Keyboard Hacking - A First


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Posted by Malberg on 17, 2000 at 10:12 PM:

This is my first attempt at hacking a keyboard. I've read many messages on the BYOAC and looked at tons of examples. I'm hacking a comqaq keyboard with the windows keys on it(newer model). I've taken it apart to find out that the mylar actually goes into the PCB via connectors that resemble ISA slots on the motherboard. I've read that you can solder the wires underneath the board, and using a multimeter to make sure that none of the solder spills to the next lead, to short out the PCB. I just have a couple of questions for anybody out there, and I would appreciate some input, here are my questions:

1) Can I get a brief intro on how to use a multi-meter or is there a website that explains the use of one.?

2) This PCB has 20 leads by 8 leads does that sound right? All the examples I've seen they were 19 by 8, 18 by 9, 16 by 8 etc etc?

3) I plan to use an alligator clip with a wire to figure out the matrix for the keyboard testing each pair of contacts on the PCB ie x1,y1..x2,y2 etc. Also the LEDs for caps, num, scrl locks are not on the PCB, but on the keyboard itself. Is this going to present a problem while I'm solving for the keyboard matrix?


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