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3rd Party Keypad
Kenny
Posts: 209
I am looking for a wall keypad that isn't made by AMX.
Prefer to have custom lettering/symbols on the buttons either something I can change or put on by the mfg.
I would like it to look similar to the Metreau series but could settle for the look of the Novara.
It can either out put al serial protocol or just a matrix output for each column and row.
This is for several custom rooms and they may not have an AMX system in them, other wise I would just use the AMX keypads.
I know some of the Resi guys have done this for picky clients.
Thx
Kenny
Prefer to have custom lettering/symbols on the buttons either something I can change or put on by the mfg.
I would like it to look similar to the Metreau series but could settle for the look of the Novara.
It can either out put al serial protocol or just a matrix output for each column and row.
This is for several custom rooms and they may not have an AMX system in them, other wise I would just use the AMX keypads.
I know some of the Resi guys have done this for picky clients.
Thx
Kenny
0
Comments
They can output any IR code by themselves, or run them all back to one or more RTI processors and make your own RS232 protocol. If the room has AMX, just run the output into an IR input and use AMX codes. No AMX, program the IR codes for the devices in the room.
RK1-2,4,8 keypads.
Kevin D.
http://www.rticorp.com/products/rk1.html
Retail from $250 (per some pretty old links)
Great stuff.
PM if you want to discuss.
Basic DPWE range £200-280
Revolution 2 series offers limitless finish options and adding buttons involves only changing the bezel - common circuit below with all 8 buttons positions and LED's available, different size buttons - 1,2 or3 heights etc etc
US prices may vary. AMX Australia wrote the Amx module for Dynet Comms.
Yes but how are these keypads talking to anything if not through amx? Only IR learning KPs can directly control assorted non AMX gear with out some sort of processor but all the keypads suggested are serial communicating types which necessitates using an AMX processor or similar so what's the point in using non AMX keypads if matching existing styles isn't the goal.
We have another custom made in house option that we may try to sell them. Our hopes are that if they buy our made in house option that they will bump up to the AMX once they use it for a while.
That is why I didn't want to use AMX keypads.
The ideal solution would for this keypad to output rs232 or 485 and be able to set what the protocol is in the keypad.
I could also use a keypad that has the buttons wired in a matrix fashion so that I could take 8 inputs and detect 16 buttons.
I like the look of the Dynalite. If the RTI output something other than IR then it would be good too. I wasn't looking to add a bunch of RTI products, I might as well make the whole system RTI.
Thanks for everyones input.
What do you intend to use to receive the serial strings from the KPs, global cache, hai? An NI-700 in pretty cheap and add a couple of Siteplayer 232/IP converters for $80.00 (cost) each for extra serial port needed.
The output is IR, IO, 232. We are still in development phase right now.
It is very simple to program. I don't see this as competing with the established control companies but is something for the user that just wants to control a simple system like a proj, screen and simple dvd controls.
Extron have been doing something like this for years, I can't vouch for how or even if it works, but when I first saw it it did peak my interest for a solution where there was just a proj, amp & 1 or 2 sources.
http://www.extron.com/product/listbytype.aspx?subtype=26
The Extron controllers' programming environment is more limited than the programming environment for Novara control pads (CP-1000 or 3000), but there also seem to be fewer bugs and gotchas in the configuration software. In general they seem to work pretty much as advertised first time around which is more than I can say for my experience with the Novara control pads.
The area is one that Extron is placing some emphasis on, and they seem to have a roadmap for where they're going with the configuration software.
From memory there are a few severe limitations on the lower end keypads such as some buttons being dedicated to power on and power off - you can retask them, but can't make them into a toggling power on/off button for example. These limitations are something to be aware of, but can be factored into the design if you know what they are from the outset.
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There are lots of other competing products in our local market, most of which are pretty trashy. A key reason to reinvent the wheel would be being able to offer nice architectural finishes (via a Dynalite keypad), have more powerful scripting capabilities, be able to respond to real feedback from a device, and have programmable feedback on the keypad.