Numeric keypad as an extension keypad?

[QuincyJones]

So, here's an idea.

1. Buy a cheap laptop numeric keypad
2. Write an application / driver that can target a specific usb device and alter the keycodes on the fly
3. Target the keypad device and map keycodes to some unused codes
4. Use autohotkeys to do cool things with the new keycodes (assuming it sees the new keycodes, not the old ones).
5. ??
6. Profit!

Is this feasable?

[FrostyToast]

This might help you out.
You just plug your keypad into this and then plug the converter into your PC and it will replace whatever keys you want with whatever macros you want.

[zombiegristle]

Well, that's a nifty little piece of cable.

[QuincyJones]

the converter price is criminal compared to how much you can buy them for from china  - $0.1-1.25 / Piece

[zombiegristle]

Do those ones also have the programmable controller inside the cable?

[Bucake]

not that orihalcon's cables are cheap, but i very much doubt that those chinese ones have similar hardware inside. they're likely just passive adapters.

[QuincyJones]

not that orihalcon's cables are cheap, but i very much doubt that those chinese ones have similar hardware inside. they're likely just passive adapters.

Welcome to Chinese prices! And yes, they include all the reprogrammable stuff. Where do you think that lead came from in the first place?

[ddot]

I remember a similar thread from several years ago.  HID macros is a Windows based program that could intercept keycodes and assign macros.  Not quite as elegant as a programmable cable, but the price is right.  See my old post here:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35588.msg666122#msg666122

[QuincyJones]

I remember a similar thread from several years ago.  HID macros is a Windows based program that could intercept keycodes and assign macros.  Not quite as elegant as a programmable cable, but the price is right.  See my old post here:

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=35588.msg666122#msg666122

Interesting - thanks! I came across this along the same vein - https://autohotkey.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=7545
It seems crazy to have to buy a cable to reprogram a functioning keyboard! (And I'm too frugal!)

[QuincyJones]

Has anyone hacked together something as simple as a few of these together:

 www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4x4-Matrix-Keypad-Keyboard-module-For-Arduino-atmel-Stmap-S1-2-16-Botton-mcu-/141743413701

I'd imagine the combining of the matrices would be a pita, and finding keycaps awkward, but a quick dirty custom solution with plenty of possibilities?