Mailbug conversion project

[technomancy]

I recently got my hands on a "Mailbug": https://landel.com/mailbug/, which is a device designed to allow folks to read and write email without a general-purpose computer. It's a great form factor, and a decent-feeling keyboard.

The main circuit board is surprisingly simple; lots of thru-hole components and only a couple surface-mount ICs. The flex cable in the middle is for the display, and the two white flex connectors at the bottom left connect to the keyboard.

I'm hoping to wire in a small Linux device, (probably a https://getchip.com I have lying around). I think I can figure out the keyboard matrix just by using a multimeter on the flex ribbon from the keyboard. But I don't really have any idea where to start figuring out how to drive the screen. Any ideas where to begin with something like that? Are there good odds it'd use something standard I could drive from a linux SoC?

[ag36]

I am no expert but it would be very difficult to fit diy design into small thin case like this, check for any markings on the screen you might find spec sheet of it(rarely). To work with bare soc you might need high frequency instruments too.

[ErgoMacros]

Cool project.

Looks like you could have plenty of room if the case goes all the way to the base in the back (as it appears it does here)

Maybe enough room for the keyboard controller under the keyboard?

Looks like your Chip PC will fit fairly easily if you replace the original PCB. The keyboard controller design could be fairly simple. ("Just" scan the matrix and wire the outputs to one of the Chip's 2 USB ports?)

Are there diodes on the keyboard to prevent ghosting? Otherwise that thing would likely drive you nuts.

I agree with ag36 that the screen is likely to be tough. Maybe, if you can't find the specs you could find a new screen with specs and drivers that will fit under the existing bezel?

[ErgoMacros]

couple more notes...

This: http://forum.6502.org/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=4167#p46105
says the keyboard is a normal matrix that attaches to the main board. He doesn't have the pin-out.
Also says it's an 80x6 screen. Guess he's not counting the heading and footer lines.

Here: https://landel.com/wp-content/uploads/2 ... e_2013.pdf
is a user manual. (PDF) Filename says 2013. Copyright says 2012.

So, if you're looking for specs on the screen you want an 80x8 character display the was available
by 2012, at least.

Looks like they used to cost almost $150 new, +$20/month service fees. Connected to the service via phone-line.

Looks like (on eBay) there are/were at least 3 models. 301, 302, and 303. I have no idea how they differ.