Must redesign keyboard layout, any suggestions?

[Antioch]

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

 

[VEBill]

I'd be surprised if you need to start at that level.

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.

 

[nbucska]

There may be a few cases:

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

 

[Antioch]

Thanks,

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

 

[nbucska]

First strip the original board and draw up the schematics.

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

 

[logbook]

I wonder if you can plug in two USB keyboards and get a key press from either? In that case you could take one key board and rip out every other key (w,r,y,I,p,a,d,g,j etc). Rip out the complementary keys on the other keyboard. This would be an easy way of getting a larger key spacing.

 

[VEBill]

Ah, the Acme Keyboard Stretcher...

How about a pantograph-like device to provide a 'Big Movement' input lever that maps to reduced travel over the original keyboard.

How about:

http://www.electronickeyboards.com/handicap-keyboards.html

"-Custom keyboards in 1-2 weeks with no tooling charges, and no minimum order-"

 

[RobWard]

How about something like this...

http://www.canesta.com/products.htm

&quot;I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go past.&quot; Douglas Adams

 

[Antioch]

Thanks All,

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