it) that required 9 buttons to be pressed at the same time.

I think the OP should qualify his argument more than trying to slam a perfectly good product.  

I thought I did a good job of qualifying this in my original post but i guess not so let me break this down for you:

Scenario #1

NFL Blitz/NBA Jam, 2 players

Player#1 holding stick diagonally = 2 switches
Player #2 holding stick diagonally = 2 switches.  Total so far, 4.  Oh yes, the stick direction counts toward the total inputs allowed
Player#1 holding Turbo, total 5.  Uh Oh getting close
Player #2 holding Turbo. Total 6.   Done, you are maxed out.

There are no more button presses allowed for passing or shooting (jumping or stiff arm in Blitz)

Now you say you want to throw in the Alt, Ctrl, Shift inputs for more buttons.  OK let's look at that.  First of all it is much more arcade like to have the controls configured for the bottom buttons of the Tankstick.  The layout there is similar to the arcade and I would prefer to use. For this arguement we'll use the default controls on the Tankstick which follow the top 3 buttons for player 1 and 2.  Same situation where player #1 is holding diagonally and holding Turbo (Turbo is mapped to the Ctrl key so that doesn't count toward the max limit of 6) but player needs to jump at a crucial moment and that button is mapped to the spacebar.  This one does count towards the max limit of 6, so there are 4 switches being used but only 3 of them count towards our limit.  Over to player 2. On the player 2 side, none of the buttons are mapped to Alt, Ctrl or Shift.  Here is where the problem comes in.  Player 2 is moving diagonally (there are a lot of diagonal movements in these 2 games so this is a pretty common occurance).  Player #2 is also holding Turbo.  That is 3 switches being used by player 2 and player 1 was already using 3 switches (not counting the Ctrl button being used as turbo) so we are maxed out and player 2 has no buttons left that will work to pass the ball or jump a defender.  Do you see the problem here?

Scenario #2

Mortal Kombat

Player #1 Performs Sub Zero's special slide move: back+LP+Blk+LK = 4 switches being used already.  This only leaves player 2 with 2 available inputs??  I realize we are talking about a very short time here where these buttons are not available for use but that is EXACTLY what arcade games are about, split second timing and lightning fast reactions.  Because of the limited inputs of the Tankstick, you don't get that.

This may not be apparent from reading this article but believe me - it becomes very apparent within seconds of playing thsese games.

Ark, not sure why you are defending this company so much other than maybe you work there?? I hope you do so you can relay this info and they could address this issue.  There is a communication breakdown somewhere in this place when in one email their tech support tells you one thing but when you go to their website it says the exact opposite.  Again, are you really going to tell me you don't see the problem here??    

So Ark, you can post your apology after you manage to "get your head around" this major problem.

[lanman31337]

Trying to do the Super Combos with games like MVC, MVSF, etc.. require usually three button presses plus a quarter crescent so that alone would eat up 5 there.

[ark_ader]

I am having a real problem trying to get my head around the problem of not being able to have more than 9 single player buttons on a control panel or games console, never mind having to press them at the same time.  X Arcade has eight + direction per player, most of NeoGeo games are 3 button.

I have never played a game (and I would like people to share which ones that need it) that required 9 buttons to be pressed at the same time.

I think the OP should qualify his argument more than trying to slam a perfectly good product.  

I thought I did a good job of qualifying this in my original post but i guess not so let me break this down for you:

Scenario #1

NFL Blitz/NBA Jam, 2 players

Player#1 holding stick diagonally = 2 switches
Player #2 holding stick diagonally = 2 switches.  Total so far, 4.  Oh yes, the stick direction counts toward the total inputs allowed
Player#1 holding Turbo, total 5.  Uh Oh getting close
Player #2 holding Turbo. Total 6.   Done, you are maxed out.

There are no more button presses allowed for passing or shooting (jumping or stiff arm in Blitz)

Now you say you want to throw in the Alt, Ctrl, Shift inputs for more buttons.  OK let's look at that.  First of all it is much more arcade like to have the controls configured for the bottom buttons of the Tankstick.  The layout there is similar to the arcade and I would prefer to use. For this arguement we'll use the default controls on the Tankstick which follow the top 3 buttons for player 1 and 2.  Same situation where player #1 is holding diagonally and holding Turbo (Turbo is mapped to the Ctrl key so that doesn't count toward the max limit of 6) but player needs to jump at a crucial moment and that button is mapped to the spacebar.  This one does count towards the max limit of 6, so there are 4 switches being used but only 3 of them count towards our limit.  Over to player 2. On the player 2 side, none of the buttons are mapped to Alt, Ctrl or Shift.  Here is where the problem comes in.  Player 2 is moving diagonally (there are a lot of diagonal movements in these 2 games so this is a pretty common occurance).  Player #2 is also holding Turbo.  That is 3 switches being used by player 2 and player 1 was already using 3 switches (not counting the Ctrl button being used as turbo) so we are maxed out and player 2 has no buttons left that will work to pass the ball or jump a defender.  Do you see the problem here?

Scenario #2

Mortal Kombat

Player #1 Performs Sub Zero's special slide move: back+LP+Blk+LK = 4 switches being used already.  This only leaves player 2 with 2 available inputs??  I realize we are talking about a very short time here where these buttons are not available for use but that is EXACTLY what arcade games are about, split second timing and lightning fast reactions.  Because of the limited inputs of the Tankstick, you don't get that.

This may not be apparent from reading this article but believe me - it becomes very apparent within seconds of playing thsese games.

Ark, not sure why you are defending this company so much other than maybe you work there?? I hope you do so you can relay this info and they could address this issue.  There is a communication breakdown somewhere in this place when in one email their tech support tells you one thing but when you go to their website it says the exact opposite.  Again, are you really going to tell me you don't see the problem here??    

So Ark, you can post your apology after you manage to "get your head around" this major problem.

You have to do better than two games and NFL Blitz is not a common game to play like SSF.  If that is your only beef with this product then you will be better off with a IPAC, considering how many consoles, games and emulators work with 9 buttons, the product stands up pretty well.  Besides NFL Blitz...is not a game that can be emulated without having a powerful rig, which pretty much negates 90% of X Arcade casual users.

Why am I defending them?  Because the product is very good with excellent customer service.  That said I would say the same thing if you bought a KeyWiz and had the same stupid problem.

I don't have that problem with MK, so it must be unique to you. 

Trying to do the Super Combos with games like MVC, MVSF, etc.. require usually three button presses plus a quarter crescent so that alone would eat up 5 there.

I understand what you are saying but 9 concurrent button key presses, that is pretty unique for any setup, most of the X arcade users are solo gamers with the odd two player action.

That said I never had a problem nor have I heard anyone until recently with this particular problem.  It is unique to say the least.

I'm sure there will more games that come out for MAME that will require more button usage, it will require a specialist rig to run it on, and someone that pours that much money into a setup like that it will not have a X Arcade sitting on their desk.

The controller get slapped enough in this place without putting lipstick on it.

Especially with dual spinners. 

Why put dual spinners on a X Arcade in the first place?

That CP just screams custom.

[ABACABB]

You have to do better than two games and NFL Blitz is not a common game to play like SSF

No i don't need to do better than this.  I don't care how small you think the problem is just because it is not a game you play in particular but I do and I'm sure there are others. NBA Jam and all of its successors are lots of fun and run on a P4 just fine.  I only stated that this is a problem, I spelled it out in detail because it is a problem and it is worth people knowing about before they plop down $200 for this thing.

Just because I only named a few games doesn't mean that's all it is limited to.  I was just trying to give some examples so you see where I'm coming from and how this effects your gameplay.  I'm sure there are lots more scenarios where this gets affected.  AND remember, you don't always get the 9 buttons, that is only in certain situations where those buttons count, usually it is 6 but now throw the directional stick into this and you're only left with 2 buttons.

Why put dual spinners on a X Arcade in the first place?

I did not do this, you must have me mistaken with someone else

[ark_ader]

Why put dual spinners on a X Arcade in the first place?

I did not do this, you must have me mistaken with someone else.

Yes it is odd I goofed on this.  Someone else had the same problem as you have found. 

Curiously at the same time.....

[molton]

Yes it is odd I goofed on this.  Someone else had the same problem as you have found. 

Curiously at the same time.....

yes, quite curious... 

Maybe multiple people are having the problem because it's significant and does in fact exist.

[05SRT4]

I did some tinkering with my I/O voltage settings and nothing worked while use the 2 PS/2 inputs, But I didn't notice that whenever I boot my PC with a PS/2 keyboard attached to the PS/2 config cable on the tankstick (I'm sure owners know what I mean) then both the Joysticks/buttons and trackball work.

I don't know why having the keyboard attached would change anything. Does this work with anyone else?

[05SRT4]

Why don't you just get a computer with a PS/2 port?

 

Its not that it needs a port. It needs a compatible PS/2 port. If I just plug the tankstick in with only the PS/2 ports it works for about 2 secs then stops. mouse and buttons.

[ABACABB]

I did some tinkering with my I/O voltage settings and nothing worked while use the 2 PS/2 inputs, But I didn't notice that whenever I boot my PC with a PS/2 keyboard attached to the PS/2 config cable on the tankstick (I'm sure owners know what I mean) then both the Joysticks/buttons and trackball work.

I don't know why having the keyboard attached would change anything. Does this work with anyone else?

I know this sounds strange but there is something to having a PS/2 keyboard plugged into the Tankstick that may make it work.  There is some mention of this in the X-gaming support topics. My PC does not have PS/2 ports so I bought a PS/2 card and installed it.  My tankstick buttons and stick do not work with the PS/2 port.  I tried messing with it a lot to get it to work, but I just can't make it happen.  Strange thing is that the PS/2 keyboard that I had plugged into the Tankstick did work.  This issue with the limited buttons really does suck so I wish the PS/2 option would have worked out for me.  Maybe I need a different card?  That might just turn out to be a waste of time and money, again since I already tried it once.

[eds1275]

My old x-arcade had this same issue though mine was not the tankstick, it was the 2-player no trackball setup. It only worked for me when I had a keyboard plugged into the PS/2 daisy chain port, and then connected plugged into the PS/2 jack on the compy. It is explained on the X-arcade faq. Well... they don't explain WHY it is this way.

http://www.xgaming.com/support/questions/52/Why+is+my+keyboard+double-typing%2C+sticking%2C+or+freezing+using+X-Arcade%E2%84%A2+on+PS%7B47%7D2%3F

Is it possible that ABACABB [blood code!] isn't using the x-arcade brand ps/2 to usb adapter? The site claims that you must use their brand or it will not work properly.

[05SRT4]

I think I already read the answer but I wasn't sure, Are you running the default setup on the tankstick or a custom setting?

[05SRT4]

Stupid Question, Would the limitation stop if you had a PS/2 to USB adapter?

Ohh just saw the post above.

[ark_ader]

I did some tinkering with my I/O voltage settings and nothing worked while use the 2 PS/2 inputs, But I didn't notice that whenever I boot my PC with a PS/2 keyboard attached to the PS/2 config cable on the tankstick (I'm sure owners know what I mean) then both the Joysticks/buttons and trackball work.

I don't know why having the keyboard attached would change anything. Does this work with anyone else?

I made a custom cable after the original disappeared.  It must have something to do with grounding as it doesn't work with PS/2 without a PS/2 keyboard connected, but works fine with USB via the PS3 2-1 and Xbox 360 via the 5-1 and all the consoles.

I have both the USB and PS/2 versions and have the keyboard problem with the PS/2 version.

[molton]

To add to Pinballjim's post, especially in older PC's, it is not unheard of that unplugging and plugging in a ps/2 device while the power is on can fry a computer.

[ABACABB]

I really wish the PS/2 port would work for me.  I have a friend that originally had his Tankstick plugged in via USB but when we found out the button limitation, he switched to his PS/2 port and now does have unlimited simultaneous button presses.  I have no PS/2 ports but I bought a cheap PCI card with PS/2 ports from Newegg.  It didn't work after several attempts and reboots.  A standard PS/2 keyboard did work in the card though.  Does anyone know if a better card would make a difference here?  On X-Gaming's website, I don't see this PS/2 to USB adapter but I fear that since they are running through USB I would have the same 6 button limitation I am getting now through USB.

[molton]

I know it's ~$40 and a pain in the ass, but you could upgrade it with an I-PAC or a keywiz or something, I installed an I-PAC in my x-arcade

[05SRT4]

I know it's ~$40 and a pain in the ass, but you could upgrade it with an I-PAC or a keywiz or something, I installed an I-PAC in my x-arcade

Its either that or get a new Motherboard for around the same price maybe more.

I think it would be hard to try different PS/2 cards since there isn't really any specs to go off of.

[ark_ader]

To add to Pinballjim's post, especially in older PC's, it is not unheard of that unplugging and plugging in a ps/2 device while the power is on can fry a computer.

This has never happened once.

Most of the time the keyboard doesn't get detected by BIOS.  Rule of thumb is not to plug said device into the computer when running, but that was due to the limitations of the hardware of the day.  Newer boards still do not tolerate PS/2 swaps, but in respect of the X Arcade pass through it does matter if you insert the keyboard after.  It just doesn't work with the PC.  I would think it had something to do with voltage or signal or that is is simply not plug and play.
http://superuser.com/questions/388440/why-is-the-ps-2-interface-not-plug-and-play

[eds1275]

I really wish the PS/2 port would work for me.  I have a friend that originally had his Tankstick plugged in via USB but when we found out the button limitation, he switched to his PS/2 port and now does have unlimited simultaneous button presses.  I have no PS/2 ports but I bought a cheap PCI card with PS/2 ports from Newegg.  It didn't work after several attempts and reboots.  A standard PS/2 keyboard did work in the card though.  Does anyone know if a better card would make a difference here?  On X-Gaming's website, I don't see this PS/2 to USB adapter but I fear that since they are running through USB I would have the same 6 button limitation I am getting now through USB.

On the X-Gaming website they do not sell the PS/2 to USB adapter any more but will gladly sell you a USB upgrade. As much as this bites I suppose it's not a lot of money and the computer world is constantly changing. As a bonus, you do not need to plug in a keyboard if using the ps/2 port on this one.

http://www.xgaming.com/store/x-arcade-adapters/product/x-arcade-usb-adapter/

[erockmonroe]

     I know this is a stale thread, but I felt the need to chime in enough to register and post in case anyone can help. I have a similar issue with my tankstick. My old comp crapped out so I bought a new fast pc, very excited to be able to play a bunch of new mame games without choppiness, I was bummed when I found out that the tankstick didn't work right anymore. I eventually found out it was due to using usb on the new pc, because it doesn't have any ps/2 ports. Bummed.
    To anyone who doesn't believe it ( seems like there are a few here) it IS an issue. Something no one has brought up is the fact that people like to mash buttons, going over 6 buttons with a button masher is rediculously easy, and watching your player on screen flail around not doing what you intend it to do is frustrating to say the least. There are many many games and situations where going over 6 buttons is an issue, this pc is on my dedicated arcade, it is almost always running 2 players, if Im playing alone I go upstairs to my pc, so yes, the button limitations are a clear problem for some of us.
     So what can be done? I too had thought about slapping a pci ps/2 adapter in my comp till I saw this thread saying it didn't work. I might still try it because I desperately want to fix this problem, but Id like to know if anyone has found any other solutions.  I have been advised I could solder a pc/2 port onto my motherboard, Im not comfortable doing this as I have no skill at it. Buying a whole new motherboard seems tedious. My best bet is to try the pci slot, but I've seen more evidence that it wont work than it will. The guys at Frys told me I could put a com port to serial cable then serial to ps/2 on my motherboard, but when I opened it up no such com port was available. If anyone knows of a workaround or a pci card that is confirmed working for this, please let me know, thank you for your time.

[MonMotha]

Most of non-traditional PS/2 port options I've seen are USB at some point as it's really the only other way to hook up a keyboard that doesn't require special drivers.  I wouldn't be surprised if many of them have the same 6 button limitation.  The only reliable way to get a "real" PS/2 port is to put it on the LPC (or ISA, if you actually have one, but then you probably have PS/2 ports, too) bus, and there's no standard add-in connector for that.

If you can find a PS/2 to USB adapter that doesn't have the boot protocol 6 button limitation (this is quite easy to get around while still being a fully functional USB keyboard), that would work.  This will probably be a trial and error thing.  Other option would be to build up a new PC.  Even fairly cheap non-OEM motherboards still seem to have PS/2 ports on them.

Also, somebody needs to konk the people who made this device over the head.  There's no excuse for having the 6 button boot protocol limitation on something that isn't even an actual keyboard and hence is totally unnecessary during boot.

[ABACABB]

Hey erock, I'm the OP on this thread and I know how frustrating this can be.  I am sorry to say that I did not find an inexpensive way to fix this issue.  I want to build another cab (either driving or pinball) so I needed another computer anyways.  The new cab will not be using the Tankstick so I bought a new pc at BestBuy that had PS2 ports in it.  I am happy to say that the PS2 ports work perfectly and I do in fact have the ability to press all of the buttons simultaneously and they all register. 

Maybe it was just the cheap pci/PS2 card that I bought from Newegg as to why mine wouldn't work.  They offer other cards so maybe one of them would work?

Also, somebody needs to konk the people who made this device over the head.  There's no excuse for having the 6 button boot protocol limitation on something that isn't even an actual keyboard and hence is totally unnecessary during boot.

AGREED!!  Xgaming needs to make a Tankstick with a gamepad encoder.  Hope someone from there sees this thread.  Let's keep it alive until they do! 

[ark_ader]

I have been trying out different X Arcade adapters with the PC.

I did find out something interesting.  If you plug in the Xbox 360 adapter into the 5-1 it works with the PC too.

So I will test it out to see if I can get a different result then the native USB adapter.

I've tried the Xbox PS3 adapter on the 2-1 and PC but it needs special software to recognise it.

[erockmonroe]

Thanks for reviving the thread and trying to help all. Ive confirmed NO pci cards will work. They will all basically get stuffed into the usb 6 button limit code. There are some connections that can be made on a motherboard, but again, im not comfortable soldering. Since I just bought this pc and it runs like a champ I dont want to buy another pc or mess with a new mobo.  Im crossing my fingers on use of the xbox adapters, Ill research and see what I can find, but if anyone can confirm real world that would be great, thanks.

[Slippyblade]

I don't recall exactly where I saw this (in the docs, or FAQS, or something) but I was told/read that the X-Arcade *HAD* to have a PS2 keyboard plugged into the daisy chain for the PS2 connection to work.  I've used my X-Arcade 2 player stick on multiple computers via the PS2 connection and never had a problem as long as I had a keyboard plugged in with total failure to work without one.

[ABACABB]

I don't recall exactly where I saw this (in the docs, or FAQS, or something) but I was told/read that the X-Arcade *HAD* to have a PS2 keyboard plugged into the daisy chain for the PS2 connection to work.  I've used my X-Arcade 2 player stick on multiple computers via the PS2 connection and never had a problem as long as I had a keyboard plugged in with total failure to work without one.

You're right Slippy.  It is required but the problem is that different voltages produced by these pci/ps2 cards aren't compatible with the Tankstick.  So even when there is an actual keyboard connected to the Tankstick it still doesn't work.  Seems like the only way that works is if you have a motherboard with PS2 ports built into it

[erockmonroe]

This is a seperate issue but I will verify it. Ive had issues with no ps/2 keyboard plugged into my tankstick. However this is NOT the issue at hand. From what i can tell any ps/2 run through the pci slot turns into usb anyway, so your still stuck with a 6 button limit ( plus ctrl, alt etc). I have some techy nerd friends Im trying to recruit for this, will report back. I also have grave concerns about the xbox 360 and trackball games etc, I cant seem to find the info on the net and really just need someone to confirm it works, if not Ill bite the bullet and try it. Need to buy an xbox 360 adapter, and also use a button mapping program, but maybe it will work, if so itd be worth it. My nephew and I were playing metal slug and he was literally hitting every button at once on the tankstick, I noticed loss of control and it was lame, but he had so much fun we kept playing, but Id prefer both, y'know? Thanks in advance.

[postmortem]

i mentioned in a previous thread.. what I did to fix the issue was to get an ipac and put it in the tankstick. it works usb with zero lag. hope this helps

[ABACABB]

I also have grave concerns about the xbox 360 and trackball games etc,

If you are talking about plugging the Tankstick's trackball into the xbox adapter, you wouldn't have to.  In my pc with the PS/2 port, I actually only have the joystick and buttons (the keyboard encoder) plugged in via PS/2.  I plugged the trackball into a usb port. 

The reason for this is I have the Aimtrak lightguns as well and they are USB.  Having basically 3 mice plugged in (2 guns and 1 trackball) I was getting some funky operation from my trackball after playing a gun game.  I assumed it was because the mouse was being controlled from different ports.  Once I plugged the trackball in to a USB it all seems to work fine now.

[erockmonroe]

I looked at the ipac and it intimidates me. Anyway you could give a tutorial or let me know how hard it would be to figure out? If that's what I need to do I'm willing to do it but I'm just not sure if I can.

[postmortem]

http://www.xgaming.com/support/questions/54/Advanced+BYO+Kit+installation+diagram+with+wiring+schematic.

here is the wireing diagram for the tankstick.. you just cut the wires and put them into the appropriate spots on thew ipac

[unkpinball]

I'm going through other trials and tribulations with my new tankstick and have one quick newbieish question. If I switch out to the ipac, would it now be possible to map the directional arrow keys to the tankstick joysticks instead of only being able to (try to) map the numlock pad-directionals(8/4/6/2) for joystick control?

Getting the numlock keys to work and stay working with different emulators, and their menus, on the tankstick is driving me seriously bonkers. The arrow keys can't be mapped, and they're the mame and every other emulators in the world defaults. I've spent hours/days on this. Maybe it's just me. 

Thanks!

[PL1]

If I switch out to the ipac, would it now be possible to map the directional arrow keys to the tankstick joysticks instead of only being able to (try to) map the numlock pad-directionals(8/4/6/2) for joystick control?

You can program the I-Pac inputs to whatever keys you want (FAQ here) or use the default keycodes.


Scott

[molton]

check out my old thread where I put an I-pac in my tankstick if you want, heres a link

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,120271.msg1275188.html#msg1275188

[unkpinball]

Thanks for the ipac info. Always thought it was weird that the x-arcade couldn't be programmed to map the directional keys, but could map every other key on the keyboard. They confirmed it as true. Sure would have saved a lot of frustration instead of hassling with the numlock's.

edit: just ordered an I-pac 2, I've had enough of configuration files, kludging with other emulation programs, etc. Hopefully a Saturday afternoon with wire snips, strippers, solder gun and patience will solve all problems. X-arcade ought to just put in an ipac anyways.

Now to google 'how to rip off laminate from particle board without tearing everything up to replace ugly x with cool layout". 

[unkpinball]

Finished installing the ipac2 in my X-Arcade Tankstick. Wish I had done this the first day I bought the Tankstick. Everything works perfectly now with all defaults to Mame, and hardly any configuring.

I did it without any soldering at all, though I might touch up some connections later just to be safe. I marked all the plugin connections to the X-Arcade circuit board on the connections themselves after downloading the 'schematic' from the site. Then unplugged the wires from the connectors using a small screwdriver to push down the tiny latch that sticks up. Did this one socket at a time, one wire at a time. Didn't have to mark wires that way.

It's a pia pulling the wire out of the little white connector, but can be done quickly once you get the hang of it. Then I squished the connector smaller with a pair of needle nose pliers, and inserted it into the proper iPac socket for that button/joystick and tightened down. Probably easier instead of stripping the wires and soldering the end to get a better contact. Only drawback is that if you need to get the connector back out of the iPac for some reason, the 'Chinese Finger Torture grip' that the iPac uses might hang up on the connector.

There were 3 or 4 connectors that weren't long enough to reach the iPac, but as noted elsewhere the trackball has scads of extra wires with multiple connectors on every wire, just snip off a few (make sure they aren't being used) and replace the stock wire on the button/stick connector. I also had to use some to run grounds to a couple far buttons.

Most of the ground wiring I just shoved the bare end connector into another ground 'socket' that was available and again squished with pliers to daisy chain them. After I finished I did a circuit check between the ground connectors of each button and joystick and the iPac two ground screw connectors.

I also realized that I could get two more buttons on the controller by using the now useless ones on the back. Drilled two holes in the upper left after measuring 23 times and installed the button. Using them for pause and escape. See picture.

I could probably do the whole thing in 3 or 4 hours now. Just have to go slow and not lose track of wires. I did one at a time, completing it before moving to next wire.

Then just screwed the iPac down with two screws, plugged it in, along with the trackball usb connector, and booted up. Had to boot twice to get the driver properly installed, after that it worked in Hyperspin, Mame first time.