IBM LPFK

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InSanCen

27 Nov 2013, 18:18

A few years ago, I had an IBM LPFK from Webwit. I've never succeeded in getting it to work though.

Has anyone had any success with them? I'd love to get it going, probably as a "media" (Play, stop, ffwd etc) keypad alongside my M13.

I did debate striping it down, and mapping out the matrix, and putting on a Arduino nano clone. Problem is, my code makes real programmers cry, and time is limited at the moment.

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webwit
Wild Duck

29 Nov 2013, 02:36

I only managed to make the lights blink :(

User avatar
InSanCen

29 Nov 2013, 21:34

A recent several-hour, multi searchengine session revealed nothing new either.

I know the protocol, but that is not helping any. I think I'll have to go down the Microcontroller/Arduino route.

Nothing happening until after Xmas though, but thanks for the input. I'll be sure to post up video of it's lights dancing merrily away to some awful song...

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wheybags

29 Nov 2013, 21:42

Have you seen this? http://brutman.com/IBM_LPFK/IBM_LPFK.html (probably have)
Did you try attaching it to a serial port and messng around?

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InSanCen

29 Nov 2013, 22:09

I have indeed (and it's the only reason I know the protocol). I suspect it's because it wants a true serial port, rather than a USB emulated one, and I don't have a real one kicking around any more.

I will put an Arduino/ATMega328 on there at some point. If I do get it to work, it will be open source, so anyone with a few basic skills can get one going for shits and giggles. I'd love to make a basic version of the Novation Launchpad, should I manage sufficient proficiency in C. Knowing my lack of programming skills, I'll settle for a basic lights/keypress interface that others can take and do cool things with.

Saying that...

http://codeninja.de/lpfk/

Looks promising.
Now, where's that USB>Serial adaptor gone...

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