LaunchPad Compatibility Guide

While the Sentinel LaunchPad offers a tremendous degree of compatibility with modern peripherals. it is not compatible with every product or accessory. This section is a reference to help you choose accessories most likely compatible with the LaunchPad. Standardized devices such as monitors, keyboards and mice are generally compatible. Refer to the Sentinel LaunchPad Owner’s Guide for additional technical installation and setup information.

Specialized devices, that require drivers or software installation, are generally not compatible and likely never will be compatible with the LaunchPad.

General Compatibility

Keyboard and Mice - generally compatible with devices intended for Microsoft Windows or Linux except for specialized features such as backlight controls, macro key, mouse controls and specialized scripts for specific videogames. Option keys such as system power or any key that requires a programmed application to launch will not work on the LaunchPad.

Volume+, Volume- and Mute keyboard media keys (keyboards with media keys) will operate under all desktop modes (Study, Exploration, Entertainment and Online Learning) and all guided modes (Instruction and Exploration). Note that the maximum volume setting allowed is 100% using these keys and this works in addition to the volume control settings using the LaunchPad front panel and the PulseAudio Volume Control App.

Displays - generally compatible if it supports both 1080p and 720p resolutions (these are industry standards). While a 4K display can be connected to the LaunchPad, it will not be used at that resolution. Touchscreens utilizing a separate USB-C/3.0 cable are generally compatible. Note that not all touchscreen features such as certain swipes/gestures or multi-finger actions will work on the LaunchPad.

Wired / Wireless Printers - The Sentinel LaunchPad supports Linux CUPS printing services and therefore only printers supporting this protocol are compatible. Fortunately, many of the newer printers, in particular Brother and Canon, support this protocol. There should be no setup or driver installation required. To see if the printer is available, the user can simply go to LibreOffice Word Processor and type a little text and then test to see if a printer is visible and available to print and then print that page.

Graphics Tablets - Wacom and compatible Graphics Drawing Tablets are generally compatible with the LaunchPad. The least expensive tablets are generally USB wired however Bluetooth wireless devices may also be compatible.

XBOX and PlayStation Controllers - Wired through USB are generally compatible. Wireless only devices are not compatible.
Amazon Luna Controller - Connect via wired USB for games that use controllers. May not be compatible with all non Luna games.

MIDI Keyboards and Controllers are generally compatible however there may be specialized devices, such as the “Launchpad X” Midi controller that may only work with certain Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) music production applications such as Ableton. While Ableton is not compatible with the LaunchPad, Reaper (purchase necessary), is an available DAW software upgrade for the Sentinel.

USB Hubs - only those claiming Linux compatibility may work.

USB Audio Devices - The USB HD Audio Adapter from Sentinel Computers is the only verified compatible external audio device for input and output of analog and digital audio.

WIFI Extenders / Adapters - Only devices with Ethernet LAN ports that support Extender, Bridge or Repeater modes are compatible. WISC Repeaters creates a unique separated network that, while able to access the internet, cannot be networked with other devices in the home. This will limit access to networked printers, PCs running Steam (PC Remote Play) or PlayStation consoles (PS Remote Play) located in the home. For more information on “Sentinel Verified” WIFI Routers that can be configured as a long range high-speed extender suitable for gaming Click Here.

USB to Ethernet Adapters - not recommended or needed on the Sentinel LaunchPad.

USB WIFI Adapters - not recommended and no USB WIFI Adapters have been approved.

USB Bluetooth Adapters -The LaunchPad contains a built in Bluetooth adapter however the range is limited to less than 10 feet (i.e. near the workstation) from the LaunchPad. An external long range USB Bluetooth adapter with adjustable antenna can be used to extend the range for your devices. If the device supports Linux or Raspberry Pi it may be compatible. Be sure to disable the internal Bluetooth adapter before installing. Devices containing the Realtek USB Bluetooth IC are more likely to be supported. We have tested USB adapters without an antenna and found them to not offer significant range improvement over the internal adapter. Only audio and input device capabilities are supported on the LaunchPad. For setup use the same Bluetooth Manager App (Menu->Preferences) as with the internal adapter. One such inexpensive (less than $10) device with a powerful antenna is available on Amazon (1/30/2026): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D22K92WY?ref=ive_vftp_hero_cx_pfo_vse-cards-ingress0&th=1

USB Webcams and Document Cameras - Logitech and the vast majority of devices tested seem to work perfectly fine.

USB Drives - While many formats are supported only those formatted with the following formats: exFAT, FAT32 and NTFS are guaranteed.