Keyboard disappears when BT scanner activated

[Ian Bowden]

I'm pretty sure that a configuration of Hacker's Keyboard can fix my problem - but I cannot figure out how!

I am using a Samsung Tab E Lite tablet (Android 4.4.4) with a mobile Bluetooth RFID reader running in HID mode. Essentially, the reader emulates a BT keyboard, so any RFID tags read by the reader go wherever the text input cursor is located on the tablet's screen.

It is my understanding that most versions of Android have an option within the Language and Input configurations to "Show the on-screen keyboard while a physical keyboard is being used." I have no such option in Android 4.4.4.

When using the native Samsung keyboard in this situation, the keyboard immediately disappears from the screen when the already-paired BT reader is turned on. This is somewhat understandable since Android figures there's no reason to have an on-screen keyboard when another has been interfaced. But I don't want this to happen!

Unfortunately, I am having the same thing happen when using the Hacker's Keyboard. The "show soft keyboard when no hardware keyboard is available" is NOT checked in the HK settings and I can't see any setting that would be the opposite - i.e. always show a soft keyboard.

Can someone please tell me how I might configure HK to remain on-screen and not disappear when the BT reader is paired and active?

Many thanks in advance for your help. I'm very frustrated.

[TP S]

IfF 1 were to *check* "show soft keyboard when no hardware keyboard is available," it turns into "show soft keyboard always," which is, presumably, what's wanted.

[Ian Bowden]

Yes, that's exactly what I wanted! Too bad nobody would know that unless they actually checked that option and saw how the configuration changed.

Thank you so much for your quick and informed help.

[TP S]

Of course, you're completely welcome. 🙇🏾‍♂️