QL Keyboard - adding more keys to a full modern set

[Mr_Navigator]

I had a vague recollection of this when on a training course during my engineering days post QL and pre- returning to the QL. The were a number of PLC systems that we learned how to program on and they used this keyboard which I found interesting. I have looked occasionally with very little success until today. I have now found images of the keyboards here







Some of these were made by Cherry with mechanical switches for Tandberg, Siemens and possibly Fujitsu, just like the QL but not black

It was specifically the second image but does anyone know where I can get one from?

Probably not in this country

Although I did find this here

http://shop.rafi.de/productdetail.php?p ... ash=2e8977



So in theory I could construct my own full blown Keyboard

The keys appear to be type RS 76 with nail protection and this PDF page shows the availability in a number of colours and some are illuminated [this is brilliant for QL Tinkering]
http://www.datasheetlib.com/datasheet/6 ... nents.html

Currently looking at Mouser.com but if anyone knows anywhere else please let me know

[tofro]

Lee,
I still have a couple of these keyboards around - They were, as you say built by Cherry in Germany. I like the touch of them very much - Mine originally came from Siemens Nixdorf computers.
But all of them are German layout, so wouldn't help you much (In case I'd be prepared to part with them, which I'm not )

Tobias

[Mr_Navigator]

Tobias, you raised my hopes for the time it took to read you post only to be disappointed at the last hurdle, oh well.

[tofro]

Lee,
sorry to hear that.

Cherry still makes similar types of keyboards (although the keycaps have changed) based on single keyswitches. Some examples:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5nScpSnec4
http://cherrycorp.com/product/compact-1 ... keyboards/

If you are somewhat of a keyboard geek (like me) you might want to have a look at the IBM model M (klickedy-klack) replica which is still being built new by a Lexmark spin-off in Kentucky (I have one of those and it's great, although not not exactly open-plan-office compatible): http://www.pckeyboard.com

Tobias

[vanpeebles]

I bet the whole street can hear when Tobias is coding on his QL. CLAK CLAK CLAK THUMP CLAK CLAK CLAK

[Derek_Stewart]

Hi,

I have done a trivial Eagle PCB design for SMD mounted switches, supposed sit under the existing QL keyboard. I have just got to finalise the PCB layout and connection to the QL keyboard connections.

I struggle to find PCB manufacturer to make proto-type PCB in the UK or Europe at a reasonable price.

But since then, I have bought of the RWAP keyboard membrane,s which is a higher quality than the existing membranes.