deskthority

A few years ago, I had an IBM LPFK from Webwit. I've never succeeded in getting it to work though.

Has anyone had any success with them? I'd love to get it going, probably as a "media" (Play, stop, ffwd etc) keypad alongside my M13.

I did debate striping it down, and mapping out the matrix, and putting on a Arduino nano clone. Problem is, my code makes real programmers cry, and time is limited at the moment.

I only managed to make the lights blink

A recent several-hour, multi searchengine session revealed nothing new either.

I know the protocol, but that is not helping any. I think I'll have to go down the Microcontroller/Arduino route.

Nothing happening until after Xmas though, but thanks for the input. I'll be sure to post up video of it's lights dancing merrily away to some awful song...

Have you seen this? http://brutman.com/IBM_LPFK/IBM_LPFK.html (probably have)
Did you try attaching it to a serial port and messng around?

I have indeed (and it's the only reason I know the protocol). I suspect it's because it wants a true serial port, rather than a USB emulated one, and I don't have a real one kicking around any more.

I will put an Arduino/ATMega328 on there at some point. If I do get it to work, it will be open source, so anyone with a few basic skills can get one going for shits and giggles. I'd love to make a basic version of the Novation Launchpad, should I manage sufficient proficiency in C. Knowing my lack of programming skills, I'll settle for a basic lights/keypress interface that others can take and do cool things with.

Saying that...

http://codeninja.de/lpfk/

Looks promising.
Now, where's that USB>Serial adaptor gone...