Hardware Qwerty to Dvorak Keyboard Remapper

[John Stuart]

Hello Everyone,

Recently, I have tried to convert over to the dvorak key system from qwerty,
but I have come across a major stumbling block; I'm always having to switch
back and forth between the two systems.

My idea is to build a small hardware key remapper that would translate from
the dvorak layout to qwerty. This way I could use the layout I prefer,
while not having to mess with any keyboard settings on other computers.
(like the ones on my campus). I'd just plug in the remapper serially
between the keyboard and the PS/2 port. I've tried using an online Java
remapper, but copy and pasting everything can get a little tedious.

So, I have some questions...

1. What would be a simple approach to remapping the characters?
Microcontroller with a ROM look-up table? Any suggestions for a particular
microcontroller?

2. Can the PS/2 port on most motherboards be "hot-swapped" without damage?

That's all I can think of at the moment. Thanks for your help.

 

[j.b. miller]

Last first, first last...

2) you should NOT hot swap a PS2 keyboard port. While 'we' have all done
this, please be aware that you might blow the 1 amp fuse that feeds the PS
devices( KBD and Mouse). some of the newer motherboards use a resettable
minibreaker, but some may still have a fuse.....

1) I've used the 'tried and true' PIC 16F84 as a keyboard
'remapper/converter' for several clients, allowing a standard PS2 style
keyboard to replace a propriatory ($$$) keyboard. There are several examples
on the web for this kind of project, any micro will do the job, just choose
the one you like or have experience with. I prefer the PICs as they only
have 35 instructions to learn( tad easier than the Z80 with 180+).Cheap C
compilers (CCS) are availableif you want to C the project. Using the same
micro as your 'peer' group is helpful.
hth
jay

 

[JeffM]

Recently, I have tried to convert over to the dvorak key system from qwerty

What would be a simple approach to remapping the characters?
Microcontroller with a ROM look-up table?
John Stuart

Instead of changing the electronic hardware,
have you thought of one of those silicone keyboard covers?
Actually, 2 of them--each with the respective characters
printed on the underside of the film.

 

[Ralph & Diane Barone]

Recently, I have tried to convert over to the dvorak key system from qwerty
What would be a simple approach to remapping the characters?
Microcontroller with a ROM look-up table?
John Stuart

Instead of changing the electronic hardware,
have you thought of one of those silicone keyboard covers?
Actually, 2 of them--each with the respective characters
printed on the underside of the film.[/QUOTE]

How does that change which character appears on the screen when you press
the (now relabelled) keyboard?

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

Instead of changing the electronic hardware,
have you thought of one of those silicone keyboard covers?
Actually, 2 of them--each with the respective characters
printed on the underside of the film.

How does that change which character appears on the screen when you press
the (now relabelled) keyboard?[/QUOTE]

Remap the keyboard in the O/S. Not a problem for 'real' operating
systems.

 

[Guy Macon]

Remap the keyboard in the O/S. Not a problem for 'real' operating
systems.

It *is* a problem getting the keyboard to stay dvorak while using
multiple operating systems, during the bootloader phase of those
operating systems, during use of multibooting software such as
System Commander and during BIOS setup. JeffM's idea of doing
it in the keyboard electronics solves his problem for all of
those situations.

Besides, this is sci.electronics.design... <smile>

Clearly he could do it with a microcontroller. I wonder if it
could be done with a Basic Stamp?

 

[JeffM]

Remap the keyboard in the O/S.

Not a problem for 'real' operating systems.
Paul Hovnanian

In Windoze:
ControlPanel,Keyboard,Language,Properties,US-Dvorak (or whatever).
The layout on the skin will match this and help him learn.

 

[Paul Hovnanian P.E.]

In Windoze:
ControlPanel,Keyboard,Language,Properties,US-Dvorak (or whatever).
The layout on the skin will match this and help him learn.

I said a _real_ operating system. See: man xmodmap

 

[JeffM]

Remap the keyboard in the O/S.

I said a _real_ operating system. See: man xmodmap

Yeah. Recognized the ideal; dealt with the reality.