exxos's Atari, Amiga & retro forum

I have started another project, not that I have enough of them https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... =18&t=1718

Whilst working on the STFM Case Remake project https://www.exxosforum.co.uk/forum/viewt ... 160#p24148, Exxos and I had the thought when we saw this picture. "Mega ST Keyboard"


With the STF Remake board and STFM Case Remake both in-flight after looking at this it seemed fitting that we needed a ST Keyboard Remake to compliment the efforts.

I have been making a few enquires with key cap manufacturers that have similar sets to the ST keyboard and are able to produce custom key caps. This is a requirement as the function keys are not standard and would require manufacturing. Most of these keysets work with the Cherry MX switches so there will be a need for a new board and frame to house these keys.

This is not going to be a quick project so I will update as and when I get any progress.

Hmmmm... <self-interest-mode>What about a MegaSTE/TT keyboard remake instead?</self-interest-mode>

Hehe

stephen_usher wrote: ↑Wed Jul 17, 2019 8:21 am Hmmmm... <self-interest-mode>What about a MegaSTE/TT keyboard remake instead?</self-interest-mode>

Hehe

That's what I suggested too Stephen. Just a case of making up the adaptor and editing the case.

Are you volunteering?

stephen_usher wrote: ↑Wed Jul 17, 2019 8:21 am Hmmmm... <self-interest-mode>What about a MegaSTE/TT keyboard remake instead?</self-interest-mode>

Hehe

Nice idea

The way I am approaching this is more from the ground up as in the keyboard itself and not the housing yet. If we can source keycaps (which I am getting some traction on) that match the original keyset and also get the function keys manufactured we stand a chance of building a keyboard base to plug into the ST.

Of course if we have control of the PCB then there are additions that could be placed on it such as improving the LED response like the IDE mod Exxos has been looking at to flash the drive led different colours between floppy and IDE access or other add-ons etc.

If we can get the first phase off the ground to build the board that will be a great step forward. Then we can start to think about housing keyboards. The STFM Case Remake files in the keyboard area are in need of a lot of work still. An original keyboard will not fit currently and not just because of the function key angles as per the picture. Once these files are sorted out then there is a possibility to may be able to cut out a Mega ST type housing from that.

In terms of the Mega STE / TT keyboard I was having a look at my keyboard last night and the key caps are different on the keys to an STFM keyboard (more rounded) and the function keys are a completely different shape. The housing is very different and looking at it would need scanning or drawing from scratch than trying to use the STFM Remake files.

And so it starts, first row of switches in place.

Oh no...

exxos wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2019 12:20 am Oh no...

Oh yes

Couldn't sleep?

PhilC wrote: ↑Fri Jul 19, 2019 3:43 pm Couldn't sleep?

Nope. I suppose I could of tried to count keys

Have been finding a few things out about the ST Keyboard circuit. Like there is a mystical key next to the A,D and Z key on the schematic.

It's either the Any Key or the Panic button.