Keym@n / Keyman Software, Macros, & Programming Keyboards

[DaveB]

I've spent quite a bit of time trying to find some answers about the Keym@n (v.3.6.0.6) software. I've read through the user's guide, scoured the web with various search terms, and have also done the same here in GH.  If you can answer any of these, I'll be much obliged.

1. I've programmed most of the F keys, plus the keypad 0, and those macros work great. Thing is, I don't know how to program the new functions without loosing their standard functions. This keyboard (Cherry MX 11900) doesn't have the Keym@n key. Here's one working macro:

     Alt left  Num_0  ^Num_0  Num_1  ^Num_1  Num_7  ^Num_7  Num_6  ^Num_6  ^Alt left
     The Alt code is Alt+0176
     The output is °.

The Alt codes are super easy. This one U+262E ( ☮ ) doesn't work in the same way. Firstly, there are a very limited number of Alt codes, and this isn't one of them. Secondly, manual entry doesn't work because of the E in the code. ALT+E opens the edit menu in whatever software I'm using, and when it does, the unicode aborts.

2. Is it possible to reassign one of the Windows keys to be a Keym@n key?

3. I'd like to switch functions of two keys so that the Del key becomes the Pause/Break key, and visa versa. If this is possible, how can it be done?

4. I read hints here and there that the F keys can take on two (maybe more) macros each, but I can't confirm that much less find directions for how to do it. Any ideas?

5. Separate from Keym@n, I also read that there are 6 Shift states for each key. For example, press the Q key, and q is output; press Shift+Q and the output is Q. Using combinations of Ctrl, Alt, and Shift, 4 additional Shift states are available. This is helpful for typing in other languages, using symbols to make charts, and so on, but again, I'm finding difficulty in locating clear instructions, so any pointers will be most helpful.

If you have any tricks, or tips regarding macros, or programming keyboards in general, why not share them here?  It might get some ideas rolling.

☮  Dave

[IvanIvanovich]

For all my frequently used unicode extended characters, I made myself a custom keymap and added it into my available keymaps in language preferences. Since I use 60% which had no numpad I couldn't do alt+codes in the usual way so I found this to be a nice easy alternative. Actually it's even more convenient since I can just Alt+Shift to my keymap and type a single key for the character instead of having to remember and enter the code for it. I tried US Intl. for awhile, but found the dead keys very annoying.
For more elaborate macros you might try autohotkey instead, I am sure it is a lot more flexible and probably has a much larger userbase and more guides to get help with it.

[DaveB]

Thank you for the information. I hadn't heard of AutoHotKey before. A number of it's reviewers mentioned as it's only major con that it has a steep learning curve. It does. There's also so much that's unfamiliar to me about it, that I don't envision an easier time of it for me.     I've got too many other irons in the fire to move this one to the front burner right now, though, so I think I'll try to clear some of those other things up first.

Peace,

Dave