Building a custom keypad

zmoreira · Post by **zmoreira** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 7:59 am

I am looking for solutions to add some custom controls to my PC. I wish I could use the keypad connector and make a custom keypad, but I don't know where to start.

I have read some posts in this board, but I haven't still figured out how to make the matrix circuit and connect switches to it. I am afraid that this is too complicated for me.

However, it seems that some of Matrix Orbital LCDs have an AT keyboard interface. Maybe it is easier for me to connect a keyboard encoder to such an interface as the wiring would be very straightforward. I am talking about keyboard encoders used to build arcade cabinets such as the KeyWiz and the I-pac. What models have an AT interface? Is there a manual somewhere?

Help?

Post by **Henry** » Tue Nov 25, 2003 5:44 pm

the normal displays have 5 rows and 5 columns (or 6x4 on the -USB ones) when you short a row and a column together, by a wire or keypad that will make the display generate a keystroke. It's actualy very simple... you can use momentary switches to make a keypad if you want.. I'm doing that right now.

zmoreira · Post by **zmoreira** » Wed Nov 26, 2003 3:06 am

Henry wrote:the normal displays have 5 rows and 5 columns (or 6x4 on the -USB ones) when you short a row and a column together, by a wire or keypad that will make the display generate a keystroke. It's actualy very simple... you can use momentary switches to make a keypad if you want.. I'm doing that right now.

Thanks for your reply Henry. The problem is that I'm really ignorant about electronics. Can you describe how are the wires connected? A photo would be so nice!

zmoreira · Post by **zmoreira** » Sun Nov 30, 2003 5:23 am

I think I finnally understood what I need to do: I have to connect each button serially to the other buttons in the same column and to the other buttons on the same row. The button at the "head" of the rows and columns connect to the pins. Is that right?

zmoreira wrote:
Henry wrote:the normal displays have 5 rows and 5 columns (or 6x4 on the -USB ones) when you short a row and a column together, by a wire or keypad that will make the display generate a keystroke. It's actualy very simple... you can use momentary switches to make a keypad if you want.. I'm doing that right now.
Thanks for your reply Henry. The problem is that I'm really ignorant about electronics. Can you describe how are the wires connected? A photo would be so nice!