The keyboard emulator allows you to emulate most keyboard inputs* with external peripherals. Currently, the recorder allows up to 2 keyboard strokes (such as cmd, control or shift + another key) to be recorded.
For instance, you can use the Keyboard Emulator in conjunction with the IR Block to make any remote in a classroom or board room a presenter remote. No more do you have to be fearful of finding or losing a presenter remote, you can use any available remote ad hoc in your travels.
* - Special keys such as Escape, Function as well as Numeric Keypad keys do not work within the emulator. Also, only the arrow keys within the Navigation keys work within the emulator.
Setting up the Keyboard Emulator
First things first, insert the Keyboard Emulator into your workspace by clicking on the Quick Menu, and then selecting Keyboard Emulator from the Virtual Blocks Menu.
Once you have inserted the Keyboard Emulator Block into the workspace, click on Keyboard Emulator Properties while hovering over it.
The Properties Panel will appear on the right hand side. You can add items by clicking on the plus icon. When you have added an item, you can record keyboard inputs by clicking on the yellow record button. Once you recorded your keyboard input, the record button will turn green. You will also see the keyboard input under the name of the item. For instance if you click right on the arrow keys, the name will display right under the key name. You can rename the item by double clicking on the item name.
Now this Keyboard entry is available as an Action within the Logic Maker.
Example - Presenter Remote with any remote
One of the easiest ways to apply the Keyboard Emulator is during presentations with any remote in the room. You can assign left and right keyboard inputs to change presentation slides with your remote.
First setup the IR Block with the remote inputs you wish to change the presentation slides with. To setup the IR Block, refer to the article on IR Block. After you have setup your IR Block, connect the IR Block with the Keyboard Emulator Block.
Go into the IR Block Logic Maker.
Insert an ACTION and INPUT Gate.
Within the INPUT gate, select one of the IR Signal you created, in this case right.
Within the ACTION Gate, select the keyboard action for right corresponding to your IR Input.
Now every time you press the right button on your remote, the Creator will emulate a right key on the computer, making you able to flick through slides with any remote.
Repeat this same process for left with another set of ACTION and INPUT Gates. Now you can go forward and backwards within a presentation.
