Ultimarc Mini-PAC FOUR with .187in/4.8mm Harnesses *NEW*

New from Ultimarc! Similar to an I-PAC4 but with the ease of plug-in harnesses like the 2-player Mini-PAC, this version supports 4 players and includes two harnesses with 56 .187in/4.8mm spade connections for use with joysticks and buttons that all have .187" microswitches. It is designed so that a complete control panel can be wired up in minutes. Ideal for OEM builders of controllers and cabinets but also suitable for the first-time builder.

TIP: Using a Sanwa joystick or similar with a 5-pin connection instead of separate switches? Add our Male .187" to Female 5-Pin Joystick Harness to connect it to the Mini-PAC harness!

Do you regularly build control panels? Even if you have only built one panel, you will know that the novelty of cutting and stripping wires, crimping and connecting very quickly wears off! After all, on a standard panel there are 88 wires to be stripped and 44 crimps! Why not get someone else to do all that and use the time saved for less boring pursuits (such as playing games!). Also, would it not be nice if this could be done for less extra cost than buying all the wire and crimps?

Included:

• Qty 1 - MiniPAC FOUR USB Board w/USB Cable
• Qty 1 - 13in/330mm Ribbon Cable Extension (40-way 0.1 inch pitch pin header, same as old IDE ribbon cables)
• Qty 2 - .187in/4.8mm Harness (This harness is for use with joysticks and buttons that have .187" spade connections)
• Qty 2 - .187in/4.8mm Daisy Chain Harness with 32 connections

New Mode Switching Inputs:

• Buttons connected to the GP or KBD pins allow you to instantly switch between Keyboard and Xinput modes!
• The switching will be to the default Xinput codes only, not any custom map.
• Ultimarc is open to any suggestions for changes to the defaults and can produce custom firmware if required.
• Please note on this board (and I-PAC 4), WinIPAC cannot send/receive map data when in Xinput mode. Its still possible to create a customised Xinput map for semi-permanent use (see support docs).

Harness Power!

• The wiring harnesses are available for 56 switches (including joysticks and buttons) Along with each switch harness is a "daisy chain" ground harness. Compare the cost of the wire and connectors, plus time saved, with the amazingly low prices of these premade harnesses!
• The ground harness has 4 extra terminations, so that if necessary you can span longer distances between switches by "missing out" one connector. These are designed for standard microswitch terminals.

Switch/Joystick Functionality

• The ribbon cable can be fitted to either the P1-P3 side or P2-P4 side.
• When plugging in the main harness to the ribbon, first the polarising pin needs to be pulled out using a sharp pointed blade or needle.
• There are several unused wires on the harness. These can be removed if required. See board markings.
• NOTE: One of the harness wires carried 5 volts (see board marking) so be careful not to short this to ground. Or remove it (this connection is for factory firmware load).

Control Panel Sizes

• Each switch wire on the harness is 13 inches long (330mm). The Mini-PAC 4 board should be mounted offset from the center of the panel.
• The Mini-PAC 4 comes with 2 harnesses and a 250mm ribbon extension which can be fitted to either one, thus enabling all wiring to reach the largest panels.
• The harnesses plus ribbon are designed to cover almost all standard size 4-player panels but extension kits are available for longer distances. Ground harness "hops" are 5 inches each.

Switch/Joystick Functionality

• The Mini-PAC works identically to I-PAC4 board. All programming features identical, same number of inputs (56).
• Fully programmable key code set. Stored even after power off unlike some other interfaces which lose all data when powered off.
• 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.
• 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 gives much better response than a standard keyboard controller. Key transmission and debounce uses a state method for each key. No delays between keys depressed at the same time. (essential for fighting games). No need for a keycode buffer.
• 2 modes. Either uses standard MAME keys (default) 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.
• No special drivers needed. USB drivers are generic Windows.
• Fully compatible with all Apple Macs which have USB ports.
• Supports the Apple Mac "command" key and the Windows "GUI" keys.
• Keycode programming is integrated directly into many popular MAME front end for seamless launch of emulator or other applications which require different codesets.
• Self-test LED indicator which shows and wiring or other problems.

Support & Documentation:

• WinIPAC V2 Configuration Utility for I-PAC
• Mini-PAC Wiring
• Default Keycode Table & Install Tips
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Multi-Mode Details
• 3rd Party Linux Utilities by Katie Snow