Welcome...

Read on to find out how you can configure your Claw to give you the best set-up for all your favourite games and software applications.

We have pre-loaded the Claw software with button set-ups for the most popular games. You can use these profiles as they are or change them to suit your personal style. Each profile is set up for the WASD player but can be easily modified for the right mouse button player!
If you want to create your own game profile from scratch here are a few tips:

Before programming the Claw we recommend you open the Claw Configuration Sheet (Claw Configuration Sheet V3.pdf) on the Driver CD in the ENU directory. 

Start your favourite game and write the actions and keystrokes you wish to configure the Claw with on the Claw Configuration Sheet.  This will mean you won’t have to enter and exit your game numerous times to configure your Claw software.

Creating a New Game Profile

The Claw uses Game Profiles to define what commands will be sent in a particular game or software application. By creating Game Profiles, your Claw can be configured for all your games and software applications. By attaching these Game Profiles to games, your Claw will automatically load the correct profile for any game or application you have running.

1.       Open the main software window by double clicking on the orange C in the system tray.

2.       Click on the New… button.

3.       Enter the name of your new profile.

4.       Attach the profile to a game (this can be done later).

5.       Click OK.

Programming a Button

Moving your mouse cursor over the individual buttons of the Claw highlights them. Stopping on a button for a moment will reveal the button name (Button 1 to 10 for the factory default profile) and the buttons function description (Say “Button #” for the factory default profile).

Single Key Programming

We recommend that before you program your Claw, you print the Claw Configuration Sheet and write down which game command you plan to assign to each Claw button.

1.       Left click on a button on the Claw picture opens the Button Assignment Window to configure the button. Pushing the actual button on the Claw itself will also open the same window.

2.       Complete the Description Field. Enter the name of the action or command you will be assigning to this button.

3.       Left click on the button named “Click Here” under the heading “Single Key”.

4.       Enter the desired keystroke or mouse click.

5.       Click OK.

6.       Click Save.

Tip: To test your button assignments open a text editor (Notepad, MS Word etc.), highlight the profile you are testing and press the Claw buttons.

Assigning Button Shift Status

Right clicking on a button (on the picture of the Claw) opens a pop up menu that allows you to select if this button is to be a normal button, a Shift button, or a Toggle Shift.

Shift buttons change the function of other buttons when pressed. I.e. assigning a button to be a Shift button allows you to program two functions on each of the remaining buttons. The first function of these buttons will be active normally, the second becomes active when you hold down the Shift 1 button before hitting the other button.

Up to four Shift buttons can be assigned which gives you a maximum of five different functions per button.

Only one particular button can be a specific Shift button at a time, i.e. if you have button 1 assigned to be Shift 2 and now set Button 3 to be Shift 2 this will automatically revert Button 1 to a normal button.

Assigning one button to be a Toggle Shift allows you to select any of the five function levels by stepping through them. I.e. initially the normal function level is active, when you press the Toggle shift once this activates the Shift 1 level, pressing Toggle Shift again activates Shift 2 and so on until after Shift 4 the next press of Toggle Shift returns you to the normal level.

This allows easy access to multiple controller configurations for different game modes, i.e. you can have a combat mode, a navigation mode, communication mode etc. and jump between them by repeatedly pressing Toggle Shift.

Advanced Command Programming

1.       Select the Advanced Keys radio button

2.       Left click on the button named “Key Sequence” to open the Advanced Key Sequence Window.

3.       The macro filed is now visible. Each of the boxes in the macro field can be set to a keystroke or mouse click. Simply enter the key commands you wish to set.  Mouse clicks, time delays and Cycling Macros can also be added (See Advanced Button Modes).

4.       Click OK.

5.       Click OK in the Assignments window.

6.       Click Save.

Main Software Window

This is where you can see all your Game Profiles and customise the settings of your Claw. The Claw uses Game Profiles to define what commands will be sent in a particular game or software application.  By creating Game Profiles, your Claw can be configured for all your games and software applications. By attaching these profiles to games your Claw will automatically load the correct profile for any game or application you have running!

Game Profiles Dialog

The Game Profiles dialog lists all the Game Profiles that are currently available. Select one of these profiles to make changes to it, export it, delete it etc.

As long as the Claw program is open the selected Game Profile stays active in all applications.  This allows you to use a familiar text editor to test your button allocations. You can also download the latest game profiles from the web by clicking on “Click to download further profiles”.

New

Creates a new Game Profile. A dialog opens that asks for a name of the new setting and allows you to attach it to a program (see "Attach").

Copy

Makes a copy of the currently selected Game Profile. This allows you to generate new Game Profiles using one you have already created. A dialog opens that asks for a name of the new Game Profile and allows you to Attach it to a program.

Attach

Attaches the selected Game Profile to an application. When the application is started the selected Game Profile will automatically become the active one. If multiple applications are running, the Game Profiles will automatically switch as you move between applications. This is called "Application Awareness"

Select a Game Profile from the list, and then click on "Attach". This will open a dialog in which the pathname to the application can be specified. There are a number of ways to specify the game’s pathname.

a) Start the game/application and then exit it.

b) Open the Claw configuration window and select a Game Profile from the list, and click on "Attach".

c) The Claw software will show the pathname of the last application launched. If this is not the path you require, click on the pull down arrow and select the game path name.

If you wish to manually select the games executable path you can click on "..." and file browser will open that allows you to search your computers directories for the application to attach the profile to.

Note: It is important to select the correct .exe file when attempting to associate Profiles to a particular application.

Tip: The desktop shortcuts can also help in locating the correct .exe file. Simply right click on them, select properties and copy the “Start In:” path to the Attach path in your Claw software. Ensure that there are no inverted commas (“ “) or other symbols at the start and end of the path name. The path should look similar to C:/Program Files/…..

Export

Exports the selected Game Profile into an external excitable file. This allows users to exchange Game Profiles with friends. To import such a file just double click on it and confirm that you want it to be installed.

Delete

Removes the selected Game Profile from the list. This is not reversible, be careful not to accidentally delete your Game Profiles.

Application Awareness

The check box in front of every Game Profile allows you to activate this profile for Application Awareness.

The Claw automatically detects which application is running and activates the Game Profile corresponding to that game. This function is called "Application Awareness". It allows you to configure your Claw so you can switch between games and always have your customized configuration of the Claw loaded.

The "Profile for all Applications" is always present and cannot be deleted. It is used for the applications, which have not been linked to a particular Claw Profile.

If a Game Profile is not linked to a game or application (which means you have not told the Claw which Profile belongs to an application) this checkbox is always unchecked and disabled.

When Application Awareness for a Game Profile is not active (un-ticked) this Game Profile will not automatically activate. This can be desirable if you have multiple Game Profiles for a single game, you can then use the checkbox to select which Profile should be used.

If there are multiple Game Profiles attached to the same application only one of these Profiles can have it's checkbox checked. When another Profile gets checked to one active before is automatically unchecked.

Main Window Control Buttons

OK

Stores all changes and leaves the configuration program.

Cancel

Discards all changes that were made since last Save or OK, and leaves the configuration program.

Stores all changes and stays in the configuration program.

Options

Opens a dialog to set some software options.

Claw-Logo

Clicking on the Claw logo opens the about dialog giving software version and other information.

Button Assignment Descriptions panel

The button assignment descriptions for all the button levels programmed are displayed here. You can also click on one of the button numbers to open the Button Assignment Window (see below).

This panel can be closed by clicking on the orange arrows.

Options Window

Hide Tray Icon

Checking this option does remove the Claw icon from the system tray. You can still access the configuration program via the system settings.

Hide Splash Screen at Start up

This disables the showing of the Claw logo when the program starts up on system start or when manually started.

Hide ToolTip Hints

This disables the hints thatshow up when you pause the mouse cursor on an item. It also disables showing the button names and functions on the Claw picture.

Start with Windows

Enables automatic start of the software when the system boots up.

OK

Saves changes and closes the options window.

Cancel

Discards changes and closes the options window.

Button Assignment Window

Button Function Levels

The pull down menu at the top of the Button Assignment dialog window allows you to select the function level of the button you are programming.

There are five levels: Normal, which is without any Shift buttons, and the four Shift levels.

Description

This field allows you to enter text to describe the function of the button (i.e. "Fire Guns" or "Switch Views"). The descriptions are displayed in the tool tip hints of the main window and in the Button Assignments Window.

Single Key

A simple key combination or mouse click can be programmed here.

Left click on the square symbol to change the code entered. Another mouse click into the square enters that mouse click as the function. Alternately, a single key may be typed on the keyboard or a combination of any modifier keys (i.e. shift, Alt, Ctrl) plus a single typing key.

To enter a key combination, press and hold the modifiers, then hit the typing key. As soon as a typing key is hit the input is terminated (i.e. hold Shift, press "A", on pressing "A" the input terminates, Shift-A is programmed on the button), when a modifier is released the input is terminated (i.e. hold Shift, press and release Ctrl, the input terminates, Shift-Ctrl is programmed on the button).

Any keys or mouse buttons that are programmed here stay active as long as the corresponding button on The Claw is pressed, i.e. programming an "A" on Button 1 will result in Button 1 acting like the keyboard key "A", when you press and hold Button 1 the "A" will start to auto repeat.

Advanced Keys

This opens an Advanced Key Sequence Dialog Window, which allows you to enter complex macros with up to 100 keys, delays or mouse events.

Mouse Wheel

Checking this option generates a mouse wheel event when pressing the button. Click on the Arrow to select a wheel up or down action.

Start Application

This allows you to start a program at the press of the button. Enter the path name in the text field, or click on "..." to get a file browser to search through your directory.

Play Sound

Plays a sound when the button is pressed. The sound may be selected from the system sounds by the pull down menu or by selecting any eligible file by clicking on "..." and using the file browser.

Advanced Key Sequence Window

The Advanced Key Sequence window will allow you to create complex multi-button commands.

Please note: Depending on the game, you may not be able to execute more than one Advanced Key Sequence at a time. For example, if you press a button that is programmed to execute an advanced key sequence that takes 20 seconds to complete, then the next command cannot be executed until 20 seconds has passed. Consider this when you are programming your Advanced Key Sequence commands.

Macro Field

This field holds the codes (or keystrokes) to be sent for this macro.

On opening this dialog click in the upper left corner to start entering your codes. When typing keys or clicking the mouse inside the macro field, the corresponding code is entered and the cursor advances to the next field.  Any modifier keys (Shift Alt etc) have their key up and down timing recorded.

The resulting text for this code in a text editor would be the word “Claw” followed by a “return” key press.

Advanced Button Modes

Key Sequence Mode

This pull down menu allows you to select which mode to use for this macro. The basic Key Sequence mode it is simply a macro with up 100 codes. When pressing the button this whole macro is generated.

Cycling Macro Mode

Selecting one of the "Cycling" modes splits the 100 codes into 2 to 10 fields of up to 10 codes each (the entire row). In Cycling Macro mode pressing the button once sends the codes of the first field, pressing the button again sends the second field and so on until the number of fields has been used up and the sequence starts again at the first field.

This gives you a very powerful tool for games with complex configurations. For instance this allows you to configure a bomber by stepping through several configurations of set points, or you can step your Battle Mech through several combat modes or switching between camera modes etc. In FPS games you can configure a button to change to a particular weapon, and then press the button again to revert to the last weapon used.

Hold Until Released Mode

This check box switches between what we call "typing mode" and "static mode".

Usually a complex macro will be used in typing mode (option unchecked), which means each of the keys is handled as you were typing on a keyboard: It is hit and released immediately afterwards. Only the modifier keys (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) are handled differently, they have entries in the macro, which tell when they are pressed and released.

Though some functions do require that a key or key combination is held active for some time, like squeezing the trigger of a machine gun or running forward. For such functions this option is checked. Now the keys in the macro are pressed when the button on the Claw is pressed and they are held down until the button is released. Only the modifier keys are still handled according to their up/down entries in the macro.

Pause Between All Keys

This function allows you to enter a number in milliseconds to add a delay between EACH button in the complex macro you create. This is helpful if the macro is not functioning in game due to the keystrokes are entered to quickly by the Claw.

Delay (with one clock graphic)

This enters a 100msec delay at the cursor. A delay will cause the Claw to pause the output of codes.  You can enter the delay numerous times to increase the time between codes.

Delay (with two clock graphic)

This enters a 500msec delay.

Insert

This inserts an empty field at the place of the input cursor by moving all the codes one position to the right.

Delete

This removes the code in the field of the input cursor and moves all following codes one position left.

Clear All

Clears all of the macro. In case of Cycling mode this clears all fields.

OK

Saves all changes and closes the dialog

Cancel

Discards all changes and closes the dialog.

FAQ/Troubleshooting

I'm having problems getting the Claw to work in Vista. What can I do to get it running?

This can be caused by two Vista settings. The first is when a game is set to run in Administrator mode. This is sometimes required to get games to function correctly. If this is the case the Claw software also needs to be set to run in administrator mode. If this is required you can set the following file C:\Program Files\TheCalw.exe to run as an administrator (right click on the file to open the dialog box below).

UAC (User Account Control) may also be blocking the software from starting. This will mean that you must launch and approve the software to start by clicking on the desktop shortcut and selecting "allow".

Is there a Claw for the right hand?

A Claw for the right hand is not available at this time.

Does the Claw replace my keyboard?

No.  You still need a keyboard connected to the PC.

My Claw buttons are not responsive and I have had the Claw for some time.

This can be caused by the buttons being used for long periods of time (usually years). The button cap can be popped off by prying it gently with a small thin screwdriver between the cap and body. There will be only one moving contact dome inside so you won't have 50 pieces flying out! Firstly you should clean the contact and dome. If this does not remedy the problem you can adjust the button sensitivity by bending the center steel pin in the button housing up slightly, if you bend it too far and the click disappears simply pop the cap of again and bend it down a bit. Please perform this adjustment gently and by small amounts at a time.

The Claw doesn't work in MS-DOS mode ("real mode")

The Claw will not work in MS-DOS mode ("real mode").

The profiles supplied with the Claw software don't work in my game.

The profiles supplied with the Claw software were designed to use the default keyboard shortcuts within each game nominated.  Please ensure the game’s controls are set to default before attempting to use a profile.  Some games have a default set-up that does not allocate keyboard/mouse buttons to all the in-game actions.  Simply program these by setting the game action to the Claws nominated button. If you have modified the keyboard shortcuts in your game, edit the commands and settings in your Claw profiles to match the commands and settings in your game.

Commands from the Claw are delayed.

There are a number of reasons that might cause your game response to be delayed. The cause may be related to your programmed commands, your computer's hardware specifications, or other applications that you may have running at the same time as your game. Consider the following list of possible causes.

Your game is busy executing commands. Depending on the game, you may not be able to execute more than one command at a time. For example, if you press a button that is programmed to execute a complex command that takes 20 seconds to complete, then the next command cannot be executed until 20 seconds has passed. Consider this when you are programming your commands.

Your computer does not meet the minimum system requirements (See the side panel on the Box). If your computer does not meet the minimum system requirements, it may not be able to execute programmed commands or support all the features of the Claw. Compare the minimum system requirements for the Claw to your computer to determine if your system will support the Claw.

 Your programmed command executes too quickly, causing your computer to hang or crash. When you program complex commands to the Claw’s buttons, it is possible that the computer needs time to execute parts of the command before executing the rest of the command. To avoid this problem, insert a time delay into your commands.

Your programmed command executes but does not complete. This could be caused if a command is executed too quickly or if the wrong keyboard command is executed. Check that your programmed commands use the same keyboard commands that are configured in your game software. If the commands are all correct, try adding some time delays via the Advanced Key Sequence window.

My programmed mouse click doesn't work.

If you have included a mouse click in one of your programmed commands, then you must place the mouse cursor in the correct position at the time the command executes. For example, you might create a command that jumps to your home base, calls for some villagers to be created, then calls for a right mouse click to set a gather point on the map. This command will execute regardless of the location of the cursor. If your mouse cursor is not where you want the gather point to be, then the command may seem to fail. Make sure the cursor is where you want it when you execute the command.

How do I get the Claw to send a chat command?

To perform a chat command in game do the following:

If in your game you press “y” to open a team chat and you wish to say “hello” then you should enter the following in the Advanced Button Mode.

Ensure that the hold until released button is unchecked.

Claw Panel is not uninstalled from the Control Panel when the software is uninstalled.

Prior to the Claw un-installation process ensure that the Control Panel window is closed.  Reinstall and remove the Claw software with the Control Panel closed to remove the Claw Panel.

Why is the Claw not supported under Windows 95?

Windows 98 was the first OS from Microsoft to officially support USB, so that is the Claws minimum requirement. If you have a Windows 95 computer with working USB, the Claw may work but we do not support software enquiries for this operating system.

Will there be a Macintosh version of the Claw Software?

We are planning on a Macintosh release, but we don't have a date of release at this time. In the mean time, you can use unofficial 3rd party utilities to support the Claw - see below for instructions.

Can I use the Claw under the MacOS?

The Claw is not directly supported under operating systems other than Windows, but a third party utility can be used to support the device. Click here for more information.

Will I loose my Claw game profiles when I install any available software updates?

No.

How long will it take to get used to the Claw?    

It takes a few days to get used to the Claw. At first you may feel the keyboard was easier as you have adapted to using a peripheral designed for typing. The better the player, the longer it can take for your reflexes to adapt to the Claw. Once they do, you will never go back.

My Claw is not working in the game.

This will be caused by the profile not being properly attached to the game. If you have not attached the profile correctly you will get an annoying “Button 1” sound etc in game when pressing buttons on the Claw. Numbers 1-10 are programmed in the Claws Profile for all applications. This is why you are possibly getting only weapon changes and the 1, 2, 3 sound and keystrokes only. Please download the latest version of the software from our web page and follow the instructions below:

To attach the game,

1) Start the game, enter the game (sometimes the game world is a different .exe file to the menu .exe file so it is important to play the game a little)

2) Exit the game

3) Go directly to the Claw software window, click Attach, then click the drop down selector and you will see the game path.

4) Select the game path and you should be fragging in minutes!

Note: Some programs (MS Explorer is one, it is driven by a DLL. D:\WINNT\System32\BROWSEUI.dll) will show non .exe files in the list. If you are having trouble attaching the profile to the game, try these extensions as well. Also watch for multiplayer and single player games. For example Jedi Outcast's main program sends you to 2 different versions of the game. For single player mode you assign the Claw to 'C:\Program Files\LucasArts\Star Wars JK II Jedi Outcast\GameData\JK2SP.EXE' and multiplayer is 'C:\Program Files\LucasArts\Star Wars JK II Jedi Outcast\GameData\JK2MP.EXE'.

If you have no luck attaching then as a last resort you can reconfigure the Profile For All Applications to the game setting and you will definitely be on your way.

I need more commands than the Claw can handle.

Our first recommendation is to use the cycling macro feature in the Advanced Programming Mode. this way one press of a button can bring up a "compass" another "turn on headlights" etc. Otherwise its best to put a few commands on the num-pad near your right hand. This way you can lift off the mouse momentarily and press a button if need be. The Claw hardware has an expansion port fitted to the printed circuit board as standard and we are working on an optional extra 10 button pad. If you registered your Claw on line you will be notified when it is available.

When I insert the Claw CD into my XP machine it restarts.

This is caused by a problem with Logitech mice. If this occurs we recommend you download the latest Claw software upgrade, which has a workaround for the Logitech problem.

I did not receive software with my Claw should it have some?

If you have purchased the PS/2 version of the Claw it does not require software. Please refer to the PS/2 users guide here to program your Claw.

How do I import a new game profile?

If you download a new profile (profile name.reg) you can install it by simply double clicking on the file. If windows asks whether you wish to add the file to the registry click yes.

My PC crashes on inserting the driver CD.

Please download the latest software driver version from our web page. This crash is caused by a conflict with certain USB devices, it’s a rare occurrence that is fixed in version 1.0.2.9 and higher.

I’m having trouble configuring Numpad keys in my profile.

If you right mouse click on your profile a window will open allowing you to select Map Num Pad Keys. Tick this option to assist with mapping the Numpad keys.

No answer to your question?

Send an email to support@claw.com.au. We will get back to you and we will post it here if enough of you ask!

Interference

The Claw generates and uses radio frequency (RE) energy. If the equipment is not installed and operated in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, interference to radio and television reception may result.

Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by Ferraro Design Pty. Ltd. could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules and its operation is subject to the following conditions:

(1) The equipment may not cause harmful interference.

(2) The equipment must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Part 15, Class B, of the FCC Rules, are designed to provide reasonable protection against radio and television interference installation. Although the equipment has been tested and found to comply with allowed RF emission limits, as specified in the above-cited rules, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular situation. Interference can be determined by turning the equipment off and on while monitoring radio or television reception. The user may be able to eliminate interference by implementing one or more of the following:

• Reorient the affected device.

• Increase the distance between the affected device and the computer equipment.

• Plug the computer and its peripherals into a different branch circuit from that used by the affected device.