CabViewKeys 1.0 is here

[Thulin]

Version1.0 of CVK is finally here! For a list of changes since the last beta, see the list further down this post.

CVK now has its own home page with a download link 'n' all, here: http://cvk.pethu.se .

Those who tried (and failed with) the last version, this one might be worth a try because it does a few things differently. That said, there might still be numeric keypads out there that don't want to play ball. I'll look into providing some diagnostic tools to track errors and include support in future versions.

• 9th view key added: A custom view can now also be stored on NumPad 5. All factory views have been adjusted to take advantage of this for a more logical view layout. (Resetting the views is now handled slightly differently as a result of the numpad 5 key not necessarily being the TS driver default view any more.)

• No need for a cvk.ini file in most cases: CVK now detects Train Simulator state on startup (which also means Train Simulator now has to be started before CVK!).

• CVK now forces NumLock ON and CapsLock OFF during startup.

• New status line at the top of the CVK window shows the TS window/screen mode, while info line next to buttons shows name of loaded loco.

• New info= keyword in .cvk settings file can be used to notify users of things to be aware of regarding the loaded loco.

• Fixed a bug that made CVK inadvertently open cab doors etc. in a few locos.

• CVK web site is up, link in the bottom right corner of the GUI.

[Thulin]

Oops, very sorry... small problem with the "Message box close" key. New version (1.01) is available as from one minute ago!

[Natvander]

I still can't get it to work . It doesn't seem to notice Rail Sim is running.

[wacampbell]

What does this program do? I read the full web site and I must be missing something as I still don't get it.

It sounds interesting though.

[Thulin]

I still can't get it to work . It doesn't seem to notice Rail Sim is running.

Hi,

does it start at all, or do you just get a message box saying "Please start Train Simulator before starting CVK!"?

If it starts, it knows Train Simulator is there and you should get info about your Train Simulator screen/window size in the upper left corner o fthe CVK window.

If the keys then still won't work inside the cab when it's running, then I suspect your numeric keypad keys does not send the standard keycodes when the keys are pressed.

What kind of keyboard/keypad is it? Standard USB keyboard? Built-in laptop keyboard? Separate USB plug-in keypad?

I'll try to figure out a tool that kan "collect" the keycodes for people who are having trouble, so I can add them to CVK... should be possible!

[Thulin]

What does this program do? I read the full web site and I must be missing something as I still don't get it.

It sounds interesting though.

SImply put, when you are inside a loco cab, you can use the numeric keypad keys to look around inside the cab.

Usually, the keys around the "edge" of the keypad (1, 4, 7, 8, 9, 6, 3) shows outside views from left to right, while keys 5 and 2 show various portions of instrument/control panels. If there's a lot of panels and controls, or if there's not that many window views, keys 1 and 3 are also used for control panel views (typically, left and right hand side panels).

The nice thing is that the views are set up specifically for each loco, so if you want to check out for example the brake levers in a US GP diesel loco, you just press keypad 1, and they're instantly there. Press keypad 8, and you're back looking straight out the front window in a fraction of a second!

[equiglobal]

How do you minimise TS once its running to allow CVK to be loaded ?
Any advice to this non tecchie would be gratefully received
Thanks, Steve

[Thulin]

How do you minimise TS once its running to allow CVK to be loaded ?
Any advice to this non tecchie would be gratefully received
Thanks, Steve

Hi there,

I usually press Alt+Tab to switch from TS back to the desktop. (Alt+Tab actually cycles through all active applications, so it works the other way around back to TS too!)

There are also some other standard Windows shortcuts that can be used, but not at the right computer just now...

/per

[Trev123]

Hit the Windows key.

[chrisreb]

Oh well despite following all the instructions, amending the cvk file to show correct resolution, the keys only work in Windows but not in game for some reason. Caps lock on.

[Natvander]

I still can't get it to work . It doesn't seem to notice Rail Sim is running.

Hi,

does it start at all, or do you just get a message box saying "Please start Train Simulator before starting CVK!"?

If it starts, it knows Train Simulator is there and you should get info about your Train Simulator screen/window size in the upper left corner o fthe CVK window.

If the keys then still won't work inside the cab when it's running, then I suspect your numeric keypad keys does not send the standard keycodes when the keys are pressed.

What kind of keyboard/keypad is it? Standard USB keyboard? Built-in laptop keyboard? Separate USB plug-in keypad?

I'll try to figure out a tool that kan "collect" the keycodes for people who are having trouble, so I can add them to CVK... should be possible!

I've never had an issue with the program saying "Please Start Train Sim etc" - even when Train Sim isn't running. When I first ran it (with TS running) it was showing a VERY tiny screen resolution instead of the actual screen resolution. I've since manually changed that to 1920x1080 as per the manual. When running, the app appears to display what's in the manual but hitting the numpad is just like hitting the normal numbers. When out of the game, numpad 0 correctly suspends the app.

I have a USB Corsair Vengeance K60 mechanical keyboard. I might try a separate keypad later...

[chrisreb]

Showing correct resolution for the game once I amended cvk config file. Using Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (UK). In game with app running the numpad keys give same views as standard. Essentially same behaviour as above poster.

[Thulin]

Showing correct resolution for the game once I amended cvk config file. Using Microsoft Ergonomic Keyboard (UK). In game with app running the numpad keys give same views as standard. Essentially same behaviour as above poster.

OK thanks! So, two persons having problems where 1) CVK can't seem to figure out the TS screen size, AND 2) where keypad seems to generate "ordinary" number key presses whilst in Train Simulator. Hmm... I think I'll try to get a grip on whether the keypads sends "odd" keycodes first, then get back to the weird resolution problem if that turns out to be the main culprit!


By the way, what numbers did the CVK GUI report for the screen/window size before you put the numbers in the cvk.ini file manually??

[Thulin]

I've never had an issue with the program saying "Please Start Train Sim etc" - even when Train Sim isn't running. When I first ran it (with TS running) it was showing a VERY tiny screen resolution instead of the actual screen resolution. I've since manually changed that to 1920x1080 as per the manual. When running, the app appears to display what's in the manual but hitting the numpad is just like hitting the normal numbers. When out of the game, numpad 0 correctly suspends the app.
I have a USB Corsair Vengeance K60 mechanical keyboard. I might try a separate keypad later...

OK, so hitting numpad 0 while in the game did NOT bring up the box and switch you out of Train Simulator? Very interesting. (Not good, but interesting!)

Please stay tuned, sounds like this search for a cause will turn into a bit of a challenge... Thanks very much for the info!

[chrisreb]

I think the GUI reported Windowed 1920 x 1080 whereas I was full screen 1680 x 1050. The zero key works for me to suspend the app fine.