Converting a Tandy 1000EX to USB? (Fujitsu Leaf Spring)

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snufflecat

21 May 2018, 19:50

Sooo.. I got hold of an old, broken Tandy 1000EX and promptly ripped out the keyboard, cleaned the keycaps and now I'm all here like:
Spoiler:
IMG_3321.JPG
IMG_3321.JPG (1.89 MiB) Viewed 2694 times
IMG_3322.JPG
IMG_3322.JPG (1.83 MiB) Viewed 2694 times
So my question is – is this thing even possible to convert to USB?

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Noobmaen

21 May 2018, 19:54

Appears to have a membrane, so I guess it's 4th generation leaf spring. Should be possible to get working on USB if you trace the matrix and create a replacement controller (using a teensy and QMK firmware for example), this pretty much applies to any keyboard with conductive matrices.

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snacksthecat
✶✶✶✶

21 May 2018, 19:55

snufflecat wrote: So my question is – is this thing even possible to convert to USB?
Of course! I did something very similar a year back [1].

The high level steps are:
  • Map out the matrix (rows and columns)
  • Wire up to a teensy
  • Use TMK/QMK as the controller
https://www.keyboardjunk.com/posts/cito ... lo-world-/

User avatar
snufflecat

22 May 2018, 09:25

snacksthecat wrote:
snufflecat wrote: So my question is – is this thing even possible to convert to USB?
Of course! I did something very similar a year back [1].

The high level steps are:
  • Map out the matrix (rows and columns)
  • Wire up to a teensy
  • Use TMK/QMK as the controller
https://www.keyboardjunk.com/posts/cito ... lo-world-/
Yes!! This is why I love this forum. :) Exactly the guide I needed. If you don't mind I might poke your brain about certain steps in the process, when the time comes.

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hellothere

11 May 2021, 00:22


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