Posted by Bernard on 28, 2000 at 7:03 AM:
In Reply to: Keyboard to Arcade posted by Pookie on 28, 2000 at 3:38 AM:
If you're interfacing with a keyboard, I would try to find one of those OLD computer keyboards that uses microswitches instead of that bubble-sheet. I myself struck GOLD when I found one at my friend's computer store. I was typing away in DOS on my friend's work stationin for a little while until it dawned on me...I noticed that the keys were clicking! Then I realized that he had a microswitch keyboard right there at his workstation, which he happily traded me. I opened it up and sure enough...unlike most keyboards that use those flimsy plastic circuit sheets, this old keyboard has a solid circuit board across the whole keyboard and a microswitch for EACH key, even better...the underside of the board has solder joints that will be SIMPLE to connect wires to. I'm so glad I found this keyboard. Now I don't have to fuss with figuring out a matrix, ghosting, etc... I can just wire my controls to the keys I want, and if I ever want to add buttons in the future, I can just wire them up to other open keys.
Check around some computer stores or consignment shops, maybe you can find one of these keyboards, I'm glad I did. Anyone else use one of these keyboards in their project?
-Bernard
: I was wondering, has anyone torn up a keyboard
: to solder keyboard keys to arcade buttons? If so,
: please show place where i can find info or how to do it....please