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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: dorkvader on Mon, 17 December 2012, 02:31:54
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Update 28 sep 2014: You only need a 32 bit version of XP to program it. Once it's programmed, it will work just fine on any OS.
I finally got an old computer with a PS2 port on the motherboard, so I figures I'd finally get my Access-IS keyboard programmed.
let me back up: A long time ago, a GH member proxied a bunch of 12*6 access-IS keyboard to the USA. These are just barely large enough for most of a QWERTY keybaord and a numpad-area. They are a bit too narrow for Dvorak, so I figured I'd make a split keyboard. Here's the layout I made
(http://i.imm.io/Pq1s.png)
This does not work on Windows 7*64 as I found out at first. I decided to try XPmode (Since my processor does support virtualization) No luck there either. In both of these it fails to detect the keyboard, even though the keyboard is detected and useable.
I started with an old P-III Dell (667MHz!)I had and quickly found out I had a bad RAM stick for it. I hunted down an old 256Mb stick to replace it and got to installing Windows FLP (Fundamentals for Legacy PC's) onto it. Windows FLP is basically a very stripped down build of XP for ancient computers. I only had a 64-bit copy of XP, so I went with FLP on this one.
After I finished, I found out that dell (which I had been using as a stand for my trackball) has some other issues, and is now resting in my recycle box.
So I dug up a newer box. This one was a fancy compac with an AMD 64X2. This box had been used as a stand for the right speaker on my room-mate's TV so he could play dreamcast. I replaced it with an apple Xserve RAID, I don't think he noticed. This computer had a bad PSU (Funny, it worked last time I had it out). Since I was out of working power supplies, I pulled a decent 500W thermaltake out of my first gaming PC, and again started the WinFLP install. At long last, I had it working. I transferred over softprog and the program ran. I was able to program the keyboard. Success.
I go and test it and find out that while my modifiers do work, I cannot type capital letters, or use them. Yet they show up in aquakeytest. Further looking (and another very helpful PM from a knowledgeable GH'er) and I have it. I was choosing the wrong sort of modifier. Finally, I have them working, and no room on my desk. I plan to take them into work and use them there to finally get around my workplace's refusal to let me change the keyboard map on my computer. (I did finally secure permission to bring in my own keyboard, though.
Okay: Access-IS keyboards: notes.- You can run softprog and make layouts on most computers. I recommend you do this before trying to program it.
- Softprog32 will not be able to program your keyboard on a 64-bit OS. I suspect it will only work on Xp-and XP derivatives that are also 32-bit. It does work on Windows FLP.
- Softprog32 supports 1 layer, with the layer-swap key as momentary or on-off. That's pretty great
- If you want layers, your max macro length is 18. I'm pretty sure "shift" and other mods count as two.
- To set the key. double click on it, select the box, and press the key you want.
- To set modifiers (and some keys this wont work on) You have to go to manual and pick it from a list.
- To set modifiers do NOT click on the ones at the top [+-shift] for example. These will send both the make and break codes with every keypress
- I recommend making the labels first, then adding the key actions.
- If you use a numpad-area, make sure you have a numlock somewhere, as these keys will do their alternate actions if the computer (or BIOS)is set to numlock off.
- The softprog32 program can be run as a portable app, but you will not get all the layouts like at the start. This is fine for transferring it to a computer for programming though.
- The PS2 port on the side of my keybaord can be used to hot-plug another PS2 device. This did work with my other keyboard. Handy for a split setup!
How to program: Step-by-step
Materials: access-IS keyboard, 32-bit XP computer with PS2 port, softprog32, another keyboard (Preferably USB or with an adapter to USB)
- arrange the keycaps on the keyboard to the desired layout
- Create the layout in softprog32 based on your keycaps. You can make an alternative fn layer at this time. Do this while your waiting for your grandmother to give you that old computer in her basement.
- when programming the modifiers, make sure you use the ones further down the list. Not at the top.
- Plug in both keyboards to the computer. The Access-IS must be plugged directly into a PS2 port and not via an adapter.
- boot the comptuer, login, etc. Copy over the softprog32 program and the file you want to program your keyboard with.
- press the program keyboard button, or go to the file -> keypad -> program. Wait a bit (Despite the warning, moving the mouse a little had no affect. Perhaps because it's a USB ball mouse I was using?)
- you should be good. Test it by going to view -> test and press buttons. Make sure they are sending the make/break codes at the right times.
Success!
(http://i.imm.io/Pq8j.jpeg)
Unfortunately, Windows FLP does not come with paint, so I will download a screencapture program and see about getting some good pictures up here. Later.
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Fortunately I got this solved on my own this weekend, because I received some discouraging news from Access-is
Many thanks for your email. The products mentioned have not been manufactured by us for more than 8 years.
These were customised products made for a POS application. I'm afraid you will not be able to update their settings.
Regards
Roger
Access IS
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Advice from Hoggy:
Could I add that if you want to add layers, then add them after creating all of the mappings on the standard layer first, and then setting a key to activate a layer is the way to go. That way, you'll get an option to copy all of the key mappings to the layer saving a ton of work. (If you are unsure what layers are - think of the function key on a poker/pure keyboard).
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My GOD, LOL, I would've given up long before the 4th paragraph... You got perseverance for sure...
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Is there any chance at all of getting it used on a newer computer? Or would it be far too complicated?
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These boards work fine once programed on modern pc, and with active ps/2 to usb adapter. It's only the programming aspect that is a bit of a problem if you have no legacy machine to do it on. If you like programmable keyboards, have a legacy pc around as many of them have this same problem. The companies can't be bothered to update thier programming applications for 64bit use.
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Looking really good! :) Glad you got through all of that.
That's a really useful guide there. Could I add that if you want to add layers, then add them after creating all of the mappings on the standard layer first, and then setting a key to activate a layer is the way to go. That way, you'll get an option to copy all of the key mappings to the layer saving a ton of work. (If you are unsure what layers are - think of the function key on a poker/pure keyboard).
Be warned that activating a layer on one keyboard won't affect the other.
PS - like the tipro keys.
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I am tempted to get one of these boards to try this out.
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Get one!
Ebay uk is usually good for these.
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Herm... I shall see... Hardware programmability on a board that doesn't cost my right testicle is drool-worthy.
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I regret letting mine go sometimes. I wouldn't mind picking up another one sometime, but a smaller one more like numpad size.
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A couple of these oriented vertically on either side of a tablet would be quite awesome, an almost unlimited supply of shortcut keys... I may have to rethink my future plans...