We have created the X-Arcade™ Test Utility Program to test the buttons and directions on the X-Arcade™ (microswitches), proper connection to the PC, as well as verifying that it is ready for MAME™. This program should be your first step to solving problems.

X-Arcade Installation

How The X-Arcade Plugs Into Your Computer.

The X-Arcade™ is recognized by your computer as a standard keyboard. This is a great benefit as you don't need to install any drivers or software!

NOTE: The cable has the option of either a PS/2 connection or USB, DO NOT CONNECT BOTH. Also 2 connections are required for the Tankstick.

USB PORT CONNECTION (PC/Mac/Linux)
1) Plug the X-Arcade™'s included Computer Cable into any USB 2.0 port on your PC/Mac™.
2) (Tankstick only) Plug the X-Arcade's™ Trackball Cable into any USB port on your PC/Mac™ or USB hub.
3) You can connect any other PS/2 or USB mouse/keyboard into the PC as well.

PS/2 PORT CONNECTION (PC ONLY)
NOTE: There must be a keyboard plugged into the X-Arcade™ for it to work on the PS/2 port.
1) Turn off your computer! Always turn off your computer before connecting or disconnecting any non-USB hardware.
2) Plug your keyboard (PS/2 connector) into the back of the X-Arcade™.
3) Plug the purple X-Arcade™ PS/2 Cable into your computer's purple PS/2 keyboard port.
4) (Tankstick Only) Plug the green X-Arcade™ Trackball Cable into the green PS/2 mouse port.

PREPARE FOR TEST: Be sure you are plugging into a USB port directly on the back of the PC (not in the front, not in a USB Hub, not with an extension cable, not with a fox in a box). YOU CANNOT USE THIRD-PARTY (Keyboard PS-2 TO USB ADAPTERS) with X-Arcade. Run the test in Mode1; move the switch on the back of the X-Arcade™ to Mode1 (the position closest to the serial connector), then push the button on the back of the X-Arcade™ twice (the light on the X-Arcade™ should turn off from the first push, and back on with the second).

TEST RESULTS: Run the test to see the pictured X-Arcade™ respond to your button presses and joystick movements. If the X-Arcade™ does not respond in the test at all, click here to verify proper connection. If a single button or direction is sticking or does not work click here for more help.

TRACKBALL: The Trackball does not get tested in this program as it simply acts like a mouse, moving your cursor on screen.

OTHER WAYS TO TEST:

In any Operating System you can also simply use a word editor to test that the X-Arcade™ types the functions shown on the default Mode1 button layout. Note that some of the buttons are set to CRTL, ALT, and SHIFT, these buttons will not type anything.

PC USERS: Old Test Program

To use the test:

• Be sure NUM LOCK is ON on your keyboard for the test. (On a laptop this is often done by holding a blue "Fn" key and pressing another key at the same time to enable it.)
• Be sure that you are using the "Standard US" keyboard layout in your operating system or some buttons may type different keys.
• Move the switch on the back of the X-Arcade™ to Mode1(the position closest to the serial port), the push the button on the back of the X-Arcade™ twice (the light on the X-Arcade™ should turn off from the first push, and back on with the second) to load Mode1.
• You do not need to hit "F1" as indicated in the test utility, simply push the buttons and move the joysticks on the X-Arcade™ once the program is running and the pictured X-Arcade™ should move accordingly.
• Download X-Arcade™ Test Program

MAC USERS: If you have a Mac, you can use Keyboard Viewer (or KeyCaps pre-OSX) to test that the X-Arcade™ types the functions shown on the default Mode1 button layout.