Posted by RandyT on 24, 2001 at 12:57 PM:
In Reply to: Re: Keyboard Hack for Controller posted by Russ on 24, 2001 at 10:52 AM:
Here we go again :)
While diodes may work with some keyboards, it is important to note that it DOES NOT WORK WITH ALL KEYBOARDS. The amount of contraversy surrounding this topic is further proof of this.
If you happen to get lucky and it works for you then congrats are in order, but I have personally tested this theory out when wiring my own control board and DIODES MADE NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL.
At the heart of every keyboard is a microcontroller, and there are probably about 100 (or more) different controllers in use out there.
Each of these controllers do things differently, based on the specifications of the keyboard manufacturer and the cost factors involved.
I used a very inexpensive keyboard and found that it would only register 8 keys at one time. It did not matter which combination was used. It also would never give a ghost key, no matter how hard I tried. Diodes, again, made no difference.
I keep hearing people talk about their keyboard hacks, but for some reason they never seem to give the brand or model of the keyboards they use and if they do, it always seems to be some out of production or obscure keyboard. Makes it very hard to duplicate their results for any real testing.
A great addition to this board would be a keyboard database, with the results of the hack attempt, so others know what type of keyboard to seek out.
RandyT
: Most people don't realize when choosing an interface, is that ghosting can be eliminated with diodes. Just mount one diode after evey switch, and you can press every button on the keyboard will regester individuly.
: This is why I chose a keyboard hack. (That, and because I'm cheap;)