Programmable Keyboard

Decided to dig out my old Tipro programmable keyboard last weekend. I used to use it for Falcon when I lived in a flat and had no space to build a proper pit - it worked really well. Well, now I have a house and a child on the way and still have no space! :D

It has 128 keys and each key can have four permutations with the use of a 'shift key'. However I've only ever used on layer. You can program key combinations to it (e.g. ctrl+c), which is what made it attractive in the first place. It has a PS2 connection, however the newer ones are now USB (Google 'Tipro Free' or 'Tipro MID'). The key covers are removable so that you can print out key legends to place underneath.

I only have a handful of keys programmed at the moment (gear, NVG, canopy, pause, active pause etc), but I'm hoping that Beta3 will have most of the clickable keystrokes mapped. If anyone have an extensive list of these it would be really useful :) I can be programming the newer key strokes whilst I'm downloading the beta :D

I'm happy with most of the keys I've got allocated, but I may add/remove others as and when...

Some pics:

That is way cool. I would definitely enjoy one of those.:surprise:

I take it, it is recognized as a separate keyboard and doesn't interfere with your standard keyboard plugged in at the same time. Does it come with software so you can program it or do you have to program it inside the simulators GUI?

Makes the clickable cockpit obsolete.:cry:

Thanks :)

Yes, it will work alongside your existing KB. Mine is a PS2 connection, which will eventually be obsolete, but you can now buy a USB version that will also work alongside USB keyboards.

There is software included that will allow you to program keystrokes. At the moment it isn't Win7 64-bit compatible, but they will be releasing a new version soon which is. I used an old laptop running XP to program mine.

I still tend to use the clickable 'pit for start-up and shut-down, but this thing is much easier to use when you are in the thick of it! ;)

rep+1, ive been looking for somthing like this for too long. possible for you to send me details on where to purchase this very product ? links ive come accross seem to be mainly business orientated. where u suggest CrashEd?

Ali> This is the Tipro Site:

http://www.tipro.net/

My keyboard is a 'MID' (MID-128A) but you could easily use a 'Free' as I think this is the newer version of the 'MID'. Both can be bought with a USB interface and in black. Make sure you make this clear when you buy.

There are various places in the UK selling them. These guys are helpful:

http://www.epos-store.co.uk/product_reviews.php/name/Tipro%20MID-KM128A%20Full%20Travel%20Keyboard/products_id/62

PM me if you need more info :thumbup:

The usual disclaimer applies - I have nowt to do with either of the companies listed above! ;)

Here's another source of programmable keyboards, etc.

http://www.xkeys.com/xkeys.php

I don't know how they compare, but I know some of their offerings get used by flight simmers.

I have a Cherry rows & columns relegendable SPOS keyboard set up the same way - about $100, quick and easy.

I have a Cherry rows & columns relegendable SPOS keyboard set up the same way - about $100, quick and easy.

Cool. I'm finding mine really useful, can't believe I didn't set it up sooner. Looking forward to gettin a few Beta 3 keys mapped. It'll be ineresting mapping unused keys for that ;)

X-Keys, wow haven't seen those guys for a while. Didn't know they were still around. They used to sell an x-y matrix controller that I almost bought before the Tipro.

Now that Beta3 has the commands available, mine will probably transmute into a CMSP, CDU, etc. >D

Excellent :thumbup:

Looks like the X-Keys button panel or X-Key 24 would make a good UFC for A-10C....

Yeah, I've heard good reports regarding their controllers. No idea what they are like price-wise.

My temp UFC until I can part with the cash for xkeys

Like it :thumbup:

That Tipro keyboard looks like a great solution that I'll need to look in to. As others have mentioned I am also currently using an Xkeys USB58 controller (not sure if it is still available).

Programming is easy as it is built in to the unit. Flip a switch on the side, touch the key on the Xkeys, touch the corresponding key or sequence of keys on your regular keyboard and then touch the key on the Xkey again. Repeat for all the keys that you want to program and then flip the switch on the side back to normal operation.

Of course, I know it didn't happen without pictures....LOL.