recycling keyboard PCB

la.ciuffona

23 Oct 2016, 15:55

Hi,
I have this keyboard at home and I hope I can easily recycle it fully - instead of having to de-solder the switches and build a kb from scratch. The output is a 20pin flat cable.

Anyone can help me? I.e. can I somehow connect the 20pin cable to a teensy? or, what is the easiest way to hook it up to a PC?

thanks
LC
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keyboard PCB
keyboard PCB
index_.jpeg (69.62 KiB) Viewed 2272 times

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Nuum

23 Oct 2016, 16:19

Welcome to DT!

Seems like the matrix is exposed on that flat cable. If you can find out which pin belongs to which row/column you could just connect a Teensy with e.g. Soarer's controller to it and set it up right.

I did this with my IBM 5140 keyboard, similar to the way copter did it: workshop-f7/ibm-5140-convertible-conversion-t9666.html

What keyboard is this? Can you share more pictures of it with us?

la.ciuffona

23 Oct 2016, 22:09

it's from a nixdorf Tema like this: http://www.ebay.ie/itm/322247867729
I'm considering recycling it as the layout is very nice and it's quite pleasant to type.

la.ciuffona

23 Oct 2016, 22:12

The keyboard has no diodes though.
How can I find out how the rows and cols are mapped on the flat cable? Have you got any tutorial?
Thanks

Funis21

24 Oct 2016, 03:18

What switches are on the Tema?

la.ciuffona

24 Oct 2016, 09:07

I have no idea :)
But it's pleasantly clicky: comparable to an MX clear, but with higher resistance at the beginning and a smoother slid after the click.
Attachments
cap
cap
index__.jpeg (71.96 KiB) Viewed 2140 times
switch
switch
index_.jpeg (55.1 KiB) Viewed 2140 times

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emdude
Model M Apologist

24 Oct 2016, 09:33

That appears to be an Alps Integrated Dome switch.
Spoiler:
Image

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