Amiga 2000 to USB keyboard adapters

[fabbie54]

Hi all,


Not sure whether this is the right place in the forums to post this. If it isn't, admins please let me know.


I have been talking to a UK-based developer for a while about building a USB adapter for A2000 keyboards, that is an adapter that would allow using said keyboards on modern, USB-equipped machines. This developer has experience of building similar adapters for Commodore machines.

As a first estimate, a custom one off unit would cost around 75 pounds plus shipping. If several of us are interested, this would lower the cost. To what extent I don't know for sure yet.

I'd like to gauge interest. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, let me know. I would then put the developer in contact with all interested parties. I won't assume any responsibility or liability if this doesn't happen or the whole thing goes tits up

 

[amigahitoro]

Hi all,


Not sure whether this is the right place in the forums to post this. If it isn't, admins please let me know.


I have been talking to a UK-based developer for a while about building a USB adapter for A2000 keyboards, that is an adapter that would allow using said keyboards on modern, USB-equipped machines. This developer has experience of building similar adapters for Commodore machines.

As a first estimate, a custom one off unit would cost around 75 pounds plus shipping. If several of us are interested, this would lower the cost. To what extent I don't know for sure yet.

I'd like to gauge interest. If this sounds like something you might be interested in, let me know. I would then put the developer in contact with all interested parties. I won't assume any responsibility or liability if this doesn't happen or the whole thing goes tits up

Something like this:
http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1281

 

[BLTCON0]

@amigahitoro
Actually it's the opposite - using an original A2000 etc keyboard as a modern USB keyboard.
More something like Keyrah.

 

[fabbie54]

@amigahitoro
Actually it's the opposite - using an original A2000 etc keyboard as a modern USB keyboard.
More something like Keyrah.

That is correct!

 

[Jameson]

?! Sorry, but I don't think I understand.... what set of circumstances would require using an Amiga 2000 keyboard on a modern computer? Why, when a modern quality keyboard which would be far better suited to the job would also be new, far easier to obtain and a fraction of the cost? Is this for Amiga emulation on modern platforms?

Not trying to be negative, just trying to understand what the intention is.

 

[firewater]

Could the same adapter be used to connect A500 keyboard?

I have a few early A500's with 'space invaders' keyboards still in excellent condition and it would certainly be cool to connect them to PC or Rasperry PI or whatever to do some retro-coding. Maybe even build a Rasperry PI -machine inside A500 case.

 

[fabbie54]

?! Sorry, but I don't think I understand.... what set of circumstances would require using an Amiga 2000 keyboard on a modern computer? Why, when a modern quality keyboard which would be far better suited to the job would also be new, far easier to obtain and a fraction of the cost? Is this for Amiga emulation on modern platforms?

Not trying to be negative, just trying to understand what the intention is.

Well, it's really simple! I have a 2000 keyboard, I really like the feel of it and I don't have nor want any other keyboard

- - - Updated - - -

Could the same adapter be used to connect A500 keyboard?

I have a few early A500's with 'space invaders' keyboards still in excellent condition and it would certainly be cool to connect them to PC or Rasperry PI or whatever to do some retro-coding. Maybe even build a Rasperry PI -machine inside A500 case.

Not sure about this. Internally the protocol is the same I think. I can put you in touch with the developer if you want to find out, PM me!

 

[Jameson]

I have several A2000 keyboards too, and I like the feel of them as well.... but I could not see myself ham stringing myself trying to use an A2000 keyboard on a PC running Windows as it would look ugly, be a pig to use (where are F11 and F12, the media buttons etc?) and cost three times as much as a nice brand new switched keyboard.... still, each to their own.

 

[dimfil]

Such a project would be great for emulation purposes. Imagine an A2000 connected to a raspberry pi running Amibian!
I don't know what's on the mind of the developer you were talking to, but there is a cheaper alternative solution involving an arduino leonardo, which I had successfully tested myself a couple of years ago.

Check https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=139358.0 for details.

THIS would be a great idea for someone who has the time to prepare arduino leonardo in a box ready with appropriate connectors and sell it for some profit...

 

[fabbie54]

I have several A2000 keyboards too, and I like the feel of them as well.... but I could not see myself ham stringing myself trying to use an A2000 keyboard on a PC running Windows as it would look ugly, be a pig to use (where are F11 and F12, the media buttons etc?) and cost three times as much as a nice brand new switched keyboard.... still, each to their own.

I get your point about Windows. I don't use that, thank God!
This is probably more of interest to people who have a NG machine, an AROS box or a dedicated classic Amiga emulation box, such as a Pi or similar SBC.

 

[fabbie54]

Such a project would be great for emulation purposes. Imagine an A2000 connected to a raspberry pi running Amibian!
I don't know what's on the mind of the developer you were talking to, but there is a cheaper alternative solution involving an arduino leonardo, which I had successfully tested myself a couple of years ago.

Check https://forum.arduino.cc/index.php?topic=139358.0 for details.

THIS would be a great idea for someone who has the time to prepare arduino leonardo in a box ready with appropriate connectors and sell it for some profit...

Thanks for that.
I have seen similar Arduino based projects but was under the impression the implementation had some minor issues. I can't remember where I read this though.

 

[fabbie54]

There doesn't seem to be much interest in this. I got an adapter made, it works as expected. Admins, let's close this thread.