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geekhack Community => New Members => Topic started by: congia on Wed, 07 November 2012, 08:55:43
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I don't think I've missed out any good-related greetings, probably goodnight but I think it's used more often in the farewell context.
Anyhow, I'm Cong and I'm completely new to the keyboard modding world. I don't have a lot of keyboards lying around the house. I have a really old HP PS/2 keyboards, a mechanical HP keyboard and a Thinkpad T60 laptop, where typing feels amazing.
So I joined the forum because I want to learn more about keyboards modding, also because I have this project to convert a Thinkpad laptop keyboard to USB somehow since trackpoint has always been my favourite method of navigating and has been my main reason to buy from Lenovo/IBM. I would love to switch to other computer brands but want to carry my favourite keyboard with me so here I am. Keen to learn as much as possible to accomplish my goal :D. It would be great if I can get some links to related threads like how to convert pinout from Thinkpad keyboard cable and trackpoint ribbon. I've searched but most of the results don't show photos anymore, also there are quite some assumed knowledge so I should probably make a post later.
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Just say g'day - there are enough Aussies around here now :)
Welcome to Geekhack!
Check out the Making Stuff Together section for lots of informatoin about keyboard modding: http://geekhack.org/index.php?board=117.0
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Welcome!
I had a project like that myself. Converting my LG R405's keyboard into USB.
Then, I discovered the controller is on the mainboard, and the cable doesn't carry any standard signal, like a PS/2, at least.
At this point, I needed a controller and a converter... too much, too hard, too expensive.
Anyway, hope that's not your case. Good luck!
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G'day it is then ;D. I'm going to keep researching and start modding :p
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Did you take a look into IBM's rack mounting stuff?
I just came back from my server room and noticed it is a stand-alone part - it just fits inside the console.
It has a USB interface, and it is a perfect copy of my Thinkpad T410 keyboard/trackpad.
You can find similar ones online for around USD 30~45.
An example is http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-PS-2-UltraNav-Keyboard-w-Integrated-Pointing-Device-42C0038-Canadian-French-/360500212266?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item53ef7cb22a
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(http://images.keyboardstory.com/hazeluff/welcometogeekhack.png)
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Thank you vbrenny! That's so much cheaper than on the Lenovo's website :eek:
About modding, I've seen a lot of people opening their keyboards and use the multimeter to find which connection on the plastic pad represent which letter and so on, but I couldn't find any guides on geekhack on how to do it. (Or I haven't searched deep enough) So can you guys recommend some reading links for me please? And it would be fantastic if the admins can make a sticky with all the beginner guides, if possible.
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G'day Cong :p
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Thank you vbrenny! That's so much cheaper than on the Lenovo's website :eek:
About modding, I've seen a lot of people opening their keyboards and use the multimeter to find which connection on the plastic pad represent which letter and so on, but I couldn't find any guides on geekhack on how to do it. (Or I haven't searched deep enough) So can you guys recommend some reading links for me please? And it would be fantastic if the admins can make a sticky with all the beginner guides, if possible.
Haha, No problem. This is what we're here for.
Like I said, I had a similar project and had a few advancements. So, PM me if you're still looking for it.