Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
(OP)
All,
I am attempting to build a custom computer keyboard to address a problem I have with my hands.
Since this is a 1-off for my own personal use, my first thought is to start with a new USB keyboard, Disable the key matrix, install a connector, and add it to my own custom key matrix.
My research turned up a 'you can't do it post' a while back, stating a problem with matching resistance (IIRC).
So my questions to the group are: 1) Can I do it this way? 2) Is there another way?
TIA,
A
I am attempting to build a custom computer keyboard to address a problem I have with my hands.
Since this is a 1-off for my own personal use, my first thought is to start with a new USB keyboard, Disable the key matrix, install a connector, and add it to my own custom key matrix.
My research turned up a 'you can't do it post' a while back, stating a problem with matching resistance (IIRC).
So my questions to the group are: 1) Can I do it this way? 2) Is there another way?
TIA,
A





RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
I assume that Windows (or a suitable keyboard driver) will let you remap the keys... I make this assumption because there are so many language-specific keyboards. Then you disassemble a keyboard and relocate the buttons to match.
Also, Windows XP has a mouse-driven keyboard utility built-in.
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
a.) same number of keys,
1.)different sequence : may intercept and remap
keys
2.)different layout. Need different board layout
using same schematics
b.) different number of keys
simplest: to use a microprocessor to emulate
the USB keyboard.
If you need more, send more detailed data.
<nbucska@pcperipherals DOT com> subj: eng-tips
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
I can do a remap between QWERTY and DVORAK, that isn't a problem. What I need to do is physically move the keys to provide more spacing between keys. I have researched 'large format' keyboards, but they do not meet my specific needs.
A
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
You need a new board: You could hand draw it with permanent marker on bare copper clad board (it protects the CU ) etch it with Fe3Cl and use the original keyswitches etc. parts.
<nbucska@pcperipherals DOT com> subj: eng-tips
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
How about a pantograph-like device to provide a 'Big Movement' input lever that maps to reduced travel over the original keyboard.
How about:
www.electronickeyboards.com/handicap-keyboards.html
"-Custom keyboards in 1-2 weeks with no tooling charges, and no minimum order-"
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
http://www.canesta.com/products.htm
"I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past." Douglas Adams
RE: Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?
I posted this in several of my groups and I think I have an answer that works for me, I will detail it here in case anyone else asks the question:
I was refered to: http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1610434,00.asp
This article pointed me to the cheap keyboards that use a plastic matrix to create the contact. I picked one up late last night and disassembled it. The controller couldn't be simpler, and the traces are large enough for me to make them a solder point and add a connector. That is the start of my prototype, all I need to do now is the circuit artwork and see if I have any ghosting problems. I wil post results here if anyone is interested.
I really liked the pantagraph idea, since I primarily need to increase the distance horizonally. I may have to give it a try.
Thanks again!
A