Using a 122 key keyboard /w unique scan codes on USB-only Mac?

[ChrisB]

I'd like to use a 122 key keyboard on my Mac, but according to other threads, the only way to get unique scan codes for F13-F24 et cetera is to use the Unicomp PS/2 Emulator version. Macs don't have PS/2 ports, and I've read here that PS/2-to-USB converters eat the extra codes. I use Karabiner to remap keys on the Mac, and if F24 sends Shift+F12, then I can't define a macro for Shift+F24, because that would be `Shift+Shift+F12'. I suppose I could learn to live with this limitation, though, if there is no workaround. (No workaround other than building a custom controller, that is.)

If I buy a USB 122 key from Unicomp, I'll buy the 3270 version instead of the 5250 version, because the 5250 has a dedicated key that sends the sequence Shift+Tab (`Back Tab'), and I can't remap what Shift+Tab does unless I'm willing to give up back-tabbing through text entry forms, which I'm of course not. The 3270 sends Ctrl+F8 for the same key position, which is easier to remap without conflicting with other programs.

[supamesican]

does unicomp make an emulator version with USB? Cause the emulator ones are the ones that have the scan codes instead of the shift + (whatever). I too am going to be getting a 122 key, pearl on pearl, and when I looked at their customize page the 3270 emulator only had a ps/2 version. You may be better off just calling them tomorrow and asking them.

[fohat.digs]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Lynk-IBM-Lexmark-Model-M-122-Key-USB-Soarers-Converter-Remapping-Macros-/281459028253?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item418843f11d

[ChrisB]

So I actually emailed Unicomp before last Friday morning to ask if I could get a USB 122 key that sends unique scan codes to a Mac. I haven't heard back from them yet, and usually they have been pretty quick with answering my other inquiries. I may just call them Monday. Worst case I could always buy a PS/2 Emulator and then either make a Soarer or buy one from a member here.

Those eBay Lexmarks that fohat.digs posted would be perfect if they had ANSI horizontal enter keys and wide left shift keys. I read in the past that Unicomp will do this mod on a new 122 though I haven't recently confirmed this with them. I plan to Monday.

The other crazy idea I'm playing with is just using a whole second keyboard as a custom keypad. With Karabiner for the Mac one can remap key events separately for each keyboard plugged in, so a separate keyboard would mean 101-104 extra keys to program instead of the 20ish extra keys one gets with the 122 key. I'd use all those extra keys so that I could type all the symbols I need for writing code and also do most code editing and 3D editing commands I need without ever having to hold a modifier or hit ESC to do a mode switch (as with vi).

I've played with using multiple foot switches before as an alternative to needing a bunch of extra keys, but it feels nicest to just be able to do things with a single key press. (I'm actually using a foot switch right now to do the Shift key as I type this message, but the foot switch feels somewhat slow, though I guess it is a good skill to practice as a form of cross-training for piano pedaling. It takes quite a bit of practice to coordinate the pedaling rapidly and fluidly.)

[0100010]

There is another user here performing ANSI + Soarer conversions on terminal Ms - http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=63873.0

Last I asked Unicomp, they will make you one as well, but it was like $40 extra on top of the custom keyboard price (so about the same price as buying a converted one already).

If it was me, I would pick up an old terminal M and bolt mod, ANSIfy and Soarer convert myself.  Probably less costly monetarily, a heck of a lot more work - but with the satisfaction that I 'built' it.

[ChrisB]

Thanks for that listing of that ANSI'fied and bolt modded 122. That's exactly something I would buy and I just contacted the seller to ask when he'll have another ready to sell.

[ChrisB]

And as to doing to conversion myself... right now I have more money than time and I have to meet certain software deadlines. I also still need to finish my custom stand up desk setup.... In the new year I may investigate converting an old Model F myself with Harry's Bolt Mod guide.

[fohat.digs]

old Model F myself with Harry's Bolt Mod guide.

Please, NO!

What will it take for me to get rid of that?

If a moderator sees this, please talk to me about deleting that obsolete old thread altogether.

This  http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=48786.msg1338079#msg1338079  is the only method I recommend now.