Converting a Reuters D3D Keyboard

Jesseg · 30 Oct 2019, 07:07

Hello Deskthority,

I have aquired a Reuters D3D trading keyboard, I got it brand new and unopened. I would love to convert it but I'm not sure how to go about it.
It uses a DB25 (25 pin) connection, but it looks like it only uses 6 of the 25. I would like to either get it working straight to USB or get it connected to my pro micro.
I believe it can be done, as this thread https://github.com/babarrett/g80-9009/b ... -cables.md
highlights the process of wiring up a G80-9009 without the Reuters converter box.

Would anyone be able to shed some light on how I may replicate this using a 25 pin plug? Thankyou!

Here are some photos

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gipetto · 30 Oct 2019, 12:11

You can start by opening the case and photographing the pcb.

Jesseg · 30 Oct 2019, 12:41

I have removed the top section so it’s easier to view, it’s just attached by the 2 ribbon cables and the ground.

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gipetto · 30 Oct 2019, 15:40

Those ribbon cables are encouraging. it looks like an easy controller replacement. assuming you don't want to keep the db-25 port you will have to examine the pcb traces to identify which pins are rows and which are columns. see if there are diodes for each switch present. if there's not then you will have no n-key rollover. if that is a problem you will have to make a custom pcb.

Jesseg · 30 Oct 2019, 22:02

Yes there are diodes for each switch

I was hoping I could use the DB25 port though

gipetto · 30 Oct 2019, 23:47

You would have to be lucky to find the correct hardware and documentation. There's many advantages to a controller swap however, not least how inexpensive it is compared to bidding on rare ebay auctions. you should buy a teensy2.0++ for the task. It has a low learning curve compared to the cheaper stm32. Buying the genuine article from pjrc.com would avoid hiccups.

Jesseg · 31 Oct 2019, 00:32

I have a Pro micro atmega32u4 that i have used for other conversions. Im just curious because the github page for converting a 9009 lists a simple cable conversion and a repin, surely it would be similar for this board?

gipetto · 31 Oct 2019, 02:26

I'm sure it would be easy if you knew how, if you don't the controller is just a brick.

Jesseg · 05 Nov 2019, 22:58

So I’ve acquired a db25 to db9 connector and was trying to connect 5v and gnd from the PC side PS/2 cable. But no luck..

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Bjerrk · 12 Jul 2022, 18:38

Jesseg wrote: ↑
05 Nov 2019, 22:58
So I’ve acquired a db25 to db9 connector and was trying to connect 5v and gnd from the PC side PS/2 cable. But no luck..

Did you ever get this board up and running, Jesseg?

Jesseg · 13 Jul 2022, 03:09

Bjerrk wrote: ↑
12 Jul 2022, 18:38

Jesseg wrote: ↑
05 Nov 2019, 22:58
So I’ve acquired a db25 to db9 connector and was trying to connect 5v and gnd from the PC side PS/2 cable. But no luck..
Did you ever get this board up and running, Jesseg?

Nope, managed to find a whole bunch of KMD3 units which I was able to use with this and other dealing keyboards, although I no longer have the D3D.

Bjerrk · 13 Jul 2022, 08:29

Jesseg wrote: ↑
13 Jul 2022, 03:09
Nope, managed to find a whole bunch of KMD3 units which I was able to use with this and other dealing keyboards, although I no longer have the D3D.

Ah, cool! Do you remember the details of those devices? (I don't even know what a KMD3 unit is

)

Edit: Ah, I see, one of these things: https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=36702.0