Advice on a keyboard hack

Posted by Marshall on 25, 2000 at 10:52 PM:

I am attempting to hack a keyboard and need some advice.

To map out the matrix you check for continuity between the
mylar under the keys and the terminal on the encoder board.
Can I use a test light continuity tester, a standard
needle ohm-meter, or do I need a digital ohm-meter?

The LED's are mounted on the PCB and I don't plan to use
them. Does this mean that none of the terminals on the board
carry voltage? If not, how can I tell? Would I check for
continuity between the led solder points and the PCB terminals,
between the hot lead of the keyboard connector, or something completely different?

When it is wired up, is there any way to tell if its ok, besides the smoke test (plug it in and
see if you see smoke!)?

Please don't tell me to buy an I-PAC. I've seen it, it's
very impressive and I may still order one, before this is
over, but the keyboard should work for me and is essentially free!!

Thanks in advance,

Marshall

Follow Ups:

• Detailed Instructions on Hacking cartman 6/27/2000 (1)
  • Re: Detailed Instructions on Hacking Brad 6/30/2000 (0)
• I used a program called KEYHOOK found here and an old piece of wire hooked to an alligator clip.Very simple rurdy4me 6/26/2000 (0)
• Buy and I-PAC and save yourself a lot of grief jm 6/26/2000 (2)
  • Re: Buy and I-PAC and save yourself a lot of grief Elvis_P 6/26/2000 (1)
    • Re: Buy and I-PAC and save yourself a lot of grief Rex Rogers 6/26/2000 (0)

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