Key Strike Gamecontroller, Keyboard Encoder and Arduino Interface for MAME Bartop Arcade Gaming

Today I show you the ArcadeForge Key Strike HID Device process.

Connect the Key Strike Device to a Win7 PC and it shows up as device on your computer.

See the Device ArcadeForge Key Strike

Key Strike has several devices:

- Keyboard Encoder
- Gamecontroller Device
-Arduino Interface (Drivers needed)

Here`s the control panel for the Game Controller Device. Keyboard works immediately out of the box. Open a Editor and short the screw terminal labeled "Coin" and the number "5" appears in your editor. MAME Setup can start ;)

Key Strike Manager Software

Hey,

 it`s time to make a short tutorial for programming the Key Strike.

The Key Strike is a programmable keyboard and gamepad. It was developed as an input device for emulators (especially MAME) in bartop or dedicated arcade cabinet reproductions, but it is useful for all purposes, where keyboard or gamepad signals are needed. 

It`s available at various resellers ( ie. www.arcadeshop.de) and our shop http://www.arcadeforge.de

The software Key Strike Manager can be downloaded at our project page  http://strike-devices.net

Extract the package KeyStrike_Software.exe and follow the readme instructions.

Finally after short internet check of current version one sees this application. 

File dialogue gives the normal operation like loading and saving setting files. A setting file contains the current keyboard mapping file for the key strike devices. They can be saved and loaded to be shared with other key strike devices. 

Help Dialogue contains some help and language selection. 

Key Strike Devices can be renamed. So your key strike can be be named in your device page.

The first checkbox enables or disables the alternative mapping. Imagine you want to go back in your MAME emulation game selection screen by pressing ESC or make something else useful. Press button SELECT plus the button for the desired alternative key. Example : Press button SELECT and button 2 will activate ESC key. The whole key mapping can be assigned just as you wish. 

The TAB page shows 1 Player , 2 Player and Remove Player tab. 

Key Strike 1 Player Version can be configured with the TAB Player 1. Key Strike 2 Player version with both tabs: Player 1 and Player 2. 

The Key Strike can be used as gamepad as well. Just enable the check box for "use as gamepad". 

The normal use for the Key Strike is as keyboard encoder. Each key can be configured. Ie:

Click "Button 1".

A virtual keyboard opens a your wanted key for button 1 can be selected with one mouse click. Of course the configuring can be done by simple key presses, too. 

The default mapping is a standard MAME layout. Configure your needs for the primary and  alternative mappings. 

The mapping can be saved in Keystrike setting files and reused on other devices. Defaults can be enabled again with a simple click. 

So, have fun with the key strike and this neat piece of software. 

Key Strike Manager - Software for Configuring Keyboard Encoder

Here`s is quick snapshot of the development of the new Key Strike Manager ;)

Key Strike 2 Player PCB

Key Strike - more pics

Just some more pics of the new Arcade Forge Keyboard Encoder for MAME

Key Strike is coming to town....

Hey,

 the new keyboard encoder Key Strike in slim design for Arcade Bartop and other units is coming.

It`s fully  Arduino compliant device and can be used for your Arduino scetches as well. Primary advantage is the screw terminals instead of the headers. We`ve foreseen the Arduino status led.

Then it`s a fully programmable Keyboard Encoder with

- Supports 15 inputs
- Standard default MAME Button Layout.
- Most common USB B Type connector 
- Programmable keyboard layouts. Custom Keyboard Layouts will be stored and available after reset. (will be released later)
- HID Keyboard
- Screw Terminals for all signals
- 5V and two GND screw terminals
- ISP header
- 4 Screw holes for mounting the PCB
- Arduino compliant
- hardware based USB framework
- Slim Design

The 2 Player version will come in short time.