Who do I contact to obtain pricing and order a keypad?
Pricing for keypad can be obtained through our PKP distributor as listed on the website.
Is there a programmer's manual available for the PowerKey Pro?
There is a programmer’s manual available for the PowerKey Pro. It can be downloaded from the DSS website by navigating to the PowerKey Pro page under New Products and then clicking on the Programmers Manual button on the left-hand column of the page.
Are custom legends available? If so, how can I order them?
Yes, custom legends are available. We currently offer 107 unique in-stock legends in our PowerKey Pro product accessory catalog. The catalog can be downloaded from the PowerKey Pro page on the DSS website by clicking on the Accessory Catalog button on the left-hand column of the page.
Is the PowerKey Pro keypad IP67 rated?
The PowerKey Pro is IP67 and NEMA6 rated; making it virtually immune to water, mud, salt, sand, oil and chemicals.
What CAN controllers will the PowerKey Pro keypads communicate with?
- NMEA 2000
- CAN-OPEN
- RS485
- J1939 / J1939-11
- SMARTCRAFT
- RVIA / RVC
- Others may be available
Is the PowerKey Pro re-configurable?
Yes. Using only a simple software program, the PowerKey Pro can be reconfigured anywhere you have access to a PC or laptop.
Is the PowerKey Pro available in different sizes and button configurations?
Yes, the PowerKey Pro is available in seven different configurations
- PKP-0500; one center button, one button in each corner
- PKP-1400; one row, four buttons
- PKP-1500; one row, five buttons
- PKP-2200; two rows, two buttons per row
- PKP-2400; two rows, four buttons per row
- PKP-2600; two rows, six buttons per row
- PKP-3400; three rows, four buttons per row
Is the PKP re-addressable? Are the buttons individually addressable?
Yes, the PowerKey Pro is addressable via the device node and instance. Each key has a unique device address and instance. Each key can also be quickly re-addressed and re-legended as needed.
What is the standard wire gauge for the PKP?
The standard wire is 18GA.
What connector options are available for the PKP?
- Deutsch
- Molex
- Micro-C
- Additional connectors are available upon request
Why does my keypad have two connectors?
PowerKey Pro keypads can be programmed to communicate with more than one communications protocol. For example, you may want to be able to use the keypad with either CAN or RS485 protocol, in which case your keypad will have two connectors. PowerKey Pro keypads that only communicate in a single protocol will only have one connector.
What does the information on the keypad's product label mean?
DSS tracks important information about your PowerKey Pro keypad on the product label. This label indicates the specific part number for the keypad, as well as a date code and serial number.
Who do I contact with questions regarding the PowerKey Pro?
It depends on the nature of the question. Please refer to the Technical Support page on the DSS website for support contact information and procedures based upon the type of question you have. You can find this page by navigating to the PowerKey Pro page from the DSS Home page and then clicking on the Technical Support button on the left-hand column on the page.
How do I obtain the latest software version?
Contact your distributor.
Is there a joystick option?
At this time we do not offer a joystick option. However, we do offer a five button keypad, referred to as a cursor control type keypad. The five button keypad does not have proportional controls like a joystick.
What is the circuit board life?
Based on a FR4 printed circuit board assembly with gold contacts; the circuit boards with snap domes are rated to 3 million operations.
Is the PKP avail with two-way communications? Can the PKP receive a message from another controller?
CAN-Bus is a two way protocol with no 'master' so messages can be received from multiple devices based on their unique address
What is the message rate?
The standard message rate is set at 9600 kb/s. However, the message rate can be re-configured as high as 250000 kb/s.
What is the button’s standard operating force?
Please refer the technical specifications drawing for the particular keypad.
Is the keypad UV rated?
Yes, the keypad is UV rated per ASTM 4329 tested UVB for 400 hours
What is the keypad's operating voltage?
The nominal operating voltage is 12 volt and 24 volt; range is from 9 to 32 volts.
Is the keypad resistant to chemicals? Is it the face only or entire PKP?
Face only. The back is Epoxy for the majority of the seal which is chemically inert and ABS plastic which is sensitive to petroleum and other chemicals.
Test specification showing additional approvals can be provided as reference.
The back plate is not resistant to acetone, but is resistant to WD40, household cleaners such as 409, suntan lotions, etc. It is definitely NOT resistant to Deet.
What processor does the PKP use?
Atmel (AT90CAN128)
Can the PKP operate as a discrete momentary switch without CAN-based controls?
The PKP buttons do not function as discrete momentary switches. For discrete momentary switches, please visit the website of our sister company DNA Group, Inc.
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