[simpits-tech] Keyboard encoders
Jeroen Huijben
simpits-tech@simpits.org
Thu, 22 May 2003 07:57:33 +0000
<html><div style='background-color:'><DIV><STRONG>From: "Dave Hensley" <DPHENS@NC.RR.COM></STRONG></DIV><STRONG>http://www.audon.co.uk/kbe-98.html </STRONG>
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<DIV></DIV><STRONG>The KBE-98 information states that there is no limit to the number of switches that can be connected. Not sure how that would work, but wouldn't that be a better solution than the KE-72 from Hagstrom which only allows 72 inputs?? </STRONG>
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<P>Be careful! From the .pdf datasheet: </P>
<P>"The KBE-98 Keyboard Encoder allows a switch, pushbutton or any volt free contact to generate a PC compatible keyboard code. Any Windows 95/98 key codes can be generated, <STRONG>and as many external switches can be connected to the KBE-98 as desired</STRONG>. A keyboard “wedge” is included so that a standard keyboard may be connected and used in parallel with the KBE-98." </P>
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<P>Very nice, but: </P>
<P>"<STRONG>The character that is sent to the PC depends upon which pair of connectors the switch is connected between</STRONG>. The KBE-98 has one group of terminal strips labelled 1 to 8 and a set of three terminal strips labelled A to R. To send the “A” character for example, connect a button between connector 3 and E: to send the “B” character, connect the switch between connector 6 and H, and so on. All the key code connector pairs are shown in the connection table 1. There is no limit to the number of switches that can be connected. The Caps Lock, Shift Lock and Num Lock LEDs may be connected between the CL, SL and NL terminals respectively."</P>
<P>What you get is an 8x18 matrix. Each point in this matrix will, when the circuit is closed, send one (1) character. No programming here.</P>
<P>This infinite amount of switches simply means that if you put a million switches between 3 and E you will have a million buttons sending the letter "A".</P>
<P>You would get the same functionality if you buy and dismantle a standard keyboard and use it's encoder in the same way.</P></div><br clear=all><hr>MSN 8 helps <a href="http://g.msn.com/8HMAEN/2752??PS=">ELIMINATE E-MAIL VIRUSES.</a> Get 2 months FREE*.</html>