Using the Keyboard in a Simulator

The Keyboard extension can be used when a more typical control device, such as a game pad, is unavailable.

Introduction

The Keyboard extension can be used when a more typical control device, such as a game pad, is unavailable.

The Keyboard extension can be particularly useful in Control Presets. The extension exposes boolean outputs for most of the keys on a standard US English keyboard.

Not to be confused with the Keyboard module and the Windows Keyboard extension.

See: Using the Windows Keyboard Module in a Simulator


How to use the Keyboard extension

Add the extension to your setup document

Select it from the Input Devices category in the Toolbox.

The extension must be added to a node with a Graphics Module (to receive the keyboard events from the window). It will only respond to key presses when the 3D window has the focus. This avoids conflict with keyboard entry meant for the runtime user interface.


Use it in the same way as any other device in a Control Preset

Refer to documentation on The Control Presets Tab for details.


Make sure that you clicked at least once with the mouse in the 3D window before using the keyboard. The 3D window must have the focus to be able to send key clicks to the Keyboard extension.