Difference between revisions of "Keyboard Encoders"

From BYOAC New Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Added info for new IPAC2 FS32 encoder)
Line 8: Line 8:
  
 
Both versions have 28 inputs.  They are all programmable and are designated as 2 joysticks, 8 buttons each, plus coin1, coin2, start1, start2. One of the inputs is assigned as a shift key to access an alternate code set (usefull if you want to keep administrative buttons to a minimum on your control panel). Both models also have connectors for NumLock, CapsLock and ScrollLock keyboard LEDs.The PS/2 model includes a very usefull keyboard passthrough.
 
Both versions have 28 inputs.  They are all programmable and are designated as 2 joysticks, 8 buttons each, plus coin1, coin2, start1, start2. One of the inputs is assigned as a shift key to access an alternate code set (usefull if you want to keep administrative buttons to a minimum on your control panel). Both models also have connectors for NumLock, CapsLock and ScrollLock keyboard LEDs.The PS/2 model includes a very usefull keyboard passthrough.
 +
 +
'''Relevant Link: [http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html Ultimarc's I-PAC2 Page]'''
 +
 +
==I-PAC2 FS32==
 +
Ultimarc's IPac2 FS32 is a new model of the IPac2. I has the same features as the IPac2 but with more inputs (32 vs. 28)
  
 
'''Relevant Link: [http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html Ultimarc's I-PAC2 Page]'''
 
'''Relevant Link: [http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html Ultimarc's I-PAC2 Page]'''

Revision as of 13:53, 10 March 2009

Keyboard Encoders offer the functionality of a keyboard hack in an easy-to-use form. They offer several benefits including reduction of ghosting, ease in connecting controls and time savings.

I-PAC2

I-PAC2 (PS/2 version)

Ultimarc's IPac2 was the first full-featured affordable keyboard encoder to hit the BYOAC community and quickly became the hook-up of choice. Up until it's release most people were still hacking keyboards, since most keyboard encoders came with a high price tag or were difficult to find.

It's still a very popular choice and comes in PS/2 and USB flavours.

Both versions have 28 inputs. They are all programmable and are designated as 2 joysticks, 8 buttons each, plus coin1, coin2, start1, start2. One of the inputs is assigned as a shift key to access an alternate code set (usefull if you want to keep administrative buttons to a minimum on your control panel). Both models also have connectors for NumLock, CapsLock and ScrollLock keyboard LEDs.The PS/2 model includes a very usefull keyboard passthrough.

Relevant Link: Ultimarc's I-PAC2 Page

I-PAC2 FS32

Ultimarc's IPac2 FS32 is a new model of the IPac2. I has the same features as the IPac2 but with more inputs (32 vs. 28)

Relevant Link: Ultimarc's I-PAC2 Page

I-PAC4

I-PAC4 (PS/2 version)

The I-PAC4 is designed for 4-player panels or where large numbers of inputs are needed. It also comes in PS/2 and USB versions.

Both versions have 56 inputs and are all programmable and designated 4 joysticks, 8 buttons each plus coin 1,2,3,4 and start 1,2,3,4. Two of the inputs are assigned as shift keys to access two separate codes sets covering the player 1,2 and the player 3,4 inputs, usefull if you want to keep administrative buttons to a minimum on your control panel

Relevant Link: Ultimarc's I-PAC4 Page


I-PAC VE

I-PAC VE

This "value edition" of the I-PAC only comes in USB form. It is suitable for all Windows versions, Linux, and Mac, but not DOS. You may require a standard A-B USB cable (check the Ultimarc website for details regarding this).

One important difference with this model is that when a custom codeset is used, it is stored in RAM instead of EEPROM, meaning that storage needs refreshing after power-down (this does not apply if you always use the built-in default MAME code set of course, the settings revert to MAME on power-down)

This model has 32 inputs. They are all programmable and are designated as 2 joysticks, 8 buttons each, plus coin1, coin2, start1, start2. One of the inputs is assigned as a shift key to access an alternate code set (usefull if you want to keep administrative buttons to a minimum on your control panel). This model also has connectors for NumLock, CapsLock and ScrollLock keyboard LEDs.

Relevant Link: Ultimarc's I-PAC VE Page


J-PAC

J-PAC

The J-PAC is an encoder which allows plug-in connection of a JAMMA arcade cabinet to a VGA card and keyboard port or USB port on a PC motherboard, and incorporates all the functions of the standard I-PAC's and has a dual interface for PS/2 and USB.

Relevant Link: Ultimarc's J-PAC Page


KeyWiz MAX

KeyWiz MAX

A high-performance keyboard encoder produced by Groovy Game Gear. It features screw terminal headers on the PCB for easy hookup and a switch to allow the "pass-thru" use of a connected keyboard.

The KeyWiz line of keyboard encoders feature 32 inputs and connect to a PC via the keyboard PS2 port. The Keywiz has the default MAME codeset hard-coded by default. Custom codesets can easily be created and loaded into RAM on the Keywiz via its included software. This software can be placed in the Windows Startup folder to automatically load a custom keyset each time the computer is booted.

The Keywiz uses a SHAZAAM key to allow most of the inputs to have alternate keycodes. For example, pushing the SHAZAAM key and the Player 1 button #2 is the same as hitting the TAB key. This function allows many "administrative" keys to be accessed without dedicated pushbuttons to clutter the control panel.

Relevant Link:
GroovyGameGear's KeyWiz MAX Page


KeyWiz Eco 2

KeyWiz Eco 2

A high-performance keyboard encoder produced by Groovy Game Gear. This encoder boasts the same performance as the KeyWiz Max, but without keyboard pass-thru or screw terminal headers on the PCB. The KeyWiz Eco is available in a "solder" and "no solder" version.

The KeyWiz line of keyboard encoders feature 32 inputs and connect to a PC via the keyboard PS2 port. The Keywiz has the default MAME codeset hard-coded by default. Custom codesets can easily be created and loaded into RAM on the Keywiz via its included software. This software can be placed in the Windows Startup folder to automatically load a custom keyset each time the computer is booted.

The Keywiz uses a SHAZAAM key to allow most of the inputs to have alternate keycodes. For example, pushing the SHAZAAM key and the Player 1 button #2 is the same as hitting the TAB key. This function allows many "administrative" keys to be accessed without dedicated pushbuttons to clutter the control panel.

Relevant Link:
GroovyGameGear's KeyWiz Eco 2 Page


KE18

KE18

PS/2 or USB or both?

Number of Inputs

Designated for anything?

Shift keys?

Additional features?



Relevant Link: Hagstrom's KE18 Page


KE24

KE24

PS/2 or USB or both?

Number of Inputs

Designated for anything?

Shift keys?

Additional features?



Relevant Link: Hagstrom's KE24 Page


KE-USB36

KE-USB36

The KE-USB36 emulates a standard USB Keyboard and Mouse device. Any keystroke may also be modified with a Ctrl, Alt, or Shift function, or any combination of the three modifiers. In addition to keystrokes, inputs may be programmed to emulate mouse Left, Middle, and Right buttons.

The KE-USB36 features a Trackball input for conversion of this device to mouse movement. (A Spinner may be used instead of a Trackball)

The KE-USB36 is programmed through the USB port of the PC using the programming application included with the unit. Once programmed, the configuration is stored on the KE-USB36 in non-volatile memory.

All power for the KE-USB36 is taken from the PC USB port, so no other voltage supply is required.

Relevant Link: Hagstrom's KE-USB36 Page


KE72

KE72

The KE72 features 72 individual inputs. Each input may be programmed to output a single keystroke, or a sequence (macro) of keystrokes. For macros, each input may generate up to 32 keystrokes when activated, and up to 16 keystrokes when the input is released. The KE72 is able to emulate any keystroke found on a standard 101 or 104 key keyboard.



Relevant Link: Hagstrom's KE72 Page


LP24

LP24

PS/2 or USB or both?

Number of Inputs

Designated for anything?

Shift keys?

Additional features?





Relevant Link: Hagstrom's LP24 Page


Mini-PAC

A very versatile keyboard/trackball/spinner encoder. The Mini-PAC interfaces either over USB or over PS2 (PS2 only works for buttons). The interface does not suffer from ghosting and matrix side-effects common to regular USB keyboards. The board is actually a small-size I-PAC2 with 3 optical interfaces added.

It interfaces 28 buttons and 3 analogue inputs for a trackball and a spinner.

It has default MAME style input mapping and a second programmable mapping. Utilities for programming under DOS, Windows, OSX and Linux are delivered with the Mini-PAC

It has a shift function for adding secondary functions to connected buttons.

An optional harness is available to easy connect the Mini-PAC to 28 buttons/joyctick switches and to 3 analogue controls.

Relevant Link: Ultimarc's Mini-PAC Page

X-Arcade BYO Kit

X-Arcade™ Build Your Own Arcade Features

  • Supports 28 Inputs In Any Combination (2 Joysticks + 20 Buttons) See Default Config Here
  • Speedstep™ Design Supports 28 Simultaneous Input Presses With Absolutely No Delay
  • Award Winning Electronics Featured In Video Game/Technology Publications Worldwide
  • Fully Programmable Input Assignments In Hardware (PC Only) For Re-Assigning Buttons/Joysticks To Any Input On Keyboard.
  • Programmed Modes Include Memory Storage To Maintain Settings When Unit Is Off
  • 4 Different Memory Mode Settings In Hardware For Saving Button/Joystick Layouts For Various Emulators Or Settings
  • Direct Plug-In For Connectors: No Screwdriver Required
  • Included LED Display Shows On/Off Test Function And Assists In Programming Modes
  • Includes PS/2 Keyboard Pass-Thru Input
  • No Separate Power Required, No Ghosting, No Scanning, No Delays
  • External Connection Via PS/2 Port or USB Port
  • No Limit On USB Simultaneously-Pressed Switches: Full Native On-Board USB Support
  • Compatible With Any Game System (Game Adapters Sold Separately)
  • No Software Or Drivers Needed
  • No Soldering Requied (Easy Installation For Anyone!)
  • Can Be Used With Any Third Party USB or PS/2 Trackball/Spinner
  • Fully Compatible With Any OS, (Mac, Linux, Unix, PC, etc)
  • Fully Seamless Operation And Configuration With MAME/Emulation Software
  • Default Support Provided Both By MAME and Gametap (X-Arcade PCB Support In Both Applications) Relevant Link: X-Arcade PCB

    See Also