Macro Keyboards

[Duck & Jenny]

Now that I'm back in Open, and also participating in some casual PvP, it sure would be nice if I could have some preprogrammed text messages I could send to other players. Things like, "Enemy of Arissa Duval, prepare to die!" and "Okay, I'll let you live.. Now get out of here before I change my mind!" Typing stuff like this, even on a real keyboard, is a bit "distracting" while flying.

PC gamers can program in macros, but AFAIK the Sony OS doesn't have any equivalent to this. So it got me wondering, are there actual keyboards that allow text (sequential key presses) to be programmed to specific function keys? In other words, hardware-based macros!

I used to be a microcontroller programmer, so I've entertained the idea of making my own macro generator using an Arduino, but right now I'm looking for a more 'lazy' solution.

 

[the100thmonkey]

If the peripheral allows you to store the macro on device memory, it should be possible.

Logitech G peripherals have this functionality, but I haven't tried any of them with my PS4.

 

[Snowymonk]

I have said the same in the suggestions thread before.
One of the big limiting factors of console play is the ability to communicate quickly / easily with other players
Other games have tackled this issue with a series of pre-canned 'quick' responses. Putting the same within Elite would vastly improve comms.

Even the o7 greeting isn't the quickest due to the location on the virtual pop-up keyboard and whilst you are entering a message, conversations move on and your input can come across as disconnected or jumbled. Therefore, slow(er) typers become discouraged from engaging in chat and the galaxy tends towards silence.

If Space-legs was ever to be introduced, some form of quickchat would become almost mandatory, I don't see why they don't try to implement something now / soon and allow it to bed in. This could allow for a couple of iterations to improve it before it is needed in anger.

 

[Duck & Jenny]

If the peripheral allows you to store the macro on device memory, it should be possible.

Logitech G peripherals have this functionality, but I haven't tried any of them with my PS4.

Do you need a PC to program these devices (assuming device is a keyboard of some sort), or is it all handled on hardware side?

I'll be doing a bit of research of my own, but figured I would ask here just in case. If I find something, I'll answer my own question for the benefit of all.

 

[GraphiteGB]

Do you need a PC to program these devices (assuming device is a keyboard of some sort), or is it all handled on hardware side?

I'll be doing a bit of research of my own, but figured I would ask here just in case. If I find something, I'll answer my own question for the benefit of all.

Macro Keyboards change Via hardware build, Some have Hardware memory, others require OS support...
OS supported use software to store the macro keys combo so will not work on Console...
Hardware memory supporting Keyboards allow for any USB supported device to work with combos...
The " Relog" combo for example and don't require a PC at all... Controllers also have been released with on board macro's memory as well..
You have to research each build model just because one build supports on board memory is not global standing from that manufacturer...
The key board has to support Bios PC boot mode and lower than 125hz polling rate or they will fail to even allow typing or cursor key, yet alone Macro commands

 

[Duck & Jenny]

While not as easy as a prebuilt keyboard, building my own "message sender" will be a lot easier with something like this:

Amazon.com: KEYESTUDIO Leonardo R3 Board with USB Cable for Arduino Projects: Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: KEYESTUDIO Leonardo R3 Board with USB Cable for Arduino Projects: Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

This version of Arduino has the hardware (and I suspect the libraries) to mimic a keyboard and mouse, so I'd just have to program it and wire up a keypad to trigger a dozen or so pre-scripted messages. The price is definitely right, but it's not exactly plug-n-play. Still...

 

[Herdygerdy]

If you use underscores instead of spaces does the PS4 dictionary store phrases as a single word? I'm sure I've received messages sent like this in elite.

 

[Lngjohnsilver1]

Now that I'm back in Open, and also participating in some casual PvP, it sure would be nice if I could have some preprogrammed text messages I could send to other players. Things like, "Enemy of Arissa Duval, prepare to die!" and "Okay, I'll let you live.. Now get out of here before I change my mind!" Typing stuff like this, even on a real keyboard, is a bit "distracting" while flying.

PC gamers can program in macros, but AFAIK the Sony OS doesn't have any equivalent to this. So it got me wondering, are there actual keyboards that allow text (sequential key presses) to be programmed to specific function keys? In other words, hardware-based macros!

I used to be a microcontroller programmer, so I've entertained the idea of making my own macro generator using an Arduino, but right now I'm looking for a more 'lazy' solution.

Dude, it is sounding more and more over the last year that your Elite life issues would be more easily solved by buying a PC.

 

[Yaffle]

You should add:

"You fight like a dairy farmer"

etc. etc.

 

[Duck & Jenny]

If you use underscores instead of spaces does the PS4 dictionary store phrases as a single word? I'm sure I've received messages sent like this in elite.

What is this "PS4 Dictionary" that you speak of?

 

[Herdygerdy]

You can add terms to the PS4 Dictionary (predictive text). Then when you start to type the term can be pre selected from the suggestions. I've just managed to set a couple up and have my PS4 suggest them back to me when I start to type.

It's explained how you can set up preselected terms here:

Entering characters | PlayStation®4 User's Guide

PlayStation®4 Official User's Guide. Explains how to use the PS4™ system.

manuals.playstation.net

Not fast granted. But might be a solution for now?

(Forget the underscores bit)

 

[Syloom08]

Using the ps4 app I can set up txt macro on my phone and just type m1 and it'll input (prepare for interdiction cmdr follow all commands and you won't be fired upon) takes a bit to set up but definitely worth it

 

[Duck & Jenny]

Using the ps4 app I can set up txt macro on my phone and just type m1 and it'll input (prepare for interdiction cmdr follow all commands and you won't be fired upon) takes a bit to set up but definitely worth it

Interesting... Does this app connect to PS4 directly via BlueTooth / WiFi? I used an app some time ago to access my PS4 messages from my iPad, but I had no idea it could act as a keyboard for in-game comms.

 

[Syloom08]

It's the same app it's been a while but I think it's the second screen feature that makes it function as a keyboard when there's a text input on screen