PI X-keys software update - tested?

Warren,

I have emailed PI Engineering tech support a few times with a similar question:

– is the new “boot” mode the same as “memory resident mode”?  With “boot” mode enabled, can I use the keyboards without having to install driver software on the lighting console?  Is the new MacroWorks II software the “upgrade” that is being referred to by ETC?

So far I have received no response to any of my emails. 

Since I have an old PS/2 X-keys keyboard, I programmed it and am using a usb-to-PS/2 adapter to connect it to a RVI or laptop.

If the new hardware works with ETC hardware, then I will be buying a US X-Keys Stick and another keyboard.  But like you, I'm not spending any money until they answer these questions.

-Todd

Warren,

I have emailed PI Engineering tech support a few times with a similar question:

– is the new “boot” mode the same as “memory resident mode”?  With “boot” mode enabled, can I use the keyboards without having to install driver software on the lighting console?  Is the new MacroWorks II software the “upgrade” that is being referred to by ETC?

So far I have received no response to any of my emails. 

Since I have an old PS/2 X-keys keyboard, I programmed it and am using a usb-to-PS/2 adapter to connect it to a RVI or laptop.

If the new hardware works with ETC hardware, then I will be buying a US X-Keys Stick and another keyboard.  But like you, I'm not spending any money until they answer these questions.

-Todd

Hi Todd

Thanks for your response.

This is the reply a supplier in the UK received from Pi Engineering directly....

“The new firmware (MWII version) on the X-keys Pro is fine so this is the only version we are shipping.  To get the older firmware (SE version) requires changing the microchip in our lab.  We can still do this, but it is a special order and an extra $50 for the lab fee. 

 If you customer is wanting to use the new Pro in Hardware Mode (formerly known as Memory Resident Mode), we have a new X-keys Hardware Mode Programming Utility.  It is still in the Beta version, but you can download it here: (http://www.piengineering.com/download/TechSupport/XKHWMPUv1608.zip ).

 Please read the Readme file after you install it.  You must install the latest .NET Framework and Direct X versions from Microsoft for this to work (see the links and instructions in that Readme file).  If you are also using MacroWorks II, it must be turned off while using this program. 

 This program works with all of our MWII firmware X-keys just like our Macro Recorder program works with all of the SE firmware X-keys.”

So that's all I know...anyone from ETC know any more?

Warren.

Warren-

I just got an email from PI that is pretty much the same information:

"Hello,

I apologize for the delayed reply.

We have upgraded to new firmware called MWII. With this new firmware we also have a new program that will allow you to write keystrokes directly the X-key memory just like Memory Resident Mode but the new mode is called “Hardware Mode”. To use Hardware Mode you will need our X-keys Hardware Mode Programming Utility but this will require you to install the latest version of Direct X and .Net Framework. Once the X-keys Hardware Mode Programming Utility is installed please read the ReadMe.html to get started."

So it sounds like the new utility will allow the same functionallity on the new hardware as the Memory Resident Mode on the old hardware.  I just don't know if anyone has actually used the new hardware and confirmed this.  I will probably end up buying an X-keys stick to start with- since it will primarilly be used on a laptop I can install the drivers if the "hardware mode" doesn't work.

-Todd

Warren,

 I tried out an earlier beta of the 'new' memory-resident-mode/boot mode programming software in June of last year, and that version worked fine.

I haven't had a chance to try out the newest beta as the X-Keys hardware in question is now at a customer's site.

If you're having issues with X-Keys, try calling PI Engineering direct - they are very helpful.

Apologies for a dumb question - but I'm totally unfamiliar with these kind of  products.  

I get the keyboard part.

Can you map submasters to these buttons?  

(assuming the above discussion about compatability works out.)

Thanks

Patrick

Hey Patrick.  Any function that could be mapped to a macro can be mapped to an X-keys button.  So you could write a macro:  Sub 1 at full enter.  Bump buttons can be mapped to macros.  So, if you had timing on your bump button, you could trigger it that way.  You can't capture slider motion.  Mr. Smith is actually quite the expert on X-keys, so next time you see him, he can give the full de-brief on this.

Thanks!!

a

I hate to necro-post but I just got an X-Keys Pro, the new version.  The new X-keys Hardware Mode Programming Utility can not read the file that ETC has posted on the Ion and Eos download pages.  Since everything has keyboard shortcuts I should be able to program the X-Keys with that, but I just wanted to let everybody know.

If anybody would like I can send the file I'm using so others don't have to do it manually.

We are working on a new download to support the "hardware mode."   Hope to have it posted soon.  In the meantime, can you contact Matt Kerr in tech support in Madison?  He's got a version he can send you for this.

Thanks,

a

Questions on X Keys.  I have never used them but it seems they would be a great help on my ION.  Do I need to buy one of the X  Key pieces of hardware or can I actually use any USB keyboard and remap the keys using some software.  Thanks is advance!

Yes, you'd need the X-Keys hardware.

X-Keys are customisable keyboards - the 'customisation' is actually in the X-Keys device itself, and once configured it doesn't need any software on the console at all - it sends out the customised keystroke codes directly.

The majority of USB keyboards are hard-wired to give particular keystroke codes for each button, with no way to change them at all. These keystroke codes are then mapped into the appropriate characters using the keyboard language chosen in the console Shell.

There are 'customisable' keyboards available from other manufacturers (primarily aimed at the computer gaming market), however I've never used them so I don't know how well they work.
For use with ETC consoles you would need something that doesn't require anything to be installed on the console - the X-Keys devices are configured using your computer, then you plug it into the console and it 'just works'.