X-blox®Rapid Production System

X-Blox

X-Blox Custom Input Hardware
X-blox Custom Programmable Keyboards by P.I. Engineering.

X-blox Custom Control Surfaces

  • Rapid Production Custom Input Hardware
  • Short turn time from concept to production
  • Built with fully supported USB components
  • Based on reliable X-keys electronics designed and supported by P.I. Engineering
  • Communicate directly with your application
  • Designed with controls and indicators specific to your requirements
  • Logically positioned controls make input intuitive, productive, and fun
  • Professional fit and finish without the high tooling cost and long lead time


If you are interested in having P.I. Engineering assist you with your custom input needs, please contact us. We will be sure to contact you promptly in order to discuss your project.

New Design or Replacement

Creating a new control interface for a new application? Replacing an obsolete keyboard or control panel? The X-blox system gives you both flexibility and rapid turn time to make unique, professionally finished control surfaces. X-blox offers keyboard keys, buttons, joystick, trackball, jog & shuttle control, rotary encoders, T-bar faders, indicators, LCD displays and more.

For many applications simply arranging or grouping keys in a logical layout reflecting the workflow will make user interaction more intuitive and more productive. Replacing mouse movements and multiple menu selections with a single key press also increases productivity and reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury.

A good keyboard or control design places emphasis on the most frequently used functions using a prominent location and/or large keys or buttons making them easier to operate. Less frequent commands should be clearly labeled and grouped logically such that the user can easily find and select them. Replacing a list of multi-fingered keyboard shortcuts with simple dedicated keys eliminates time wasted looking up commands and keeps the user focused on the process. Displays and indicators for status should be positioned within the user’s line of sight and flashing indicators or moving text should be reserved for warnings or items requiring immediate attention.

Let us help you design and build the best control surface for your application. Start with one of our inexpensive stock X-keys products to prove your concept, easily reprogram and test keys and controls in various positions until you find the best configuration. Refine and implement the layout that works best in a single control surface. Get a professionally finished controller with the lowest startup expense and shortest turn time in the business.

Rapid Production vs. Rapid Prototype

Our X-blox Control Surface system delivers a fully functional, professionally finished design in less time than most companies take to make a prototype. Starting with your concept, we make a 3D model using stock components, submit it for your approval, and start production.

The X-blox extruded aluminum case has a tough powder coated finish with co-injected high impact ABS end caps. Our laser cut top plate allows for etched text or logos to brand your design.

Designing USB based controls since the inception of the Universal Serial Bus, P.I. Engineering knows HID conventions, capabilities, and limitations better than anyone in the business. Our new Pi3 firmware has the flexibility to handle a vast array and combination of digital and analog inputs as well as display and interactive outputs.

In-house design, installation, and testing of all X-blox components keep our quality control at the highest standards. Stock controls include keys, a three axis joystick, jog & shuttle knob, T-bar fader, and rotary encoder. LEDs can easily be incorporated for backlighting or indicating status as well as LCD or LED displays.

One to 100 Pieces and Beyond

X-blox architecture starts the process with small production runs of 1-100 pieces and relatively low start-up costs and can easily step up to a high volume production system for 500 – 1000 pieces to lower the per unit cost and keep pace with your expansion. The experts at P.I. Engineering will be there to help you at every step along that path.

No Tooling and Low Start Up Costs

By using stock components, designed to fit within our premade extrusion and tooled end caps, you avoid the traditional $60,000 - $80,000 tooling costs to start a new custom control design. Typical start-up costs for an X-blox project can range from $5,000 to $7,000 depending on the complexity of the design and number of different control types involved. A basic X-blox device (with keys only) would typically cost under $1,000 per unit. We provide these figures as starting points only, please contact us with your requirements for an actual quote.

Creating a new control surface for your custom application? We will work with you to design a keyboard or a combination of keys, controls, and indicators to build the best interface to your program.

Replacing old, obsolete, or worn out hardware? Give us your requirements and let us build a rugged, reliable replacement to fit your specifications.

Click here for a quote or to ask questions.

 

 

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