For universal compatibility, you can use an RB-540, RB-740, RB-840, or RB-844 response pad in keyboard mode. In that mode, the response pad becomes indistinguishable from your computer keyboard and you can use it with any software that accepts keyboard input.

Enabling Keyboard Emulation

There are four switches next to the USB connector on the back of the response pad. When shipped, all four switches are in the down position. To set it to keyboard mode, flip switch 1 up, as shown on the right.

Important: An RB-x40 response pad “reads” the switch positions only when it is first turned on. For changes to take effect after you flip a switch, you need to unplug the USB cable from the response pad, wait a few seconds, and then plug it back in.

The Available Protocols

The response pad supports four different protocols, meaning that it can send the data to the computer in four different formats. The chosen protocol is determined by switches 2 and 3.

XID Protocol

This protocol provides the most information, including timing –the only protocol to do so. You can use a light sensor (not included) to detect the onset of a stimulus on the screen and reset the internal timer in the response pad. To use this protocol, switches 2 and 3 must both be down. Here is sample output when pressing the 8 keys sequentially on an RB-840:

‍    A    P    1    15630

‍    A    R    1    15896

‍    A    P    2    16650

‍    A    R    2    16843

‍    A    P    3    18588

‍    A    R    3    18896

‍    A    P    4    19875

‍    A    R    4    20165

‍    A    P    5    20751

‍    A    R    5    21042

‍    A    P    6    22627

‍    A    R    6    22949

‍    A    P    7    23641

‍    A    R    7    23906

‍    A    P    8    24627

‍    A    R    8    24862

Each key press or key release will produce a line of output, with tab-delimited information consisting of:

• Port number. This is always A for the response pad keys, or C for the light sensor.
• Key action, P when pressed or R when released.
• Key number, 1 to 8.
• Timestamp in milliseconds.

E-Prime Protocol

To use, set switch 2 up and switch 3 down. The response pad emits output only when a key is pressed. Here is sample output when pressing the 8 keys sequentially on an RB-840:

‍   12345JKL

ASCII Protocol

To use, set switch 2 down and switch 3 up. The response pad emits output only when a key is pressed. Here is sample output when pressing the 8 keys sequentially on an RB-840:

‍   abcdefgh

“As RB-820” Protocol

To use, set switches 2 and 3 up. The response pad emits output when a key is pressed or released. Here is sample output when pressing the 8 keys sequentially on an RB-840:

‍   1!2@3#4$5%6^7&8*

The response pad sends 1 through 8 when a key is pressed, and sends the shifted key equivalent when the key is released. For example, you will get a “1” when pressing key 1 and “!” when releasing key 1. The exclamation point “!” is what you get on the keyboard if you held down the Shift key while pressing 1.

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Last revision: Mar 9, 2016