Who do I contact
to obtain pricing and order a keypad?
Pricing for keypads can be obtained by clicking on the Contact Us tab to send in
your inquiry, or you can also call 919-881-0889 and ask for the DSS sales department.
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?
DSS has plans to provide seven different configurations of the PowerKey Pro:
- 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
The PKP-2400 and PKP-2600 are currently available.
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 plan to 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?
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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