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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ed_avis on Mon, 10 December 2012, 05:11:38

Title: Adaptor for pre-ADB NeXT keyboards
Post by: ed_avis on Mon, 10 December 2012, 05:11:38

http://learn.adafruit.com/usb-next-keyboard-with-arduino-micro

This uses an Arduino programmable microcontroller to adapt an old NeXT keyboard (the cool-looking black keyboard, using ALPS switches I believe, that came with the original NeXT cube) to USB.

I believe that the Teensy microcontroller will run Arduino code, so it suggests that Soarer's Teensy-based converter could also have a mode to handle NeXT keyboards.

Title: Re: Adaptor for pre-ADB NeXT keyboards
Post by: dorkvader on Wed, 12 December 2012, 23:21:38

It says it'll work with an "ardruino micro", which uses an atmega 24U4. Isn't that the same as the teensy? If so, I imagine they should be pretty compatible.

Thanks for posting.

Title: Re: Adaptor for pre-ADB NeXT keyboards
Post by: SmallFry on Wed, 12 December 2012, 23:48:56

The teensy is the ATMega 32u4 just like all of the Korean boards as well.

Title: Re: Adaptor for pre-ADB NeXT keyboards
Post by: rootwyrm on Thu, 13 December 2012, 13:49:55

The ATMega 32U4 is cross-compatible with the 24U4 so no surprise. And yes, the black version NeXT boards are Alps complicated or simplified white switches exclusively. I've never seen anything else.
I'm waiting to see someone do an adapter with these kits from Cypress (http://www.cypress.com/?rID=38235) since they're FAR more available than Teensy and arguably much more powerful.