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
You can set a key to respond with the standard alphanumeric a-z0-9, CTRL, Super/GUI. You can set Windows and multimedia keys; calculator, play, volume +/-, etc. You can set "key-combos" that allow you to set a key to Ctrl or Alt + [a key that is allow singly]. There are a few other features that some might find useful as well.
So, I would take a good look at the program on its own before you plug in your VA12M. That left-mouse-click key thing still bugs me, but I'm stuck post-flash.
With saying all that, I contacted Varmilo and received a rar that has allowed me to reprogram the keypad. "I will send you the software via wetransfer. you can find the manual in attachment, this is the only file I have for VA12M." I take absolutely no responsibility for it. It's is Varmilo's. For some reason they don't post it on their site. They even gave it to me via a temporary file share site, WeTransfer.
Enjoy ... ? VA12M software.rar: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/5d4125b56255a387f3744d2b3d35f65020171227054622/6a0c1226bb84543ab6cc0e1bf00a77f220171227054622/8465b7 (WeTransfer will delete it on 3 January, 2018.) If you find some way to get around these limitations, PLEASE let me know. I screwed with it all last night and came up empty besides being able to catalog some of its limitations. I'm not sure if I like it better or worse, but I'm stuck where I am now.
UPDATE: I messaged Varmilo back about the limitations I found. Suddenly they found more files. "I sent you two files via wetransfer, one is for upgrading, one is for programming."
This file appears to be the same flashing software as the first .rar they sent my way. This one just comes with the simple instructions in English instead of Chinese. VA12M.zip: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/12249971b2887a65e81662b4cb20403e20171228015220/df8758bbfd2da189a8b0643a8b19b1fe20171228015220/b63249 (Will be deleted on 4 January, 2018)
This zip contains an .exe & accompanying .dlls & .ini that will update the VA12M to a firmware that will output 0-9, Enter, and LCTRL. I was hoping to modify the .ini to customize the layout, but it doesn't look possible. If you find a way, let us know. MTP OnLine Update_FF91H_V108.zip: https://wetransfer.com/downloads/241b5862021538dc5f6a5d1a5629c2e120171228021605/12f8700cf5540f6b51be2344600810ae20171228021605/38fd51 (Will be deleted on 4 January, 2018)
P.S.: can it be used at boot time (BIOS screen, bootloaders, etc...) after being programmed?