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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.virtualcontrollersupply.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Please complete the steps on this page before contacting us for support, as it will greatly assist in solving the issue.
This guide is designed to help you quickly identify the source of an issue with the STARS Keyboard. In most cases, problems are caused by simple setup or software issues rather than hardware. The steps below start with quick checks before moving into more detailed testing. Follow each step in order. This process will help determine whether the issue is related to:
  • The STARS Keyboard itself
  • Your computer
  • CRC
  • Something else

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Step 1: Quick Checks

These suggestions often resolve common issues and only take a minute to try. Check if they do anything to improve or resolve the problem.

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Test

  1. Verify CRC is in focus when pressing keys on the STARS Keyboard. CRC does not recognize key presses if a different application is in focus.
  2. Run CRC in debug mode and check the logs for messages related to the STARS Keyboard.
  3. If the keyboard is plugged into a USB hub, try plugging it directly into the computer instead.
  4. Disable software that could potentially cause interference, such as keybinding utilities.
  5. Unplug and then replug in the STARS Keyboard.
  6. Restart CRC completely.
  7. Restart your computer and then relaunch CRC.

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Result

If the issue is resolved, no further action is needed.
If the issue persists, continue to Step 2 for more detailed testing.

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Step 2: Test Standard Keyboard

As discussed in the Keymap & Shortcuts guide, the keyboard is a composite USB device with some keys that act like a standard keyboard, and others that act like a joystick-style input. This step confirms that your computer recognizes the standard keyboard keys properly.

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Open a Text Editor

Open a text editor like Notepad, Microsoft Word, or similar.
  1. Click the Start Menu
  2. Type Notepad
  3. Open Notepad
Open a text editor like TextEdit, Microsoft Word, or similar.
  1. Press Command (⌘) + Space
  2. Type TextEdit
  3. Press Enter to open TextEdit

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Test

  1. Press several of the white A-Z keys on the STARS Keyboard.
  2. Confirm that the characters you pressed appear in the text editor.

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Result

If the characters appear correctly, continue to Step 3.
If no input appears, skip to Debugging: Keyboard Not Detected.

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Step 3: Test Gamepad Keys

This step confirms that your computer recognizes the joystick or gamepad-style keys properly.

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Open a Button Tester

Use an online tool like Gamepad Tester or install a third-party application such as the VKB Button Tester.To use the online tool:
  1. Ensure the device is plugged in
  2. Navigate to the page linked above
  3. Press any of the keys in the top row of the STARS Keyboard to detect the device
Use an online tool like Gamepad Tester, or install a third-party application.To use the online tool:
  1. Ensure the device is plugged in
  2. Navigate to the page linked above
  3. Press any of the keys in the top row of the STARS Keyboard to detect the device

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Test

  1. Press any of the keys in the top row of the STARS Keyboard.
  2. As you press the keyboard keys, watch the button tester application for buttons lighting up or other indications that keypresses are being recognized.

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Result

If the buttons respond when pressed, continue to Step 3.
If the buttons do not respond, try unplugging/replugging the device and repeat Step 2. If the issue persists, this may indicate a connection or hardware issue. Reach out for support.

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Step 3: Check CRC

If you completed the previous steps successfully, then your STARS Keyboard and computer are functioning correctly. At this point, the issue is most likely related to CRC not properly detecting or handling device inputs.

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Next Steps

If the issue persists, please contact us and send:
  1. Your CRC logs while running in debug mode
  2. Your operating system
  3. A description of the issue
  4. What troubleshooting steps you’ve tried from this page and the results
We can review the logs and, if needed, coordinate directly with the CRC team to help resolve the issue.

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Debugging: Keyboard Not Detected

If the standard keyboard keys do not work in Step 2, your computer is not recognizing the device correctly.

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Try This First

  1. Unplug the keyboard
  2. Plug it back in firmly
  3. Try a different USB port on your computer, and avoid USB hubs if possible.

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Then, Check if the Device is Recognized

Check the Windows Device Manager
  1. Press the Start Menu
  2. Type Control Panel
  3. Open Control Panel
  4. Click Devices and Printers
Look for a device called STARS Keyboard in the Devices or Unspecified sections. It may also appear as a USB Input Device, HID-compliant device, or a similar generic name.
Check System Information
  1. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left
  2. Click About This Mac
  3. Click More Info
  4. Scroll to the bottom of the General page and click System Report
  5. In the left sidebar, click USB
Look for a device called STARS Keyboard, or one that appears when the keyboard is plugged in.

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Result

If the device appears in the list, try Step 2 again.
If the device does not appear in the list, this may indicate a connection or hardware issue. Reach out for support.