P.I. Engineering

Introduction:

The XK-3 (Part # XK-0985-UDP3-R or XK-0986-UEP3-R ) is a user programmable computer input device. It is a footpedal suitable for any application where feet are the preferred method for activation. It uses USB Human Interface Device (HID) to communicate with the host computer. It can emulate a keyboard, mouse, joystick, and communicate with MacroWorks or other software written within the SDK. The XK-3 is widely used amongst transcriptionists, and will work with any transcription software.

Features:

• 3 pedal buttons
• pi3 firmware; which features HID keyboard, mouse and joystick hardware emulation
• Full MacroWorks and ControllerMate for OS software support, in addition to internal memory for hardware resident macros
• Internal memory for hardware resident macros for OS independent support
• Front or Rear hinge
• USB headset accessory available
• Complete SDK, for both Windows and Linux
• Native support in many transription programs

Front or Rear Hinge

The new XK-3 Front Hinged Pedal allows the user to rest a foot on the main pedal without activating it and then click with just slight additional pressure. Perfect for mouse click and drag or modifier keys. Only the hinge on main pedal is in the front. The two side pedals, used for momentary actions, are hinged in the rear. This allows for activation without pressing the main pedal.

The XK-3 Rear Hinged Pedal features a curved main pedal which allows the user to find the most comfortable angle to rest a foot while keeping the pedal active. Perfect for transcription playback, dictation microphone activation, or video capture. All three pedals on this unit are hinged in the rear.

Key Matrix:

Foot pedal buttons are number sequentially from left to right, starting with 1 on the left pedal.

Non-volatile Memory:

The XK-3 has a non-volatile memory to allow the unit to record keyboard and other hardware messages. If programmed, these message are retained with the individual unit. The messages are permanent until the unit is reprogrammed. This allows the programmed unit to be used on any USB compatible system without extra software. Keyboard, mouse, and joystick(game controller) messages can be stored and replayed from this memory.

A total of approximately 1200 keystrokes can be recorded on a single unit. These can be distributed over the 3 buttons in any fashion. Mouse and joystick commands also use this memory and will reduce the total number of keystrokes available in memory. Additionally, other variables are stored in the unit memory, such as: Product ID, Endpoint settings, and Unit ID.

Programming Switch

The program switch is located directly on the PCB inside the XK-3 enclosure. The switch is in "Operating Position" when it is to the left, and in "Programming Position" when it is to the right. Use a non-conductive implement (a popsicle stick or coffee stirrer for example) to change the position of the switch if required. Changing the programming switch on the XK-3 is not required for writing to hardware mode.

Unit ID:

Each device has a Unit ID (UID) to help identify an individual unit and prevent conflicts if 2 or more of the same devices are attached to computer. From the factory the UID is set to 0. The unit ID is incremented by the programming software to prevent conflicts and uniquely identify the associated macros. The maximum UID is 255, and is stored in the non-volatile device memory.

Endpoints and PIDs:

This device has 4 USB HID endpoints to allow the device to emulate standard USB HID devices. The Product ID (PID) may be changed to use different combinations.

• PID 1068 endpoints: Keyboard, Mouse, PI Consumer Input, Output
• PID 1069 endpoints: Keyboard, Joystick, Mouse, Output
• PID 1070 endpoints: Keyboard, Joystick, PI Consumer Input, Output

Keyboard - Sends keyboard HID codes
Mouse - Mouse clicks, buttons, movements
Joystick - Game buttons 1-32, POV hat, x,y,z axis movement
PI Consumer Input - Sends custom messages to the HID consumer page for custom software
Output - Output to device, required endpoint for programming

SDKs:

The SDK (software development kit) contains data and sample programs to demonstrate how to write a complete custom application interface. There are samples that can view the full HID USB device consumer input reports, enabling you to manipulate the input with your own custom application. All aspects of the XK-3 hardware can be tested with the sample programs. SDKs are available for Windows and Linux OS. Please visit our website for more information on SDKs.

Mounting Kits

There is not mounting kit available for the XK-3; however you may wish to mount the device when using on long, shaggy carpet. Mounting the XK-3 to a board on the carpet will prevent inconsistency when activating the pedal.

Transcription

Although most transcription software does not have native support for the XK-3, it is able to work with any transcription software through Macro Works. We also offer transcription headsets for use with our pedal. Please visit our website for more details.

Cable Length:

The standard USB limit on cable length is 5 meters, about 16 feet. To achieve lengths much greater than 5 meters a USB Extender can be used. The X-keys Extender uses standard Category 5 cable to extend the connection between any X-keys USB device and the USB port on the computer. A standard CAT 5 cable cut to any length up to 150 feet (45.7 m) and wired with standard RJ45 network connectors is required.

Specifications:

Specifications are subject to change without notice.