DIY Keyboard Modification for Orbiter

[HazMatt]

I'm working on a keyboard modification that will label common Orbiter 2010 commands on a standard USB keyboard. This modified keyboard would be used in conjunction with a modified USB number keypad.

You can still have a separate keyboard for regular typing, as long as it is USB.

I'll post the label sheet here when the project is finished. This is a drawing of the draft labels.

 

[Quick_Nick]

That image could be a nice addition to the Orbiter manual.

 

[orb]

Note that labels for F and I keys will be obsolete for the new Orbiter release.

You can still have a separate keyboard for regular typing, as long as it is USB.

I'm not sure I understand. If you have a PS2 keyboard and an USB keyboard, you can't use the former for typing? :shrug:

 

[HazMatt]

I'm not sure I understand. If you have a PS2 keyboard and an USB keyboard, you can't use the former for typing? :shrug:

When using multiple keyboards I recommend using all USB keyboards because they always work. If you are using a PS2 keyboard with a USB keyboard, the results may vary.

 

[sitha241]

I did that some time ago
http://www.orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?t=28191

later found out keyboard does not work :facepalm:
but I fixed it and now it is ok..

but also as addition to that and just to try concept for my future simpit project i have built this also

http://www.orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?t=28461


now my setup look like this

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/69968717/2013-01-13 11.48.42.jpg


:tiphat:

 

[HazMatt]

The prototype DIY Keyboard Mod for Orbiter is finished. I will now test-fly it to determine if it needs any changes.

If it tests ok, I'll post the label sheet with instructions.

 

[blixel]

The prototype DIY Keyboard Mod for Orbiter is finished. I will now test-fly it to determine if it needs any changes.

Looks great. I'd be interested in seeing a picture of your actual set up so I can see how you have the keyboards placed/mounted at your computer.

 

[HazMatt]

Looks great. I'd be interested in seeing a picture of your actual set up so I can see how you have the keyboards placed/mounted at your computer.

Well I intend for people to be able to set the modified keyboard and keypad on their desk next to their normal keyboard. Currently I have mine attached to the DIY Roll-Away Flight Sim for testing.

 

[Donamy]

Do you have to keep pressing the RCS mode key to switch between rotational and translational? If so, does someone know a way, to have them both active at the same time ?

 

[HarvesteR]

IIRC, the Fly-by-wire mod lets you map simultaneous rotation and translation inputs.

Cheers

 

[HazMatt]

Do you have to keep pressing the RCS mode key to switch between rotational and translational? If so, does someone know a way, to have them both active at the same time ?

This keyboard mod uses the default key bindings, so yes you would still press the RCS mode key as usual. However, I tried to address that with the separate keypad. The translation commands are on the keypad, and the rotation commands are on the keyboard's number keys. I believe it reduces the number of errors that I make when maneuvering and it certainly helps when I can't remember a key assignment.

 

[HazMatt]

The instructions and button page for the DIY Keyboard Mod are finished! This will be my first time posting an Add-On file, so I will need to read about that first before I upload it to O-F.

I also have an idea for a custom button layout that will place the buttons on your keyboard in positions similar to the on-screen instrument panel for the Delta Glider. It would include more extensive instructions and a config file for the keyboard assignments. That will be my next major update for this project.

 

[paddy2]

That will be my next major update for this project.

And will be most welcome I think

 

[HazMatt]

And will be most welcome I think

Thanks. I uploaded the DIY Keyboard Mod to Orbit Hangar a week ago. It's my first upload, so I think it has to be reviewed and approved by a moderator.
Wish me luck!

 

[Donamy]

Did you check the box, to agree to the terms of OH ?

 

[HazMatt]

Did you check the box, to agree to the terms of OH ?

Well, I probably checked that box. It's been a week, though, so I just don't remember.

 

[HazMatt]

It's posted! Yaaaay!

http://www.orbiter-forum.com/showthread.php?t=30430

 

[HazMatt]

The new version of the DIY Keyboard Mod will change the actual key assignments for nearly all commands. The result will be a keyboard layout that is more similar to the on-screen layout of the Delta Glider, clearly labeled, and easier for a beginner to use.

(I understand that if you have memorized all the default keyboard assignments, this project may not be helpful for you.)

 

[kamaz]

I think that this program

http://www.hidmacros.eu/whatisit.php

could be used to re-assign key mappings into a sensible layout.

...No, I didn't have time to check it out yet.

 

[HazMatt]

I think that this program

http://www.hidmacros.eu/whatisit.php

could be used to re-assign key mappings into a sensible layout.

Thanks! I've seen that before, but I haven't tried it yet. I'll look into it.