Overview

X-KeyPad is a plugin designed to work with X-Plane 10 and 11 that allows you to set any writable numeric simulator variable to a value that you enter using a keypad or other numeric input device. This dramatically reduces the need to use a mouse in the 3D cockpit to set avionics items like COM and NAV frequencies, Transponder Codes, Altimeter Settings, and numerous autopilot values.

X-KeyPad can be used with simple input devices like a keyboard with a number pad or can be used in conjunction with configurable keyboards or other game controllers to create a highly functional, relatively low cost cockpit.

X-Keys Devices

In addition to its ability to capture numeric input and set simulator variables it also supports controlling the back lighting on PI Engineering X-Keys devices.

The use of X-Keys devices is totally optional with X-KeyPad. However, these devices are uniquely suited for augmenting your simulator environment.

  • X-Keys come in various form factors with a varying number of keys
  • The keys can be configured to act as a game controller button or emulate a keyboard key stroke
  • Each key has a removable clear plastic key cap so it is very easy to add custom key legends
  • Each key has a red and blue back light led that can be set to be on, off, or flashing
  • When used with X-KeyPad the back lighting of each individual key can be controlled by the state of simulator variables or through LUA scripts allowing you to easily emulate an autopilot, GPS, audio panel, as well as other aircraft systems that require push buttons with illuminated indicators
  • X-KeyPad also supports different configurations based on the loaded aircraft. This allows the configuration to adapt to custom aircraft models where different simulator variables might be needed for the desired functions

Other Potential Devices

Numerous other input devices could be used with X-KeyPad and a numeric keypad. Although some of these devices do not have back lighting they often have keys that can have custom legends. The Cherry POS keyboards are just one example.

Demo Video

The following video will demonstrate an X-KeyPad configuration using an XK-60 for use with a G1000 equipped aircraft. It is long but it will give you a thorough overview of X-KeyPad’s capabilities and that of a typical X-Key device.

Development State

X-KeyPad is ready for a private beta test. We are looking for volunteers who will actively help us test this new product. Ideal candidates for the beta test would be people who have one or more qualifications.

  • Own or plan to buy an X-Key device
  • Own or plan to buy another another input device that supports changing the legends on the keys or buttons
  • Plan to use X-KeyPad with just a keyboard
  • Have familiarity with X-Plane commands and  datarefs
  • Have a real need for X-KeyPads unique capabilities

If you are interested please contact us here and lets us know what device(s) you plan to use and what you hope to accomplish. We will get back to you by return email with a download link to the beta version as well as a free license key which you will be able to use for the life of version 1 of X-KeyPad.

We have also created a thread on X-Plane.org where you can share your thoughts and feedback and interact with other beta testers.

https://forums.x-plane.org/index.php?/forums/topic/154901-need-beta-testers-for-x-keypad/

Pricing

X-KeyPad will ultimately be released with a pricing model similar to X-Camera. The current thinking is the free version will allow you to configure 10 settable datarefs and control the led back lighting for keys 0 – 23 of an X-Key device. The registered version will expand that to 50 settable datarefs and the ability to program led back lighting for keys 0 – 127 of an X-Key device.

Although the final price for the registered version has yet to be determined it will likely be $10.00 or less with a significant discount for the initial launch.