The PoKeys55T is an easy-to-use, general purpose USB board that combines standard keyboard and joystick simulation, but does not require complex programming knowledge.

Available from Saelig, the PoKeys55T provides 55 digital I/O lines which are 5V-tolerant, 5 x 10-bit analog inputs, and a 10-bit analog output. All the I/O lines are controllable with provided software which features both a graphical user interface and an advanced console-type interface. The settings can be stored on-board, so no special software is needed on target system. PoKeys55T can be used for industrial or CNC control, as a custom joystick or keyboard, or a versatile data-acquisition board.

USB 1.1/2.0 HID-compatible, PoKeys55T emulates a keyboard or a joystick without needing drivers to be loaded. This means that the 55 digital inputs can be used as virtual keyboard keys, or the 5 x 10-bit analog inputs can be used as virtual joystick axes. Encoder support is available on any of the PoKeys55T inputs, so the user can choose any two I/O pins for encoder A and B signals. Configuration software allows assigning virtual keyboard keys separately for both directions.

Additionally, PoKeys55T offers the capability to assign a pre-programmed keyboard macro sequence instead of direct key mapping or encoder key mapping. Up to 25 incremental encoders can be connected to PoKeys55T, and up to 255 PoKeys55T devices can be connected to one PC since users can assign a unique User ID to represent a specific board.

One application for PoKeys55T might be for kiosks running a Windows operating system, programming a shortcut key for any program. CNC control is another area of use, since a plug-in for Artsofts Mach 3 CNC software is available.

PoKeys55T operates from any USB1.1/2.0 port running a USB HID device-driver-enabled operating system (Windows 98 SE/ME/2000/XP/Vista, Linux, Mac OS). This means that, after configuration, no software installation is necessary on a target system. Included software requires Windows 2000/XP/Vista with .NET framework 3.0 installed, says the company.

http://www.electropages.com/viewArticle.aspx?intArticle=11782