Jump to content
LaunchBox Community Forums

Setting up Ipac2


johnnyskullhead

Recommended Posts

On 4/17/2020 at 2:39 PM, JoeViking245 said:

To work in LaunchBox, you shouldn't need to have it in Xinput mode.  That said, I didn't realize this was even possible....

https://www.ultimarc.com/control-interfaces/i-pacs/i-pac2/

Click on the Multi-Mode tab.  If your I-PAC2 has firmware version 50, you can easily switch it between Keyboard/Dinput/Xinput modes.

Thanks

 

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/17/2020 at 9:39 AM, JoeViking245 said:

 you can easily switch it between Keyboard/Dinput/Xinput modes.

The one caveat to this method is it can take Windows some time to recognize the new device when you change. 

It's a personal preference and decision but for me with a cabinet, waiting 20 seconds or so for Windows to change is a poor user experience. I keep my iPac4 in keyboard board as it provides extra flexibility and controller order stability that would be much harder if using XInput mode. I can keep both my arcade controls and XBOX 360 controllers activate at the same time and users can use either or. There are a few minor gotchas for emulators like Phoenix for 3DO and Atari Jaguar, but easy to work around. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That's good to know about the switch-over/Windows-recognize delay time.  Thanks!

[Hijacking this thread for a sec...]  I got my cab years ago and for some reason all along I thought (assumed) it had an IPac-2.  Taking the panel off to get a closer look, it appears I might have an older [circa 2006???] Mini-Pac 2.  It does use the same IC chip as the "really old" IPac-2's (except this one is surface mounted). [my board pict]image.thumb.png.4f3ba5db5e0e5e8764f4888a291c2a2e.png 

This 'new insight' is based off the 1st image in a write-up/review from here. https://www.retroblast.com/reviews/Ultimarc_Mini-Pac-08132006-01.html  Also, "MP-2" was a subsequent giveaway (that I just now realized. You know, "putting 2 and 2 together." lol)

[back to our regularly scheduled thread..]  I'd agree with @Headrush69 that keeping it in keyboard mode is best.  LaunchBox (and BigBox for that matter) doesn't need an Xinput device to function at all.  And really, I can't think of anything to gain by switch the IPac mode to it.  Even for emulators.  At least for all the ones I use, I've been able to set them up using keyboard mode. Even Wii (Dolphin).  Though I REALLY DON'T recommend it. lol  That's where the 360 controller comes in handy. ;) 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

13 minutes ago, JoeViking245 said:

That's good to know about the switch-over/Windows-recognize delay time.  Thanks!

...

[back to our regularly scheduled thread..]  I'd agree with @Headrush69 that keeping it in keyboard mode is best.  LaunchBox (and BigBox for that matter) doesn't need an Xinput device to function at all.  And really, I can't think of anything to gain by switch the IPac mode to it.  Even for emulators.  At least for all the ones I use, I've been able to set them up using keyboard mode. Even Wii (Dolphin).  Though I REALLY DON'T recommend it. lol  That's where the 360 controller comes in handy. ;) 

 

At least for a cabinet setup, I think one of the greatest benefits of the iPac is the shift key functionality for admin functions. You don't have to have extra buttons on the cabinet where users can touch them, but you have an extra 23 key strokes to access functionality as needed and hidden away. I no longer need/keep a keyboard with my cabinet and was able to re-configure my rec room master cabinet keyboard drawer into a mount for my steering wheel without being in the way of the top mounted controls.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Headrush69 said:

At least for a cabinet setup....

My 1st thought was "where else would you use an IPac?"  But then I 'became-the-wiser' and thought about something like a homemade Mayflash F300 of-sorts.:D

I got a flip down 'tray' that has the keyboard velcro'd to the inside.  That is an awesome idea to re-purpose that area/space to a wheel mount!! ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, JoeViking245 said:

I got a flip down 'tray' that has the keyboard velcro'd to the inside.  That is an awesome idea to re-purpose that area/space to a wheel mount!! ?

You can't tell from the photo, but the original tray is angled now so the steering wheel is very comfortable when sitting.

(A few touches left to do, like enclosing analog flight stick under panel.)

x9Zu0Dy.jpg  IRX9lO9.jpg

Edited by Headrush69
  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Unfortunately, your content contains terms that we do not allow. Please edit your content to remove the highlighted words below.
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...