Using X-Keys with Eos, Ion, RPU, RVI and Client Software

Anne Valentino — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 00:57:52 GMT

IMPORTANT UPDATE 11/4/09

We have now posted two different layouts for X-keys to the downloads section for Eos and Ion. When you click on the link, it will ask for download info. Providing that takes you to a second page. On this page are two downloadable links. One for "Hardware Mode," which is the new X-keys hardware from PI. The other is "Memory Resident Mode", for older X-keys.

As always, these layouts are intended as a starting place. You will probably want to customize your own layout from there.

IMPORTANT UPDATE

PI Engineering have just made some fundamental changes to the functionality of X-Keys devices.
Any unit shipped from PI Engineering after June 2nd 2008 will not work 'out-of-the-box' for the functions we need on our consoles.

The "Memory Resident Mode" or "unSPLAT" mode has been radically changed, and can't be configured using the existing tools.

PI Engineering have informed ETC that they are working on an upgrade to the MacroWorks software to enable this functionality, but that this update is not yet ready for release.

Therefore, when ordering your X-Keys please ensure you specify that you will be using Memory Resident Mode and that you require the firmware that supports this.

Any X-keys purchased through ETC should have the older firmware by default.

PI Engineering have told ETC that they will honour any request for the older firmware, and that they will replace any X-Keys device running the newer firmware with the older version upon request.

PI Engineering can be contacted by using one of the telephone numbers or email addresses at http://www.piengineering.com/companyinfo.php if you are having difficulty with your X-Keys product.

With great thanks to Matt Kerr, Tech Support in Madison:

If you want to use an X-Keys panel with an Eos or Ion desk, an Eos RPU, a Net3Remote Video Interface or a PC running the Eos/Ion client software kit, you will need to program your X-Keys panel to be "Memory Resident" - meaning you won't need to install or run the Macro Manager software on the piece of gear you are using.

You can do this by using an application called "Macro Recorder" from the makers of the panel - http://ymouse.com/software/memresident.php

Use this application to load the macro file (the one available from ETC "Eos 1.xk2"or one you have made on your own) to the X-Keys panel from a computer. Then you can use the panel with any Eos, Ion or Net3 product without having to load any software on that product.

The ETC-built macro file and keycap legends for the X-Keys Professional 58-keypanel can be found on the downloads section of the Eos/Ion product pages.

Step By Step Instructions:

Download the Macro Recorder.zip folder from the above website.
Extract the folder's contents to a new folder.
Browse to that folder and double click on the "MacroRecorderSetup.exe file" to run the installation program.

NOTE: Rebooting of the computer is required.

Follow the on screen instructions throughout the installation process.
After Rebooting, run the "X-Key Macro Recorder" application.
Place the Programming Switch to the Program position. This is located on the Upper right hand side of the keypad. A red dot will be visible in the window when it is in program mode. Connect the X-Key keypad to the computer and install the required drivers. You may need to browse to the driver location the CD that is included with the X-Keys.

Location = D:\Utillities\Memory Resident Mode\Driver

Once the drivers are installed, click on "file" then "Open" and then browse to where the "Eos 1.xk2" file is located. This is the template that will configure the X-Keys to function for Eos. If it does not appear in the file name window be sure to select "All files" from the drop- down window.
After the file is loaded, click on "File" then "Send to Device." Text at the bottom of the X-Keys Macro Recorder window will indicate when the process is complete.
Return the Programming Switch to the run position
At this point the X-Keys is ready for use with the Eos application.

NOTE: Scroll Lock MUST be enabled forX-Keys to function properly.

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Using X-Keys with Eos, Ion, RPU, RVI and Client Software