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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: bhtooefr on Mon, 09 June 2008, 17:32:26

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: bhtooefr on Mon, 09 June 2008, 17:32:26

So, there's a cheap source of BluePacket BP20422s in small quantities - $35 if you just want one, shipped in the US. It's a bluetooth HID module, so that means it can control a keyboard or mouse, and send the commands over bluetooth.

The BP20422 can decode keyboard matrices and run LED displays (such as the num lock, caps lock, and scroll lock LEDs.) So, it can do everything that the Model M's internal controller does. (It'd almost be easier if it supported PS/2 or even USB, but you can't get everything.)

I'm wondering... how hard would it be to wire one of these up for use in a Model M?

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: shadyguido on Tue, 10 June 2008, 19:26:02

That'd be a dream come true...

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: bhtooefr on Thu, 12 June 2008, 20:33:04

I went ahead and ordered the module, but we've got a problem... the guy I bought it from doesn't have specs on how to program it.

So, time to do an EEPROM dump, to figure this out, when I get it. (It should come tomorrow.) Might take a while to get around to it, though.

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: shadyguido on Thu, 12 June 2008, 21:44:17

We're discussing this over at arstechnica right now.  Check the bottom of the discussion:

http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=24609792&m=207003172931&r=207003172931#207003172931 (http://episteme.arstechnica.com/eve/forums?a=tpc&s=50009562&f=24609792&m=207003172931&r=207003172931#207003172931)

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: Chuque on Fri, 13 June 2008, 00:07:06

Hello all,

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread (and forum in general Lots of great info here)

a wireless real 1391401 has always been a little dream of mine.

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: bhtooefr on Fri, 13 June 2008, 13:05:42

Went ahead and posted on Ars.

Anyway, the module came today... holy CRAP it's tiny. I didn't think it would be that small... my soldering skills aren't good enough for that!

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: shadyguido on Sat, 14 June 2008, 11:23:54

how are you thinking of powering it?

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: bhtooefr on Sat, 14 June 2008, 21:08:03

AA batteries, to begin with.

NiMH or maybe even LiIon later.

Title: Hmm... I've got an idea here... (wireless Model M...)
Post by: schmolch on Sat, 21 February 2009, 07:57:25

What about wireless usb?
As far as i understand it you should be able to connect a Model M to a wireless usb-hub (needs power of course) and connect this to the pc wireless.
If you could stuff the hub and the power-source into the M you would have a wireless M.