Function Keys F13-F16 on my Apple Pro Keyboard do not work?

Question

Function Keys F13-F16 on my Apple Pro Keyboard do not work?

I am using the Apple Pro Keyboard that I got with my G5 computer but I cannot access the F14-F16 Function. When I attempt to apply shortcuts to these functions from the Keyboard panel in system preference I get a beep which indicates that there's no access to these keys. In the Keyboard Shortcut Panel, "Turn Universal Access On/Off" is checked. When I search for "Keyboard" in apple help, nothing comes up.

Can anyone help me with information on how to use these keys?

Mike.

Mac G5. 2ghz DP Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Posted on Jan 7, 2006 9:26 PM

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Answer 1

Jan 7, 2006 11:03 PM in response to Michael Redhead

If you have an Apple display and have the USB cable hooked up then F14 and F15 work as brightness control keys.

Also, Alt F14 and Alt F15 bring up the System Preferences Display panel.

I have not been able to get the F16 to function yet.

Dual 2.3 PM Mac OS X (10.4.3) 3.5 GB RAM

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Answer 2

Jan 7, 2006 11:22 PM in response to Rick Prather

If you have an Apple display and have the USB cable
hooked up then F14 and F15 work as brightness control
keys.

Also, Alt F14 and Alt F15 bring up the System
Preferences Display panel.

I have not been able to get the F16 to function yet.

Dual 2.3 PM Mac
OS X (10.4.3) 3.5 GB RAM

Thanks Rick, but I'm using a LaCIE 19" Electron Blue. Do you know if this keyboard works with any monitors other than Apple? Also, do you have any idea why my Mac Help isn't working?

Best regards.

Mike.

Mac G5. 2ghz DP Mac OS X (10.4.3)

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Answer 3

Jan 8, 2006 10:27 AM in response to Michael Redhead

<Do you know if this keyboard works with any monitors other than Apple?

It's not really that the keyboard doesn't work with your monitor,
it's that the computer controls brightness via the USB connection on the Apple monitor. If your monitor doesn't have that USB connection and that control circuitry built in then it cant control it.

I don't understand what you mean by your Mac help not working. I can't find the answer to this particular question in the help section for System Preferences but many items are covered.<br>
Dual 2.3 PM Mac OS X (10.4.3) 3.5 GB RAM

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Answer 4

Jan 8, 2006 11:32 AM in response to Michael Redhead

I think you are out of luck with respect to F14 and F15. As pointed out, Apple uses those keys to control display brightness. I have yet to find a macro programme that allows users to assign shortcuts to either F14 or F15 without using modifier keys (i.e. control, command, option, or shift).

F16 is a different matter. You can assign a shortcut to F16 using Spark 2.1 (freeware). It's available here: http://shadowlab.free.fr/Creation/logiciel.php?sign=Sprk&lang=2.

PowerMac G5/2.3 Mac OS X (10.4.3) WD 250GB, Maxtor Diamond Max 10 200GB, 2GB RAM, Radeon 9600, Dell 2005FPW

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Answer 5

Jan 8, 2006 3:00 PM in response to Stephen Giles

Nice tip on Spark!

I just used it to set up F16 to pause iTunes in any application, something I have been wanting to do for some time.

Thanks

Dual 2.3 PM Mac OS X (10.4.3) 3.5 GB RAM

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Answer 6

Jan 8, 2006 8:35 PM in response to Michael Redhead

I am using the Apple Pro Keyboard that I got with my
G5 computer but I cannot access the F14-F16 Function.
When I attempt to apply shortcuts to these functions
from the Keyboard panel in system preference I get a
beep which indicates that there's no access to these
keys. In the Keyboard Shortcut Panel, "Turn
Universal Access On/Off" is checked. When I
search for "Keyboard" in apple help, nothing comes
up.

Can anyone help me with information on how to use
these keys?

Mike.

Mac G5. 2ghz DP
Mac OS X (10.4.3)

Thanks very much for your help guys.

I'm now using Spark and it seems to work great.

Rick, I solved my "Mac Help" problem. When I open the "Mac Help" window in the menue bar and type my question, I realize that I have to click on the "magnifying glass" and check off "Search All Help".

Mac G5. 2ghz DP Mac OS X (10.4.3)

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