Well, in that case, since the user manual is posted at the URL included in the
original post, and you'll see it's not the "usual" scanning matrix being a 7x3
or some other obtuse pattern, and not easily physically replaced with a
run-of-the mill matrix keypad. Since you have a KIM-1, you know what the size
is, and you know what the Radio Shack product is. If the RS product would fit
in place of the original perhaps you could indicate that. If your keypad is
still working, it's clear you haven't used it much. Just let us know ... don't
equivocate. Putting a Radio Shack product on a KIM-1 kind-of makes my skin
crawl, but if it will fit closely as a replacement for the original, and if
that's what's wanted, why not?
The designers did provide access to the scanning inputs, however, so an external
and much more comfortable and durable keypad could be put in place with little
hassle. If the desired solution is to use a serious keypad the externally
applied replacement can be of whatever size is desired.
It occurred to me over the Easter dinner at Mom's that one could use the top
segment of the capacitive switches by situating them over a perfboard with wire
leads soldered to it. The somewhat conductive pad on the lower surface of the
key will close the circuit just fine if a bit of aluminum foil is
rubber-cemented to its conductive surface. If it seems I don't know what sort
of switches are in a PC keyboard, that's because I don't, BTW. The only
PC-targeted keyboard I've disassembled has been that MicroSwitch model. That
should, however, make the surplus PC-keyboard's switches useable. They're
mechanically and ergonomically decent enough.
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "ajp166" <ajp166_at_bellatlantic.net>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Sunday, April 15, 2001 4:16 PM
Subject: Re: Kim / Commie keypads
> From: Richard Erlacher <edick_at_idcomm.com>
> >If that were true, this entire thread would not have occurred. The
> problem with
> >most of these matrix keypads in a single, solid, monolithically-molded
> assembly
>
>
> NO it's someone that hasn't an idea how or what it is. RS sells a
> universal
> keypad kit (not usually stocked in the stores) that would work fine. One
> from a calc would also work. If someones is doing museam restore that
> would be harder.
>
> Besides I obviously don't know anything about it even though I have a
> KIM-1
> in working condition.
>
> Allison
>
>
>
>
>
Received on Sun Apr 15 2001 - 21:14:29 BST