Controlling the Key Repeat Rate With an Enhanced Keyboard
With an enhanced keyboard each key can be assigned a macro that reproduces any sequence of characters or commands on a standard Computer keyboard. Many programs you use could be made more user-friendly with the addition of an enhanced keyboard. A configuration file containing a macro for each key is created and then downloaded into the enhanced keyboard.
Controlling the Key Repeat Rate With an Enhanced Keyboard
Controlling the Key Repeat Rate With an Enhanced Keyboard
Controlling the Key Repeat Rate With an Enhanced Keyboard
Controlling the Key Repeat Rate With an Enhanced Keyboard
To repeat a key on a standard Computer keyboard the user simply holds down the key. We all use this ability in our word processor when we press and hold down an arrow key or the page up key. An enhanced keyboard improves upon this repeat ability.
With an enhanced keyboard a macro, or a part of a macro, can be repeated as long as the user keeps holding the key down. In Example A the macro's central part will be repeated until the user stops releases the key. The macro will then conclude.
Example A:
[010=]123RE-456-PEAT789
As shown, when the user presses on key #10 (010= specifies key #10), "123" will be transmitted, then "456" will appear as long as the user keeps the key pressed. When the key is released "789" will be transmitted.
The repeat ability can be used with control and function keys as in Example B.
Example B:
010=RE-PGUP-PEAT
When the key #10 is pressed, the up cursor will be transmitted until the key is released.
In a previous article I discussed the ability to alter the rate at which characters are sent to the Computer. By adding a delay the repeat maximum flexibility can be added to the macro.
Example C:
010=RE-PGUPDELAY 400RDELAY-PEAT
When the key #10 is pressed the page up command is sent and the macro wait one second. If the key is not released in that second another page up command is sent. If the key is released the macro ends. The delay gives the user time to react to the results of the page up.
This example would also be especially useful with people who have muscle control problems. Many times they don't release a key before the repeat function kicks in. This macro would give them a second to release the key before the next page up would occur.
Visit http://www.pmkidder.com/enterpad to learn more about enhanced keyboards and their expanded capabilities.
Controlling the Key Repeat Rate With an Enhanced Keyboard