I've read some older threads covering this topic but was hoping there is new information. I'm looking for a physical device, other than a phone, for jogging. It sounds like a small USB keypad or video game controller can be programmed using keystrokes/shortcuts within control? If so, is there a keypad or controller recommended along with keymapper software? I appreciate the mobile pendant and I know the incredible amount of work that has gone into it. Personally, I work with Electronic Medical Record software all day which includes mobile device support so the last thing I want to do when I've escaped to the garage is have a phone in the same room. Maybe I'm just old fashioned
I used a usb numberpad for a while, it works well. Now I use a generic USB game controller and map the controls to shortcuts using Qpoypad on Linux. I have not tried it on Windows yet but mapping software does exist, google will find it. yeah, I often leave my phone next to the bed for the whole weekend and catch up on messages when I really feel like it, and work messages will wait till Monday.
https://www.howtogeek.com/404214/how-to-remap-any-controller-to-keyboard-keys-on-windows-and-macos/ PC Game Controller Mapping (Linux & Windows) are just 2 of the many google hits.
I use ShuttleExpress with Mach3. I can't remember if I had to install a driver for it since it's been many years since I first installed it and I still use it. It's not wireless but this doesn't bother me. The link is for Amazon.ca. Google it and you'll find it WAY cheaper.
There are some wireless USB game controllers that would be very convenient. Would those be a problem as opposed to wired USB?
I have had problems with wireless mice so no, I don't think wireless is a good idea when controlling sharp spinning cutters <-:
A follow-up to this. I ordered a wired USB game controller from amazon and installed Antimicro as suggested. Was up and running in 20 minutes with zero issues and I love it. Can't imagine not having it. Unrelated, is there a way to speed up the jogging? I completely understand the speeds are pre-set to recommended settings. I'm not looking to set any land speed records but just a little more kick. Machine is a LEAD 1515 with high torque motors.
Which controller did you get? I use an Xbox controller with my machine that uses Estlcam, but I would love to add another controller to my lathe. You can change the jog speed where the red arrow points. Type it in the box. I think it defaults to 5000mm/min. If your grbl settings are such that it can't go faster than 5000mm/min, adding a higher number here will not matter.
You could try this. As it is I use a crappy version of this ... https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Rii-Wireless-Keyboard-Raspberry/dp/B00Z81U3YY/
