Re: C= at the CES Show in Vegas

On Jan 8, 9:53 pm, Golano wrote:

For USB devices there is the Keyrah...

With so much information out there on Keyrah, I hope Jim Brain
forgives me for spreading news on his C= Key interface. Jim wrote:

Some details on the interface:

* It will interface a CBM keyboard to a PS/2 compatible PC
* It will interface a PS/2 keyboard to a CBM machine
* It comes ready to operate with the following keyboards or computers:
o VIC-20
o C64
o SX64
o C128
o C128D (DB25 gender changer required for PS/2 KB to C128D operation)
* The firmware can be extended to support any CBM (or non CBM)
machine with up to a 8x12 keyboard matrix. PET/CBM machines
and Plus/4 machines come to mind.
* The original keyboard can still be used (VIC/C64 has built in
passthrough on circuit board, C128 can use existing connector, other
machines will require wiring up a keyboard connector)
* It does not require modification of the computer. (You do have to
open
the machine to install)
* The firmware contains 4 keyboard mappings (C64 positional, C64
symbolic, C128 positional, C128 symbolic). Other mappings can be
added. Positional mappings use VICE mappings, though that too can
be changed.
* keyboard mapping is retained on power-down
* C64DTV can be used with the interface
* Optional "RESET" line can be installed which will reset machine upon
Ctrl/Alt/Del keypress
* Interface can be configured via the attached keyboard.
* Dual Joystick connectors are passthrough when using the interface
on a CBM machine. Joysticks actions map to keypresses when used
with a PC.

Planned enhancements:

* Ability to record powerup or RESET macros (LOAD "*",8,1 for
example)
* Keyboard remapping

Now, if you are interested, here are the ways to obtain the interface:

* The entire project is GPL. Schematics, EAGLE CAD PDB files,
source, and firmware executables will be posted to a project page,
but are available now in my SVN repository at
http://www.jimbrain.com/svn/c=key/ (http://www.jimbrain.com/WebSVN/
listing.php?repname=c=key&path=%2Ftrunk%2F&rev=0&sc=0
is the human friendly web view) $0.00 cost
* A programmed ATMEGA162 is $10.00 + Shipping
* A programmed CPU and MT8812 crosspoint switch (needed to
use interface with CBM machine) is $20 + Shipping
* A programmed CPU and bare board is $30 + Shipping
* CPU, PCB, and MT8812 is $40 + Shipping.
* Actual hardware
o Base prices:
+ C128D to PC: $43.00
+ C128 to PC: $39.00
+ VIC/C64 to PC: $40.00
+ SX-64 to PC: $41.00
+ PC to C128D: $50.00
+ PC to C128: $47.00
+ PC to VIC/C64: $49.00
+ PC to SX64: $50.00
+ All integration options: $52.00
o Kits come without joystick receptacles. Add $5.40 to kit price
for 2 sockets.
o US shipping is $4.60
o Assembled units are $10.00 more.

Currently, I have no source for PS/2 mice cords with the molded
miniDIN plug (I use those for the CBM KB to PS/2 PC integration
options, so the prices above assume you can snag your own cable.
There are only 4 wires to solder/plug onto the board. Or, you can
mail me a cord and I will solder it on for assembled units

If you're paying attention, you'll no doubt notice my PCB costs
are a bit high. Prototype board runs are not cheap, though that
price should come down if I do a production board run. I only
have 10 prototype boards, so if I get a cheaper rate, I'll pass it on.

If you've gotten here are are still interested, here are the caveats:

* I'd prefer the early adopters be comfortable reprogramming the
CPU (a programmer is $2.00 in parts bin parts and needs only a
PC parallel port and Windows or UNIX/Linux/*BSD). I expect
there to be some firmware updates (I don't use VICE all that
much, and the SX64 code is very lightly tested.)
* I can accept Paypal, checks, or MOs at this time. I'll entertain
bank transfers if no other option is viable.
* If you are expecting a finished product firmware and the
carefree freedom it will provide, wait. I don't want to be held
responsible for someone's overly high expectations. It does
work, and it works well, but some of the mappings might be
off on some more esoteric keys, and the PS/2 protocol is
implemented many ways on many machines.
.

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