Author Topic: Ortek MCK-84 info  (Read 9706 times)

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Offline Soarer

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« on: Thu, 30 December 2010, 20:27:59 »
Not much of a mod here, just a couple of bits of info that might be of use :-)

This info is for the ISO version, but since the PCB is the same as the version without the extra key between left shift and Z, I'd wager it applies to that version as well.

First off, the matrix highlighted on the PCB:

6889-0

I've marked the wire links in white. Note that three lines have diodes in them - that's a neat trick to allow those lines to also power the lock LEDs, saving three pins on the controller chip.

I arbitrarily assigned row and column IDs on the chip:

6891-1

Column and row marked on each key:

6893-2

The connector on the back is for a number pad, so apart from the required rows and columns, there's pins for the Num Lock LED (active low) and power:



The numpad keys are assigned as follows:

Code: [Select]
E0: 9 PgUp
E1: 8 Up
E2: 7 Home
E7: +
F0: *
F1: NumLock
F7: -
G3: Enter
I2: /
I6: $     <--- non-standard code 0xE049
L0: 3 PgDn
L1: 2 Down
L2: 1 End
L7: 0 Ins
M0: 6 Right
M1: 5
M2: 4 Left
M7: . Del

Just one crossing on the matrix remains unaccounted for, sadly it doesn't produce a unique code and is the same as J6:
Code: [Select]
H4: \ |
Actually, I did make one small mod... on this particular layout, with the blank key between left shift and Z, the blank key wasn't producing any scan code. It turns out that the switch wasn't connected! In fact, one leg had been bent back deliberately to prevent it functioning! (I have two of these boards, and they both had the same bent leg).



With that fixed, the key produces the 'Europe 2' scan code as expected (that's \ | for UK, < > for DE, etc).

My guess is that they had a large order for US layout boards, which they didn't have the parts for - presumably plates, since the PCB is the same.
« Last Edit: Sun, 28 October 2012, 09:20:32 by Soarer »

Offline Soarer

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #1 on: Fri, 31 December 2010, 12:46:31 »
Just added info on how to get the blank key working, on the US layout boards that have it.

Offline didjamatic

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #2 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 16:23:24 »
I still have some of these I hope to convert to ANSI horizontal enter keys.  Great info!
(I'm not considering this a necropost since the original article was recently updated)
IBM F :: IBM M :: Northgate :: Cherry G80 :: Realforce :: DAS 4

Offline TexasFlood

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #3 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 16:29:54 »
Back for a very limited engagement...

Offline TexasFlood

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #4 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 16:37:08 »
Quote from: SonOfRipster;621121
At least I spelled SonOfRipster right this time.

I noticed that all-thumbs-on-iPad, but was gonna let it slide. But sice you brought it up.

Offline Soarer

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #5 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 17:44:59 »
Quote from: didjamatic;621115
I still have some of these I hope to convert to ANSI horizontal enter keys.  Great info!
(I'm not considering this a necropost since the original article was recently updated)


That sounds like a challenge! But as long as you can get the plate to hold the switches right, the PCB modding should be fairly easy (even though you would have to trash a few traces and relink them with wires).

Oh, and desoldering Alps is a pain, but you know that already :-)

Actually, I was just pointing someone at it as an example of how to trace a matrix, and noticed the pics had turned to thumbnails - no new info, but still typing on one right now!

Offline didjamatic

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #6 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 18:07:43 »
I've never had issues desoldering ALPS (or any other switches)
I use a really good iron though, and desoldering braid, maybe that helps.

I might try to use them again, it's actually not too bad having \ so accessible as I use it constantly.
IBM F :: IBM M :: Northgate :: Cherry G80 :: Realforce :: DAS 4

Offline Soarer

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #7 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 18:18:59 »
Oh, well, the ones I've done have had the legs bent over before soldering, which I've found a real hassle since they can break easily when bending them back. Maybe easier with braid; I dunno, I was using a solder sucker.

Offline didjamatic

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #8 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 19:18:52 »
I've been wanting to buy a soldapult but never did.
IBM F :: IBM M :: Northgate :: Cherry G80 :: Realforce :: DAS 4

Offline TexasFlood

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Ortek MCK-84 info
« Reply #9 on: Sun, 24 June 2012, 20:00:47 »
I just have the old Weller WES51, nothing fancy but useable.