Hagstrom KE-USB108 User Manual

KE-USB108
PC Keyboard Encoder
User Manual

HAGSTROM ELECTRONICS, INC. warrants this
product against defects in material or workmanship for a
period of ONE YEAR from the original purchase date. We will
repair or replace (at our option) the returned defective unit
at no charge during this warranty period.

No responsibility is assumed for any special, incidental,
or consequential damage resulting from the use of or
inability to use this product. In no case is HAGSTROM
ELECTRONICS, INC. be liable for any amount which
exceeds the purchase price of the unit, regardless of the
claim.

No other warranty, written or verbal, is authorized. This
warranty is applicable only to units sold in the United States.
Units sold outside the United States are covered by a similar
warranty.

Depending on the state in which you live, you may have additional rights.

Great care has been taken during the assembly, testing, and burn-in of
your KE-USB108 to ensure its performance. If you have any questions,
please send us an email or give us a call. Support is available Monday
through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 PM (EST).

customer service email: [e-mail]

Call Toll Free 888-690-9080, or [phone]

NOTICE: The KE-USB108 product is designed to be used by

technically oriented computer users. When the KE-USB108 is in use,
your computer’s signals and voltages are present on the unit. Prudent
handling and packaging is necessary to prevent damage to your
computer.

Your keyboard encoder is designed for OEM use, and is not FCC part 15 approved. Because
the packaging and use of the product will directly affect the characteristics of the unit, it is the
responsibility of the purchaser to obtain fi nal approval of their application, if required.

Thank you for purchasing the model KE-USB108 Keyboard

Encoder.

HAGSTROM ELECTRONICS, INC.

is pleased that you have selected this product for your application.

The KE-USB108 unit is configurable in a variety of ways in order

to meet your specific requirements. Please take a few minutes to

read this manual before using your KE-USB108.

In addition to this printed manual, other resources are included

with the product CD which provide information and tips on using

the KE-USB108 and making the most of it’s features.

If you have any questions about the use of the KE-USB108 not

covered in this manual, please contact us directly. We offer toll

free technical product support from 8:00am to 5:00pm M-F

Eastern Time 888-690-9080. You may also send an email to

[e-mail]

We respond to all email requests within one business day.

CONTENTS

Introduction to the KE-USB108

Computer Connection

KE-USB108 Input Guide

Interfacing to the KE-USB108 Input Headers

KE-USB108 Configuration

Defining Single Keys

Defining Macro Sequences

Rotary Encoder Switches

Trackball Control

Spinner Control

Joystick Axes

File Menu Selections

Error Messages

KE-USB108 Operating Tips

Appendix A - Specifications

Appendix B - KE-USB108 Input Interface

Appendix C - KE-USB108 Status LED Signals

Appendix D - Trackball/Spinner Interface

Appendix E - Joystick/Rotary Interface

Accessories

3

3

4

5

9

10

13

16

18

19

20

20

22

23

25

26

27

28

29

31

2

Introduction to the KE-USB108

The KE-USB108 Keyboard Encoder is a product designed to
interface push buttons, switches, potentiometers and other contact
closures to the computer’s USB port. Devices connected to the
KE-USB108 input headers produce keystrokes, mouse buttons
and joystick button presses that appear to the PC as if they were
entered from a standard USB keyboard, mouse, or joystick.
Rotary encoders connected to the unit produce a single keystroke
for each direction turned. Potentiometers connected to the X,
Y, Z and Rx axis inputs produce joystick movement. A Trackball
connected to the unit produces X and Y mouse movement. A
Spinner connected to the unit produces mouse wheel movement
or either X or Y mouse movement (selectable).

The KE-USB108 is fully programmable by the user. This
programmability feature allows the configuration of various
parameters as well as the selection of the keystrokes and button
presses that will be sent to the PC. The KE-USB108 stores the
user’s configuration program in non-volatile memory so that the
information is retained on the unit even after power is turned off.

Power Requirements:
The KE-USB108 requires no external power source. It is powered
directly from the USB port on the PC.

Supported Computers:
All PCs with a standard USB port will operate with the KE-USB108.
The KEUSB108.EXE Configuration Program runs on Windows
based systems only.

Computer Connection

Make the connection between the PC and KE-USB108 using
a standard USB A-B type Cable. Connection to this port can
be made with power on as the KE-USB108 supports “Hot Plug”
operation as a USB device. When the KE-USB108 is plugged into

3 32

KE-USB108 Input Guide

2x3 Header

for

Connection of

CAPS, NUM,

SCROLL

Status LEDs

To PC

U

SB Port

I/O Header

for inputs 73-108

Dual Row .100”

spaced pins (2x20

header).

I/O Header

for inputs 37-72

Dual Row .100”

spaced pins (2x20

header).

I/O Header

for inputs 1-36

Dual Row .100”

spaced pins (2x20

header).

X, Y, Z and Rx Joystick
Potentiometer Headers

3 position MTA header .100”

spaced pins.

Spinner

Header

and

Trackball

Header to

emulate

mouse

movement.

A1

B1

Typical Quadrature Signals

2 Quadrature

Rotary Encoder

Inputs

4 position MTA

header .100”

spaced pins.

Trackball

active high or

low jumper

select.

Full Speed USB

Spinner

active high or

low jumper

select.

Rx labeled “W”

Y

Z

X

a PC for the first time, the appropriate standard drivers are loaded
by the operating system.

The KE-USB108 emulates a standard 104 key USB keyboard,
mouse and joystick. The unit may be used in addition to or in
place of the system’s own keyboard, mouse and joystick.

Interfacing to the KE-USB108 Input Headers

Switch Input Headers:
The KE-USB108 features three 2x20 headers for interface to
switch input devices. The first header provides access to inputs
1-36, the second access to inputs 37-72 and the third access to
inputs 73-108. The input headers are arranged with Grounds on
the two pairs of end pins on the headers, and the 36 inputs on
the pins between them. The board is labeled near each header
pin, designating the input number that the pin represents. Each
of the pins may be programmed to emulate any standard PC
keyboard key or key sequence, as well as joystick buttons or
mouse buttons.

Inputs on the headers are activated by shorting them through a
switch to any one of the provided logic Grounds on the header.
When activated, the input will report the keystroke, mouse and
joystick events that it has been programmed to emulate. If held
active, t h e keystroke response will repeat (if programmed to repeat),
based on the repeat rates and delays set within the PC operating
system. KE-USB108 inputs may be programmed to send keystrokes
when the input is activated, deactivated, or both. The repeat of a
key or key sequence is a selectable option for each input in the
KE-USB108 configuration file.

The inputs are intended to handle mechanical switch inputs and

5 30

Rotary Encoders:
The KE-USB108 features two 4 position interface connectors which
accept phased signals from a device such as a rotary encoder
switch.

Power is supplied to the rotary encoder switch from the
KE-USB108 for 5 volt operation only. This interface is compatible
with mechanical and/or optical rotary encoder switches.

Use our MTA100-4-12
cable to help connect from
the KE-USB108 to a rotary
encoder switch.

Use the diagram to the
right to make a connecting
cable for a rotary encoder
switch.

The KE-USB108 unit accepts input from mechanical and/or
optical rotary encoders that produce a quadrature signal.

NOTE: Do not supply power to the rotary encoder switch interface connector.

are debounced for that purpose. Logic drivers may be attached
to the inputs as well, provided they are an active low, logic level
signal. Refer to Appendix A on specifications for the timing of
logic signals. NOTE: Never attach external power to the Inputs.

The KE-USB108 input headers are dual row headers with .100”
spaced pins. This format is suitable for many readily available
connectors on the market, including a typical IDE hard drive cable.
Since all the inputs are activated by the same logic Ground, this
Ground may be “daisy chained” to the Ground of all of the input
switches.

We also offer a breakout board for screw terminal access to the
KE-USB108 input headers (our part number IOX36). This interface
board attaches to the KE-USB108 headers through an IDE cable
(provided with the IOX36). See the Accessories page of this
manual for details on the IOX36.

Trackball Header:
The KE-USB108 features an Input Header for connection
to a Trackball. We offer a Trackball Cable (our part number
KE-TBH3) to connect the KE-USB108 trackball input to the trackball
itself. See the Accessories page of this manual for details on the
KE-TBH3.

A1 = Y axis signal

5V = Power for Y axis

GND = Ground for Y axis

B1 = Y axis signal

A2 = X axis signal

5V = Power for X axis

GND = Ground for X axis

B2 = X axis signal

KE-USB108 - Trackball interface signal assignments.

NOTE: Do not supply power to the trackball interface connector.

Spinner Header:
The KE-USB108 features an Input Header for connection
to a Spinner. We offer a Spinner Cable (our part number
KE-SP3) to connect the KE-USB108 spinner input to the spinner
itself. See the Accessories page of this manual for details on the
KE-SP3.

Joystick Headers:
The KE-USB108 features four, 3 pin Input Headers, one each
for the X, Y, Z and Rx axis connection to a Joystick. The Rx
axis is labeled W on the KE-USB108. We offer a Joystick
Cable (our part number MTA100-3-12) to help connect the
KE-USB108 joystick input
to the potentiometer. See
the Accessories page of this
manual for details on the
MTA100-3-12.

A3 = Spinner Signal

5V = Spinner Voltage

GND = Spinner Ground

B3 = Spinner Signal

Appendix D:
Trackball/Spinner Interface

The KE-USB108 features an eight position interface connector
which accepts optical signals from a device such as a Trackball.

The unit also features a four position interface connector which
accepts signals from a device such as a Spinner.

Power is supplied to both the spinner and trackball interface
from the KE-USB108 for 5 volt operation only. This interface is
compatible with most popular active high or low Trackballs and
Spinners currently on the market.

Note: See sections “Trackball Control” and “Spinner Control” in
the manual for active high or low jumper settings.

Use our KE-TBH3 cable to connect from the KE-USB108 directly
to a Trackball or use our KE-SP3 cable to connect from the
KE-USB108 directly to a Spinner.

Use the diagram below to make a connecting cable for a Spinner
and/or Trackball.

7

KE-USB108 - Joystick interface signal assignments.

NOTE: Do not supply power to the joystick interface connectors.

KE-USB108 - Spinner interface signal assignments.

NOTE: Do not supply power to the spinner interface connector.

NOTE: Do not supply power into the Trackball or Spinner interface connectors.

Gnd for Rx axis

Rx Input

5V = Power for Rx axis

(Rx labeled W on board)

Gnd for Z axis

Z Input

5V = Power for Z axis

Gnd for Y axis

Y Input

5V = Power for Y axis

Gnd for X axis

X Input

5V = Power for X axis

Rotary Encoder Switch Headers:
The KE-USB108 features two, 4 pin Input Headers, for
connection of two separate mechanical and/or optical rotary
encoder switches. We offer a Rotary Encoder Cable (our
part number MTA100-4-12) to help connect the KE-USB108
rotary encoder switch input to the rotary encoder switch itself.
See the Accessories page of this manual for details on the
MTA100-4-12.

Getting Started:

To begin using the KE-USB108, follow the steps listed below:

1. Attach the KE-USB108 to the computer as described under the
section “Computer Connection” of this manual.

2. Insert the CD. Follow directions to save the content to its own
folder on the hard drive. The CD should now be removed and
stored in a safe location for future use.

3. Open the folder that was created in step 2 and start the
configuration program by selecting the program file KEUSB108.
EXE.

Default Settings:
The KE-USB108 is programmed and shipped with a default
configuration. Each input is configured to send its input number
as keystrokes and then press enter. For example, input 100 will
type “100” and then press enter. By default, the joystick axes are
set to disabled.

Note: The programs must be copied to and run from a folder on the PC’s

hard drive. The CD should be reserved for back up purposes only.

A2 = 2nd Rotary Sw. A Input

5V = Power for 2nd Rotary Sw.

GND = GND for 2nd Rotary Sw.

B2 = 2nd Rotary Sw. B Input

A1 = 1st Rotary Sw. A Input

5V = Power for 1st Rotary Sw.

GND = GND for 1st Rotary Sw.

B1 = 1st Rotary Sw. B Input

KE-USB108 - Rotary Switch interface signal assignments.

NOTE: Do not supply power to the rotary switch interface connectors.

KE-USB108 Configuration

The KE-USB108 unit is shipped with a CD-ROM containing the
KEUSB108.EXE utility program which is used to configure the
unit. The main program screen is divided into six sections: Input
Definitions, Rotary Encoder Switch 1, Rotary Encoder Switch 2,
Trackball Control, Spinner Control, and Joystick Axes as shown
below.

Following is a list of each of the configuration sections along with
an explanation of how they pertain to the KE-USB108 setup.

Input Definitions:

The Input Definitions

section of the main
screen, as shown to the
left, is used to define the
keystrokes, mouse button,
and joystick functions
associated with each of
the 108 inputs.

Appendix B:
KE-USB108 Input Interface

The KE-USB108 has 108 individual inputs, which are activated by
shorting them to the common Ground provided on the input headers.
Since these inputs are individual, they are completely separate, and
cannot produce “ghosting” as in a matrix application. The KE-USB108
inputs are debounced for the use of mechanical switches as input to the
header.

KE-USB108 Inputs may also be driven from logic gate outputs, provided
they do not drive voltage above the 5V supply on the unit. The logic
signals must produce an active logic low signal for the appropriate
amount of time as listed in Appendix A.

The recommended maximum cable length from the KE-USB108
input header to the input devices is 10 feet. The recommended
maximum cable length of the USB cable from the PC to the
KE-USB108 is 15 feet.

Note: The KE-USB108 allows any number of t he 108 inputs to be activated

simultaneously. The response to each input will be processed in the order
detected. For inputs defined as keystrokes a maximum of 62 keystrokes
may be in the pressed state at any one time. This restriction applies only
to keystrokes that are repeating. The KE-USB108 will ignore keystrokes
presses over the 62 keystroke limit.

The response definitions for each input are shown in the response
definition box on the screen. Initially, the response definition box
contains the words “Not Used”. When inputs are defined, the
definition box will then display the label for the response to which
that particular input is assigned. To the left of each definition box
are option buttons that allow an input to be defined as either a
“Single Key” or a “Macro Sequence.”

Defining Single Keys

To define a single key response for an input, first ensure that the
“Single Key” option is selected for the input (this is the default
value). Then click on the response definition box (initially labeled
“Not Used”). This will open a window displaying a selection of
keystrokes, mouse buttons, and joystick functions. At the top of
this dialog appear three tabs used to select between the type of
response for that particular input.

Keyboard Tab:
The “Keyboard” tab is the default and when it is selected, a
diagram of a standard keyboard is displayed as shown below.

Clicking on the representation of a key will assign that key to the
input. The selected key will now appear in the response definition
box for the input number you have chosen.