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.




