Is it possible to make my access-is pos keyboard work in linux?

[keyboardperson5798]

I thought I had hit paydirt when I came across this thread but to my severe frustration the thread ends with absolutely no resolution or leads towards one.

Well I'm having the exact same issue as that OP; spent all day installing linux only to be greeted with the realisation my beautiful new access keyboard would not work on it. I don't need to say much more than what that guy said in the other thread since my issue is just like that. The device shows in 'lsusb' as 'Access-IS' however archlinux gives an error saying hub contains too many ports so is it not even recognising it as a keyboard?

I emailed the manufacturers asking if they have a driver and they replied saying basically 'w(hy)tf have you got one of our keyboards' saying my model was made for a very specific person and I clearly am not that person. I had no idea the model would be so niche. I thought it would just be the name of a specific line of models.

So what are my options? its really sad that I am going to have to still remain tied to windows all because of a keyboard but at the same time I really love this thing and only got it a few weeks ago. I'm just getting the hang now of the matrix style which was the main reason I got it and it's an absolute dream to use. So compact; fantastic for vim and the keys feel great.

It was worrying how interested the company was in why I have it. It was an innocent ebay purchase but I haven't replied to them. I doubt they would be impressed if I told them even though I'm a big fan of their product.

Any advice with how to proceed on somehow making it work on linux would be welcome.

[berserkfan]

I am an access-is user myself, but mine are USB boards so can't advise you. That said, if you have any interesting links you don't mind sharing, please PM me!

I've stopped collecting keyboards, but POS boards are still a category I cannot resist.

[hoggy]

Access-Is are really just checking to see if you are one of their customers, and therefore eligible for customer support. If you buy one on ebay, you won't get that support. Nothing sinister.

It would be really cool if someone would make custom controllers for these boards. The build quality on them is pretty good.

Now if access would improve their firmware programming software - that would be fantastic!

[andrewjoy]

I second the need for a custom controller. On my one they are separate so it should not be too hard to retrofit.

They are very well made ( better than tipro IMO) however they don't look as cool. I also find even if modern they appear to have found a good batch of MX blacks are they are quite smooth vs what you would find in a modern filco or similar. THey also use nice ( if not thin) doubleshot caps.

[Muirium]

Among my many projects is a replacement controller (Teensy, obviously) for the Access-IS boards I have:

photos-f62/topic9280.html?hilit=access

As Andy says, they're well built and the small size makes them appealing. But that shitey Windows software they need for reprogramming is just as vile as the guff Tipro uses. I haven't had any problem merely typing on them with my Macs, but I don't hook up PS/2 keyboards directly as I'm strictly USB, so it's via Soarer's Converter.

Mind, these matrix boards are all about the programming. So my plan remains: pull out Access's controller and hook up a Teensy. Sometime I'll get around to it…

[keyboardperson5798]

It's nice to see other access users around here .

I have been posting on the linux forums and they are saying the problem is it's bieng recognized as a hub rather than a keyboard and udev might hold more insights.

I havent been able to delve further yet because I had to get my computer working again as a priority and that means reinstalling windows again for now.

Maybe you guys cam have a look at the thread I made and see if it makes more sense to you than me since I am still new to linux and don't understand the terminology.

https://www.reddit.com/r/archlinux/comm ... t_work_on/

[Muirium]

I'm only interested in replacing the controller, not patching it. I know what I'm doing with a Teensy. Besides: I'm a Mac guy!

What model do you use? Pictures would be more informative than the cryptic code on the bottom.

[keyboardperson5798]

same as the one in your picture you linked except it isnt all keys. it has somecut out at the bottom so the spacebar is the third line up so i can rest my hands in the cutout.

15 x 6.