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 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

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'.