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KE-72T Hagstrom Encoder

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Ler6557:
Hi. I am a newbie and wondered why the KE-72T had four ports. I thought since the encoder acts as though a real keyboard encoder with the pushbuttons working as keys, all you needed to do was hook the KE-72T up to the PS/2 keyboard port on the computer and everything would work.

Tiger-Heli:

--- Quote from: Ler6557 on April 13, 2005, 09:35:22 pm ---Hi. I am a newbie and wondered why the KE-72T had four ports. I thought since the encoder acts as though a real keyboard encoder with the pushbuttons working as keys, all you needed to do was hook the KE-72T up to the PS/2 keyboard port on the computer and everything would work.

--- End quote ---
That's all you have to do.

Four ports -
PS/2 keyboard port - As you said for hooking the KE-72T to the computer.
PS/2 pass-thru port - For using a PS/2 keyboard on the computer with the KE-72 plugged in.
PS/2 mouse port - For hooking the trackball to the computer.
RS-232 parallel port - Optional interface for programming the unit, but you can also program it through the PS/2 port, AFAIK.

Having said that, while the unit is a solid piece of equipment, it is not designed for arcade controls, and not optimum for MAME.

If you need that many inputs, you could buy an I-PAC/4 an I-PAC/2 and a opti-pac (84 inputs and two trackball interfaces), for about $30 more.

If you can get by with 56 inputs, an I-PAC/4 and an Opti-Pac are slightly LESS expensive than the KE-72T.  (And you don't NEED more than 56 inputs, unless you are into 4-player console emulation without using USB gamepads).

If you want to save the most money, the pin-header versions of the KeyWiz Eco, two GP-Wiz Ecos, and one www.oscarcontrols.com pre-hacked mouse, gives you 96 inputs plus a trackball interface for $82.

SteveJ34:

--- Quote from: Tiger-Heli on April 14, 2005, 07:28:30 am ---....
Having said that, while the unit is a solid piece of equipment, it is not designed for arcade controls, and not optimum for MAME.
....


--- End quote ---

I don't quite follow the statement that it is not optimum for MAME.

It is a little pricey and now there are alternative options but few years back when there weren't as many options this is what I went with and it has worked flawlessly in my 2 player upright.

Tiger-Heli:

--- Quote from: SteveJ34 on April 14, 2005, 09:08:13 am ---I don't quite follow the statement that it is not optimum for MAME.

--- End quote ---
I might not have worded that correctly - all I meant was "Doesn't have the MAME codeset by default."  and "Doesn't support shift functions - which are great for having access to admin functions without a bunch of extra buttons on your panel".  And it's way pricey compared to the alternatives.

--- Quote ---It is a little pricey and now there are alternative options but few years back when there weren't as many options this is what I went with and it has worked flawlessly in my 2 player upright.

--- End quote ---
I don't doubt that for a minute.  But you don't need 72-inputs for a 2-player upright (I hope!!!)

SteveJ34:

--- Quote from: Tiger-Heli on April 14, 2005, 09:41:59 am ---I might not have worded that correctly - all I meant was "Doesn't have the MAME codeset by default."  and "Doesn't support shift functions - which are great for having access to admin functions without a bunch of extra buttons on your panel".  And it's way pricey compared to the alternatives.

--- End quote ---

Agreed. Add the breakout board  and it only gets pricier...


--- Quote from: Tiger-Heli on April 14, 2005, 09:41:59 am ---
I don't doubt that for a minute.  But you don't need 72-inputs for a 2-player upright (I hope!!!)

--- End quote ---

Certainly not....

I think my reasoning at the time was the other options  I was looking at only had 36, the 72T had integrated Trackball interface which I could plug up a Happs to and go, and finally... 72 gave me the option to expand to more buttons later should I decide to retool into a 4 player unit or....

Other options have since come available for which I have been a customer for ipacs, keywhiz, and gp-wizes  for other projects.

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