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

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.

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