EPIC is the Extended/Programmable Input Controller from R&R Electronics. It's an interface card for IBM PCs and compatibles, designed for computer enthusiasts, home cockpit builders, and specialized analog/digital I/O applications.

Sixteen+ analog channels

 

Four "standard" (grounded or ungrounded) analog channels, compatible with all current joysticks and other analog devices; four additional general-purpose (grounded) analog channels for input devices like throttle quadrants, flap levers, etc.; eight optional (grounded) analog channels; additional analog channels can be supported via optional expansion modules.

 

300+ buttons

 

300+ dual-state (on/off) button input channels accepting any type of button or switch (momentary, toggle, rotary, slide, etc.); additional buttons (thousands) can be supported via optional expansion modules.

 

Unprecedented programmability

 

The EPIC Programming Language (EPL) is a simple but very powerful language that lets you define exactly what each button action does. Much more than a simple macro interpreter, EPL supports:

 

Flags and variables -- used for counting repetitive actions, program "states," operational modes, holding analog values, etc.

 

Branch programming -- execute different function sequences based on flag state, variable value, any combination of button positions, or joystick position. 

Keyboard control -- individual functions for KEYPRESS, KEYRELEASE, shifted keystrokes, and keycode timing.

 

Analog control -- directly control analog channels, software trim, rate select, channel remapping.

 

Multi-tasking -- supports multiple "simultaneous execution" threads, re-entrant procedures, and "continuous run" procedures.

 

Special functions -- delayed execution, timing functions, command interface for 3rd party programs, EPIC-bus data transfer.

 

Structured programming -- free-form formatting, procedures, comments, and precompiler directives.

 

Compiler and debugger -- EPL compiler has extensive error checking and reporting; debugger allows direct access to EPIC program memory, disassembles directly to EPL source code.

 

Don't be fooled by other manufacturer's claims of "full programmability" -- their products amount to little more than macro interpreters. The EPIC is the only system of its kind that provides true programmability.

 

Bottom line: any of their macro files can be duplicated or emulated in EPL, but their interpreters can't even begin to come close to the capabilities and flexibility of EPL. 

Extensive analog configuration and management

 

Analog channel mapping -- map any input channel to any output channel.

 

Custom analog rates -- linear analog returns can be adjusted to any curve. Adjust control sensitivity to accommodate specific hardware, expand short-throw sticks, adjust response curves on-the-fly via program control, reverse controls, etc.

 

Analog-to-keystroke translations -- convert movement of joysticks/throttle units/rudder pedals/etc. to any number and sequence of keystrokes or EPL function calls.

 

Complete software control -- select analog rates on-the-fly, trim analog channels ("software trim"), turn analog channels on and off, remap analog channels, directly control output values, etc. from within any EPL program.

 

Configurable expansion bus

 

Daisy-chain "smart" expansion modules for support of additional analog channels, buttons, lights, alpha/numeric displays, force-feedback controls, motion platforms, etc. 

Complete Compatibility

 

The EPIC mimics a standard speed-compensating joystick card and is compatible with all standard two and four button joysticks, AT-bus speeds up to 16MHz, and any CPU speed.

 

The EPIC is also compatible with newer multi-function joysticks such as the Thrustmaster P/FCS and CH Products FlightStick Pro.

 

Other input devices (such as the Thrustmaster WCS, FLCS, and TQS) can be modified to work with the EPIC and expand their capabilities.

 

In addition to the standard joystick programming interface, the EPIC provides a much faster direct-read interface with bidirectional queuing and hardware interrupt capabilities.

 

 The EPIC is designed to be totally compatible with all existing hardware and software, but also with the future in mind. As simulation software becomes more and more complex and new input devices are designed to control them the current interface technology and hardware, already hard-pressed to keep up, will fall behind. 

 Some joystick cards suffer from heat-induced "drift" and only work with certain speed CPUs; others use MIL-spec or "close tolerance" parts to reduce drift and proudly display that they're certified to work with CPUs "up to 133MHz!" The EPIC suffers from neither of these maladies; it's unique circuitry and advanced configuration software automatically compensate for any processor and AT-bus speed, and its internal clock is immune to heat-induced drift. 

We are working with hardware and software vendors to develop new technologies, devices, and software to enhance the simulation experience. Button and switch panels compatible with the EPIC are currently being produced, custom display systems are in development (introduced at Oshkosh '95), and several software companies are updating their products to include native EPIC support. 

 If you're interested in "programmable" products from Thrustmaster or Advanced Gravis, if you're building your own cockpit, or if you just want the best -- you owe it to yourself to find out more about the Extended/Programmable Input Controller. 

Direct your Email inquiries to: rrelect@mindspring.com or check out R&R Electronics' EPIC web site. 

R&R Electronics
10 Pembroke Grove
C harles Town,WV 25414

(304) 728-0537 (voice) 
(304) 728-0364 (fax)