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X-Arcade Tankstick limited button presses (6 button limitation)
relay01:
I've noticed some lag with my particular PS1/2 controller to USB adapter when using standard PS* controllers. I'm not sure whether this was your case but the cheapo adapters leave much to be desired. I don't even like using them anymore. If going this route, best to use the 360 adapters IMHO.
As for the tankstick issue. I had some problems when having both the trackball and joysticks connected via PS/2. If I rolled the trackball, the directionals would "stick" so I just opted to connect the trackball to usb. Not sure if this is the xarcade or a ps/2 limitation. I don't have a standard ps/2 mouse to test with so couldn't verify for sure.
RandyT:
--- Quote from: relay01 on February 14, 2013, 11:11:48 am ---As for the tankstick issue. I had some problems when having both the trackball and joysticks connected via PS/2. If I rolled the trackball, the directionals would "stick" so I just opted to connect the trackball to usb. Not sure if this is the xarcade or a ps/2 limitation. I don't have a standard ps/2 mouse to test with so couldn't verify for sure.
--- End quote ---
Just as an FYI, this is NOT a PS/2 issue. We have done tests with the KeyWiz, with a special version which disabled the Shazaaam! feature, and wired all of the inputs to a single button. It registers every one of the 40 available inputs, and does it perfectly. Issues like this are an implementation limitation, and they are specific to the controller being tested. Unfortunately, the old adage of getting what you pay for is apt when it comes to encoders.
It also underscores the importance of doing the research and taking some manufacturers claims, especially with unknown and insufficiently tested products, with a bit of a grain of salt.
relay01:
As far as I know,
The xarcade products are the only ones that can hook up to one of many game consoles. That is to say, without hacking a controller.
I'm no computer engineer but to make a product that versatile, you can expect some hiccups/quirks. I just wish they were more up front about said quirks.
I would however assume that most of their user-base is using this thing on a game console more than a pc and with the bundled games they package in with the product, 6/9 buttons is more than enough.
I'd never go so far as to say the product is untested or a cheap encoder. It's maybe spread a little thin to support an ambitions list of features.
RandyT:
--- Quote from: relay01 on February 15, 2013, 09:50:26 am ---As far as I know,
The xarcade products are the only ones that can hook up to one of many game consoles. That is to say, without hacking a controller.
I'm no computer engineer but to make a product that versatile, you can expect some hiccups/quirks. I just wish they were more up front about said quirks.
--- End quote ---
I think there is a difference between "not being up-front" and deliberate misrepresentation. Unfortunately, this isn't an uncommon occurrence with those who attempt to pit their offerings against existing products which make similar claims, and which also deliver on them. This isn't marketing hyperbole, or a case of system incompatibility. It's touting a feature which doesn't exist, so IMHO, it shouldn't be so easy to dismiss.
--- Quote ---I would however assume that most of their user-base is using this thing on a game console more than a pc and with the bundled games they package in with the product, 6/9 buttons is more than enough.
--- End quote ---
I wouldn't use a device with this limitation on anything other than a single player rig, in which case, it would be fine...unless you had the trackball issue described earlier on that same controller. Technically, the input situation can be made to work, so long as certain combinations never happen, but who wants to think about those things while playing a game? With a two player control, with 6 buttons each, 20 inputs are required just for the main controls. Of the 20, 16 should be limitation free. On a joystick, only 2 inputs can ever be used at the same time, so configuring those to non-modifiers would be the best route. But once you do this, this leaves only 2 non-modifiers for buttons. The are 8 modifiers, but of those 8, a couple are keys which probably shouldn't be used as controls, as they are special to the OS. So that leaves 6, which means at the end of the day, you are still short 4 proper inputs on the 2-player, 6-buttons each panel. Technically, again, so long as certain combinations don't happen at the same time, there won't be an issue, but the moment both players move their joysticks to diagonal position, and each hits a non-modifier button, or one player hits two, any further activations of the non-modifier defined inputs will be ignored until one or more of those are released.
While it sounds esoteric, it does happen in fighting games, even with the above "optimal" configuration. The real issue is that the controller is configurable, and when the user who thinks these limitations don't exist does not configure the panel optimally, the situation becomes much worse.
--- Quote ---I'd never go so far as to say the product is untested or a cheap encoder. It's maybe spread a little thin to support an ambitions list of features.
--- End quote ---
That isn't just limited to the controller being discussed. I can point to several examples in the past where claims like this were made, and the controller didn't deliver on those claims. Some were eventually fixed, after hapless customers were left holding a poor product, while others just went away, after vehemently defending the claims which simply were not true. This indicates a lack of proper testing, or perhaps simple ignorance as to what these claims actually mean, and the ramifications they have for the user. In this case, it appears that the company knows those claims are not factual, yet this is not reflected in the marketing material. IMHO, this is worse. If they have taken steps to remedy the situation, and it is factual for current products, then that's fine, but it would probably be a good idea for folks to make sure for themselves at this point.
ark_ader:
--- Quote ---@ark_ader : What do you have stock in the company or something? You can't tell me that the above scenario is acceptable for an ENTHUSIAST market who focuses on recreation of their original experiences.
--- End quote ---
I beta test devices for them when they want me to. I have all the consoles here to test them on. I could be a good reseller too, but I'm sure gremlin would be upset.
I find that if you have games like NBA Jam you did not actually buy a board and copied the rom or purchased a licensed rom. I bet its a rom you got on your internet travels, a console port maybe (like in CoinOPS) but any roms that is in Mame, which is unique or exotic you have to build a device to accommodate it. It goes without saying.
Welcome to Build You Own Arcade Controls! You want to play something exotic, build the controls yourself. X Arcade products are designed to work with different platforms with off the shelf games. Not every game imaginable. ::) :hissy:
X Arcade is designed for classic arcade titles and consoles. Moaning about how you need more the 6 button key presses for a game is ridiculous. Play an average console game such as the Xbox 360 and you will not reach a six button requirement. It takes a fraction of a second for the event to be registered so if you mash your buttons that could a problem right there.
I like what X Arcade provides, and so do many other users. Yes I can make my own CP and use KeyWiz or Jpac encoders. If you want to play NBA Jam head on over to Randy or Andy and give them some of your business. Good luck wiring it up to your console with user switch-able digital/analogue controls though. :cheers:
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