The Break key (changes)

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Introduction

RISC OS makes use of the Break key on the keyboard to perform certain functions. This key is usually located at the right-hand end of the function key strip, and may be labelled Pause instead of Break.

This page lists the functions performed by the Break key, and describes how to remap another key to act as Break.

Break key functions

¹ Continue holding down the Shift key until the reboot has finished.

Raspberry Pi 400

As the Pi 400 does not have a Break key, certain functions of the Break key are available on the PrtScn key of the Pi 400.² This is not a total remapping: the PrtScn key still invokes the “print” function if used on its own.

• For Alt-Break, press Alt-PrtScn on the Pi 400
• For Ctrl-Break, press Ctrl-PrtScn on the Pi 400
• For Shift-Break, press Shift-PrtScn on the Pi 400

² This feature was introduced in RISC OS 5.30.

Emulating a Break key

If your keyboard doesn’t have a Break key, you can remap another key to perform the Break function.

This is done by means of the KeyMapper module, which is supplied with the “RISC OS Direct” distribution, or is available separately from https://effarig.co.uk/riscos/.

To install KeyMapper (if it isn’t already installed) unzip the archive and place the module in !Boot.Resources.!System.350.Modules.

To invoke KeyMapper at boot time, create an Obey file in !Boot.Choices.Boot.PreDesk – a suitable filename would be “KeyMaps”. A typical file might contain:

RMEnsure KeyMapper 0.00 RMLoad System:Modules.KeyMapper
keymap 9 15

This ensures that KeyMapper is loaded and remaps the F9 key to act as Break. You don’t have to use F9: you could in principle remap any key on the keyboard.³

If you wish to remap any other keys (for example you can use KeyMapper to swap the functions of the left and right mouse buttons), place the additional “keymap” commands – one per line – at the end of the file.

³ For a list of key numbers to use with KeyMapper, see Low-Level Internal Key Numbers.