Ergodex DX1 User Manual

Input system

Hide thumbs

Table Of Contents

Table of Contents

Quick Links

Download this manual

Ergodex

DX1

Input System

User Guide

Table of Contents

Need help?

Do you have a question about the DX1 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Summary of Contents for Ergodex DX1

Page 1 Ergodex ® Input System User Guide...
Page 2: Notices
The information contained in this document is subject to change without notice. Ergodex Corporation makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Ergodex shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damage in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Page 3: Health And Safety
DX1 Input System to fail. Tampering with or removing the label on the back of the DX1 Pad will void all product warranties and will likely cause your DX1 Input System to malfunction.
Page 4: Regulatory Notices
Regulatory Notices This information applies to the Ergodex model DX1. FCC Information to the User This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: • This device may not cause harmful interference •...
Page 5 CE Notice (European Union) Marking of this product with the CE marking symbol indicates compliance of this product to the EMC Directive and the Low Voltage Directive of the European Union. This marking indicates compliance with the following technical standards: •...
Page 6 NOM Information (Mexico) The following information is provided on the device described in this document in compliance with the requirements of the official Mexican standards (NOM): Exporter: Ergodex, Inc. 1060 La Avenida Mountain View, CA 94043 Importer: Ship to: Supply Voltage:...
Page 7: Box Contents
Box Contents A Quick Start Guide A Removable Key Tray A DX1 Pad with USB Cable 25 positionable DX1 Keys (numbered 1 through 25) A Key Storage Box A Warranty Card Key Labels An Installation CD containing: • Ergodex Manager Software •...
Page 8: Table Of Contents
Minimum System Requirements Removing the Quick Start Guide Installing Ergodex Manager For Window® XP For Windows® 2000 Verify Install Placing DX1 Keys on the Key Tray Concepts & Definitions DX1 - Performance at Your Fingertips™ Macros Single Key Macros Multi Key Macros...
Page 9 File Menu Edit Menu View Menu Help Menu Care & Maintenance Care of the DX1 Input System Maintenance of the DX1 Input System Cleaning the Pad Clean the Pad with a damp cloth. Cleaning the Key Tray Cleaning the Keys...
Page 10: Introduction
However, the DX1 also provides many advanced features that may not be immediately obvious. As you experiment with the DX1, you may want to read the rest of this User Guide to discover all the powerful features that are offered.
Page 11: Overview Of The Dx1 Input System
Key number The Key number identifies the individual DX1 Key and any of its assigned Macros. If you move a DX1 Key to another location on the Key Tray, the Macro assignment remains with the Key and continues to work.
Page 12: Key Storage Box
Key Storage Box Your DX1 Keys are delivered in a Key storage box that holds 25 Keys. The box has a plastic base that allows you to park your DX1 Keys when they are not in use on the Pad.
Page 13: Getting Started
System and some of its basic features. The placement of the Quick Start Guide under the Key Tray also reveals a useful feature of the DX1. In later sections you will see how to create and print your own paper inserts, or Skins, that you can place underneath the Key Tray.
Page 14: For Window® Xp
When the installer program loads, click on "Install Software" and follow the on-screen instructions to install Ergodex Manager. During the installation, you will be prompted to plug in your DX1 Pad. When asked, plug the USB cable into one of your computer’s powered USB ports.
Page 15: For Windows® 2000
DX1 Input System. Placing DX1 Keys on the Key Tray To use the DX1 Keys, you must first place them on your Pad. Each DX1 Key has an adhesive base that allows it to “stick” to the Key Tray.
Page 16 Care should be taken to keep the adhesive base free from contaminants (dust, dirt, finger oils, etc.). Unused DX1 Keys may be kept on the plastic tray in the Key Storage Box. If a DX1 Key loses its "stickiness," cleaning it with a damp cotton swab or cloth will restore the adhesive.
Page 17: Concepts & Definitions
Macros duplicate the behavior of any key on your regular keyboard. For example, if you assign a DX1 Key with a Single Key Macro of the “Q “ key, it functions just like the “Q” key on your regular keyboard.
Page 18: Text Block Macros
The option is particularly useful in games. For example, you might create a Macro that switches to binoculars and zooms in when you press a DX1 Key, and then zooms out and switches back to a weapon when you release the Key.
Page 19: Program Profiles
A Program Profile or a Profile is a collection of Macros that works with one particular program, such as a word processing program or a game. For each program you use, the DX1 Input System looks for a Profile specifically associated with that program. The Profile contains the Macros and Key assignments to be used with your DX1 Keys.
Page 20: The Global Profile
VolumeMute in the Global Profile. You also have a Profile for Wordpad®, where various DX1 Keys are assigned Macros. If you do not have a Macro assigned to DX1 Key 15 in your Wordpad® Profile, the Key will take its Macro setting from your Global Profile configuration and contain the VolumeMute Macro.
Page 21: Keeping Track Of Everything
Macros, how do you keep track of your creation? Well, many people stop there, happy to have an interface exactly the way they like it. However, the DX1 Input System offers more features to customize the display of your Key layout.
Page 22: Ergodex Manager Overview
Ergodex Manager Overview Ergodex Manager Main Screen Active User Menu Program Profile Selection Box Category/Macro View Macro List Assignment Table Connection Help Bar Status...
Page 23: Ergodex Manager
The graphical interface lets you configure your DX1 Pad, manages and displays your Profiles and Categories, provides Macro editing and management, and lets you assign Macros to DX1 Keys. You can launch the Ergodex Manager graphical interface in any of the following four ways: •...
Page 24 Keys. Each Key image includes the Key number and its associated Macro, if any. The two tabs at the top of the Key Table let you switch the view between DX1 Keys 1 to 25 and DX1 Keys 26 to 50 (available as an add on package).
Page 25 You can select a DX1 Key by clicking on its image in the Key Assignment Table. You can also select a DX1 Key by pressing the corresponding Key on your Pad. Selecting a Key will automatically select and show any associated Macro in the Category/Macro View region.
Page 26: Users
Ergodex Manager provides a way to manage multiple Users on the same computer. Each User can have unique Profiles, Categories, and Macros for the DX1 Input System. Only one User is active at a time; Ergodex Manager will use the Program Profiles and Macro assignments from the active User.
Page 27: Profiles
Program Profile and import the Macros you want. A Profile can only be made for programs that have a stable “.exe” file on your computer. If you need to use the DX1 Input System with “temporary” programs (like some Flash games), you will probably need to use the Global Profile discussed below.
Page 28: Creating Program Profiles
Whenever you record a Macro in a program that is not already associated with a Program Profile, Ergodex Manager creates a new Profile for you. Your recorded Macro (and the DX1 Key to which it is assigned) is automatically added to the new Profile. Automatically creating Profiles is a useful way to work with the DX1 Input System.
Page 29 Program Profile. Click “Finish” to create the new Profile. Use an Ergodex Template – An easy way to create a new Profile is to start with a Template. Ergodex provides Templates for many common programs. Templates contain pre-created Macros that you can assign to your DX1 Key.
Page 30: View And Edit Profile Properties
Exporting Program Profiles You can export your Profiles to share with other Users of the DX1 Input System. Program Profile files are saved with an “.erg” extension. These “.erg” files can then be used by you or others as a basis for new Profiles.
Page 31: Categories
Categories Categories allow you to group similar Macros together within a Profile. Creating New Categories You can create a new Category in the Macro List by selecting “File > New > Category” from the Menu. You can also create a new Category by right clicking on an existing category (or by right clicking on the empty space at the bottom of the Macro List) and choosing “Create New Category.”...
Page 32: Macros
Macro in a Program Profile for the program you are using. To record a Macro, you must have at least one DX1 Key placed on your Pad. Switch to the program for which you would like to create a Macro.
Page 33 To record a Single Key Macro, first make sure you are in RECORD mode. Press the key you want to “clone” on your regular keyboard, and then press a DX1 Key on your Pad. A Single Key Macro will be created and assigned to that DX1 Key. Whenever you type only one key in a record sequence, Ergodex Manager automatically creates a Single Key Macro.
Page 34: Composing Macros With Ergodex Manager
Double click on an unassigned Key Image in the Key Assignment Table. (This method has the advantage of both creating a Macro and assigning it to a DX1 Key at the same time.) Each of these methods will open a dialog box that will require you to provide a Macro Type, a Macro Name, and a Category for the Macro.
Page 35: Edit Macro Dialog Box
The top left corner of the dialog box shows the Macro Name and Category. To the right of the Macro Name is a box that shows the current DX1 Keys that are assigned with this Macro. At the bottom of the dialog box is the Macro description.
Page 36: Edit Macro Dialog Box - Multi Key Macro
Macro. Click “Insert Special” to insert navigational keys from your keyboard. For example, the left/right arrow keys on your keyboard will move the edit cursor left and right in the “Play on Press” edit box. If you wanted to insert a left or right arrow key into your Macro sequence, you need to select it from the “Insert Special"...
Page 37 Press/Release Macros Press/Release Macros allow you to play one sequence of keystrokes when you press a DX1 Key, and a second sequence of keystrokes when you release the DX1 Key. Checking the “Use Press/Release” Macro option in the Key Action displays a “Play on Release” edit box.
Page 38: Edit Macro Dialog Box - Text Block Macro
Macro Edit dialog box. Assigning Macros Assigning a Macro associates the Macro with a specific DX1 Key (for a given Program Profile). When you press the DX1 Key in the program for which you have a Profile, the corresponding Macro will play.
Page 39: Unassigning Macros
Macro “Save As” has been assigned to DX1 Key number 1. If a DX1 Key already has a Macro assigned to it, and you drag and drop another Macro onto it, the new Macro replaces the old one. The Key image will have a new caption representing the new Macro name.
Page 40: Stopping Macros
DX1 Key with a “Copy” Macro in a Profile for a word processing program. You might assign a “Jump” Macro to the same DX1 Key in a Profile for a game. When you are using the word processor and you press the DX1 Key, the “Copy”...
Page 41: Importing Macros
You can import all of the Macros from a Profile by selecting the “Import All” option. Finding Macros Using the DX1 Input System can quickly produce a large number of Macros. Ergodex Manager provides a very powerful way of searching for a Macro within a Program Profile. Select “Edit > Find Macro”...
Page 42: Deleting Macros
Ergodex Manager inserts the click into the Macro Sequence. However, no information about the mouse cursor location is recorded. If you play a Macro that contains a mouse click, Ergodex Manager will simply insert the click during playback. The effect of this mouse click may depend upon where your mouse cursor is on the desktop when the click occurs.
Page 43: Wizard
Ergodex Manager Wizard Ergodex Manager has a built in Wizard that helps you configure the DX1 Input System. The Wizard will help you create a new Program Profile, Macro, Category, or User. To use the Wizard, select “File > Wizard” from the Ergodex Manager Menu.
Page 44: Skins
Pad located in the middle of the screen. Footprints placed on the Skin are the same size (when printed) as the DX1 Keys. The Key Footprints are circles to allow you to place your DX1 Keys in any rotation, and still cover the entire Footprint image on the Skin.
Page 45: Skin Backgrounds
You can show or hide all the Macro Names by right clicking on the Skin and selecting “Show/Hide text for all Footprints” Ergodex Manager allows you to assign Macros to DX1 Keys from within the Skin View utility. To change the Macro assignments, right click on the Footprint and select “Assign”...
Page 46: Background Grid
Skin border, and place it between the Key Tray and the Pad. Returning to Main Screen To exit the Skin View utility and return to the Ergodex Manager Main Screen, select “View > Main Screen” from the Menu. Skins...
Page 47: Ergodex Manager Preferences
This option is also displayed in the Menu under “Edit > Record Macros with Timing.” Play metronome sound while recording. If checked, Ergodex Manager will play the “tic” sound when the Pad is in RECORD mode. If unchecked, Ergodex Manger will not play the “tic” sound when the Pad is in RECORD mode.
Page 48: Macro Playback
Allow recording over already assigned Keys. If checked, Ergodex Manger allows you to replace Macros assigned to DX1 Keys while in RECORD mode. The replaced Macro will remain in the current Profile, but will no longer be assigned to the DX1 Key.
Page 49: Program Profiles
DX1 Keys in a Program Profile. If unchecked, Ergodex Manager will not use the Global Profile Macro assignments for any unassigned DX1 Keys in a Program Profile. Only DX1 Keys assigned in the Program Profile will have Macro assignments. Program Profiles...
Page 50: Menu Commands
Close the Ergodex Manager graphical interface. This is the normal method of closing the Main Screen. Ergodex Manager will continue to run in the background and allow you to use the DX1 Input System with programs on your computer. This command is identical to clicking the close button in the upper left hand corner of the Ergodex Manager Main Screen (the “x”...
Page 51: Edit Menu
User. Edit > Actions > Users > Set Current User as Default Set the current User as the default User. Ergodex Manager activates the Default User at startup. Edit > Actions > Macros > Add New (Hot Key - Ctrl + M) Create a new Macro in the current Profile.
Page 52: Skin View Menu Commands
Remove all Key Footprints from the Skin and place them back in the Footprint list. Edit > Clear Unassigned Footprints Remove Key Footprints from the Skin for any DX1 Keys that are not assigned with a Macro. The Footprints are placed back in the Footprint list.
Page 53: Help Menu
View > Footprint > Show Outline Show/Hide the Outline of the currently selected Key Footprint. View > Footprint > Show Text Show/Hide the Macro Name associated with the DX1 Key of the currently selected Key Footprint. Help Menu Help > Help (Hot Key –...
Page 54: Care & Maintenance
Non-expert handling may cause damage, will void all product warranties, and will likely cause your DX1 Input System to fail. Tampering with or removing the label on the back of the DX1 Pad will void all product warranties and will likely cause your DX1 Input System to malfunction.
Page 55: Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting If your DX1 System is not working properly, you can refer to the status lights on the DX1 Pad to help you diagnose the problem. Interference Your DX1 Input System is designed to work in any standard home or office environment under normal use.