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apple portable keyboard

godfatherq8

Member
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?

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
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-matrix-keypad-card-08.jpg.c5f1cbf4b312de4a7ea78fcdaf1b217d.jpg


4x4 jeyswitch matrix

4x4-Matrix-Keypad.png.bdf45be9c440900ec78902818bf430b9.png


Controller output to LCD display

Arduino-Keypad-Image-5.png.16b870b05e68f3ff1cf44779b3d89867.png


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.

 
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godfatherq8

Member
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 ?RetroConnector-Keyboard-Shield-IIe.jpgRetroConnector-Keyboard-Shield-IIe-1024x576.jpg

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
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.

 

Trash80toHP_Mini

NIGHT STALKER
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.

 
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