2 part question (keyboard hacks)

chuckctv · 08-28-2004, 04:28 PM

(1) MAIN QUESTION..

Does anyone know if a standard keyboard ;which i assume works on a grid using multiple resistant????; could have the keyboard removed and use switches with resisters attchached to create multiple button inputs that work off the keyboard, I would assume if this works then using the high function keys (<shift>-<cntl>-F) and so forth could be utililized more easily in our projects by actually placing small push buttons on the dash to activate/ect stuff on our carputers (software wise I mean).... Did I explain that well enough to be understood?

(2) second question (important, but not as important as 1)

any recomendations on the best on-screen virtual keyboard for touch screen? prefer something that not matter what application im in, I could just press a spot on the screen and a virtual keyboard pops up.

My system will utilize the virtual keyboard mostly, but I do have a usb keyboard (w/trackpoint) that can be plugged in during more intense typeing.

My screen is ELO-12" touch screen. system P3-933mhz (usb everything)
screen is in the mounting stage.

chuck

RS3RS · 08-29-2004, 02:03 AM

There is a small device that does exactly what you're talking about. You plug it into the PS/2 keyboard port of your computer, then solder switchs/buttons to parts of it that work as "keys". Then when you hit the switch/button, it presses that key for you. Sorry, but I can't remember what it's called right now... Hopefully someone else can give you name/link to it...

bluehcc · 08-29-2004, 02:57 AM

this is what you need
http://www.x-keys.com/custom/xkmatrix.php

MajikNWA · 08-29-2004, 09:31 PM

ipac - designed for MAME but I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be using one.

Majik

Tidder · 08-29-2004, 09:37 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by chuckctv

(1) MAIN QUESTION..

Does anyone know if a standard keyboard ;which i assume works on a grid using multiple resistant????; could have the keyboard removed and use switches with resisters attchached to create multiple button inputs that work off the keyboard, I would assume if this works then using the high function keys (<shift>-<cntl>-F) and so forth could be utililized more easily in our projects by actually placing small push buttons on the dash to activate/ect stuff on our carputers (software wise I mean).... Did I explain that well enough to be understood?

Well, it's not a multiple resistant grid... It's atually set up just by pins. Each key has a different pin combo Like 1-2 1-3 2-3 2-12. The first carputer I did was with MPXF, and I was too poor for in IRman at the time, so I took apart a keyboard, mapped ALL the keys, and then just wired up the keys I needed to momentary push button switches from radioshack. Worked great! Mounted them all to a panel in my dash. It was pretty sweet.

What you might run into though, is a lot of older keyboards have an actual board inside, instead of newer keyboards which just have a membrane. You need a keyboard with a membrane. Map the keys out that you need, solder in some wires, and voila, you got it!

If you're like "wtf are you talking about" I'll try to dig up my old mpxf controller and take some pictures so you know what I'm talking about.

CHUPACABRA · 08-30-2004, 08:26 AM

I use a small Back lit datalux keyboard thats in my visor then I have my mirror controles that are on my door control the up down right left of the keyboard and enter,when the switch is in the mid position and still control my mirrors. But I wouldent spend $50 bucks on a bare KB circit If you can spend $30 for a logitech and get the vol and track conroles off of it and intergrate them.Either way your gona be soidering something!!!

Tidder · 08-30-2004, 02:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by CHUPACABRA

I use a small Back lit datalux keyboard thats in my visor then I have my mirror controles that are on my door control the up down right left of the keyboard and enter,when the switch is in the mid position and still control my mirrors. But I wouldent spend $50 bucks on a bare KB circit If you can spend $30 for a logitech and get the vol and track conroles off of it and intergrate them.Either way your gona be soidering something!!!

Why would you spend $30? I'd grab a cheap like $8 keyboard and use that. I do agree with you though, lots of soldering...

rgardjr · 08-30-2004, 04:45 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MajikNWA

ipac - designed for MAME but I have a sneaking suspicion I'll be using one.

Majik

I used one in my mame cabinet. Works great. No soldering, just strip wires, crimp connectors, connect to switch.

TX5 · 08-31-2004, 08:52 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tidder

Each key has a different pin combo Like 1-2 1-3 2-3 2-12.

Just ripped apart an old keyboard i had around and plugged it into and old computer and tryed to figure out what combos i need.

is there a list of the pin combo and what key they are for?? it would save a LOT of arseing around

Thanks

mindscream · 08-31-2004, 08:58 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by TX5

Just ripped apart an old keyboard i had around and plugged it into and old computer and tryed to figure out what combos i need.

is there a list of the pin combo and what key they are for?? it would save a LOT of arseing around

Thanks

You've just found out something I realized a long, long time ago. No keyboard manufacturers do their circuitry the same. I spent about a week tracing paths for a keyboard idea I had.

But as for that information posted, I doubt it.

Good luck to ye laddie...

Mind Scream out

TX5 · 08-31-2004, 09:01 AM

bugger, found some of the keys i want.

good old trial and error...

Tidder · 08-31-2004, 07:14 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by TX5

Just ripped apart an old keyboard i had around and plugged it into and old computer and tryed to figure out what combos i need.

is there a list of the pin combo and what key they are for?? it would save a LOT of arseing around

Thanks

Sorry man, all keyboards are different. You'll just have to map out the keys you need. Takes some time, but ya know...

MSUC5Vette · 09-03-2004, 11:29 PM

For the Key combos ie 1-2 2-3....

If I wanted one push button to hit both <alt> and D would I need a double pole momentary switch?

CHUPACABRA · 09-03-2004, 11:40 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Tidder

Why would you spend $30? I'd grab a cheap like $8 keyboard and use that. I do agree with you though, lots of soldering...

Cause the controles look slick!! The vol controle is rotary and the ff/rwd next/back play/pause stop/eject all from 4 buttons.

rdc_3200 · 09-05-2004, 08:17 PM

just had a quick question about the whole 'multiple button shortcuts.' If I wanted to double the amount of buttons I have, [ie. have a 'd' button and also an 'alt + d', could I have a toggle or push button switch wired to the 'alt' key and then the regular momentary to the 'd'? Would that work? Or would I have to just have two momentary switches and press both at the same time?