laptop Keyboard

i3igmind · 08-07-2005, 07:50 PM

Dear Forum members,

I've and old P2 laptop i was thinking to take it apart and use the keyboard, like put it in my glove compartment or sun visor, my question is can i/or someone show me a tutorial or a way that i can connect or mod the laptop keybard and use it with my car pc.

thankx

turbocad6 · 08-07-2005, 08:05 PM

short answer... you can't. you can by laptop sized keyboards though.. & they'll already have a usb interface...

tom61 · 08-07-2005, 09:42 PM

Long answer:

A keyboard is made up of a matrix or rows and columns, and then is translated to either PS/2 or USB with an encoder chip. In a notebook, this chip is integrated on the motherboard, most likely in a chip that does more than just that. Each keyboard has a fairly unique matrix layout (i.e. column A shorted to row B can be "B" on one keyboard and "1" on another, even within the same brand/model), so you either need a programable keyboard matrix encoder (Hagstrom Electronics make some) or find an at least partially compatable keyboard (i.e. with the same, or at least close to, the same number of rows and columns) and use software to change the keys to be the same layout.

:/ I left alot of stuff out as keyboards are fairly complex.

Programable keyboard encoders:
http://www.hagstromelectronics.com/

Project that used a keyboard encoder from a different keyboard:
http://www.mini-itx.com/projects/bbcitxb/

Info on keyboard matrices buried in here:
http://www.arcadecontrols.com

turbocad6 · 08-07-2005, 09:51 PM

.... that's why I gave the short answer

medium answer would have been you can, but it wouldn't be worth the time or effort to configure it because a laptop sized keyboard can be had for $20-$30

i3igmind · 08-09-2005, 12:12 AM

Thank you guys for all this great info.
i saw a really Nice/Small/USB Keybaord at Fry's today for only $19.99. As soon as i get it i'll post a pict with all the spec. so if anyone would like to get one.