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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: fohat.digs on Tue, 01 November 2011, 15:48:15

Title: Alps Number Pad connector type
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 01 November 2011, 15:48:15

I got this nice little number pad with white Alps switches, but it has an odd connector.

Instead of USB, it looks like a stereo headphone jack, but is just a bit smaller.

What is this connector, and can I make it work with USB?

I can use a soldering iron but am mostly ignorant about circuitry. Step-by-step suggestions/instructions are very helpful.

It was made in Taiwan, but there is no brand and the serial number is blank.

Thanks!

[ATTACH=CONFIG]30589[/ATTACH]

Title: Alps Number Pad connector type
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 01 November 2011, 16:01:51

I dont think those are true ALPS. Do they bear the ALPS logo?

Title: Alps Number Pad connector type
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 01 November 2011, 16:25:25

Yes, they are branded Alps.

I used to have a couple of Northgate Omnikeys, as well as an Apple Extended Keyboard, and these switches are different.

The "ALPS" embossed marks are smaller than I remember, and the clips that hold the switch body are different on each side. I remember on the others that it was possible to put them in either way, I don't think you could do that here.

Title: Alps Number Pad connector type
Post by: SmallFry on Tue, 01 November 2011, 20:06:47

Ah, ok... Well I don't know of the number pad specifically but an AIKON would be easy to drop in once I finish it, plus you could make it a macro pad instead of a number pad