[simpits-tech] Keyboard encoders

Thu, 22 May 2003 07:36:58 -0700 (PDT)

Thanks Jeroen! That helps! So the hagstrom is different in that it allows
you to define (program) what characters are assigned to the connectors??

For my purposes (at this time anyway) I will only be using toggle switches
on or off state) and doubt I will need to do any programming, unless
something like "shift-alt-4" is considered programming (macros ??). 

One thing that is throwing me is that the KE72 only have 72 connections so
since each switch is going to use at least two connectors, wouldn't that
mean only 36 switches?? Or... do you double up on some of the connectors? 

Anyway, thanks for all the replies so far! It's helping a lot. I am on a
"learn as I go" system! :-)

Dave

>On Thu, 22 May 2003 07:57:33  0000 "Jeroen Huijben"
<jeroen_huijben@hotmail.com> wrote.
><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>
><DIV></DIV><STRONG> </STRONG>
><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>
><DIV></DIV>
><DIV></DIV>
><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>
><DIV></DIV>
><DIV></DIV>
><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
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