Programmable Keyboards

[greg.robson]

Does anyone here use programmable keyboards?

I currently have two different Focus Electronic programmable keyboards that have 12 programmable keys (one with the 12 keys on the left and the other with the 12 keys being a second row of keys at the top) and a built-in calculator on the right (One of the keyboards has a "send" key as part of the calculator that sends the calculation to the AutoCAD command line.) Both are fairly old and act up from time to time. I am looking to possibly upgrade and I am wondering what kind other people use and how do you use them (what you program the keys to do).

Thanks.

[Mike.Perry]

Hi

Please note I've *moved* this thread from the AutoCAD Customization (http://forums.augi.com/forumdisplay.php?f=118) Forum to this one as I feel this particular Forum is a more appropriate place for such a topic.

Thanks, Mike

Forum Moderator

[robert.1.hall72202]

I myself have pretty much dumped programable keyboards. I noticed an extra application had to be loaded at startup in order for the buttons to function properly. Starting up my computer was slowed while loading the app and it ate some of the memory. I found at times my computer would almost hibernate when I was using the extra buttons...it had to decipher the button and then execute what was assigned to it.....even on a relatively new computer, it still created some lag. What would you assign to the extra buttons??

[greg.robson]

That's pretty interesting. My programmable keyboards do not require any addition apps. And have no "lag" whatsoever. What kind did you have?

Right now, I use the programed key primarily for standard number entries that I use several times a day. (Such as: 1/8, 1, 1 1/2, 3 1/2, 5 1/2, & 12 all of them followed by a return or enter.) I also have one programed with "snap" with a return (so it waits for me to enter a number or to use one key memtioned above). I have one programed with "list" and I have a couple programed with my logon ID's and one with a common password I use. And one doesn't work (which is why I am thinking of getting new keyboards). I really like having the calculator with LCD readout on the keyboard. And on one of the keyboards, the calculator reverts to a clock when I'm not using it as a calculator.

I am just curious if others use them, what kind they have (or had) and how they are used. I have only found two manufacturers and I was wondering if there are others I've missed.

Thanks for your feedback.