If remap backspace to left ctrl in my Kinesis Advantage2 keyboard, the key does not repeat when I hold it down.

[cirosantilli]

Model> Advantage2
Firmware> 1.0.431.us (4MB), 11/14/2017
Active layout file> qwerty.txt
Thumb keys mode> none
Macro play speed> off=0, slow=1, normal=3, fast=9> 3
Status report play speed> off=0, slow=1, normal=3, fast=4> 3
Keyclick status> off
Toggle tone status> off
Stored macros> 1
Keys remapped> 13

A related remap repeat problem is mentioned at http://mykeyboard.co.uk/kinesis/ although there is says that the repeat rate becomes very slow, but I don't see a repeat at all.

[cirosantilli]

Reply:

The only way I can think of that would allow a key not to repeat is if it playing a macro. So the problem may be that you used a macro to “remap” the backspace to LCtrl? Macros on the Advantage2 don’t repeat, but remapped keys do.

I just tested this on my Advantage2 and I do get Backspace repeating when remapped to LCtrl. On the other hand, macros can’t be assigned to modifier keys, so I also can’t directly program LCtrl to play the macro “Backspace.” There is a minor bug in the firmware to get this to “work” temporarily (until rebooting or replugging the keyboard), so perhaps this is what happened: remap Lctrl to backspace (key will repeat if held), the program a macro to Lctrl that place Backspace (key won’t repeat if held). Once the kbd is replugged or the computer is rebooted, the macro disappears (because it was never really “allowed” by the firmware), and you end up with LCtrl having a regular remap of Backspace that will repeat if held.

I see in your post that your status report shows 13 remaps and one macro, so hopefully Backspace-to-LCtrl is the macro.

If replugging the keyboard doesn’t solve the problem, see if deleting a macro works:

Progm-F11, LEDs flashing fast Tap LCtrl (it shouldn’t slow the lights because it isn’t allowed to trigger a macro all by itself) Tap Progm to exit from macro programming mode. You can test the key action at this online keyboard tester: http://www.keyboardtester.com/tester.html

You could also download the Advantage2 SmartSet App to graphically view the layout. Just be sure to follow the instructions, especially always “ejecting” the drive after saving any changes and closing any open files on the v-drive: https://www.kinesis-ergo.com/advantage2-smartset-app/.

Let us know if this solves the problem. If not, please play the “status report” into your reply email, and send a copy of your layout file from the v-drive. Let me know if you need help accessing the layout files.

[TheFutureIsVoluntary]

Thanks. This helped me with a similar issue where I thought I had keys remapped to mute and volume up/down for Mac properly, but they wouldn't repeat.

In my active/qwerty.txt file on the Kinesis Advantage2 v-Drive, I had: {pause}>{vol+} {scroll}>{vol-} {prtscr}>{mute}

And I have now switched to: [pause]>[vol+] [scroll]>[vol-] [prtscr]>[mute]

And now these keys repeat as desired.

[cirosantilli]

Great to hear that Google reaches this part of the Internet!!!