AutoCAD Keyboard

[madcadder]

I sent a quick email today to a keyboard manufacturer requesting an AutoCAD specific board.

The idea received a positive reply, but the company is concerned if there is enough of a market for such an item. Would Autodesk be interested in embracing such a device? (i.e. link to on website, images for promotions, the basic etc.)

So... My question to you.


Would you purchase an Autocad Keyboard?

[BrenBren]

I sent a quick email today to a keyboard manufacturer requesting an AutoCAD specific board.

The idea received a positive reply, but the company is concerned if there is enough of a market for such an item. Would Autodesk be interested in embracing such a device? (i.e. link to on website, images for promotions, the basic etc.)

So... My question to you.


Would you purchase an Autocad Keyboard?

From the other thread - can you explain this. How would it be different?

[madcadder]

Don't think of it as a keyboard, but rather as a gameboard for AutoCAD use.

Take a group of commands and organize them. The buttons would not be "A" or "H", but rather MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, LINE, etc.

one press of the button issues an autocad command.

[JASONM30395]

So... basically taking the lower portion of the old digitizer tablet and turning it into a keyboard?

[bbapties]

I would definetly buy something like this.....Pretty much what jmelanson said would be what I'd like to see....Keep us informed on any response you get from them....

[madcadder]

So... basically taking the lower portion of the old digitizer tablet and turning it into a keyboard?
Yes. Right now that is the idea. When I recieve their schematics that may change, but right now my idea is a second keyboard that looks and acts like a digitizer.

[slayer913]

Way ahead of ya -

I picked up a $10 add-on number pad from the local computer store - these are basically the number pad section off of a normal keyboard that is a self contained USB device - and programmed each key with a customized command using a custom driver. The keypad also has a "mode" select button - you can switch from settings "A" to settings "B", which means some odd 40 keys of pure AutoCAD right there! Add that in with my Microsoft Keyboard that allows you to assign "F Lock" custom commands to the F keys, and there's another 12!

This one is close but without the settings selection:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6801696&type=product&id=1091099798505

Albert

[robert.1.hall72202]

Im using a keyboard that I got from A4tech.com
Has the keypad on the left which is nice for Right Handed mousers.

Only thing I would like to see changed is the ability to relable the keys.
I am using a printed out keypad diagram taped to my monitor so that I
can remember what is programmed in my keypad.

[bbapties]

Im using a keyboard that I got from A4tech.com
Has the keypad on the left which is nice for Right Handed mousers.

Only thing I would like to see changed is the ability to relable the keys.
I am using a printed out keypad diagram taped to my monitor so that I
can remember what is programmed in my keypad.
ya.....like a pop out cover on each key so you could stick in little pieces of paper with a printed icon.....(just like the old digitizers)....

[madcadder]

Way ahead of ya -

I picked up a $10 add-on number pad from the local computer store - these are basically the number pad section off of a normal keyboard that is a self contained USB device - and programmed each key with a customized command using a custom driver. The keypad also has a "mode" select button - you can switch from settings "A" to settings "B", which means some odd 40 keys of pure AutoCAD right there! Add that in with my Microsoft Keyboard that allows you to assign "F Lock" custom commands to the F keys, and there's another 12!

This one is close but without the settings selection:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6801696&type=product&id=1091099798505

Albert
Your idea was exactly what i was going to do before I contacted the keyboard people. Sounds like one I was looking at OfficeMAX.

[G_Sarver]

I sent a quick email today to a keyboard manufacturer requesting an AutoCAD specific board.

The idea received a positive reply, but the company is concerned if there is enough of a market for such an item. Would Autodesk be interested in embracing such a device? (i.e. link to on website, images for promotions, the basic etc.)

So... My question to you.


Would you purchase an Autocad Keyboard?

Cost, effectiveness, learning curve. Several things I would be interested in. I would buy one if it could be proven to work well. There have been numerous options available to people who have the desire to check them out. I had looked into the programmable keypad already mentioned. There was also leap pad which was a take off on the keypad idea and then there is the supplemental mouse setup. See the link. It is a programmable device that allows you to use the pitch and yaw features to control zoom/pan/rotate and with programmable buttons. They also have a new one out called the space pilot.

http://www.3dconnexion.com/spacemouseplus.htm

[robert.1.hall72202]

I can vouch for the spaceball being a nice addition to my setup.
I like using it when I am more relaxed......ie looking over some Cad data.

When I am doing more serious design, since I am a command line junkie, I have
a hard time navigating towards using the spaceball for command entry instead
of the keyboard.

[Civil Samurai]

Way ahead of ya -

programmed each key with a customized command using a custom driver.
This one is close but without the settings selection:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=6801696&type=product&id=1091099798505

Albert

I have this add-on numeric pad from Best Buy for my laptop. How did you program the keys? Could you elaborate a little more on that?

[Steve_Bennett]

It's a great idea, but I don't think it would ever catch. When is the last time you saw a Arch/Struct. firm actually pay for special keyboards when they get for free with new computers?

[vhertigharas]

I'd love to...but my question "is it necessary if you're using your own customize AutoLISP in a standard keyboard" how about if you're going to another place / country, which is easy to carry a keyboard or a file of your customize AutoLISP, .ctb in a 3.5 diskette.

[madcadder]

BTT...

Need More Votes!

[slayer913]

I have this add-on numeric pad from Best Buy for my laptop. How did you program the keys? Could you elaborate a little more on that?
Mike -

www.versiontracker.com (http://www.versiontracker.com/) has customized drivers that other individuals have already put together to assign any type of command/string/executable/macro/etc to any type of input device - you'll just have to search around for it as I don't have the exact name off the top of my head. The benefit of such drivers is of course in assigning commands to an add-on keypad, but you can also set up "CTRL-ALT" or CTRL-SHIFT" combos for your existing keyboard, and even your mouse.

The justification for this is in having the full arsenal of daily CAD commands sitting right in front of you. To the user who mentioned .ctb customization - I personally do not care for huge amounts of custom LISP files, monster pull down menus, or numerous toolbars. I am more like the "command line junkie" below in that if I can hit one button or type in a string to accomplish a task, then I'm set. Who wants to navigate toolbars and little icons all day? And we're talking about a user's home base system too - traveling would dictate maintaining this setup on a laptop, which is for ease of standardization, but if using another system is necessary, just email yourself the .ctb or carry a cd (similar to your suggestion). This is just preference, and perhaps stems from my gaming background - I've learned my personal CAD environment by "feel".

Good day,
Albert

[Mike.Perry]

Hi Tod

Please note I have *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

[CADKitty]

Yes. Right now that is the idea. When I recieve their schematics that may change, but right now my idea is a second keyboard that looks and acts like a digitizer.
Wait, a second keyboard? So you'd have the "regular" one and then the "AutoCAD" one? I barely have enough desk space as it is, I don't have room for a second keyboard.

[jhohman]

Just found this in the Google news archive, sounds like a standalone solution everyone could live with. It's called the Optimus keyboard and it's pretty remarkable in the fact that the keys are individual digital displays and therefore can change the keyboard layout depending on the program it's being used for, look at the images and you can see how it switches from standard QWERTY to any language (Russian is shown because that's where it was developed), to Photoshop, to Quake. I could see the application to AutoCAD very possible through this.......

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/

[madcadder]

Just found this in the Google news archive, sounds like a standalone solution everyone could live with. It's called the Optimus keyboard and it's pretty remarkable in the fact that the keys are individual digital displays and therefore can change the keyboard layout depending on the program it's being used for, look at the images and you can see how it switches from standard QWERTY to any language (Russian is shown because that's where it was developed), to Photoshop, to Quake. I could see the application to AutoCAD very possible through this.......

http://www.artlebedev.com/portfolio/optimus/
Very nice! That looks like a well constructed keyboard.

I think the one I'm SLOOWLY working on right now will be less expensive in the long run, but props for finding a cool product.

[bob.kalsi66006]

Don't think of it as a keyboard, but rather as a gameboard for AutoCAD use.

Take a group of commands and organize them. The buttons would not be "A" or "H", but rather MOVE, COPY, ROTATE, LINE, etc.

one press of the button issues an autocad command.

Couldn't you just do that by customizing your tool bar? I've customized mine so that I've got commands such as Cancel, Snapbase, Regen, Copy with base point, Paste as block, various scale buttons. We've even created a command that flattens a 3d drawing.
Simple as this may sound but it definately helps when you're feeling tired and can't be bothered to move your hand just to press ESC.

[tlewald]

bob-kalsi, you get tired of pushing keys? :-)

[robert.1.hall72202]

Very nice! That looks like a well constructed keyboard.

I think the one I'm SLOOWLY working on right now will be less expensive in the long run, but props for finding a cool product.


Definately and interesting product........I wouldn't think it would be useful for AutoCad.
Once the shortcuts are memorized the user hardly ever looks at the keyboard.

[kennet.sjoberg]

Nope, AutoCAD is not the only program running on my computer.
And a misplaced "press the button" is one to mush.
A physically different keyboard, no thank you.
A software modified keyboard yes.
Shift R rotate, Shift C copy, Shift M mirror . . . .

: ) Happy Computing !

kennet

[tomcarver]

Hi,
This is a very interesting conversation. Since r14 we have been using a product called autohook.
(http://www.command-digital.com/) This is a very small program that allows you to re-program all keys on your keyboard. Yes, F keys, arrow keys, 'insert", page up" etc. You can also multiply this by adding shift, control or alt. I think all of us probably use the pgp file or some lsp files for l = line m = mirror. I have my arrow keys set for 0, 90, 180, 270 and ctl arrow for 45, 135 etc. Very handy.
This is a great product, check it out.

[sicko]

http://www.ergodex.com/mainpage.htm

anybody using something like this?

[ablanchard]

About 15 years ago when we upgraded to 486 machines, I got a Gateway 2000 with a 120 key programmable keyboard. 2 or 3 machines later, I am still using it. I have replaced the "F" & "J" keys about 3 times and some keys are making strange noises when pressed but I just can't give it up.

Was that Optimus $1500 dollars? How do you justify that cost to management?

[CADDmanVA]

I'm on board if the product does what it should, and costs what it should. I used the Nostromo Speed Pad n52 in AutoCAD 08. Others on here can attest to how well it works, when it works well. Cost is low too, about $30.

I really like the idea of having caps you can insert icons under. I had a "map" on the monitor for my Speed Pad. Perhaps if the company you contacted can make a product similar, and package it with a utility specific for AutoCAD, it may catch on.

Anyhow, I'm in, and I'd be happy to alpha or beta test anything you work out. :beer:

[Railrose]

I have X-keys. (http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys.php?gclid=CNGIpuHflJMCFQXHPAoduHpZAQ) Fully programmable with 1 key being a toggle between 2 levels. My 20 key pad accommodates 38 commands / macros. Easy to program & it has clear button caps so you an make your own labels. Even gives specs so you can draw a grid in ACAD & type the labels to print & cut. I've been using mine for over 7 years. I programmed it for Raster Design commands, but threw in a few for repetitive ACAD commands.

[CADDmanVA]

I have X-keys. (http://www.piengineering.com/xkeys.php?gclid=CNGIpuHflJMCFQXHPAoduHpZAQ) Fully programmable with 1 key being a toggle between 2 levels. My 20 key pad accommodates 38 commands / macros. Easy to program & it has clear button caps so you an make your own labels. Even gives specs so you can draw a grid in ACAD & type the labels to print & cut. I've been using mine for over 7 years. I programmed it for Raster Design commands, but threw in a few for repetitive ACAD commands.

Oh yeah, X-keys products are top notch! The downside is the price tag they carry. :cry:

[Railrose]

Oh yeah, X-keys products are top notch! The downside is the price tag they carry. :cry:

I agree about the price. I'm surprised they haven't gone up since I bought this one. I got a great deal on this one, but the listed price hasn't changed. This one has been a workhorse. I'd like to get one with more keys, but haven't made up my mind to do that.

I also want the train simulator console. :mrgreen:

[robert.1.hall72202]

http://www.ergodex.com/mainpage.htm

anybody using something like this?

What would you do if a coworker rearranged your keyboard?

[Matt777]

I sent a quick email today to a keyboard manufacturer requesting an AutoCAD specific board.

The idea received a positive reply, but the company is concerned if there is enough of a market for such an item. Would Autodesk be interested in embracing such a device? (i.e. link to on website, images for promotions, the basic etc.)

So... My question to you.


Would you purchase an Autocad Keyboard?


This sounds like a great idea to me, and I would consider purchase. But is this an expantion on the standard keyboard? Or is it an entirely new keyboard? My job requires me to do more than just AutoCAD commands when using my computer...

[shanedmerrill]

This kind of thing really just sounds like a gimmick. Just ley me load my .pgp file and I am good to go over whatever toy you can put up.

[robert.1.hall72202]

This kind of thing really just sounds like a gimmick. Just ley me load my .pgp file and I am good to go over whatever toy you can put up.

PGP files do not cover every situation.

[framedNlv]

Autocad Keyboard.........................?

Can we get one with more keys on the left side. I'm running out of keys for my command alias definitions.

a - used
aa- used
aaa-used
aaaa- to long to type out
s - used
ss - used
sss - used


More keys on the left or I'll have to rotate my keyboard 90%%d. That didn't work, forgot my base point.

Chris

Still looking for the "any" key so I can continue

[madcadder]

Autocad Keyboard.........................?

Can we get one with more keys on the left side. I'm running out of keys for my command alias definitions.

a - used
aa- used
aaa-used
aaaa- to long to type out
s - used
ss - used
sss - used


More keys on the left or I'll have to rotate my keyboard 90%%d. That didn't work, forgot my base point.

Chris

Still looking for the "any" key so I can continue

sounds like you need a nostromo...

[JohnyShield]

Greetings!

You could make an AutoCAD keyboard from an ordinary keyboard using this simple tutorial. The whole process will take about 15 minutes!


http://forums.autodesk.com/t5/Drafting-Techniques/Keyboard-for-AutoCAD/td-p/3456714