The world has come a long way since the induction apparatus for Morse code created by David Hughes. Today the wireless industry is freeing up practically all the devices we use so that we can take them just about anywhere in the world. With the wireless technology currently available there are certainly no less problems that can occur, but rather different types of problems. The wireless keyboard is no exception, and there are numerous problems that one will have to learn how to troubleshoot.
Step One
Replace your batteries in the keyboard. Fix problems with keystrokes being dropped by checking the range of your wireless keyboard. Slowly back away from the receiver as you type. You will notice a point where the keyboard doesn’t work as well. Normally, wireless keyboards will have a range of up to 6 feet. Some cheaper versions may only give you a 3 to 4 foot range to work with. Range is the first thing to check. However, you may have a more expensive wireless keyboard that sends its signal well up to thirty feet. If you are still having trouble with typing on a thirty foot range wireless keyboard, then you will need to look at other potential causes for failure.
Step Two
Check for interference with a BlueTooth wireless keyboard. Determine the type of wireless signal your wireless keyboard uses. Are you using radio frequency or BlueTooth? The range for radio frequency is 27MHz, while the range for BlueTooth operates at 2.45GHz. If you use BlueTooth, then 802.11B/G wireless devices are unlikely to be the cause of interference. However, microwave ovens and cordless phones can cause problems for your BlueTooth wireless keyboard. The difference between the radio frequency and BlueTooth technology is that BlueTooth jumps from one frequency to the another frequency. This is known as Frequency hopping. The benefit of frequency hopping is that BlueTooth avoids interferences by hopping from one frequency to another. BlueTooth can use one of seventy-nine channels. Problems with BlueTooth will generally result in a lag or delay in response to your keystrokes.
Step Three
Place the radio frequency receiver as close as possible to your wireless keyboard (If you are using radio frequency wireless keyboard). If you continue to have interference, try a BlueTooth device. BlueTooth generally has less interference from other devices. But if you must use your 27MHz keyboard, then you might benefit by reading the instructional manual for how to switch to another channel. Most 27MHz wireless keyboard/ mouse packages come with two channels for the keyboard and two channels for the mouse.
Step Four
Install the software and drivers that came with your keyboard. Often a wireless keyboard will work without installing the software, but the software gives you added protection and keyboard functionality. Also make certain that your drivers are up to date. You can go to your wireless keyboard’s manufacturer’s web site to find out about driver updates for maximum performance.