Frequently Asked Questions

General

How do they connect to the computer?

To the keyboard port. We provide you with a small external controller, which plugs in between the keyboard and the computer itself. The pedals are connected to this box.

How much memory does the TSR (DLL) program take?

In keyboard emulation, none. There is no TSR (DLL) program at all. The job is done by an external controller, which plugs in between the keyboard and the computer itself. If the mouse click emulation is desired the MTRAP.EXE Windows driver should be loaded. (Click for more details.)

How can I reassign the pedals without TSR?

You would have to run menu-driven Bilbo pedal reassignment software (included in the package) and quit this program after this is done. Nothing stays resident in the computer memory; the information is stored in the external controller.

Shall I run Bilbo pedal reassignment software every time after I shut down the computer?

No. The pedal assignment is stored in the external controller even when the power is off.

Does the controller require batteries or power hook up?

No. It is fed by connecting wires, through the keyboard port.

Compatibility

What are minimal system requirements?

PC/AT compatible (286 and up). No RAM or hard drive restrictions.

Does it work with Windows 3.1?

Yes.

Does it work with Windows 95?

Yes.

Does it work with OS/2? [UNIX, WindowsNT, NeXT Step, etc.]

Yes. However, to reprogram the pedals you would have to run the Bilbo pedal reassignment software under DOS or Windows. You may return to OS/2 after this is done.

Does it work with Mac?

No. (However, a Mac-to-PC converter can be employed.)

Does it work with PS/2?

Yes. Two AT-to-PS/2 adaptors (included with the kit) would be required. However, since PS/2s use slightly different keyboard protocol programming certain complex key sequences (like, say, Ctrl + grey Home) on PS/2 may fail. (Details)

Does it work with XT?

No.

Does it work with laptops and notebooks?

Yes, with the most of them, that have sockets for full-size external keyboards. One would need the external keyboard or another desktop computer to reprogram the pedals. However, once programmed the pedals could be used either with the external or notebook's own keyboard. PS/2-to- AT adaptors (included with the kit) may be needed to connect the device. (Details)

Does it simulate mouse clicks?

Yes. However, unlike the keystrokes, that can be emulated with ANY operating system with no software involved, the mouse emulation is possible only under MS - Windows (both 3.1 and 95) and requires MTRAP.EXE, a TSR-like program running. (Details)

Which keys apart from Ctrl-Alt-Shift does it emulate?

Any three. You choose. The pedals are fully reprogrammable.

May I enter a macro in a single pedal stroke?

Yes.

How long a macro may I enter?

About 13 characters. More precisely, you have 40 characters altogether per 3 pedals.

May I use more than 3 pedals?

No. Unless you purchase 2 units and plug them one into another, in a daisy-chain manner. However, this may not work with certain computers or keyboards. If it works, you have to preprogram them individually, before stacking together.

May I use less than 3 pedals?

Yes. Just do not plug unwanted pedals to the controller.

May I buy less than 3 pedals?

Normally, not. We sell a fixed set of three. Special large volume orders of 2-, 1- or zero - pedal sets should be negotiated with the manufacturer.

Is it compatible with [particular software application]?

Yes.

Does it work with reprogrammable keyboards (Gateway 2000, etc.)?

Yes, provided the keyboard adheres to the AT protocol. (E.g.,Gateway 2000 does.)

Which keyboard connector does it work with: large AT-style 5-pin or miniature PS/2-style 6-pin?

Both. The Bilbo controller has built-in large AT-style 5-pin connectors. Two AT-to-PS/2 adaptors are included with the kit to facilitate connection with computers equipped with miniature PS/2-style 6-pin connector.

Can the new pedal assignment be entered by a command line, as a set of parameters, instead of calling menu-driven Bilbo reassignment software?

Not at the moment. The software that will let you do so is in the works. It will be able to work with present hardware.

Computer Games

Will it work with [particular PC-game]?

Yes.

Can I use the pedals to simulate gas or rudder pedals?

No. STEP-ON-IT! Keyboard Control Pedals are digital. They toggle "on" or "off". Thus they can take over frequently used keystrokes for "decisive" ON- OFF functions such as: launching missiles, opening doors, switching weapons, adjusting shields, changing the screen views, etc. Digital controls are not used for emulating "variable" functions such as the gas pedal of a racing car. This can only be done by analog (linear) systems.

Will it work with a joystick? Yoke?

Yes. With any joystick or yoke on the market.

Do I need a game controller? Game port?

Not necessarily. You may get along without a game controller. The pedals connect to the keyboard port.

Are pedals "typeamatic"? I.e., if I hold down the "a" key will it type "aaaaaa" until the "a" key is released?

Yes. The pedals are typeamatic. Certain minor restrictions apply (macros and mouse clicks are not repeated, etc.) To adjust initial delay and repetition rate, or disable repetition, use "Advanced" option in Bilbo Pedal Assignment Software.

What can the pedals do for me in a gaming environment?

STEP-ON-IT! controls can speed up the operations, with less hand switching required back and forth from the joystick or yoke to the keyboard.

Assistive technology for the disabled

Do the pedals replace the keyboard?

No. They supplement it with there extra keys, on the floor.

Do the pedals provide Morse code access?

If used alone - no. They can be used in conjunction with any Morse code software which uses keystrokes for entry. Just assign those keystrokes to the pedals.

Do they provide scanning?

If used alone - no. They can be used in conjunction with any scanning or "on screen keyboard" software which uses keystrokes for entry. Just assign those keystrokes to the pedals.

What categories of disabled users will benefit from the pedals?

Persons with limited hand abilities, who can use conventional keyboard, but who might have problems holding down the Shift key, or who cannot stretch fingers or twist wrists to reach for particular Ctrl + key or Alt + key combinations. The pedals will help one-hand typists, persons who type with few fingers on each or both hands, amputees, and victims of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

Will the blind benefit from the pedals?

Yes. By moving Ctrl, Alt and Shift to the floor the pedals help blind touch typists to stay within the A-Z part of the keyboard.

Could the pedals be used with voice recognition systems?

Yes. (Details)

Do the pedals prevent Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Bilbo Innovations hopes its "STEP ON IT!" Keyboard Control Pedals will help to offset Repetitive Strain Injury, although there have as yet been no clinical or other trials undertaken to verify this. Victims of RSI or a similar syndrome should consult their doctors. "STEP ON IT!" Keyboard Control Pedals are just a supplementary electronic computer input device, not a medical device or healing aid. Nobody knows for sure what causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified bent and twisted wrist positions as a cause. "STEP ON IT!" Keyboard Control Pedals help to avoid such awkward positions.

Do the pedals cure Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Bilbo Innovations hopes its "STEP ON IT!" Keyboard Control Pedals will help to offset Repetitive Strain Injury, although there have as yet been no clinical or other trials undertaken to verify this. Victims of RSI or a similar syndrome should consult their doctors. "STEP ON IT!" Keyboard Control Pedals are just a supplementary electronic computer input device, not a medical device or healing aid. Some victims of RSI complain that holding down the Shift key is especially painful, they try to avoid capitals. Even if the pedals do not completely heal the syndrome they might offer some relief from pain.

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