Instruction manual

4-2 Defining Keys
Customization
If you want to program a key to behave differently than one of
the factory defined keys, then you will need to know about the
following VT510 key categories:
Function: Keys used to transmit function key sequences
or to perform local terminal functions such as
the arrow keys (, , , ), and Shift modifier
keys, or the Set-Up key.
Alphanumeric: Keys used to transmit alphanumeric
characters.
Modifier Keys
Modifier keys vary from within the function and alphanumeric
categories. A modifier key is a key that modifies the behavior of
other keys when it is pressed and held down. For example,
pressing an alphanumeric key in combination with the Shift
modified key will normally send the shifted or uppercase
characters for that key.
Modifier keys are treated as a special kind of local terminal
function. The VT510 function modifier keys are: Shift, Ctrl, and
Alt. VT510 alphanumeric keys can also be modified by pressing
Group Shift (Alt Gr on enhanced PC keyboards) and Alt+Shift (Shift-2).
Modifier keys themselves cannot normally be modified by other
keys. A key assigned to act as the Shift modifier, for example,
cannot transmit a functions sequence when pressed in
combination with the Alt key. Defining a key as a modifier key
makes all assignable combinations of that key act as a modifier.
Creating a New Function
To define a new function key:
1. From the Keyboard menu item, select the Define key…
function, and the Define key editor menu will appear.
2. Press the key for which you want to assign a new behavior.
3. Press the  and  keys to highlight the “Function” radio
button (• Function) and press Enter.
4. Press the  and  keys to highlight the modifier
combination that you want to define (unshifted, shifted,
control, and so on) and press Enter.