Input/Matrix Device

[HitchHikingFlatlander]

Well I'm not going to build a faithful recreation of an A10 or KA50, and I've been looking at the X-Keys Matrix as a input solution for my pit project. Currently I'm looking at the USB 128 unit and was going to ask for 2 from the wife at X-Mas.

 

But first I wanted to consult with the pit masters here and see what their thoughts were. I like the X-Keys for the number of inputs as well ease of use and programming as well as price (can get 2 128 input boards for $120). But it never hurts to ask if there is something better out there.

 

Basically I'm going with a generic pit design that will fit a number of a/c and sims like IL2/Rise Of Flight/Black Shark and obviously DCS A10! That said most switches will be toggles or rotary switches.

 

I may decide to get more creative as I gain more skills but do you guys think the X-Keys will be sufficient?

 

Should I look into other options?

 

Anything particular about the x-keys that should make me stay away from it?

 

Anyone have some experience to share (Cat I can talk to you on TS save your typing fingers lol)?

 

Thanks for any and all input (no pun intended)!

[CAT_101st]

I know typing is not my first language ;)

 

 

You know what I am going to push on you. Hagstrom's has a 12x12 matrix that is 144 switches that can be programed. $79.95 that is 55 cents per switch. X-keys is 47 cents a per switch.

Edited December 9, 2009 by CAT_101st

[Total]

I use the X-Keys and have good success with it.

[-Bazong-]

I use this http://www.poscope.com/search.php?q=PoKeys55-T

I'm amazed I seam to be the only one using it :P

 

It has an intuitive GUI which is good enough for setting up toggle switches, rotaries and axes (mapping them to keyboard macro's, axes are handled as a joystick).

You can set up an 8x16 matrix (128 buttons, obviously with a bunch of inputs left)...

 

One can download the GUI software and run it in a demo mode to see what can be done with it..

 

 

 

• Standard USB keyboard simulation.
  
• Standard USB joystick simulation.
  
• 55 digital inputs (can be used as virtual keyboard keys).
  
• 55 digital inputs and outputs.
  
• 5 analog inputs 10-bit (can be used as virtual joystick axes).
  
• up to 25 incremental encoders can be connected
  
• up to 2 pcs. 8x8 matrix keyboard can be connected
  
• up to 2 pcs. of 8x8 LED matrixes are supported
  
• up to 6 PWM outpus
  
• tick counter
  
• up to 4x20 characters LCD can be connected
  
• Software controlled 10-bit analog output.
  
• Up to 255 units can be connected to one computer.
  
• Intuitive and user-friendly software.
  
• Plug-in for Artsofts Mach 3 CNC software available.
  

 

ps. In my thread about it, one of their developers have hinted that if it becomes popular with DCS pitbuilders they might make a plugin to interface with the LUA export.. Would be nice if they did ;)

Edited December 9, 2009 by -Bazong-

[HitchHikingFlatlander]

Thanks for the input guys any additional feedback is appreciated too. I'm still leaning towards the X-Keys boards because of the ease of use. I not interested in learning a programming language and I know two of you that posted have X-Keys already with no complaints. Hagstrom's sounds good but I think I'll be happy with 256 switches XKeys offer for $120 rather than 288 with the hagstrom at $160. I know I could probably wire switches to the tune of 288 but its just a little overkill for my projected project!