Hi I use the case of my portable with new macbook but I want to keep the original keyboard, do anyone know how can I use the macintosh portable keyboard and change the IDE interface to USB so it works with new Laptops?
apple portable keyboard
- Thread starter godfatherq8
- Start date
It's not an IDE interface, it's a simple as it gets. The ribbon cables connect the key matrix circuit board's switch actuated connection as they'r made to a controller on the motherboard.
Unit much like the Portable NumPad
4x4 jeyswitch matrix
Controller output to LCD display
You'd want a controller that outputs USB, such should be available off the shelf.
If you have a KBD you don't care about or can get your hands on a dirt cheap PS/2 KBD, tear it down and examine the membrane switch matrix/controller setup to get an idea of what's going on in there.
Unit much like the Portable NumPad
4x4 jeyswitch matrix
Controller output to LCD display
You'd want a controller that outputs USB, such should be available off the shelf.
If you have a KBD you don't care about or can get your hands on a dirt cheap PS/2 KBD, tear it down and examine the membrane switch matrix/controller setup to get an idea of what's going on in there.
Last edited by a moderator:
thank you very much for your response
I find this piece on one videos of the 8-bit guy but it was used with apple IIe I don't know if its working with the apple macintosh portable ?
I find this piece on one videos of the 8-bit guy but it was used with apple IIe I don't know if its working with the apple macintosh portable ?
Interesting project, definitely a hacks forum thread.
Couldn't find more than simple 8x8 matrix controllers in a quick search of Codemercs website. KeyWarrior was a powerful controllers that handled USB, ADB and PS/2. keywarriordatasheet.pdf
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-USB-Laptop-Keyboard-Controller/
Couldn't find more than simple 8x8 matrix controllers in a quick search of Codemercs website. KeyWarrior was a powerful controllers that handled USB, ADB and PS/2. keywarriordatasheet.pdf
https://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-Make-a-USB-Laptop-Keyboard-Controller/
Hadn't given this one much thought, but it looks really promising. I'd like to check it out, link?
PHoto at top a prototype and this one a production unit?
no both are I think from the production
this is the link
http://retroconnector.com/products/apple-ii/keyboard-shield-for-apple-iic-or-iic/
this is the link
http://retroconnector.com/products/apple-ii/keyboard-shield-for-apple-iic-or-iic/
If you're up to trying that one (if they become available again) it'll probably work. Depends on electrical compatibility of the keyswitches and key count, which appears to be higher than the Luggable's.
thank you very much for your help
De nada, looking forward to seeing your project progress. Please post your research. I've got a couple of KBD projects to mess with as well. One approach is to try the controller from an AEKII on a mechanical KBD and a membrane KBD with an AppleDesign controller. My parts Luggable recase/mod project will be following in your footsteps. it will be interesting to see if my NumPad matrix maps to the main board or is a discrete matrix. If the latter, it can be a programmable pad.
