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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: vils on Fri, 14 August 2009, 19:16:52

Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: vils on Fri, 14 August 2009, 19:16:52
I found a mod-log where the author describes how he transforms a swedish vintage compter into a functional keyboard.
Nice keycaps:dance:

Here are the translated version (http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=sv&js=y&u=http%3A%2F%2Fsweclockers.com%2Falbum%2F%3Fid%3D4193&sl=sv&tl=en&history_state0=)

You must look at this.
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: cmr on Fri, 14 August 2009, 21:00:12
(http://sweclockers.com/upload/gallery/29853-large.jpg?0)

red ... escape key?
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: vils on Fri, 14 August 2009, 22:27:23
Those darn red Escs...:biggrin:
I think he's made a tremendous work with that built in KB that's lying infront of the red key cap.
I hade one of those ABC-80 computers in the early 80's, maybe beacuse of nostalgia I like the project so much?
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: Ornotermes on Sat, 15 August 2009, 06:32:16
Quote from: kishy;109809

Fantastically awesome project; I would however have preferred to keep the computer operational or dedicate my effort to MAKING it operational if it wasn't to start.


That wasn't an option since i have no cables, monitor, tape-drive or PSU to connect to it, but i have the motherboard put aside for future use in case i get the peripheral devices some time.
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: lowpoly on Sat, 15 August 2009, 07:22:36
Looks like the keyboard is capacitve.

Welcome to geekhack, Ornotermes. Nice mod.

Maybe build a small custom case for the keyboard only?
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: huha on Sat, 15 August 2009, 07:33:49
I didn't fully understand the translation, but since you're here, I might as well ask: Does the keyboard output ASCII values? I am looking for a cheap ASCII to PS/2 or USB converter for reviving an old keyboard.
There's a chip for doing this in the US, but it's slightly expensive with shipping.

-huha
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: kode on Sat, 15 August 2009, 09:57:39
Ah, the good old ABC80. I'm not sure I agree with the choice to repaint it, though, nevertheless it's a cool mod.

Here's a link to a guy I'm acquainted to who turned an ABC802 into a terminal:
http://blogs.kfib.org/martin.php?title=sometimes_i_do_the_most_pointless_things&more=1&c=1&tb=1&pb=1

kishy, cmr: I'd say it's the §/˝ key, judging from the position as well as my own keyboards...

huha: no, the ABC computers used something called SWASCII, which is not quite compatible with ASCII if I recall correctly. Or, well, I suppose the scancodes would be the same. Hmm. If the purpose of the project is to DIY because of getting etching equipment, I guess I too would do it myself, though...
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: cmr on Sat, 15 August 2009, 23:57:48
is §/˝ a commonly used key in swedish layouts?

i bet he's got it swapped with esc.
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: kode on Sun, 16 August 2009, 03:53:10
Quote from: cmr;110011
is §/˝ a commonly used key in swedish layouts?

i bet he's got it swapped with esc.


I'd say it's more or less never used, but I can't really say I've ever seen anyone move it, for some reason. It's a good idea, however, even though I never use escape either.
Title: Transforming an old computer into a keyboard.
Post by: Ornotermes on Mon, 17 August 2009, 18:14:48
I haven't really figured out the quoting function in this forum yet, sorry about that.
But any way...

lowpoly: Thanks! But i wont build a new case for it, for two reasons. One is that i don't have resources and the other is that i want people to see that it is an ABC80.

huha: It uses 8 data lines, 7 for data and one for strobe (is high while a character key is pressed) and it uses a slightly modified 7-bit ascii, it can send all values but 31. I will publish the source code (which is based on http://www.obdev.at/products/vusb/hidkeys.html ) later on. I don't know what price would make it worth for you but if you would like to build your own converter (look at V-USB´s documentation to see what schematics you can use) I help you as much as i can.

kode: It's a cool thin to do. :) I was thinking of doing something like that but based on a micro controller but i wouldn't have too muck use for it. But I am feeling a small urge to buy a Intel D945GSEJT and build it into my ABC80. :) As for the planned painting, this computer had been used at a school so the paint was rather worn out already.

And for all the fuzz about my regular keyboard, here is a pic from when i used used the SVORAK layout: http://sv.tinypic.com/usermedia.php?uo=BPKxFKZSojwqj%2FMMN3dawQ%3D%3D , I now use QWERTY again.