Mapping usb keys to hardware keys or launching programs

[bytex]

Anyone have any tips about how i can map keys from a usb keyboard (like F1-F6) to hardware keys, or to launch programs (like AltTab) from specific usb keys.

I'd like to build a custom 10 key usb keyboard for basic controls when using external touch screen.

X51v WM5

[psyche]

some programs, (Vito Buttonmapper - I think) allow you to capture keyboard strokes...

[bytex]

Vito Button mapper allows you to record macros, but it only maps to hardware keys.

I want to run programs from a regular keyboard.

[cravaus]

Launching a Macro from an External Keyboard
I had posted this a few years ago on this site but it is not comming up in a search so I will explain again here. I think it is what you are going for. I don't know why more people do not want to do this. This is my favorite tweek. It works with PenCommander, nScriptM, and MortScript Macros. PenCommander macros will launch function keys. If PenCommander can launch them I do not know why MortScript or nScriptM whoud not be able to. My example will be for PenCommander macros but minor modifications are needed to use MortScript. The following works just fine with all Dell Axim X30s and with an x51v (probably other models too) using a ThinkOutside Bluetooth Keyboard (or likely any others that use a win key):

1. Use a registry editor to go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/MICROSOFT/SHELL/KEYS
2. Use your registry editor to add a new key. Name it the number of the keyboard letter or number you want to use to launch a program (e.g. 4043 for letter "C") . See below for a list of codes for keyboard keys.
3. Use your registry editor to add a new string value. The name of the string value should be "default". The value data should be a path to your PenCommander with a switch to your desired macro such as "\Built-in Storage\PhatWare CalliGrapher\PenCmd.exe" /m cc, this launches my OPClip macro to copy my selected data to a common clip board with the PC when I hit Win+C on the PDA. So a similar thing could be done if you creat a macro to launch F12 for example.
4. Pure joy. Now I just need a macro to do this for me automatically and life will be bliss. It would be simple to write but it is also simple to just go to the registry. What I have done is made a short cut to this regiatry location in Total Commander so I can quickly go to the regiatry location and add and deleat macros to and from keys on a lark.

Basic Keyboard keys:
4030 =0
4031 =1
4032 =2
4033 =3
4034 =4
4035 =5
4036 =6
4037 =7
4038 =8
4039 =9

4041 =A
4042 =B
4043 =C
4044 =D
4045 =E
4046 =F
4047 =G
4048 =H
4049 =I
404A =J
404B =K
404C =L
404D =M
404E =N
404F =O
4050 =P
4051 =Q
4052 =R
4053 =S
4054 =T
4055 =U
4056 =V
4057 =W
4058 =X
4059 =Y
405A =Z

[bytex]

Ahh this is just genious. I'we been using the reg keys to map hardware keys.

I can live with win key combinations.

[Pocketbrain]

Cravaus, I linked to your tip in "Tips from the Trenches."




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