A dummies to wiring up a Hagstrom

[Michael Carter]

The wiring is very simple.

I think the KE72 is for direct input only, but mine cn be wired direct or in a matrix similar to the way a keyboard is set up.

There are columns from A-L and then rows from M-X. You would wire a switch leg to a contact in the row, and then the other switch leg to a contact in one of the columns.

The included software allows keystroke assignments to each row & column where the two points intersect in the matrix. Make the same assignments in FS or FSUIPC and you're good to go.

Once you click on a spot you have a switch wired, the keyboard will pop up to assing the keystroke. After you have programmed your switches you then upload the configurastion to the board.

[David Rogers]

Mike,

What is meant by 'Direct input only' (ie.... the KE72) ?

Thanks,

Dave.

PS. Great screenies above - thanks!

[Michael Carter]

It means that you do not have to wire in a matrix. It eliminates the need for diodes on the leg that sinks current. Without diodes in a matrix configuration, you can have key ghosting. This occurs when one keystroke (switch actuation) causes anothe unwanter keystroke.

You do not have to worry about this with a direct input type card. Mine can be used this way too, but it limits my inputs to 12.

[JBaymore]

Yup... the KE 72 is direct input. I wanted to stay away from matrixing for just that "ghosting" reason. The KE 72 is their most expensive card..... but it offers a lot of features.

The header "Breakout Boards" they have are WELL worth the $ for making things simple. Everything goes to screw connections. Easy to set up and break down.

The software will allow you to assign a keystroke or HUGE macro of multiple keystrokes, with a different sequence when the switch is "on" and when if is "off".

When you order it, tell them to set up the keyboard LED indicators for connections. They will do this for free....... and it gives you three possible LED indicators to show the state of the Caplocks, etc.

Yes, using the CAT 5 cable without connectors.... just the twisted pairs. Remember to label all the cables and make a master sheet of the color coding that goes to which switch and the programming function assigned.

best,

.................john

[JBaymore]

So,from what you say John. Intead of having 20 wirers coming out of my yokes(5 switches each yoke} I could have done it with10?

THS

If you take the left hand pole of each switch and connect it to the left hand poles of ALL the switches, and then run one wire back from one left hand pole to the GROUND connection on the Hagstrom card........... YES. The other poles of each individual switch has a lead going directly back to an input on the card.

This does not work with ALL hardware interfaces... only ones that allow it from their internal wiring.

best,

....................john

[Radar]

Thanks John.

I will get one to. Do you recomend any of the Accessories!

[Brenton Hill]

Wow Great reading ! KE-72 is going to be my next purchase. thanks for the help.