What is SpaceFN and why you should give it a try
The SpaceFN concept - setting up your space key as a layer switch when held - is probably one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby. Let me explain how it works. My SpaceFN article on kbd.news made some rounds recently - quite surprisingly given the age of this concept. This piece you're reading is a condensed version of the full post. If you're left with unanswered questions, you'll most likely find the info you're looking for in the original write-up. On my imaginary top list of the most useful keyboard features, tweaks and hacks, SpaceFN would deserve a podium finish for sure. But what makes it so special? In short: SpaceFN is easy to implement, easy to learn, costs nothing, can be used with any keyboard, and can improve your productivity instantly. I will list its benefits below, but can state right at this point that the SpaceFN concept, setting up your space key as a layer switch when held, is clearly one of the most useful tweaks in the keyboard hobby....
Apr 30, 2024
Essentially, I had to buy a Kinivio Btd-400 bluetooth 4.0 adapter from Amazon. The stock drivers from the Kinivio website were giving me issues, and apparently, there's an issue with some Bluetooth devices and Windows 7 due to something about bluetooth stacks, so I had to go through the following steps to get it to work on Windows 7:
Step 1: Go to the following website: http://www.broadcom.com/support/bluetooth
Step 2: Download the following software: WIDCOMM® Bluetooth Windows® Software
Step 3: Uninstall all other previous drivers if any were installed.
Step 4: Install the WIDCOMM Bluetooth Software (takes a bit of time since it's a large download).
Step 5: Reset your PC once the software is installed.
Step 6: Right click the bluetooth icon on the bottom right hand corner of the screen (near where your volume, time, etc, is), and under settings, make sure "Allow Bluetooth devices to find this computer" is selected.
Step 7: Before trying to pair your keyboard with your Kinivio bluetooth 4.0 dongle, turn your keyboard off by holding down the "Insert" key.
Step 8: Power on your keyboard by holding "Insert" and "Function" at the same time. Do not let go. Your keyboard should now be trying to pair with another device (If it isn't, you can always reset your keyboard settings by holding "Insert," "Function," and "Delete"--the keyboard light near Insert with begin to flash indicating that it's been reset. Once reset, I'd recommend powering it off and trying to power it on/pair before trying to establish a connection)
Step 9: On the bottom right hand corner of your screen (where your time is and stuff), find the Bluetooth icon. Right click it and click "Add Device."
Step 10: Once you get your dongle to pair with your keyboard, it'll ask you for like a 6 digit passcode. Type that passcode in then press the "Enter" key.
Congrats! Your keyboard should now be fully functional with Windows 7. The setup is the hardest part about this keyboard. Once you're through with the setup, your keyboard should automatically pair when Windows starts up assuming it's on and you have your settings set as such.
Hope this helps anyone else.