Which wireless HTPC keyboard+mouse? [Archive]

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davidw89

2008-08-10, 16:57

Got any recommendation to use with XBMC? Which wireless keyboard/mouse?

For remote i am going to be getting Microsoft MCE remote (~$50). is this supported? If not which universal remote is supported?

topfs2

2008-08-10, 17:44

MCE is well supported, just choose it when installing lirc (Will be a wizard were you choose mceusb2).

For mouse you can consider the wiiremote, good mouse in HTPC usage

shagworthy_uk

2008-08-10, 18:04

I'm using this... works out of the box.
http://www.ebuyer.com/product/135103

but i will be buying this soon:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=us,en

JATWolf

2008-08-10, 22:48

Does anyone know how this one is hooked up so it works?

http://www.amazon.com/Microsoft-Remote-Keyboard-Windows-ZV1-00004/dp/B000AOAAN8

I have my MCE Remote working but would like to add the keyboard as well...

ekurin

2008-08-11, 01:19

I use the MCE Keyboard and based on my experience the drivers for LIRC are quite unfinished. The media keys and the mouse is working as expected but the repeat rate when typing is very fast. Unfortunately the developer of the driver seems to have lost interest in the project. I'm also growing tired of the IR-technology. Does anyone have any experience with bluetooth media keyboards and linux? PlugandPlay or are you required to build kernel drivers similar to the MCE Keyboard drivers?

davidw89

2008-08-11, 10:21

MCE is well supported, just choose it when installing lirc (Will be a wizard were you choose mceusb2).

For mouse you can consider the wiiremote, good mouse in HTPC usage

I have a Wii and i've already ordered a cheap bluetooth usb but how will the wiiremote be used as a mouse?

mr.b

2008-08-11, 18:14

I use the MCE Keyboard and based on my experience the drivers for LIRC are quite unfinished. The media keys and the mouse is working as expected but the repeat rate when typing is very fast. ...

@ekurin, I found this thread

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=592057&page=2

that mentions this work-around:

xset r off

Hope it helps...

MPauley73

2008-08-11, 18:17

I have this remote also and I have had problems getting it to work with lirc. Ive followed the instructions and it just wont work right for me. Anyone wanna help me out :cool:?

ekurin

2008-08-11, 20:24

@ekurin, I found this thread

http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=592057&page=2

that mentions this work-around:

xset r off

Hope it helps...

Thanks for trying to help out mr.b. I've tried to disable the auto-repeat and it works everywhere except in XBMC. However I disabled the auto-repeat via the gnome-settings menu, don't know if it has the same effect as xset ( I suppose it does)

And MPauley73 visit the link mr.b posted and follow the guide on the first thread page. That's how I got my keyboard working in the first place.

MPauley73

2008-08-11, 21:03

Guess I was just having a "dense day"... the keyboard is working, but in xbmc whatever the last key pressed is, well just keep on going and going....

bionic1234

2008-08-12, 05:14

but i will be buying this soon:

http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3848&cl=us,en

Just purchased one of these today, I have beeen looking into for sometime- one word AWESOME!
running XBMC Linux Gutsy, keyboard was recognized right away, needed to patch for touchpad/mouse (just google).
The wireless keyboard is small like a blackberry very easy to thumb-type on.
The touchpad/mouse is dual purpose, simply switch from mouse to 'directional buttons' and you have a complete XBMC remote control for navigating through the menus.
If all that weren't enough, the device looks awesome and compliments HTPC setup and has a backlight for the keypad so that you don't have to turn up the lights when you are watching a movie or TV show with your HT mood lighting.

davidw89

2008-08-12, 13:49

so that replaces both a keyboard and a mouse?

bionic1234

2008-08-12, 15:54

so that replaces both a keyboard and a mouse?

Yes, Keyboard, Mouse, and wireless XBOX1 controller that I was still using.
touchpad mouse takes a little getting used to, but now I can power off XBMC, use Gutsy (ie; firefox, terminal, open office, etc.), and then reopen XBMC all from one remote.

There is a manual switch right beside the touchpad that lets you switch from mouse to arrow pad.
Ok button is on the left side of the keyboard in a comfortable location.

Also last night I tried the media buttons across the top of the keyboard and they all work as well in XBMC (ie; play/pause, stop, advance, etc.)

and my wife really likes the diNovo mini interface as well (finds it more comfortable than wired keyboard and the XBOX1 controller)

cheers

topfs2

2008-08-13, 17:40

I have a Wii and i've already ordered a cheap bluetooth usb but how will the wiiremote be used as a mouse?

Basicly, if you use the PPA then you do
sudo apt-get install xbmc-eventclients-wiiremote
Then you need to run that program on boot. You need to press 1+2 on the wiiRemote to connect and you need to map the keymap.xml

I will hopefully add a good keymap version for the wiiremote to svn at some point but for now you need to do it yourself >)

Anyway, heres some read about the WiiRemote eventclient http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=EventServer
and http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=EventServer#WiiRemote

JATWolf

2008-08-13, 18:13

Basicly, if you use the PPA then you do
sudo apt-get install xbmc-eventclients-wiiremote
Then you need to run that program on boot. You need to press 1+2 on the wiiRemote to connect and you need to map the keymap.xml

I will hopefully add a good keymap version for the wiiremote to svn at some point but for now you need to do it yourself >)

Anyway, heres some read about the WiiRemote eventclient http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=EventServer
and http://xbmc.org/wiki/?title=EventServer#WiiRemote

Probably a VERY stupid question here but just so I can understand if I am interpreting this correctly... Can this Wiiremote be used for XBMC even if you DON'T have a Wii? This would be awesome and I would get one if this is possible. If someone gets a good laugh at this question it's worth the gains that could be had if it works like I think :)

BLKMGK

2008-08-14, 00:39

Yes, Keyboard, Mouse, and wireless XBOX1 controller that I was still using.
touchpad mouse takes a little getting used to, but now I can power off XBMC, use Gutsy (ie; firefox, terminal, open office, etc.), and then reopen XBMC all from one remote.

There is a manual switch right beside the touchpad that lets you switch from mouse to arrow pad.
Ok button is on the left side of the keyboard in a comfortable location.

Also last night I tried the media buttons across the top of the keyboard and they all work as well in XBMC (ie; play/pause, stop, advance, etc.)

and my wife really likes the diNovo mini interface as well (finds it more comfortable than wired keyboard and the XBOX1 controller)

cheers

Okay, that sucker looks nice! I have the MCE keyboard but have yet to get it working, sounds like this one might have been even easier? Looks like I need to go price hunting:nod:

Edit: Oh yeah - Wii remote doesn't need a Wii to work, is Bluetooth I believe so just need a BT receiver.

topfs2

2008-08-15, 13:13

Probably a VERY stupid question here but just so I can understand if I am interpreting this correctly... Can this Wiiremote be used for XBMC even if you DON'T have a Wii? This would be awesome and I would get one if this is possible. If someone gets a good laugh at this question it's worth the gains that could be had if it works like I think :)

No question is stupid, nor should you feel afraid of asking a question. but anyways, No you dont need a Wii for this to work.

All you need is a computer with linux, a bluetooth connection, and the WiiRemote.

harryzimm

2008-08-15, 20:37

althekiller

2008-08-15, 20:41

topfs2

2008-08-17, 06:35

Hi

Does anyone know how to get the wii remote working using gutsy server?.Im using a usb bluetooth dongle and ive installed the xbmc-eventclients-wiiremote but the remote wont connect. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

Also this discussion should be ie in this thread, (http://xbmc.org/forum/showthread.php?t=27622&highlight=WiiRemote) so if you still are having troubles with it please post there, and be more specific, does the eventclient say anything when you run it, ie spits out an error message to the terminal? does it pop up in XBMC that it has connected, and as always post a full debug log on www.pastebin.ca

BLKMGK

2008-08-17, 20:02

I have one of the mini Logitech keyboards on the way now! Purchased off of eBay for about $100 if anyone else is interested in picking one up. I am hoping I can use both this and my normal remote control under XBMC, will report as I learn more. Bioinc1234 - any additional info provided would be welcomed.

flexgrip

2008-08-18, 13:07

I hope you didn't buy a keyboard yet because I know the answer to this.

Go to best buy or walmart and buy the silver ps3 keyboard. Not the one with the bluetooth dongle (the black one) but the silver one that just has the little radio receiver.

It is, by far, THE BEST HTPC KEYBOARD. It has a touchpad built in and kicks the MCE keyboards ass. I have done the htpc thing for about 5 years now and I have been through several keyboards. I am telling you, without a doubt, it is the easiest most useful thing I have ever bought. I picked it up off froogle for 45 bucks shipped about 6 months ago and it has made my life 20% better.

Let me know how it goes...

us1111

2008-08-24, 23:04

BLKMGK

2008-08-24, 23:10

You sure you want a full sized keyboard in the living room? I have an MCE one and it really gets in the way - VNC via a laptop has actually worked out better! big laptops collect dust and crumbs, the little DiNovo has a cover and looks pretty good.

flexgrip

2008-08-25, 05:34

That link you posted to the logitech keyboard on ebay is the exact same one i have. I don't really know what your question means about the RF dongle. The keyboard comes with an RF dongle (not bluetooth like i said).

It really is THE BEST option for an HTPC. No separate mouse. The touchpad on it is REALLY useful. And it has a right and left click keyboard key as well. So you dont have to keep moving your hands. You plug it in and it works, no install required.

As far as a keyboard "Getting in the way". xbmc crashes sometimes. sometimes you want to browse the net. sometimes your downloads don't extract properly and need a manual touch. So if you actually have an HTPC, you NEED a keyboard. And the MCE keyboard you bought is LESS THAN USELESS.

I bought that keyboard to accompany my MCE remote (from the hauppauge PVR-150MCE kit). It really was the worst money I ever spent. I don't know why they even put that mouse stick thingy on there. But like I said, if you have an HTPC = you need a keyboard. That logitech is the only one to own.

us1111

2008-08-25, 10:16

@flexgrip: What I mean is that there is a dongle included with the keyboard. Can you use this dongle with XBMC/Linux or do you have to have something else to "connect" the keyboard to the system..

us1111

2008-08-25, 10:19

@flexgrip: What I mean is that there is a dongle included with the keyboard. Can you use this dongle with XBMC/Linux or do you have to have something else to "connect" the keyboard to the system..

Hmmm.. I may not edit my posts? Why?

Also what I mean is if you need somekind of other receiver to get the keyboard working or can I use the dongle on my PC and will linux/windows detect the keyboard?

flexgrip

2008-08-25, 10:42

Hmmm.. I may not edit my posts? Why?

Also what I mean is if you need somekind of other receiver to get the keyboard working or can I use the dongle on my PC and will linux/windows detect the keyboard?

Ohhh. I get what you mean. No, like, the receiver doesn't have to really connect. The computer pretty much sees it as a usb (plugged in) keyboard. So you can use the keyboard in the entire system, even the bios.

Pretty much think of it like a usb keyboard without the usb cable. Everything you need to have for xbmc and anything else is in that package. Make sure you dont get the more expensive black one that has the bluetooth dongle. It doesnt work with linux.

I cannot stress how awesome the touchpad works compared to the first keyboard's mouse i bought (the mce keyboard). It turns your HTPC setup into a usable computer.

BLKMGK

2008-08-26, 03:30

Actually, I am using the DiNovo keyboard - it also has a touchpad, all of the keys I need, is small enough to fit in my palm, is backlit, uses an RF BT dongle, and has a cover so umm - it is far from useless. My sig has links to info. The MCE keyboard also worked fine save for mouse movement, I never got around to patching that but it works for others. VNC or SSH is usually what I used until I got the DiNovo. I really like not haviong half my table taken up by a keyboard\crumb catcher. but to each his own - simply showing an alternative that is working fine for others.

flexgrip

2008-08-26, 04:18

The email I got from Logitech said that you cannot get into the BIOS with that DiNovo because it needs a driver. Although that thing is super trick, I think for the cash and functionality I would stick with that ps3 keyboard.

flexgrip

2008-08-26, 04:20

Actually, does that Dinovo work in linux? I know the logitech bluetooth ps3 keyboard doesn't.

BLKMGK

2008-08-26, 21:59

Yes, I and several others are using the DiNovo just fine - follow the multiple links in my signature for information. I have not tried getting into the BIOS with it but am told it will work. IF you use a standard BT dongle then you have to synch and do other goofy stuff so it probably wouldn't work in BIOS there but the included dongle worked just fine with no synch etc. I do see a BT device in the hardware list though and not some funky keyboard so am not sure. I have a wired keyboard\mouse attached to my box and hidden away if I need to use them but I have to get off the couch to do so :)

P.S. The DiNovo was $100 off eBay - not too bad IMO.

flexgrip

2008-08-26, 22:41

BLKMGK

2008-08-26, 22:56

Well that Dinovo looks really awesome. And, just looking at it, one would think it would be in the $300 range. So I am trying to figure out what the catch is. This might be what my mother needs in her htpc setup.

Nah - cheap cheap (http://cgi.ebay.com/Logitech-diNovo-Mini-Wireless-Keyboard_W0QQitemZ290255586127QQihZ019QQcategoryZ1 5389QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)! They list at $149. I'll spend money on this kind of thing but $300 for a keyboard would be pretty extreme!:shocked:

So far the biggest quirk is that the little media keys aren't working in XBMC but for some reason they seemed to work in Ubuntu proper.??? It is also missing the | key and a few other oddballs I think but none I've needed so far. If you were going to be building shell scripts or doing funky things at the commandline (why?!) this might not be a great choice but for occasional control of XBMC it seems to work fine. That it has a rechargeable battery that is supposed to be good for a month on a 4hr charge or a day on a 10min charge is icing on the cake - and the battery is easily swappable. My sig has the link for getting the touchpad working in Ubuntu - was a 10 second change. There's a thread about this in the XBMC Windows section too, perhaps worth a read for more info.

hinge

2008-11-09, 22:53

I've got a dinovo mini. - love it - though I have some minor problems

I'm running xbmc on hardy and all buttons are working when using it in ubuntu.
When I fire up XBMC I have problems with the media keys and the left/right keys on the keypad (when set in keypad mode).

I tried catching the keycodes in the xbmc log and this is what I get:

For the left and right keypad keys:
21:44:25 T:3068053344 M:1496047616 DEBUG: OnKey: 61477 pressed, action is 15
21:44:27 T:3068053344 M:1496047616 DEBUG: OnKey: 61479 pressed, action is 14

I have mapped this in the keymap.xml like this:

<key id="61477">Left</key>
<key id="61479">Right</key>

but no change...

for the multimedia keys:
21:45:03 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | volume-down
21:45:06 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | volume-up
21:45:07 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | mute
21:45:10 T:3068053344 M:1496174592 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | record
21:45:12 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | previous-song
21:45:14 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | stop-cd
21:45:15 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | play-pause
21:45:17 T:3068053344 M:1496166400 DEBUG: HAL: Device (/org/freedesktop/Hal/devices/usb_device_46d_c71f_000761CDEB6A_if0_logicaldev_in put) Condition ButtonPressed | next-song

Don't know how to map that in the keymap.xml....

My own conclusion is that this is not a hardware thing - luckly
But what are my options (especially on the left/right keys) ?
Does anybody else see this problem ?
Who's got it working with problems ? which version of ubuntu ?

thanks

hinge

2008-11-09, 23:26

ringgh0st

2008-11-10, 21:27

Just solved all my problems - all my buttons are working for me now...

I did this stuff (http://www.staticmethod.net/2008/01/29/configuring-dinovo-edge-in-linux) which fixed my multimedia keys. After that I removed the stuff that I had added for the left/right keys - now it all works

thanx. will try it soon! but what about the ESC key? how did you solve this? everytime i want to cancel a menu i have to keypress Fn+Tab! crazy for a bighandman like me? any suggestions?

anyways - dinovo is the one and only htpc keyboard. its a little bit expensive but worth ever euro (or dollar - global understanding ;))

i can say to everyone - buy it and you will love it!

sicon99

2008-11-10, 23:32

hinge

2008-11-11, 00:16

thanx. will try it soon! but what about the ESC key? how did you solve this? everytime i want to cancel a menu i have to keypress Fn+Tab! crazy for a bighandman like me? any suggestions?

anyways - dinovo is the one and only htpc keyboard. its a little bit expensive but worth ever euro (or dollar - global understanding ;))

i can say to everyone - buy it and you will love it!

I haven't had problems with the esc key. Are you sure it's a "problem" maybe you just need to remap the cancel function to an other key. I think that there is both "back" and "cancel" mine are mapped to "backspace" and "left mouse button". Check that in Keymap.xml

ringgh0st

2008-11-11, 09:32

I haven't had problems with the esc key. Are you sure it's a "problem" maybe you just need to remap the cancel function to an other key. I think that there is both "back" and "cancel" mine are mapped to "backspace" and "left mouse button". Check that in Keymap.xml

sorry im just at the beginning of keymapping and lircmapping. read some threads about that and when i have 6 hours of time i will get into deep of that ;)

by remapping you mean cp the /usr/system/share keymap.xml to /home/xbmc/usrdata and edit it? the keymap.xml in the /home dir overrides the one in the system dir? am i right?

Kaimon66

2009-11-13, 00:14

Anyone tried this one :

http://forums.ncix.com/forums/index.php?mode=showthread&msg_id=1566236&threadid=1566236&forum=100&product_id=26950&msgcount=2&overclockid=0#msg1566236

Looks promising, might order one up...
sicon99,

You can find the same kbd for significantly less $$ at the link below; there are dozens of user reviews as well:

http://www.amazon.com/Company-MediaGate-GP-IR02BK-Windows-Ultimate/dp/B000W5GK5C/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1258063578&sr=8-1

(if link does not show, search for "Noah Company MediaGate GP-IR02BK Windows Vista Home Premium and Windows Vista Ultimate MCE Remote Control, 2 Channel IR (Black)" at amazon dot com)