Re: GS keyboard on Laser128

[wernst@crl.com (Warren Ernst)]

gachenb@eis.calstate.edu (Greg R. Achenbach) writes:


>I was thinking of doing this on a IIc, too.  I was coveting the GS's 
>external keyboard.  What I was planning to do was just make a long 
>extension ribbon cable for the IIc keyboard, and then mounting the IIc 
>keyboard in a self-made case. I don't know if this would work since I 
>never tried it.  I broke down and bought a GS instead. 
>think the GS keyboard would work.  

I did this a couple of years ago for my Apple //e. I also found a neat-o 
long keyboard case, took out my standard keybaord, legthened the ribbon 
cable to 12 feet and put in a parallel printer cable connector set to 
that the cable was detachable, and then grafted a numeric keyboard along 
side within the long case. It is/was very cool. I remember reading 
something when I did this that I would have a problem with timing if the 
cable went beyond 6 feet, butit never happened. I have used it for , wow, 
5 years now.

Coincidentally, within the //e there is an additional set of pins that is 
used expressly for an additional numeric keypad. Apple even made one for 
a while (I have it on may dad's //e). The keypad I used for my external 
keybaord was one of those $10 specials you used to see in the back ads. 
in A+/InCider. I don't think the //c has those pins, btw...

Years ago, when I was a student working part time at Beagle Bros, I even 
made some for, like $120 (you had to supply the keyboard) and made, um, 
three I think. 

Anyway, just reminising -- yes, you can make one for the //c with a long 
ribbon cable.

-Warren
-  Warren Ernst - wernst@crl.com  -   Fullerton, CA, USA
-  Computer Consultant, Tech Writer, Graphic Artist, Nerd
-                   "Will write for food..."               
- "Writing; it's not just a career, it's a lifestyle choice."