P.I. Engineering X-keys Desktop PS/2 User Manual

Page 5

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5

Single key Special Programming Features:

All numbers referred to in combination with the Esc key are number keys on the alpha-numeric section of the
keyboard (NOT the Num Pad).

Programming a Layer-toggle Key (Esc + 2):

Assigning one key as a layer toggle or layer shift, doubles the capability of the remaining keys. Each key may
now have one set of commands programmed on the green layer of the X-keys, and a second set of commands
programmed on the red layer. A layer toggle key must be programmed to gain access to the red layer. This key
can be changed to a layer shift key when programming on the red layer is finished.

To Program a Second Layer:

After programming a layer-toggle key (see above), change to the second layer by tapping the layer-toggle key
(the X-keys must be in operating mode to change layers). The green and red layer indicators on the X-keys will
show which layer is active. Select the red layer and switch the X-keys into programming mode. Follow the
same procedure used for programming the green layer. Do not reprogram the layer-toggle key or you will not
be able to change layers.

Programming a Layer-shift Key (Esc + 1):

A layer-shift key works like the layer toggle key, only it must be held down to access the red layer. If you wish
to use the red layer with a shift, rather than a toggle key, reprogram the layer-toggle key as a layer-shift key
after programming the red layer.

Programming Repeating keys (Esc + Left Shift):

Keys on the X-keys are not automatically repeating keys, but it’s easy to program them to repeat. To make a
key a repeating key, use the Esc + Left Shift combination, then enter the key sequence or combination to be
repeated.

Programming Separate Press and Release Commands (Esc + Left Ctrl):

The X-keys can generate one command when a key is pressed and another when released. This is particularly
useful when a key sequence requires a single key variable or a mouse action to be entered before continuing. To
create a key with separate press and release commands, start programming a key with the commands for the
"press" of the key, then enter the Esc + Left Ctrl combination, then enter the commands to be sent on the release
of the key.

Programming a Pause (Esc+ 5):

Regardless of the speed with which keystrokes are entered when programming the X-keys, the sequence is
played back faster than most users can type. Sometimes it may be useful to pause after or between keystrokes
so the associated software can register the command. This is particularly useful when the command opens a
menu. To add a half-second pause to a key sequence, during programming, enter the Esc + 5 combination
where the pause is needed.

NOTE: If all of the keystrokes are too fast, see the topic “Slow Transmission Speed” below.

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