Re: IIGS extended keyboard

[dempson@atlantis.actrix.gen.nz (David Empson)]

In article <3uf56v$1qs@news.sas.ab.ca>,  <garyt@freenet.edmonton.ab.ca> wrote:
> I have an old GS that upgraded from a IIe, consequently I can't access 
> the sticky-mouse keys options.  I am a quadreplegic (wheelchair type).  I 
> would like to know if I can bypass the installed keyboard and hookup an 
> extended 101 keyboard.

Yes.  Most Mac-compatible ADB keyboards (either "Standard" or
"Extended" layout) can be used with the IIgs (any type).

The built-in IIe keyboard can be used or ignored as you see fit.  The
IIgs doesn't distinguish between them.

As you've already discovered, the built-in keyboard's numeric keypad
(if it has one) cannot be distinguished from the main keyboard number
keys.  Even it is was, the Easy Access utility wouldn't work with it,
as Easy Access requires an ADB keyboard.

So, given an ADB keyboard, all you need is the Easy Access utility
(since you have a ROM 1 IIgs) and you'll have Sticky Keys and Keyboard
Mouse available.

Note that this utility does have a few compatibility problems - some
programs try to read the keyboard with interrupts locked out, and will
therefore not read any keys.  This causes the computer to lock up
without any way of recovering except by powering it down.  With the
built-in IIe keyboard, you at least have the option of pressing
Control-Apple-Reset (assuming you are physically capable of this).

By comparison, a ROM 3 IIgs has the Easy Access functions built into
the keyboard microcontroller, and there are no potential lockup problems.
-- 
David Empson
dempson@actrix.gen.nz
Snail mail: P.O. Box 27-103, Wellington, New Zealand