Advanced power management for USB channels

Author: Jack Conner

chinchanstuff?TitleMorphStick Keyboard Multilogger

Multi-channel logging for keyboards and barcode readers

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger is a multiple channel keyboard recorder. It can monitor 2 USB keyboard lines in tap mode, and actively poll an additional keyboard in USB host mode. Captured data may be stored to internal flash memory or streamed in real-time over local USB or Ethernet to any chosen IP address. An additional built-in USB hub simplifies the setup and reduces the amount of cabling. The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger does not interfere with keyboard operation, and does not require any drivers or software.

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger Max is an enhanced version, that can monitor 4 USB keyboard lines in tap mode, and actively poll an additional keyboard in USB host mode. Besides all the features of the MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger, it also contains a built-in Real-Time Clock (RTC) with a battery, and an external serial command interface.

Features

  • Captures data from multiple USB keyboards or USB barcode readers
  • Sends data over Ethernet as UDP datagrams, or locally over USB
  • Records acquired data to embedded flash memory
  • 16 gigabytes internal memory, accessible as a USB flash drive
  • Highly configurable with simple PC-side application
  • Additional built-in USB hub reduces the amount of cables
  • Advanced power management for USB channels
  • Supports national keyboard layouts
  • Durable anodized aluminum enclosure
  • USB cable included

MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger:

  • Captures data from 3 USB keyboards or USB barcode readers simultaneously
  • Two USB channels in tap mode capture USB communication without interfering
  • Additional channel in USB host mode actively polls USB device

MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger Max:

  • Captures data from 5 USB keyboards or USB barcode readers simultaneously
  • Four USB channels in tap mode capture USB communication without interfering
  • Additional channel in USB host mode actively polls USB device
  • Built-in real-time clock with battery
  • External command interface with RS232 connector
How it works

MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger is a powerful, yet simple to use data converter and logger. Connect multiple USB keyboards or barcode readers to the front panel dual USB-A sockets. Each may have a separate USB connection to the host computer, or the integrated USB hub may be enabled, reducing the number of cables. An additional USB keyboard or barcode reader may be connected to the host port on the rear panel. This device will be polled by the MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger rs232 data logger, with no connection to the computer necessary. Depending on the configuration, acquired data may be logged to the internal flash memory, sent through the local USB connection, or transferred over Ethernet to a chosen destination.

The Max version advantage

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger Max is an enhanced version, that can monitor 4 USB keyboard lines in tap mode, and actively poll an additional keyboard in USB host mode. Besides all the features of the MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger, it also contains a built-in Real-Time Clock (RTC) with a battery, and an external serial command interface.

Highly configurable

All MorphStick devices feature a button, which switches them into configuration mode over USB. An free lightweight application is available, which guides through the configuration process. During configuration the basic network communication needs to be configured, such as the where to send the acquired data. It takes just a few minutes to get the basic data transfer running, however the flexibility of the device also allows setting up sophisticated communication schemes.

Tap versus Host

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger features two or four USB ports working in tap mode, and one USB port working in host mode. The Tap port works like a keylogger, capturing existing communication between the USB keyboard or barcode reader, and the computer. The Host port contains a built-in USB controller, which actively polls the keyboard or barcode reader for data. Data originating from all ports is later treated the same way during recording to flash memory, or transferring over USB or Ethernet.

Power and data management

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger handles USB power and data flow in a configurable way. Each port has its own power management circuit, protecting the connected devices. USB keyboards and barcode readers can either be connected directly to the host computer using the dual USB-A sockets, or through an integrated USB hub. This reduces the amount of cables, and helps avoid ground loops in a complicated multiple-device setup.

The bigger picture

Morphsticks are essentially building blocks of bigger communication systems. The data originating from MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger can be sent to several destinations. One of them can be the MorphStick Ethernet 2 Keyboard, creating a transfer link over Ethernet for keyboards and barcode readers. Another destination can be a host computer, with dedicated software. A sample application is delivered, demonstrating this capability. Yet another option is a dedicated MorphStick device solely for the purpose of logging data from several sources. The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger can also be used as an embedded data server, with the capability to retrieve logged data on demand, both locally over USB, and remotely over Ethernet.

Real-Time Clock (RTC)

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger Max has an integrated RTC (Real-Time Clock), enabling time-stamping while logging data. The set time and date is retained even when the device is powered off, thanks to an internal battery.

Command interface

The MorphStick Keyboard Multilogger Max features an additional serial connection with a standard DB-9 socket, enabling external control of the device. All vital features of the device are controllable through a simple set of serial commands.

For more information please visit:https://www.keelog.com/

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