Posted by Rob Chambers on 7, 2001 at 7:12 PM:
In Reply to: Keyboard Hack Help posted by smp2112 on 7, 2001 at 6:10 PM:
I used this exact keyboard for my project (at least it looks a lot like I remember). I was planning on bringing my digital camera home tonight to take pictures anyway. So this just forces the issue. I need to document my project and put my web page up. I will let you know.
I liked this style because I kept the keyboard intact when I was finished and I did not need to worry about a y cable.
Rob
: I just found this site the other day and damn if it didn't open a can of worms!!!!! I decided to try and build a simple joystick control to use on my laptop (keyboard is too small for games and no game port). I have an old Packard Bell keyboard that I took apart in hopes of using it as a hack. The KB is from 1994 or so and has resided in the closet for at least 3 years. Now for my dillema the PCB in the KB is not the small type using a matrix formed by two mylar sheets, it is a full length board with physical connections for each key. I have links to two pics below. They are scans are of poor quality but i think you'll get the idea of what i'm dealing with.
: Front of PCB:
: hhttp://members.aol.com/smp2112/webpage/kb_front.gif
: back of PCB, with chips and connector block for cord:
: http://members.aol.com/smp2112/webpage/kb_back.gif
: Can I use this for a KB hack? If so how do I make the connections to PCB from the NO connection on the microswitches of the buttons/joystick? Since each key contact is made of interlocking C's (see front picture) do I wire up both C's or just one?
: Thanks in advance for any insight you can provide