Enterpad keyboard for AutoHotkey

Too many hotkeys to remember? Use the Enterpad to trigger them! – This document has been written to allow a quick and efficient way to integrate an Enterpad keyboard with AutoHotkey. The concept and process are explained. Also included is a ready-to-print Enterpad overlay sheet as well as instructions to customize it.

AutoHotkey is a free open source macro program which allows users to automate repetitive tasks with Windows software. This program stands out because of the unique and powerful way it manipulates macros from user-defined hotkeys. But, one of the challenges that 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 overlay sheet. It can be configured permanently to send 120 different hotkeys. It does not require a custom driver installation. You only need to plug it and it starts to work like a regular keyboard. The Enterpad can be used with or without your regular keyboard.

Note: If you need to know how to install and use AutoHotkey, please refer to their website.

Here is a ten-step tutorial to help you set your first macro. It will allow you to log on Cedeq website by pressing a key on the Enterpad.

Note: This tutorial is about setting a macro inside the AutoHotkey script file, not inside the Enterpad internal memory. You should consider this fact when you visit links related to the Enterpad as some of them are used to define the Enterpad internal memory.

1. Run AutoHotkey and load the script file "enterpad.ahk". AutoHotkey is now ready to run macros related to each of the Enterpad 120 keys (three macros are already defined to allow you to modify, save and reload your script file).
   
   
2. If you ordered the Enterpad with the AutoHotkey option, just plug the Enterpad to the computer and it is ready to be used.
   
   If you ordered the Enterpad without the AutoHotkey option, plug the Enterpad to your computer and transfer the "autohotkey.pos" file in its permanent memory with the EPConfig free utility available on the Cedeq Website.
   

3. Print the Enterpad overlay sheet "ep_ahk_layout.pdf" choosing the "no scaling" option.  Make sure the printed sheet exterior frame size is 7.25 X 8.56 inches.
   
   
4. Cut off the overlay sheet following the exterior frame.
   
   
5. With a pencil write "web cedeq" in box 110 of the overlay sheet.
   
   
6. Insert the overlay sheet under the protective sheet of the Enterpad.
   
   
7. Press "AHK edit" on the Enterpad (key number 8). If you well loaded the file "enterpad.ahk" this one will open for editing.
   
   
8. Find / goto  the section of the key number 110 to write the macro "run, http://www.cedeq.com"

   

9. Save your modified script file.
   
   
10. Press "AHK reload" on the Enterpad (key number 10) to reload the new copy of your script file.
    

Here we go!  Pressing the key number 110 will open the Cedeq website.  Repeat the steps 5 to 10 as you wish with your parameters to fast create or correct your macros.

How everything works

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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

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• 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 overlay sheet “ep_lay_ahk.pdf” without scaling. The size of its exterior frame must be 7.25 X 8.56 inches.

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Need information? Have comments? Call 1-888-462-3988 in Canada, 1-888-304-0181 in the United-States or Email us at support@cedeq.com .

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