All Storm keypads are momentary contact switches on a row and column matrix. For a Storm keypad to provide USB output, it must be connected to a Storm 450 Series USB Encoder.

When connected to the Storm 450 (or 450i) USB Encoder, the keypad enumerates as a standard HID and is compatible with all systems that support USB 2.0.

The 450 Series USB Encoders are designed to work with standard telephone or calculator layout keypads straight out of the box. If required, the USB keycodes transmitted by the encoder can be reconfigured using the Storm Encoder Software Utility available from www.storm-interface.com

More information about the 450 Series USB Encoder can be found in the product brochure and technical manual.

Storm keypads are matrix types, we do not manufacture common line keypads. The keypad is matrix. Pressing a key will make a circuit between two of the pins (a row and a column). The diagram below is an example of this type of circuit (for a typical 16 way matrix or 16 key keypad)

So for instance pressing the “1” key will make the circuit between pins 1 and 3. A PLC or Encoder will register this and interpret it as a keystroke.

The keypad does not need to be powered but can be powered with maximum of 24V @ 50mA. Contact resistance is around 100Ohms. The contact will remain closed as long as the key is activated.

Both the 420 Series RS-232 Encoder and the 450 Series USB Encoder can be connected to a Storm keypad via a cable. We supply 30cm ribbon cables for connection to the 450 Series USB encoder. The same cables can also be used to connect the RS-232 encoder to a 12 or 16 key Storm keypad.

The ribbon cables feature Molex KK 2695 0.1” pitch square pins at one end (for connection to the encoder) and a socket at the other end for connection to the keypad. One edge of the ribbon cable is red and this denotes connection to pin 1.

Please see below for the ribbon cable part numbers and compatibility.

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Storm does not supply a cable to connect the 420 Series RS-232 Encoder to a Storm 4 key keypad.

Information on creating your own custom cable for this purpose can be found below.

The Storm 450 Series USB Encoder is designed to fit all Storm keypads. Certain keypads have more pins, for example those with illumination. Power for the LEDs in Storm’s illuminated keypads is provided via the pins, so the encoder must accommodate this.

No. Since March of 2020 we only manufacture keyboards with USB connectivity.

Storm keyboards are designed for use in public applications and therefore must be accessible for those with sensory or mobility impairments. In March 2018 Storm notified distributors and direct customers that it had improved the visibility and durability of the keytop graphics in dirty or exposed environments.

Field testing confirmed that adoption of white keytops, with black laser engraved keytop graphics and a clearly defined keytop boundary made the Storm keyboards more usable by all operators, including those with sensory impairment or limited fine motor skills.

Conversion of Storm’s keyboard range to white keys was completed in early 2020 and Storm has now ceased production of keyboards with the older style black buttons.

For customers looking to replace a black key keyboard, please note that the newer white key keyboards are exactly the same in terms of fit, form and function. However, please note that all keyboards are now manufactured with USB only connectivity (and are supplied fitted with a 2.5m USB cable).

CAD models and technical specifications for the new keyboards can be downloaded from the product pages.

If you need help identifying which keyboard you need, please do not hesitate to contact us.

This keyboard has an integral rubber seal moulded to the top lip of the moulding, so there is no need for an additional gasket.

The USB codes which are output by a Storm keyboard are factory set and cannot be changed.

We may be able to provide a keyboard with customized USB keycodes. Please contact us if this is of interest. (Please note that customization of this nature is subject to a minimum order quantity and possible non-recurring engineering charges.)

Storm’s 2200 Series keyboards can either be used on a desktop or installed into a panel. (The 2200 Series range covers those products whose part number begins with ’22’.)

To use the keyboards on a desktop, please order the foot kit 2200-FK00. This foot kit is attached to the rear of the keyboard as explained in the Keyboard Technical Manual.

Storm Interface products are developed and tested primarily for use with current and supported Microsoft Windows® platforms. If you are developing with a non-Windows® platform, please contact Storm Interface for advice as compatibility with non-Windows® platforms or operating systems cannot be guaranteed.

We recommend using a Molex 2695 Series connector as detailed below.

Please note: The 1000 Series, 2000 Series and PLX Series keypad all have locking ramps.

The maximum current requirement (Imax, at 5.0V) is as follows:

            4 Key    0.052A max

            12 Key  0.156A max

            16 Key  0.210A max

All Storm products are supplied with a limited twelve (12) month manufacturer’s warranty. In the event that your product fails, please email us at sales@storm-interface.com. To enable us to verify whether a product is within warranty, please provide the serial or batch number of the product, along with a description of the fault. The serial/batch number can be found on a white label attached to the rear of the product.

Storm does not offer the component parts of its products for sale, so the products are not field serviceable.