Additional Buttons For Custom Dashboard

Hi all,

I just thought I share this with anybody who want's to add some extra buttons to their Sim and doesn't have the knowhow or tools to build a PCB.
I have come across this neat little board which let's you wire up pretty much any Button you want. The best part about this thing is that it will NOT require any software to run because it emulates a normal USB keyboard. So it's really easy to set up.

I have used one on my Sim and couldn't be happier. :thbup:



Here is the Link:

http://www.ultimarc.com/ipac1.html

Enjoy

I just received the IPAC ultimate IO from Ultimarc and plan to use it for my button box / dashboard. I could have used an Arduino but this board is just so easy to use. No programming required for most setups.

Here is some information from their site:

Full feature list:

INPUTS

• Fully programmable key code set. Stored even after power off unlike some other interfaces which lose all data when powered off.
• Controls can be assigned to any keycode, gamepad button, plus mouse buttons, power, volume up/down, sleep or wake.
• Wiring harness supplied for 32 input connections. Additional harness options for the other 16 inputs. Connections marked on the board.
• Trackball and spinner interface. When enabled these use a total of 6 of the available 48 inputs.
• Example configurations include: 2 player with trackball/spinner. 4 player without trackball/spinner.
• Self-Test LED gives an instant check of all your wiring. Can indicate which, if any, input has a problem.
• All button inputs referenced to ground - no need to re-wire separate grounds to each button.
• Supplied USB cable plugs into PC USB port.
• Using host software, an unlimited number of keycode configurations can be stored and downloaded on-the-fly. Retained on power off.
• No separate power needed for controls.
• Does not use a matrix - no ghost keys.
• Does not use a scanning method which causes a variable delay. Each input has it's own dedicated connection into the on-board CPU .
• Fast running interrupt-driven software gives much better response than a standard keyboard controller. Key debounce uses a state method for each key. No delays between keys depressed at the same time. (essential for fighting games).
• 2 operation modes. Either uses standard MAME keys or you can program your own character set.
• Shift functions. Holding "Start1" and pressing other buttons sends a range of codes for MAME functions such as "escape", "Coin 1", "tab", "enter". This means no extra buttons are needed on the cabinet. In programmable mode any input can be the shift key and all keys can be programmed with a shifted code.
• Special note for Windows MAME users! Shift key functions mean you can select and start games from the Windows interface without using the keyboard or mouse.
• No special drivers needed. USB drivers are generic Windows.
• Fully compatible with all Apple Mac (excl config utility).
• Supports the Apple Mac "command" key and the Windows "GUI" keys.

OUTPUTS

• 96 LED channels with 256 brightness levels for full RGB color mixing
• Can be used with single-color or RGB LEDs (RGB use 3 channels)
• Constant current negates the need for resistors for each LED
• Can be used with LEDs with inbuilt resistors if required
• 128-command flash storage for “attract-mode” or test sequences which run immediately on power-up with no PC present
• Supplied configuration utility allows customisation and storage of attract-mode LED sequence.
• Supports single-command fades with preset speed on-board. Multiple fades can overlap
• Comes with power cable for plugging into a PC disk drive power connector.
• Extensive software support including test application, Software Development kit for adding support to your own programs, and LedBlinky third-party software
• Compact modular connectivity. Our Ultralux RGB and ClassicRGB pushbuttons simply plug in. Other harnesses and connectors available.
• 6 X 1 amp MOSFET drivers which are suitable for LED strips and other high-power LED applications.

I think I will be using it for all the buttons and maybe for some "decoraitve" leds. I did however also buy the Ultralux buttons ( RGB led lights ) to use in my dashboard. Then I can have the buttons blink and maybe change color to grab my attention if there is a problem.

I will have to add an Arduino to the mix to get that working but that should be trivial.

looks good and reasonably priced

Nice find and thanks for sharing. I use the TM1638 led board for my simple dashboards gives me 8 in built buttons so I can use them to change pages of the displayed info and set shift light positions, etc. But a nice cheap button box add on for a sim, well ya nailed it , will work perfectly and easy to do.