Help on converting a Dasher D1

[jacksonh22]

Hey everybody, I’m looking for some help on converting a Dasher D1 that I recently acquired. Overall the keyboard is in pretty good shape, however, it has yellowed quite a bit and one of the key switches is broken.

I’ve seen a post from a fellow user about converting an original Dasher which should be nearly identical to this board. ( https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=19922)

The foam is in pretty bad shape and I’ve already replaced it. So, my next step is actually converting the board. I’ve never converted a keyboard before so any help on where to start would be great. I’m fully ready for soldering and whatever, and it seems like I’ll probably need to buy an Xwhatsit model F-USB for this board.

I mostly need help on figuring out how to install the Xwhatsit and where to solder up the wires. I’m sure it’s simple at the core but I really don’t know much at this point. Any help would be very greatly appreciated. I’ve attached some pictures of the board (before I replaced the foam and before I cleaned the board) thanks!!

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[zzxx53]

Congrats on your find! How do the keys feel?
With Xwhatsit controllers, the most important part is to figure out which contact points are rows, and which are columns.
You will need to follow the traces to identify which point is connected to a full row of keys, which point is connect to a full column of keys, etc.
The post you linked has them wired with different color wires (red/yellow for rows, blue/green for columns), so hopefully you can go on from there.

[zzxx53]

Also in case you can't find a place to buy Xwhatsit, follow this guide to make your own:
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=23406

[jacksonh22]

Congrats on your find! How do the keys feel?
With Xwhatsit controllers, the most important part is to figure out which contact points are rows, and which are columns.
You will need to follow the traces to identify which point is connected to a full row of keys, which point is connect to a full column of keys, etc.
The post you linked has them wired with different color wires (red/yellow for rows, blue/green for columns), so hopefully you can go on from there.

Thanks! The keys actually feel quite good, contrary to what most people say. They're smooth, light weighted, and I honestly don't feel any mushiness, even with the new foam. The sound is great too.