Posted by Marshall on 21, 2000 at 10:31 AM:
In Reply to: How do 8-way works? posted by Santi on 21, 2000 at 5:59 AM:
Basically, 8-way and 4-ways are wired identically, one switch and two wires for each of the primary directions. Eight-ways have a larger actuator which makes it easier to hit both switches at the same time when moving diagonnally.
The KE-24 accepts 24 terminals, or 23 inputs and one ground in non-matrix mode. Thus you could support 2 joysticks (4 inputs each) and 15 buttons without using matrix mode.
To add more buttons, you would have to go matrix, 22x2, 21x3 and so forth. However, as you add rows to the matrix you increase the possibility for ghosting or blocking of keys. See BYOAC - Interfaces - Keyboard Encoders - LP24 for a 22x2 matrix which many users have tried.
Unless you want the KE-24 for programmibility, I would recommend the I-PAC which costs less and supports 28 inputs with screw terminals and even has the terminals labelled to match their use.