Date   : Sat, 02 Jan 1999 18:08:40 +0000
From   : jgh@... (Jonathan Graham Harston)
Subject: Using PC keyboards

Does anybody know anything about using a PC keyboard with an Arc or BBC?
 
I did some experimenting with this back in 1991 and then put it to one
side.  Before going back to it it would be sensible for me to ask if
anyone else has an experience doing this.
 
I played around a bit sampling the data line in sync with the clock, but I
never got a consistant word length; varying between 9 and 13 bits.
 
Alternatively, does anybody know of a source of PC-style keyboards that
connect with a 'standard' RS232 connection?  I remember coming across some
in a catalogue years ago...
 
On a similar subject, on request from a customer I made an experiental 5m
keyboard extension lead (yes 5 metres!).  I plugged it in and turned it on
and to my utter amazement it worked!  At one point I was standing at one
end of the room holding the keyboard, and watching at the other end as I
typed things in.  I was so far away, I couldn't make out the text!
 
Wow!
 
-- 
J.G.Harston (JGH BBC PD Library) 70 Camm Street, Walkley, SHEFFIELD S6 3TR
jgh@...                --- BBC+Master / Z80+6502 / CoPro+Tubes / Econet+SJ
Devolution / Transport / Planning / Highways ---- Focus Editor for Walkley
Walkley Ward Website:  http://homepages.nildram.co.uk/~amilton/walkley.htm
Death->By-Election->Lots of work->Arrgghh!!->Slow Email Replies->Sorry->:)
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