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Can Soarer's converter rebind Fn keys?

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 13:11
by M4dn3ss
Considering Fn keys don't have a proper scan code, would it be possible to use Soarer's converter to remap, in hardware, an Fn key? Even remap it so that it's a context menu key when pressed on its own, but a custom Fn key when combined with other keys?
(I would be satisfied with only being able to remap it to a Menu key since I can use AutoHotkey to make said menu key double up as a Fn key but it's always nice to be able to not require any software)

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 13:15
by Wodan
I can't think that's possible. Soarers Converter is basically a protocol "translator" and can only work with what's being send through the protocol. Most FN keys are being interpreted within the keyboard controller and do not have any keyboard protocol representation ...

Maybe your keyboard allows changing the function of the FN key?

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 13:20
by Laser
Perhaps breaking the non-ground trace of the Fn switch, on the PCB, and instead soldering a wire from that switch pin to a free input pin on the Teensy/Pro Micro on which Soarer's converter runs (i.e. "rerouting the Fn key") ... or maybe both pins have to be rerouted ... I think Soarer documentation took this into account, since it advertises "Five auxiliary key inputs (for extra keys, buttons, or footswitches)".

Regarding the dual-key role (one keycode when tapped, another when used in a key combination), you can use Hasu's TMK PS2->USB converter firmware instead (if you're using a Teensy/Pro Micro in this scenario).

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 13:26
by M4dn3ss
Wodan wrote: I can't think that's possible. Soarers Converter is basically a protocol "translator" and can only work with what's being send through the protocol. Most FN keys are being interpreted within the keyboard controller and do not have any keyboard protocol representation ...
That's what I was thinking. I'm currently on a KBParadise V80 (Matias) which has an Fn key for media controls, but those media controls don't include a "stop" button while the rest of the F-keys do nothing with the Fn key... what a waste of a (non-programmable) Fn key, don't understand why manufacturers do this... :?

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 15:00
by Wodan
Don't stop, bro ... ;)

Take a look at Major Lasers idea, that sounds pretty awesome ...

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 15:37
by Laser
The only problem is that he'll need to use an USB->USB converter (I think!), which can be pretty expensive (55$, pre-made here), which also means going with the solution based on TMK firmware.

Posted: 09 Mar 2017, 18:24
by JBert
Laser wrote: Perhaps breaking the non-ground trace of the Fn switch, on the PCB, and instead soldering a wire from that switch pin to a free input pin on the Teensy/Pro Micro on which Soarer's converter runs (i.e. "rerouting the Fn key") ... or maybe both pins have to be rerouted ... I think Soarer documentation took this into account, since it advertises "Five auxiliary key inputs (for extra keys, buttons, or footswitches)".
I've used this for years on a Poker (first model) but it's tricky to pull off. If the keyboard PCB routes a bunch of other keys through the same lines then cutting PCB lines may also stop other keys from working (unless you also connect those to the Teensy or fix part of the matrix, that is).
M4dn3ss wrote: That's what I was thinking. I'm currently on a KBParadise V80 (Matias) which has an Fn key for media controls, but those media controls don't include a "stop" button while the rest of the F-keys do nothing with the Fn key...
Does the KBParadise V80 have any way of talking PS/2? https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... tail&p=997 seems to claim it does, but you better test this first.