# FinnGus Keyboard Kit User Guide

Congratulations on assembling your FinnGus Keyboard! This quick guide will walk you through how to use it.

If you havn't assembled your FinnGus yet, follow the Assembly Guide first and then come back here.

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# Programming and Usage

# VIAL

If you've followed the assembly guide correctly, Vial firmware should be loaded onto your FinnGus. Vial is an open source program that makes it easy to configure the device with a simple interface. To get started, download Vial from the official website here (opens new window). Download and install the latest version (Currently Beta 0.5.2).

After Vial is installed, open the program.

Make sure your device is connected, and click "refresh". The program will automatically detect all Vial compatible devices connected. If you have multiple devices, you can cycle them with the drop down at the top. Make sure the device you want is selected and the layout matches.

More information on VIAL can be found on the offical Vial usage guide (opens new window)

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# VIA

Via compatible firmware and matching .json files are pre-compiled and available to download.

# Example Uses for the Macro (tail) Keys

This is a list we've generated of useful ways and programs to use your device with. These are just examples. We also have some more advanced tips and tricks here. This is generic to all our products.

  • Music control - I usually configure 3 buttons for Play/Pause, Next, and Previous songs. The knob is used to control volume. This works well with Spotify. Pair with Toastify for an even better experience.

  • Muting Your Microphone Globally - Use Microsoft PowerToys (opens new window) or SoundSwitch (opens new window) to mute your microphone with a key press.

  • Screenshots - Configure a macro to press Menu+Shift+s to open up the screenshot tool on Windows 10.

  • SoundSwitch (opens new window) (PC) or SoundSource (opens new window) (Mac) - This is an amazing computer program that makes it very easy to switch audio devices with a macro or hotkey.

  • In conjunction with AutoHotkey (opens new window) - AutoHotkey is a powerful scripting language that can do automated tasks. It can be triggered by a hotkey press so it's perfect to use with the Pikatea Macropad.

  • Streaming - Configure OBS or other streaming platforms to change scenes or camera angles. We like to have a button to blank the display.

  • Video Editing - Program the knob to press the correct keys to move the timeline back and forth for any video editing program.

  • Monitor Control - Use MultiMonitorTool or MonitorSwitcher to make switching monitor configurations easy. Combine it with your macropad to make it even easier!

# Important Info

The case is printed in PLA. It can deform if left on an uneven surface in a hot environment for too long. Do not leave your finnGus in a HOT car for too long. Any temperature that is uncomfortable for an extended period of time would be too hot for too long. Just pretend it's a person/cat

# Troubleshooting

Vial isn't detecting the device!

Have some advice or need more help? Let us know on Discord (opens new window) or through our Contact Us (opens new window) form.