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Building Your Own Extra-Large Keyboard
Ant writes "ModAsylum.com has an article on how to make your own extra-large homemade keyboard." Or, if you're handy with tweezers, extra-small.
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If you don't want to wade through 9 pages with two sentences in each and sometimes even a picture, this is the last page with the picture of the finished keyboard: http://www.modasylum.com/guides.php?guide=37&page= 10
The site seems almost to be slashdotted, so here is the text of the first pages... from a Karmawhoring Anonymous Coward ;-)
:
Today: Building your own X-Large Keyboard
by
Since the modding world interested me, I always wanted to create real objects that aren't using premodded stuff. Not to say that I got my own opinion about that kind of stuff =P. Anyway, many modders have always wanted to create an object then others never think about. In that same way, I decided for myself to make a one of a kind keyboard that would be unique. There are certainly others reasons why I created it, like for helping people who need it for any physicals problems that require big-key keyboards for helping them with access to computers. After having created it and having many comments about it, I decided to write a little guide about how it works and how it is possible to build your own. I hope that it will give you ideas about creating your project using PS/2 or other interface via a controller. If you have any comments or question feel free to ask me.
DISCLAIMER
This guide is presented for informational purposes only. By reading this and attempting any of the modifications/instructions within, you agree that the author, Modasylum.com, its staff, and affiliates are released from any liability from any damages resulting from said modifications/instructions performed.
Material
* Plexiglas sheets (6mm thick for the keys, 4mm for the top and back sheets, 2mm for the inside sheets)
* Wires (suggested 2 colors, 24agm, 200 feet)
* Old Keyboard controller (USB, PS/2 or DIN)
* 12, 3 inches bolts
* 96 nuts (same size as the bolts)
* Thin metal sheet (1 foot square)
* Wood rod (1/4 inch thick)
* Epoxy glue
* Plexiglas glue
* Tiny wood screws or micro electronics switches
* Memory foam
* Polishing kit (for plexi)
* Letters stickers
* Different pieces of wood and metal (optional for making templates)
Tools:
* Table saw
* Drill press
* Solder gun
* 1/4" drilling bits (flat end)
* 1 1/4" hole saw (depends on the key size)
* Everyday tools (screw drivers, bits, etc.)
* Clamps
How it works
The main part of a keyboard is the controller that links the keys to the computer. Every controller has different interfaces (USB, PS/2, DIN, etc.) and input pin orders (those that are connected to the keys). Basically, all keys are little push switches that are linked between two input pins; when the switch is activated, the controller sends an encoded signal to the computer. With that information we know that's it's possible to make a keyboard out of switch linked to the PCB. The concept for the project will be to fabricate them in manner that when a key is pressed, there is a contact made between the two inputs pins. For our project, we'll need to have the chart of which pins correspond to which letter or keys on our keyboard. I suggest using the two plastic sheets that are in your keyboard and check where all contacts are going and write it on paper for future use. Here are those for my controller, but I highly suggest you check yours because they could be different from one keyboard to another.
The plans
Before beginning the construction on a project like this one, it's important to make some drawings and be sure that everything will fit perfectly. The concept is really simple: two rods are attached under a Plexiglas square (top of the key). Those rods pass through two thin sheets of Plexiglas and a little piece of metal is attached under the base of the rods so that an electric contact can be made when the key is pressed. Another sheet of plexi will be under the metal pieces with tiny electronic switches or screws on it. When the key is pressed, the pieces of metal will make a contact between two screws, or press the micro switch (depends on your preference and budget).