Posted by Matt M. on September 30, 1999 at 14:00:10:
I have a question about your dual keyboard circuit. I want to build a cabinet with controls for 4 players. The setup includes (4) 8-way sticks, (6) buttons each for players 1 and 2, and (3) buttons each for players 3 & 4; add (4) coin ups and (4) player starts and the grand total is 42 inputs. I think that one keyboard hack or encoder simply will not handle this (ghosting can be solved by diodes, but masking will be a problem). My question is this: how fast can your circuit switch between keyboards? Will it work for a dual keyboard hack setup (with players 1 & 3 on one keyboard and players 2 & 4 on another)? Does it switch fast enough for this, or is it impractical? Am I venturing into unknown territory? I look forward to hearing from you.