Dead Men Walking

dMw Chit Chat => The Beer Bar => Technology Section => Topic started by: smite on December 27, 2020, 11:20:16 AM

Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: smite on December 27, 2020, 11:20:16 AM
So. the Mrs got me one of these.... not for streaming but quick program access.
Anyone else using them, if so what do you use it for?
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Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: SithAfrikaan on December 27, 2020, 11:51:54 AM
Oh awesome, I will continue to lurk to get ideas for what these can be used for outside of streaming lmao :D
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: Sneakytiger on December 27, 2020, 12:49:57 PM
worth it for flight sims or assigning a operation to a button , lots of stuff online about it.
How to Use StreamDeck Like An Expert - The Ultimate FAQ Guide (altarofgaming.com) (https://altarofgaming.com/stream-deck-guide-faq/)
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: OldBloke on December 27, 2020, 01:25:17 PM
Nice :thumb:

I wanted one for Star Citizen but currently using GameGlass. Would still like one, though.
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: Milli on December 27, 2020, 01:31:57 PM
I have one - it was the big idea to use it when i did some streaming but  havent done any of that recently - so mostly used for program shortcuts / spotify control etc - but as OB says - in-game controls for SC (or other games)
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: smite on December 28, 2020, 06:05:45 PM
After having a play today, this is what I've come up with.
Basic but so far rewarding.

Main Screen:
Top Row
 - Chrome symbol but opens up as a folder for most used websites
 - Steam symbol but again opens up games within steam (as well as actual Steam button)
 - Settings folder with Stream deck, HW Monitor, TechPowerUp, MSI Afterburner, Task Manager and File Explorer buttons
 - YouTube

Middle Row
 - Video / music controls for open app

Bottom Row
 - Most played Games

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Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: albert on December 28, 2020, 08:53:16 PM
So it’s a USB input device with multiple pages you can click through and actual app symbols in little light up buttons?
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: smite on December 28, 2020, 10:06:54 PM
That's all it is for me at the minute. Can do far more than what I will be using it for.

Assign a button to turn on all smart lights, to a specific colour / brightness (not worked this one out yet).
Create a macro that starts all programs and has them laid out how you like it (editing etc...) ..... there's loads.
Oh and makes it easier for streamers.... apparently :roflmao:
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: smilodon on December 28, 2020, 10:36:35 PM
I've seen this for sale for £200 plusn Is this about right?
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: smite on December 28, 2020, 10:48:17 PM
That's the XL. Mine was about £140 (https://www.currys.co.uk/gbuk/gaming/gaming-accessories/streaming-equipment/elgato-stream-deck-10163983-pdt.html) I think.

On Argos for similar price.
https://www.argos.co.uk/product/7350258
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: TwoBad on January 01, 2021, 01:36:17 PM
Way back in the late 90s i had a PC Dash which i upgraded to a PC Dash 2 (P8000) in the 00s as that has USB connectivity.
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Used mainly for games, like C&C (as in the pic) and flight sims etc but also a few apps.

Been wanting to get a replacement for many years.  Last year i looked at using K55 as a macro keyboard using iCue (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cQ2atofn3lE) which did work but was a bit cumbersome and a pain having a whole other keyboard on the desk plus having to remember the key assignments.

I've looked at the Elgato Stream Deck quite a few times but have never managed to justify the price to myself, if i was going to get one it would always be the larger XL version which is around £250.  As has been said in this thread, the 15 key version is around £140 but i did see it going on Amazon Warehouse the other day for £90.

Anyway, i've been looking around for a cheaper solution and for the past week or so i've been using Touch Portal (https://www.touch-portal.com/).  This is an app you install on your PC and phone or tablet.  You then create pages with buttons on, these can then be accessed on you mobile device to control your PC.  I used the free version for a couple of days but then decided to go to the pro version which is £12.99.  So far i'm really happy with it, i play War Thunder a lot so i've create a button page mainly for comms messages.  
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In future i'll be looking at doing much more with it.  Originally thought that if i found i was using this sort of thing enough i would be able to justify the price of a Stream Deck, now i'm thinking i'll stick with this.

A couple of user videos about Touch Portal
[Beginner Guide] How-To Setup Buttons on Touch Portal (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzmxqk80fFI) in this video he takes you through all the functionality and it give you an idea of its potential
How to Install/Setup Touch Portal - FREE Elgato Stream Deck alternative (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF9AwDln5Cc) different user, he says he's never used it before so this is to show how easy it is to set up
Title: Elgato Stream Deck
Post by: albert on January 02, 2021, 07:58:16 AM
There are many options for static button boxes out there, Lib will tell you to build your own via a AliExpress product but even ebay and others have affordable options. Even second hand like this:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/20-Function-USB-Push-Button-Ignition-Rotary-Box-for-PC-racing-flight-sim/164615874267?hash=item2653dee6db:g:8JMAAOSwvG9f7K2U

Stick a few labels on this and you're sorted for 20 funtions which pretty much covers any of the non-dynamic in battle functions or flight control switches most people need.

I have an old pretty much unused Corsair Game Claw and the biggest issue with it is the lack of labels. If I find some suitable printables so I can place icons for flight funtions etc. then I think that should do me.