PS/2 model The Savant PS/2 model works with all versions of Windows (e.g. Windows 95/98/ME/2000/XP), and with virtually any system having a PS/2 keyboard port. No software is required to operate or program this foot switch for normal keyboard actions (mouse click actions do require software-see below). It plugs into the keyboard port while your keyboard plugs into a second connector on the foot switch's cable.
USB model
The Savant USB model is great for performing mouse clicks on newer Macintosh system (see mouse click section and Macintosh limitations*, below) and also includes programming drivers supporting Windows 98/ME/2000/XP. Once programmed, the USB foot switch will work on even non-Mac, non-Windows USB platforms like Linux and Sun Microsystems. NOTE: For Macintosh systems, the Savant cannot be programmed in Mac OS X. The foot switch must be programmed in a version of Mac OS 9 (which comes installed on your system) . Once programmed, the foot switch is fully operational with Mac OS X platforms.
Mouse clicks
A common application for the Savant foot switch is to perform one or more types of mouse click to relieve strain on the hand and fingers. There are several ways to accomplish this with a Savant foot switch.
Windows 95/98/ME using Clikware™ Software
ClikWare™ is provided with each Savant foot switch and can be used with Windows 95/98/ME, though only Windows 98 and Windows ME support the USB footswitch. ClikWare™ captures special codes that can be programmed into the foot switch and converts them to mouse click actions (left, right, middle, or double click).
Windows 2000/XP, Macintosh, and Linux using Mousekeys (Accessibility options)
If you don't need frequent access to the numeric keypad, the "Accessibility Options" which are available with virtually every operating system can convert the numeric keypad to a pointing device. For example, when Mousekeys is activated, the keypad "5" key becomes a normal left mouse click which can be remapped to the foot switch. The "Numlock" key can be used to turn Mousekeys off for occasional access to the numeric keypad functions.
Windows 2000/XP using Savant USB foot switch
For Windows 2000 and Windows XP, the USB foot switch has built in features which allow it to be programmed to perform mouse click actions. Neither ClikWare nor other special mouse click software is required.
Multiple foot switches possible
Want flexibility? With the PS/2 version, you can chain together up to three units. With the USB version, you can use three units with available USB ports. Also, if you have any Kinesis contoured keyboard, you can combine this foot switch with a single or dual foot switch.
Stand-alone use
Once it is programmed, you don't even need a keyboard any more if your computer application can get by with just three keys (or six, or nine?if you daisy chain multiple foot switches). Plug in the Programmable Foot Switch and your computer will boot up as if a complete keyboard is attached.
Macros
Any keystroke or sequence of keystrokes (macros containing up to 900 keystrokes) from your PC keyboard can be stored in a single pedal. Once the memory pool of 900 keystrokes is used up, the remaining two pedals each have 3 key actions reserved.
Memory locking
The programming operation utilizes a hidden switch to activate programming mode, reducing the opportunity for accidental or unauthorized programming.
Default actions
Factory default actions are "Ctrl", "Alt", and "Shift".
Connectors
The PS/2 version of the Programmable Foot Switch attaches easily to any PC-compatible computer or to a Kinesis' Mac or Sun interface box with standard a PS/2 connector. Your regular PC keyboard (or another Programmable Foot Switch) attaches to a second connector on the end of the foot switch main cable. The USB version connects to any available USB port (see USB compatibility note below*). No power supply is required.
Compatibility
ClikWare™ software
ClikWare™ only operates under Windows 95/98/ME. However, there are two other ways to use the Savant foot switch for mouse clicks. See "Mouse clicks" above.
Limitations with newer Macintosh systems
Macintosh USB input devices cannot modify each other due to a design "feature" of the Apple operating system. Therefore modifier keys programmed to the foot switch will not modify your keyboard. Practical applications are limited to letter or action keys (e.g. Enter) or mouse clicks (using Accessiblity Options provided with the Apple OS).
Kinesis Contoured keyboards
A Savant foot switch CANNOT create a "keypad shift" action to activate the embedded keypad on your contoured keyboard. If you want this action, you should get a dual action foot switch as your first foot entry device, then add a programmable foot switch if you want even more work for your feet. Also, you cannot trigger keyboard macros with a Savant foot switch like you can with a single or dual action footswitch because the Savant talks to the computer, not to the keyboard. Finally, if you use KeyWare with a programmable contoured keyboard, you cannot upload and download to the keyboard when the Savant PS/2 foot switch is connected between the keyboard and the computer.
Sun Microsystems workstations
With the Interface II for Sun, you can use the programmable footswitch only if you are using a PS/2 keyboard. You cannot plug both a Sun keyboard and the footswitch into the interface device at the same time (the Sun keyboard will be temporarily disabled). Also, the PS/2 keyboard is required to re-program the foot switch.
Specifications
? Dimensions: 7.5" wide, 5.5" deep, 1.75" high
? Cable length: PS/2 = 9.5' & USB = 7'
Warranty
? Sixty day money-back guarantee (excluding shipping charges).
? One year limited warranty on parts and labor. Details available on request.
Order Information
For PC and most other PS/2 systems, includes ClikWare™ software.
For Sun Microsystems workstations, you will also need the Interface II for Sun, AC015PS
RESOURCES
Research study on the effectiveness of Kinesis' line of Contoutred keyboards.
