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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: JSchool on Thu, 13 June 2013, 03:08:38

Title: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: JSchool on Thu, 13 June 2013, 03:08:38

I have a Handheld Scientific bluetooth keyboard adapter and it works great on my Filco tenkeyless and my Unicomp.  But it doesn't work on the HPE 87.  There's only two reasons why it wouldn't - lack of boot mode support or it is trying to draw too much power.  I find the latter to be unlikely.  Anyway here's what the site says about boot mode support:

Quote

The adapter is too resource-limited to have full implementation. Instead, it relies on a simplified operation mode of a keyboard called “boot mode”. In this mode the keyboard uses a fixed report format to communicate with the host. Most keyboards support boot mode. How do you know yours supports boot mode? If it can be used in PC BIOS, then it supports boot mode. PC BIOS is a firmware user interface to change motherboard settings before the operating system boots. To enter it you usually press a key (like F1, F2, DEL or ESC) after the power is turned on but before the operating system is loaded. So if your keyboard can be used to enter BIOS and change the settings, then it will work with our adapter.

My BIOS is the new kind that loads up a lot more than basic functions so I can't reliably test whether or not this is the problem with the HPE 87.  I want to order a Keycool 87 now but I need to know it will support boot mode and work with my adapter. 

Can anyone confirm it will work?

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 13 June 2013, 04:39:38

so you already tested on other computers

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: JSchool on Thu, 13 June 2013, 04:47:03

My other computers are a Mac Mini (which also doesn't use any sort of regular BIOS) and an iPad.

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: tp4tissue on Thu, 13 June 2013, 04:54:50

Quote from: JSchool on Thu, 13 June 2013, 04:47:03

My other computers are a Mac Mini (which also doesn't use any sort of regular BIOS) and an iPad.

test it at your school or your neighboor's house.

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: rowdy on Thu, 13 June 2013, 05:02:12

I think that fastboot (whatever it is called) just initialises USB but does not wait for any kind of response.  To get into BIOS setup, you need to reboot from Windows, telling it that you want the full startup sequence to run.

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: margo baggins on Thu, 13 June 2013, 05:16:38

I'm fairly sure i have used my keycool in the Bios at home - I will check tonight when I get home from work and let you know.

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: JSchool on Thu, 13 June 2013, 07:48:54

Quote from: margo baggins on Thu, 13 June 2013, 05:16:38

I'm fairly sure i have used my keycool in the Bios at home - I will check tonight when I get home from work and let you know.

Thank you, much appreciated.

And, no way am I going to try out this keyboard on my neighbor's computer.  I hate my neighbors.  :D

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: margo baggins on Thu, 13 June 2013, 14:02:05

yep I can get into the bios on my computer with keycool 87.

Title: Re: Key Cool 87 - Boot mode support?
Post by: JSchool on Thu, 13 June 2013, 14:04:28

Ah, thank you.  Wee, I'm free to order one then.  Now I just have to wait for my Round 4 keycaps.