One of the more odd M variants, Wheelwriter keyboards are found exclusively on typewriters. Stock ones usually follow an M-like physical layout while having a non-M electrical layout. They also seem to have the same quirk of being able to substitute the reverse-L enter for an ISO enter.
While the SSK and other small form-factor buckling spring boards are "physically complete", one will have to harvest parts from the corresponding Wheelwriter. This is due to the Wheelwriter's keyboard being integrated with the typewriter as a part of a whole unit. Despite this shortcoming, Wheelwriter keyboards can be made into viable space-saving keyboards.
Why not attach it to an M controller?:
While it has a similar layout as far as having two M-like strips, the layout does not map to an M in any meaningful way. However, custom controllers like Soarer's can handle the layout - the only difficulty is sourcing a proper connector without harvesting an M(or two) for it. They do not interface directly with breadboards, but will fit snugly in flat sockets.
Once that is out the way, the keyboard can be attached.
Attaching the keyboard
This keyboard has the following mapping and layout:
(Note: Due to the lack of Wheelwriter keycaps, this one uses a mix of Terminal M, M, and M13 caps. I would be interested in finding a proper set, though.)
- wheelwriter.jpg (405.52 KiB) Viewed 2789 times
Code: Select all
Strobe pins, 13 pin strip (1 = leftmost pin as pictured above)
1 : D0
2 : D1
3 : D2
4 : D3
5 : D4
6 : C0
7 : C1
8 : C2
9 : C3
10: C4
11: C5
12: C6
13: C7
Sense pins, 8 pin strip (1 = left most pin)
1: F0
2: F1
3: F2
4: F3
5: F4
6: F5
7: F6
8: F7
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#
# Wheelwriter 5 Matrix (ISO Enter)
# A sane, yet minimalist layout.
#
# Layout Notes:
# Layout mostly follows AT(Ctrl between Tab/Left Shift, Caps Lock below Right Shift) aside from ISO Enter/F11/F12.
#
# Top two keys in the 5-key vertical block are PgUp/PgDn respectively.
# Bottom two keys in the 5-key vertical block are F11/F12 respectively.
#
# The middle key in the 5-key vertical block on the right can be used as follows:
# [Modifier]-WASD : Cursor keys (Up/Left/Down/Right)
# [Modifier]-[Number key] : Equivalent numpad key
# [Modifier]-[Backspace] : Del (for those wishing to perform Ctrl-Alt-Del, use Ctrl-Alt-Modifier-Backspace)
# [Modifier]-[PgDn] : Left Win/GUI key
# [Modifier]-[`] : Escape key
#
matrix
scanrate 1
debounce 5
blocking 0
sense PF0 PF1 PF2 PF3 PF4 PF5 PF6 PF7
strobe PD0 UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED LALT
strobe PD1 F10 F7 F1 F3 F4 F5 F11 SPACE
strobe PD2 F9 F8 F2 UNASSIGNED TAB F6 LCTRL CAPS_LOCK
strobe PD3 UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED UNASSIGNED LSHIFT
strobe PD4 UNASSIGNED A BACK_QUOTE 1 Q UNASSIGNED Z 8
strobe PC0 UNASSIGNED S UNASSIGNED 2 W UNASSIGNED X I
strobe PC1 UNASSIGNED D UNASSIGNED 3 E UNASSIGNED C K
strobe PC2 G F 5 4 R T V B
strobe PC3 H J 6 7 U Y M N
strobe PC4 UNASSIGNED K EQUAL_SIGN 8 I RIGHT_BRACE COMMA I
strobe PC5 UNASSIGNED L 3 9 O 5 PERIOD 6
strobe PC6 QUOTE SEMICOLON MINUS 0 P LEFT_BRACE BACKSLASH SLASH
strobe PC7 UNASSIGNED FN2 BACKSPACE PAGE_UP PAGE_DOWN 6 ENTER F12
end
macroblock
endblock
layerblock
FN2 2
endblock
remapblock
layer 2
W UP
A LEFT
S DOWN
D RIGHT
BACKSPACE DELETE
BACK_QUOTE ESC
PAGE_DOWN LGUI
1 PAD_1
2 PAD_2
3 PAD_3
4 PAD_4
5 PAD_5
6 PAD_6
7 PAD_7
8 PAD_8
9 PAD_9
0 PAD_0
endblock
Source Wheelwriter 5 keys, and keyboard frame to assemble as a whole unit.
Thanks go to:
Phoenix from the other keyboard forum, for sending me the parts for a Wheelwriter 5 (and a matrix + plate from a Wheelwriter 3500).
