AutoHotkey Community

[epconfig]

Hi all:

This is my script template about the use of the Enterpad with AutoHotkey. This will save you time and errors if you are looking for a dedicated hotkey keyboard to execute up to 120 AHK macros.

Background:

AutoHotkey is powerful in the way it manipulates macros from user-defined hotkeys. So, one of the challenges users have to face is to remember which hotkey is attached to which macro. The Enterpad easily solves this problem.

The Enterpad is a compact flat keyboard with 120 keys that can be personalized with an assignment sheet. It does not require a custom driver installation. Just plug it and it starts to work like a regular keyboard. The Enterpad can be used with or without your regular keyboard.

How everything works:

The AHK-ready Enterpad sends F10 followed by 3 digits for the key number you pressed. So the sequence will be {F10}001 if you press the first key on the Enterpad and {F10}120 if you press the last key.

The AHK script template contains 120 “ready-to-customize” macros linked to each of the 120 Enterpad keys.

As you can see the combination AHK/Enterpad does not use modifier keys nor use any Windows hotkeys except {F10}. This is important when you want to use AutoHotkey with as much as 120 macros at the same time.

Tips:

• To run a macro with the AHK template without an Enterpad: Press and release {F10} followed by a 3 digit number between 001 and 120 on your regular keyboard. After pressing {F10} you have 3 seconds to type the 3 digit number. Everything will be cancelled if you type an invalid number. After entering your valid number or 3 seconds later, the focus will be back to your active windows.
  
  
• If the Enterpad only sends a 3-digit number, it probably is because your last macro execution is waiting for a window or something else. In fact the Enterpad is always sending {F10} and the 3-digit number, but given the fact that your script is frozen, it no longer acknowledges the {F10} hotkey. Your text editor, which does not recognize the {F10}, accepts and shows the 3-digit number as text.
  
  
• Do not type too fast on the Enterpad if you didn't build your macro to support it!
  
  
• Normally, it is better to use the 'SendInput' instead of the 'Send' command inside the AHK template. This will prevent your macro execution from receiving keys from your regular keyboard and/or the Enterpad should you press keys faster than the macro execution.
  
  
• Print the assigment sheet “ep_lay_ahk.pdf” without scaling. The size of its exterior frame must be 7.25 X 8.56 inches.

Where to get the files:

-AutoHotkey script template: enterpad.ahk (18k)
-Ready-to-print Enterpad assignment sheet: ep_lay_ahk.pdf (16k)


Enjoy it!
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epconfig
Enterpad Keyboard for AutoHotkey