Well ... anything with switches would "work" depending, of course, what you mean
by "work" but it's the physical dimensions that matter, since it has to fit
where the original goes.
This RS pad must have a catalog number, though, Allison. Since you've seen it,
perhaps you could provide the catalog number, as the RS meatheads wouldn't know
what a keypad kit was if you asked them.
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "ajp me" <ajp166_at_bellatlantic.net>
To: <classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org>
Sent: Monday, April 16, 2001 6:41 AM
Subject: Re: Kim / Commie keypads
> Foo, mine was used, is used and works. It was dirty enough to
> require a trip through the dishwasher though. It wasn't to hard to open and
wipe the contacts afterwards.
>
> The RS pad (special catalog item likely not their manufacuture)
> would work as would many others. Maybe I'm just more resorceful
> that others. Either that or rather that grouse about it I just do it.
>
> Allison
>
>
> ------Original Message------
> From: "Richard Erlacher" <edick_at_idcomm.com>
> To: classiccmp_at_classiccmp.org
> Sent: April 16, 2001 2:14:29 AM GMT
> Subject: Re: Kim / Commie keypads
>
>
> 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 Mon Apr 16 2001 - 09:20:14 BST