Re: Q: Detachable IIe Keyboard?

[wernst@cris.com (Warren "Llama" Ernst)]

cv985@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (Michael Elliott) wrote:

>Does anyone know a way to make a detachable keyboard for an
>Apple IIe (standard beige- not new platinum)??
>Is it possible to retrofit a Mac or IBM keycase with a
>IIe keyboard, or modify a Mac/GS or IBM Keyboard for
>a IIe?

I made an external keyboard for my beige //e years ago. Noting that a
ribbon connector joins the keyboard and the motherboard, I merely
extended it, and it worked fine. I have been told that there will be
timing problems is the cable is longer than a foot, but I;ve extended
my keyboard  up to 9 feet and it has worked fine.

Anyway, if you go to an electronics store, you'll find metal keyboard
cases that are all beige and are tilted at the right angle for a
keyboard. Then, grab your power srill and saber saw and cut out the
big, weirdly shaped hole for a genuine Apple //e keyboard, and bolt it
in. Connect the ribbon cable with connectors from the keyboard to the
motherboard, and you are set.

It was definately a project that took some time, but it has worked
great for more than 8 years! I'm not aware of any way to convert
another external keyboard brand, btw. If you are really interested in
how mine looks, let me know, and I'll make a photo and maybe put it up
on my web page. It by no means looks modern.

Virtually,
Warr
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Author, "Using Netscape"      | Warren Ernst  -  wernst@cris.com
"Using Netscape in Windows95" | http://www.deltanet.com/users/wernst/
"Netscape Unleashed"(contrib) | Computer Consultant, Technical Writer
Que and SamsNet Publishing    |         Graphic Artist, Nerd
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