RSS
Chris writes in with something to do with a laptop keyboard: "Ever wanted a laptop keyboard to use with your stationary computer? Lee Char did and took a keyboard from an old Compaq and 'converted' it to be connected to his regular computer. This is something that would be interesting to spin further on by interfacing this keyboard with an PDA instead, like an iPAQ. Anyone have an idea on how to do this?" Link.
HOW TO - Convert a laptop keyboard for desktop use...
Chris writes in with something to do with a laptop keyboard: "Ever wanted a laptop keyboard to use with your stationary computer? Lee Char did and took a keyboard from an old Compaq and 'converted' it to be connected to his regular computer. This is something that would be interesting to spin further on by interfacing this keyboard with an PDA instead, like an iPAQ. Anyone have an idea on how to do this?" Link.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Jan 11, 2006 12:32 PM
Computers, DIY Projects, Electronics |
Permalink
| Comments (3)
| Email This |
| Digg this!
Recent Entries
- Stream audio to your NXT Intelligent Brick
- Autonomous micro helicopters
- A Way to See the Wind
- Our Autobot in Odessa
- Arduino prototyping lap desk
- Projects: Failure and mounting a "scratch monkey"
- Battle Symets are GO!
- Screw-in coffin patent issues
- Beginner woodworking project for illusionists?
- Brickarms molds
Comments
Oldest comments listed first.
Leave a comment
Subscribe to MAKE Magazine!
Subscribe today, save 42% and get web access to MAKE free. MAKE Digital Edition is available only to subscribers.
$34.95 / 1 year
(4 Quarterly Issues)
The key point to remember in integrating keyboards is that PC keyboards are basically just arrays of switches arranged in a grid with an intelligent controller. The keyboard controller pulses each row and reads back which column, if any, responds and thus figures out which key is pressed. The keyboard controller then sends the appropriate scan code to the PC down the cable which is a serial link.
The PC's keyboard controller also responds to some commands from the PC to signal that it is working and other commands like turning on the LEDs on the keyboard. i.e when you press NumLock the keyboard controller sends the scan code to the PC and the PC responds by telling the keyboard controller to turn on the Numlock LED.
So, to use a PC keyboard with another device, you probably have to throw out the keyboard controller circuitry and make your own one that scans the keys and transmits the pressed keys back to the new device in the format that it expects.
You might be able to just replace the keyboard's keyboard controller chip with an EEPROM/Flash ROM chip of the same type and write your own firmware but that is a daunting task.
Reply to this comment
The site appears to be down; anyone have a cache?
Reply to this comment
Bummer. Site's still down, and I have one of these keyboards sitting here on my shelf looking for a project, too. Arrgh!
I wonder if the pinouts for the keyboard would just map simply to a PS/2 connector?
Reply to this comment