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Keyboard hack... help needed
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Tahnok:
I'm working on a keyboard hack as well (and a mouse hack). I am mounting everything on an old piece of plexi.

I must say that mapping the matrix out was no big deal and that the diodes are dirt cheap. I don't understand why someone who could use a keyboard hack wouldn't and buy an expensive encoder. The encoders are cool for things like shift keys, but I don't think it is worth the money.
FractalWalk:
"I don't understand why someone who could use a keyboard hack wouldn't and buy an expensive encoder."

For me it was an issue of time and quality. I mapped out everything easy enough. But I was limited on the number of inputs and reliant upon soldering leads that were less than 1/8" apart. I managed to do it, but my leads kept breaking or shorting to its neighbor.

After spending more than a few hours on it I decided that my time was more valuable then the minimal cost of an IPAC. Plus the I-PAC is much better quality, reliability and functionality than I could have ever produced with a hack.

After trying the hack, it really was a no-brainer for me to go
with the IPAC.
Tiger-Heli:

--- Quote from: tahnok100 on July 10, 2004, 08:36:35 pm ---I'm working on a keyboard hack as well (and a mouse hack). I am mounting everything on an old piece of plexi.

I must say that mapping the matrix out was no big deal and that the diodes are dirt cheap. I don't understand why someone who could use a keyboard hack wouldn't and buy an expensive encoder. The encoders are cool for things like shift keys, but I don't think it is worth the money.

--- End quote ---
As Fractalwalk said, there are time and quality issues.  An encoder will also outperform a keyboard hack as well.

Beyond this, if all you want is MAME and a basic SF layout, you can make a keyboard hack work.  But you will be limited to fixed key assignments and a fixed key layout.

The biggest drawback is if you ever run a program that doesn't allow re-mapping of inputs, you probably can't have your keyboard hack work with it.

And expensive is a relative thing - For $26.95 (plus shipping), you can get a KeyWiz Eco.  You can find a keyboard for free (after rebates), but then you will want terminal blocks and wiring, so there is at least a $5 cost to the keyboard hack.

For most users, the additional $20 is well worth the time saved and greater functionality.
brained:
Well I've successfully built my keyboard hack on saturday and sunday. It takes a lot of time and stuff, but hey what's the pressure. Nobody is pointing you with a gun and saying "I WANT MY ARCADE NOW".

I think keyboard hacks are nice for a limited number of inputs. The cool thing about keyboard hacks is that it's a true DIY :D. Also most of us have old keyboards, so gutting them out it's the way to go!! :P

It's a little painfull but it's fun.

*edit*
use a terminal block for the rows and the columns... and IDE CABLE :)



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