In this posting, we will discuss the ELSRA USB Wired Programming Numeric Keypad ControlPad and how you can customize it for use with EZCad and your Fiber Laser Engraving Machine (or any engraving machine for that matter - including CO2).
This keypad is a USB keypad that plugs directly into any PC USB port. It provides you with ease of use and quick-keys for commonly used hot/function keys in any application that you use. Just an example of EZCad, the F1, F2, F3, and Escape keys are very commonly and frequently used and that is why this keypad is PERFECT.
I was able to purchase the product from Amazon for just under $40.00 at the time of this publication. Here is the link where you can purchase one.
Once it arrives, setup is very simple and can be completed in just minutes. The first thing that you will need to do is download the driver which can be found here:
Once you have downloaded the driver (PK-2068.ZIP) from their website, you will need to install the driver before you connect the Keypad. There may be some Windows security settings you will need to acknowledge. I recommend you watch the video below where I walk you through the installation of the driver package and overall review of the product.
Once you have successfully installed the driver, you will want to begin to program the keypad which is VERY easy to do. One thing to keep in mind is that once the keypad is programmed, you do NOT need to reprogram the keypad if you decide to unplug it and move it to another computer. So, if you have a PC that you use on your laser system that is not connected to the Internet and/or do not want to have anything installed on it besides your support software, you can program this keypad first on another computer and then plug it into another and it will retain programming.
The programmer will be found on your desktop as a shortcut to PK-2068, once you open this file you will be presented with the universal programmer necessary to complete the next steps.
The keypad programming is as easy as picking the key you want to program and picking the key from the virtual keyboard and pressing "Program" and it is assigned. The key that is programmed will shade to indicate it's saved. If you decide to change it, you will need to "Delete" before you can re-program otherwise it will save both the old and the new key code you store.
I have found that having this keypad close to my laser enclosure allows me to easily toggle the laser pointer and burn with one hand while not having to keep my fingers on the keyboard. Once my final design is completed, I can move my Bluetooth keyboard out of the way and then use the keypad as the single point of contact. I also often use the foot pedal with the laser for repetitive jobs but for one-off's this fits the bill perfectly.
(From the manufacturers website)
PK-2068, programmable keypad is specially designed for POS VARs which need specified macros to execute repetitive keystrokes and texts. The PK-2068 is easy to program by using Windows compatible software provided. The non-volatile built-in ROM allows the keypad to be used under IBM compatible PCs without installing resident software. VARs can be user-defined with up to 30 characters per key, except ”Enter“ key. PK-2068 includes 26 programmable/ 22 relegendable keys that allow the users to label them.
Product Information
• 23 keys; 26 programmable keys with 22 relegendable keycaps
• 2-level programmable, equivalent to 26 keys with up to 30 characters per key
• Non-synchronized support/ Built-in ROM for saving programmable data
• 10 million life cycle time
• Mode 1 in Green for 4 programmable keys
• Mode 2 in Orange for 22 programmable keys except Enter key
• Windows 98SE/ ME/ 2K/ XP/ Vista/ windows 7 or later
• Approximate keypad size : 156.0 (L) x 91.0 (W) x 25.0 (H) mm / 0.203 kg (N.W.)
• Approximate weight : 0.203 kg (N.W.)
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As always, have a great day!
Dave Evangelista - Patriot Laser Engraving, LLC.
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