geekhack
geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ashort on Thu, 17 March 2011, 13:25:23
-
Wanted to do something today I've not done in years...use alt-codes to insert higher ascii characters into a post. I've always done the Alt-### trick, where you hold the Alt-key while keying in the ascii code of the character you want. Piece of cake.
I discovered this:
IBM Thinkpad keyboard doesn't allow it on either the right or the left alt key.
The Filco, connected to the Thinkpad via USB, works fine for alt-codes provided you use the keypad, but NOT for alt-codes that are typed across the top row!
Next logical thought:
Why would have to use the keypad to insert musical notes characters?
♫ ♫ ♫
Why wouldn't the numbers in the top row work?
I'd try the funky "laptop keyboard numlock" but it doesn't seem to be working right now.
Does it work for the tenkeyless models? If so, how?
Tenkeyless owners: GO!
-
On my Model M connected to my desktop PC, only the Numpad works, using the top row doesn't input any characters.
-
You're right! I can't get alt codes to work with the top number row. (I never noticed this before since it's been so long since I've had to input special symbols.)
-
Wow, there's a new use for macro keys. Map the alt-code to it!
Er, this is also another thing people will have to consider when looking at tenkeyless...
-
I tried Windows 7 Character Map and it wasn't pasting the character into the edit window.
Didn't realize the top row numbers had different scan codes than the number pad.
This is probably the first time in 10 years it's mattered to me at all on any level.