The Asterisk
"Little star"
A touch sensitive, low cost steno keyboard.
Layout
The Asterisk uses the traditional English steno machine layout.
Download Plover
Prepare Plover
Download Plover. With the keyboard unplugged, click Configure > Machine > Machine:Gemini PR > Refresh > Port: look at the list of ports in the drop down. Keep this tab open for the next step.
Plug it in
Use any USB C Data cable to plug into a Windows, Mac, or Linux computer. The Asterisk comes with a cable inside of the box. Click “Refresh” again and select the new port that appeared in the drop down menu
Start Learning
There are many ways to start learning steno. One common way people get started is to read through Art of Chording, then go to Typey Type to practice words.
Special Action Keys
You cannot define any words to #-#, *-*, or TKPW*UG on the Asterisk due to them being special action keys.
#-#
Pressing #-# (both # together) will reset the sensitivity of your keys.
*-*
Pressing *-* (both * together) will increase the touch force required to activate the key. The more you press *-* the less and less sensitive the keys become. This is useful if you find the keys are too sensitive. Press #-# or the “R” button to reset sensitivity back to normal.
TKPWU*G
Pressing this chord will enter your keyboard into debug mode. If you accidentally stroked this, you can stroke it again to exit the debug mode. You can also press the small “R” button or unplug/re-plug your keyboard.
B Push button
The “B” button in the center of your Asterisk is the boot button. Press and hold this while you plug in your keyboard to mess around with the firmware of the Asterisk. This button is only for developers.
R Push button
The “R” button in the center of your Asterisk will reboot your device. Pressing this is the same as unplugging and re-plugging your device.
Troubleshooting
Keep this in mind when plugging in the Asterisk
The Asterisk calibrates the sensitivity of each touch key when you first plug it in. When plugging in the Asterisk, grab the keyboard by the edges, without touching either the front or back of the touch keys so as not to interfere with the initial calibration process.
If you plug your Asterisk in while touching a key, it may not respond to touches until you recalibrate. Recalibrate your Asterisk by pressing the small "R" push button (reset button), located on the center of your Asterisk. Make sure you are not touch any touch keys while you press the reset button.
Keys not responding?
Problem: LED does not light up when pressing a key.
Solution: Recalibrate the touch keys by pressing the small "R" button in the center of your Asterisk. Make sure not to touch any touch keys while you do this. You can also try pressing both # keys (#-#) and wait for the light.
Bent?
Problem: Keyboard wobbles on the desk.
Solution: Gently bend the keyboard to the desired flatness. Don't be too aggressive or the components will break off. Gentle bending is okay.
Too sensitive?
Problem: Keys are too sensitive to mis-touches.
Solution: You can try to adjust the sensitivity by pressing both * keys (*-*). You can press the * key multiple times to incremently adjust the sensitivity. Also, it is normal for beginners to make mistakes. Sometimes, all it takes is a more practice!