Keyboard Mode

PosiTector Advanced instruments feature USB Keyboard mode (S/N 784000+). PosiTector Advanced instruments (S/N 864000+) and PosiTest AT-A (S/N 18624) feature Bluetooth Keyboard modes for sending measurements to a computer or smart device as they are taken.

Both modes communicate with your computer by emulating keyboard keystrokes. When connected in a keyboard mode,nstruments will be recognized as a simple USB or Bluetooth keyboard. Each reading is 'typed', followed by a carriage return (enter). This provides a simple way to capture readings as they are taken without any special software, drivers, or complex setup.  Users can decide between the simplicity of the wired USB Keyboard mode and freedom of Bluetooth wireless connection.

These modes are ideal for use with your own quality control reports or pre-formatted spreadsheets. They can also be used to interface with Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) used for industrial automation.

Image showing keyboard streaming. The reading on the gage screen matches the most recent on the Excel document behind it.
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USB Keyboard Mode

To enable USB Keyboard mode:

  1. Select Keyboard from within the Connect -> USB menu. If Keyboard is missing from menu, update your gage.
  2. Select OK.

Note: The gage will restart and all other USB modes, such as USB Drive, will be disabled. Stored readings and settings are retained.

2 Screenshots from the PosiTector gage body. The first is in the 'USB' menu with the 'Keyboard' option selected and unchecked. The other screen states that the "Gage will be restarted" with the 'OK' option selected.

Once restarted, the PosiTector will be recognized as a USB keyboard device when connected to a computer. This mode is compatible with any software that accepts keystrokes.  

When a reading is taken, the numeric thickness value will be transferred followed by a carriage return (enter).

        Format: Thickness <cr>

Note: Only the numeric thickness reading is transferred. The measurement unit (mils/microns/mm) is not transferred. 

USB Keyboard Example:

  1. Open a spreadsheet or text editor application.
  2. Place your cursor within a cell or text area.
  3. Take a few readings with your USB connected PosiTector 6000 Advanced. Each reading automatically populates followed by a carriage return (enter).
Image of two screenshots of an Excel document. One screenshot is a blank document while the other has multiple readings listed in a columns, showing how the PosiTector gage body can be used as a keyboard

Note: Any readings stored into the gage's memory while in USB Keyboard mode will not accessible for download to computer until USB Drive has been re-enabled with the Connect -> USB menu.

To disable USB Keyboard mode:

  1. Select Keyboard from within the gage's Connect -> USB menu.
  2. Select OK.

Note: The gage will restart. All other USB modes such as USB Drive will remain disabled. They can be re-enabled within the Connect -> USB menu.

2 Screenshots from the PosiTector gage body. The first is in the 'USB' menu with the 'Keyboard' option selected and checked. The other screen states that the "Gage will be restarted" with the 'OK' option selected.

Bluetooth Keyboard Mode

Bluetooth Keyboard mode enables PosiTector Advanced instruments (gage body serial numbers 864000 and greater) to emulate a Bluetooth wireless keyboard when connected to a computer or mobile device. When connected, the PosiTector will be recognized as a simple Bluetooth keyboard and communicate measurements by emulating keystrokes.

To enable Bluetooth Keyboard mode:

  1. Select Keyboard from within the Connect -> Bluetooth Smart menu.
  2. Select OK.

Note: The gage will restart and all other Bluetooth connections will be disabled. Stored readings and settings are retained.

2 Screenshots from the PosiTector gage body. The first is in the 'Bluetooth Smart' menu with the 'Keyboard' option selected and unchecked. The other screen states that the "Gage will be restarted" with the 'OK' option selected.

Once restarted, the PosiTector will be recognized as a Bluetooth keyboard device when connected to a computer. This mode is compatible with any software that accepts keystrokes. Bluetooth pairing must be initiated via the computer's connection menu. When a reading is taken, the numeric reading value will be transferred followed by a carriage return (enter).

        Format: Thickness <cr>

Note: Only the numeric thickness reading is transferred. The measurement unit (mils/microns/mm) is not transferred. 

Bluetooth Keyboard Example:

  1. Open a spreadsheet or text editor application.
  2. Place your cursor within a cell or text area.
  3. Take a few readings with your BLE connected PosiTector Advanced. Each reading automatically populates followed by a carriage return (enter).
Image of two screenshots of an Excel document. One screenshot is a blank document while the other has multiple readings listed in a columns, showing how the PosiTector gage body can be used as a keyboard

To disable Bluetooth Keyboard mode:

  1. Select Keyboard from within the Connect -> Bluetooth Smart menu.
  2. Select OK.

Note: The gage will restart and all other Bluetooth connections will remain disabled. They can be re-enabled within the Connect -> Bluetooth Smart menu.

2 Screenshots from the PosiTector gage body. The first is in the 'Bluetooth Smart' menu with the 'Keyboard' option selected and checked. The other screen states that the "Gage will be restarted" with the 'OK' option selected.

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Connecting the PosiTector Advanced to a Computer via Bluetooth

To connect a PosiTector Advanced gage body to a computer (the below example is for Windows 10) simply follow the following steps.

Select "Add Bluetooth or other device" from the settings menu in Windows 10.

Screenshot of PC showing "Add Bluetooth or other device" settings option

Select "Bluetooth" in the "Add a device" menu.

Screenshot from a PC 'Add a device' settings with Bluetooth highlighted

Select "PosiTector" to establish the Bluetooth connection.

Screenshot from a PC showing the PosiTector listed as a device to be added

Once successfully connected, the below screen should appear. Your computer and PosiTector Advanced gage body are successfully connected.

Screenshot of settings panel of a PC showing that the PosiTector was successfully added as a device