Using a Stream Deck with Alibre

[MilesH]

I've started a new topic on this because there doesn't seem to be an obvious way to edit the title of the initial topic....
Here's the initial topic: https://www.alibreforum.com/forum/index.php?threads/macro-keypads.20469/

The Stream Deck is a macro keypad which allows you to display key label graphics on an LED screen which are then visible through each of its transparent keys. There's only a single screen underneath the keys!

 

[simonb65]

Having not seen one until your previous post, I've now found them available on Amazon and a few other sites.

Could you put a few posts on here as to how you set it up to work with Alibre ... like a mini tutorial. Maybe a pros and cons too. Thanks.

Edit: i.e, can each button be assigned to a sequence of key presses or just a single press?

 

[MilesH]

Yes, sure. I'll be posting everything I find out about it. Only received it yesterday so, I'm still getting the hang of it myself....

 

[MilesH]

Edit: i.e, can each button be assigned to a sequence of key presses or just a single press?

There are various actions that you can assign to a button. Hotkey; Hotkey Switch; Text etc. Certain actions can be compounded in a Multi Action. Hotkey only records one key plus any modifier keys. I doubt if Text will do what you require! A hotkey can be used in conjunction with AutoHotkey, of course. Anyway, see: https://www.reddit.com/r/ElgatoGami...ream_deck_feature_request_macros_or_advanced/

 

[MilesH]

Basic information here: https://gaming.help.elgato.com/customer/en/portal/topics/1061842-elgato-stream-deck/articles

 

[MilesH]

After playing around with variations on the high mount in the first photo, I couldn't achieve a really comfortable position. Also, I tended to jog the Space Navigator puck when pressing the buttons..... Anyway, I'm now using it flat, alongside the Space Navigator. The feet aren't very grippy so, a bit of Blue Tack on each is needed.

 

[MilesH]

I'm completely sold on this gizmo.............

Sketching is the area where the greatest gains are so I set up a Profile for that first. I created a Dimension key that activates the Dimension tool and simultaneously switches to another Stream Deck Profile which contains the keys of my custom numberpad to input the data.

 

[MilesH]

The display area for each key is 72px x 72px. If you add a larger image it will resize to fit. If you add an image smaller than 72px x 72px, it will centre it in the space and leave a black border around it.

The maximum size of the Alibre icons is 60px x 60px. I up-resed them to tidy them up and then saved them at 72px x 72px. There really is no need to do this though. In fact if you're viewing the keys at an oblique angle it's better to use a smaller size. So, 60px x 60px is fine. There may be a more direct way to get at the images but I just set the icon size to Large and loaded up a Custom Toolbar with all the tools I needed, putting a separator between each. Then just did a screencap and cropped them apart in Affinity.

 

[MilesH]

Here's a folder with all the icons that I've acquired, so far. There are two versions: 144 px size and 60 px size. Try both to see which you prefer.

 

[swertel]

The price of the device is a little high for me to try out. I put it on my wishlist, though. Maybe someday in the future, or in my case, the distant past. I can't remember the name of the device, but I did manage to find an online image of a typical CATIA mainframe workstation setup. Notice the dials for rotate/pan/zoom and the custom keyboard for command inputs.
View media item 599

 

[MilesH]

Also, keys with LCD labels: http://www.lcd-keys.com/english/history.htm

 

[HaroldL]

It reminds me a little of the CADAM keypads we used to have on our CADAM workstations.
It'll be interesting to hear how it works out for you.

 

[PeterG]

MilesH, did you have any luck fleshing out your Streamdeck profile? Would you be willing to share the profile? I have a Streamdeck, and a Streamdeck mini that I've been playing with, and I can see a lot of uses in my CAD efforts... I'd love to try a profile that has already been somewhat vetted, before going down the custom route. (btw, thanks for posting the icons!)

 

[MilesH]

Hi Peter, I've attached the two profiles that I use. Let me know if you have any problems with them. It's a pity that proper macros never came to Stream Deck.... I guess their exclusion was part of the agreement between Elgato and the Taiwanese company that developed the Infinitton keypad.

 

[PeterG]

MilesH, thank you very much! Unfortunately those are the application template files, and don't actually contain any config...
If you don't mind, you can export from the application:
-Open the Streamdeck app and click the Gear icon in the upper right corner.
-Click the profiles tab.
-Right click the profile(s) and click Export.
Thank you Miles! I sincerely appreciate your time an effort!

 

[MilesH]

Lol! I've only done the two profiles and that was 3 years ago

Try these.

 

[LDabkey]

I'm having trouble using my Streamdeck and Alibre design. I have assigned keystroke shortcuts under Alibre system properties. They work well within Alibre. When I assign a hotkey in my streamdeck Alibre profile, they don't work. Any ideas? I'm guessing I have to enable Alibre to communicate with Streamdeck?

 

[MilesH]

Not sure. I just have 'Application' set to 'None' in Preferences/Profiles. I only use Stream Deck with Alibre, though.

 

[multicaduser]

As an old timer I have to pipe in. This reminds me of a PFK (program function keyboard) used in Unigraphics pre-solid modeling. After 33 years I still remember punch sequences that could be pushed before a bathroom break while it carried out the functions, a series of graphics refresh carried out by a processor set the size of a medium suitcase.

This setup is very interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

[LDabkey]

Not sure. I just have 'Application' set to 'None' in Preferences/Profiles. I only use Stream Deck with Alibre, though.

Thank you for your reply. I tried your suggestion and it didn't work...very puzzling. My Streamdeck works great for all my other programs...just not Alibre Design. I'm puzzled.