Mini keyboard for data entry

[markturner1960]

Hi, I was wondering if you could use a mini keyboard instead of the in cockpit data entry unit , to compliment my MPCD’S and screens? 
They are not expensive…

[Swift.]

You can. Just bind the keyboard buttons to the KU as you normally would.

[Floyd1212]

Keep in mind, Windows won't differentiate between your main keyboard and the mini keyboard, so you can't bind a function to one and not the other. 

For example, you can't bind the KU "I" button just to the mini keyboard and still expect to press the "I" button on the main keyboard to show/hide the IHADSS.  Or the numbers "1" & "2" for data entry on the mini keyboard, and still be able to switch seats with "1" & "2" on the main keyboard.

One workaround is to use a modifier button on your cyclic that you can press and hold with your right hand, while typing on your little keyboard with your left hand, then go back and bind all the KU functions to your keyboard with the modifier pressed.

[markturner1960]

OK, so the 2 keyboards won’t show as 2 separate devices? Like 2 joysticks? I guess working out a modifier would be fairly easy….

thanks all!

[MAXsenna]

17 minutes ago, markturner1960 said:

OK, so the 2 keyboards won’t show as 2 separate devices? Like 2 joysticks? I guess working out a modifier would be fairly easy….

thanks all!

Hi Mark! 10 keyboards will work as one. 

BUT! There exists trickery etc. like Autohotkey and some other software, but I could never get it to work in DCS. I've even tried software that can change your keyboard to send DX presses. I was semi successful with that. 

What I have opted for, are the cheapest Razer macro keyboards, with individual key lighting. They do work. So if you can find a mini keyboard with programmable macro functionality, you might be in luck. 

Cheers! 

[Floyd1212]

Here is some more of that "trickery" MAXsenna mentioned above, but it seemed like a lot of hassle.

https://www.mediachance.com/multikeyboard/faq.html

[markturner1960]

Would it be a problem in DCS, if I simply deleted the keyboard bindings? I mean clear all the keyboard control bindings…….For example, you used the IHADDS binding as an example, as long as the function is bound to a button, it does not need a key bind on the keyboard does it? 

[Floyd1212]

Yes, you can leave a function unbound if you don't need it, or bound just to your HOTAS.

[markturner1960]

OK, so went through the bindings for the keyboard, deleted any that corresponded to required keys on the KU and then programmmed these3 keys in the KU section to the equivilants on the keyboard. Job done, I can now plug in a mini keyboard and use it physically like a KU unit, without any conflicts.

Thanks for the help and suggestions along the way!! 

Edited October 23, 2022 by markturner1960