Keyboard Plugin

[BeRnA]

How can I block (hide) keys from the operation system like I used to do with the G3 KeyboardEx Plugin ?
Thanks.

[Ron]

Not possible (yet).

[Ron]

Okay, this one is able to block keys.

result, error = keyboard.AddBlockedKey( string Key_Hex )
result, error = keyboard.RemoveBlockedKey( string Key_Hex )
result, error = keyboard.ClearBlockedKeys()

The Key_Hex must be exactly the same as the eventstring.

Have fun!

Note 1: It remembers which keys are blocked even between Girder sessions.
Note 2: Only WinNT and up allow blocking

[BeRnA]

Thanks very much, it work great... :D

[Promixis]

Works here ;)

[kyley]

Hi Guys,
I need to get key blocking working, and I'm having trouble finding how to implement it. This thread is the closest I've come, so hopefully one of you can help me out? Basically, I want to block the arrow keys when I toggle the "arrow" keys on my remote to act as mouse keys.

I assume I need to use the keyboard plug-in in the G4 A20 (or the one in this thread?). I have that enabled. What I'm not sure about is:
1. Do I use the Keyboard Action, and put "result, error = keyboard.AddBlockedKey( string Key_Hex )" as the Text to send? Or do I use the Scripting Action and insert the script? Sorry for the newbie question...

2. How do I find the Key_Hex code for specific keys (the arrow keys for example)? Do I just created an unneeded event to learn the code and use that code? Then delete the event?

3. Will this then block all those keys from all applications until I enable them?

4. Does it matter whether I use a PS2 Airboard IR keyboard or a USB BTC BTC9019URF RF keyboard? If I use the RF keyboard, I assume that would be helpful since I wouldn't have 2 IR receivers (one for the Airboard, and one for the Harmony remote currently). Does it matter that it's USB or RF for this keyboard plug-in?

By the way, I searched and only found 1 person using the BTC keyboard. It looks really nice. More info can be found here:
http://www.pcalchemy.com/index.php/cName/keyboards-and-mice
A big thanks in advance,
--Kyle

[Promixis]

yes, its a lua statement. The scan code in the logger should give you what you need for the hex code... I think :-?

[kyley]

Hi Mike/Ron/Others,
I have this working, mostly... :) I'm now enabling a mouse movement toggle using my Harmony, and the arrow keys are blocked when in mouse mode, but these issues remain:

1. In mouse mode, mouse acceleration still doesn't work properly. The mouse moves jerkily about 15 pixels per button press, and only about 3-4 times per second.

2. I have only done a small amount of experimenting with this, but when pressing the arrow keys on the remote (when in mouse mode) I get:
A. An "x" is interpreted when I'm pressing the left or right arrow buttons on the remote (I could probably just block "x" but I'd like to find out why it's happening).
B. A left mouse click is interpreted (rare, but repeatable).
C. The buttons start working as arrow keys again, but still for mouse movement (rare, but repeatable).
D. Once the toggle didn't work at all... Maybe just a fluke though.

Any ideas on fixing these issues? A big thanks in advance,
--Kyle

[Promixis]

What ir receiver are you using... its seems the harmony/receiver is only generating 3-4 events per second...

[kyley]

I'm using the OEM MCE remote receiver. It does the same thing if I use the MCE remote, IIRC.

Recall that 2 of the arrow buttons on the remote (up, left) were interpreted as keyboard arrow keys, and the others as MCE remote buttons. And before I was doing the key blocking, the two arrow buttons that were being interpreted as keyboard arrow keys were moving the mouse properly (quickly). So wouldn't that mean the remote & receiver are generating more than the 3-4 events per second? Thanks in advance,
--Kyle

[Promixis]

Have a look at the logger output.

Also, you can look at the mapping for your remote. You might be able to increase the repeat rate...

[kyley]

Hi Mike,
When I had previously tried to view the logger output, nothing came up - I now realize it's because at my resolution (756x480) the logger displays *below* the task bar :( Anyway, I have it up now, and it has provided some valuable insight to my problem, but I'm not sure what to do with it... Unfortunately though, when the left clicks are generated, there's nothing different in the logger to indicate them... Here's the logger info when I press and hold the Harmony's left arrow (in order from first to last):

Keyboard 4B00000E <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
MCE Remote Plugin 31711 <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
My MCE Remote Plugin ARROW LEFT <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
&#40;the above Keyboard event repeats 11 times, then&#58;&#41;
MCE Remote Plugin 31711 <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
My MCE Remote Plugin ARROW LEFT <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
&#40;the above Keyboard event repeats 6 times, then&#58;&#41;
MCE Remote Plugin 31711 <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
My MCE Remote Plugin ARROW LEFT <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
&#40;the above Keyboard event repeats 7 times, then the cycle continues again for
awhile, ending with&#58;&#41;
Keyboard 4B00000E <Up> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;42 AM

When the "x" keys are generated while pressing left/right on the Harmony, I do have output in the logger unlike the left clicks (I'm more concerned with the left clicks though, which don't appear in the logger :(

Keyboard 4D00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;48&#58;27 AM
Keyboard 4D00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;48&#58;27 AM
Keyboard 2D00000E <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;48&#58;27 AM &#40;"x"&#41;
Keyboard 4D00000E <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;48&#58;27 AM
Keyboard 4D00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;48&#58;27 AM
Keyboard 4D00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;48&#58;27 AM
I can now block the "x" by using key blocking, so it's not really a concern, but since it's related to the left clicks being generated, maybe fixing one will fix the other...

Does this give you any ideas for what the problem may be / what changes I should make? Again, thanks in advance!
--Kyle

[Promixis]

I am not sure what is giving you the x - the logger indicates its coming from the keyboard??

Its hard for me to trouble shoot this without the hardware.

My honest answer -> get a real IR receiver like the USB UIRT. The way the MCE receiver works is part of the problem..

[kyley]

Hi Mike,
Yes, the logger indicates the x is coming from the keyboard, but it also is indicating the left / right buttons of the Harmony are coming from the keyboard. I'm less concerned about that than the slow, jerky movement of the mouse. I probably will get a USB UIRT soon.

Did you notice though that when I first press the left arrow button on the Harmony it generates *three* <down> events? See below:

Keyboard 4B00000E <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
MCE Remote Plugin 31711 <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
My MCE Remote Plugin ARROW LEFT <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
Then it repeats the same keyboard event numerous times...

Keyboard 4B00000E <Repeat> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;40 AM
...before repeating the same two MCE <down> events:

MCE Remote Plugin 31711 <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM
My MCE Remote Plugin ARROW LEFT <Down> 6/22/2005 7&#58;35&#58;41 AM

So, Girder keeps sending 2 different <Down> events for the *two* MCE Remote Plugins several times per second, with numerous unused Keyboard events inbetween. It looks like those keyboard events are supposed to be interpreted as MCE Remote Plugin events, but aren't. Any idea why? Or am I misunderstanding what's happening here?

Some other things I'm wondering...
1. Why is there a "MCE Remote Plugin" *and* a "My MCE Remote Plugin" listed?
2. Could there be an issue with the Event Mapping Editor for these buttons? Currently they are (I haven't done much testing with these yet):
--Generate Repeat/Release (unchecked)
--Override Device Typematic Settings (unchecked)
--Repeat Delay (0 ms)
--Repeat Frequency Limit (No limit)
3. Could there be an issue with the mouse Command settings? For example, for Mouse Left I have (I tested different values here, but to no avail):
--Initial Stepsize (10)
--Typematic (1000)
--Timeout (1000)
--Big Step (blank)
4. What should the Anti Repeat [ms] time be set to for ARROW LEFT (I have 0 ms)? ...and I have Down and Repeat for the Modifiers...

Thanks again,
--Kyle

[Mastiff]

Anything with "My" in front (Please, Ron, change that patronizing Micro$oft naming scheme!!!) is usually something that has been done with the Add remote wizard.

[Ron]

:-) but you were able to recognise the device for what it was (mapped events),... I think you actually made the point stronger to keep it.

[Mastiff]

Aaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! :evil: Second time you get me in two days! OK, how about "Mapped Firefly" or something?

[kyley]

Yes! Great news! I now have the mouse mode acceleration working with the Harmony. All I did was replace the Harmony events with hard-coded raw keyboard arrow events (which Girder still recognizes as coming from the Harmony). ...and Girder's so slick it still blocks those events from the OS, but allows them to control the mouse - nice! :)

My only remaining problem with the mouse mode is also mostly solved, I think. Left clicks are still occurring at random when in mouse mode. However, I found out this only happens when I point the Harmony at my Airboard keyboard's IR receiver (where the MCE receiver isn't detecting anything). I'm guessing that's where the "x" keys are being generated from too.

So, is there any way to prevent those left clicks that are being detected by the airboard, or should I just get a new keyboard (an RF keyboard)? Thanks again,
--Kyle

[Promixis]

RF Keyboard...

[kyley]

Cool, I just ordered this one:
BTC 9019URF Keyboard (http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.php/pName/btc-9019urf-wireless-multimedia-keyboard-wdual-mode-joystick/cName/keyboards-and-mice)

Looks like an excellent keyboard for an HTPC. Thanks!
--Kyle

[Mastiff]

Look at the bad range! I like my Versapoint from Interlink. That has a range of about 30 meters, so I'm never out of range in the theater. I had one with a range of five meters, and that didn't even manage three.

[kyley]

Look at that price! ;) At any rate, in reviews I read it had rand much farther than 3 meters, not to mention I wouldn't ever be much further than that. Plus, it has a joystick mode, middle mouse button, mouse scroll buttons, etc. Don't get me wrong, the Interlink looks nice too... Take care,
--Kyle

[quixote]

Has anyone successfully managed to block the standby key from Girder? I'm at the end of my rope.
:-?

[quixote]

:oops: :oops: :oops: :oops:
Somehow my power management settings were changed. I'm not sure how that happened, but I fixed it.
:evil:

[AlCapone]

sweet .. I love it when features are alredy added while I am searching for them :)