Xwhatsit Model F for Displaywriter Beams - Needs Firmware Mod +SpaceFn

[orihalcon]

Hello all,

I'd been looking for a Displaywriter Xwhatsit controller for sale for a while now, but seems that they aren't very readily available from previous group buys. It was suggested by alh48001 that a Model F Xwhatsit could be used instead by wiring up rows and colums to match. Hadn't heard of anyone suggesting that before, but I think he is correct assuming the Model F Xwhatsit firmware can be modified a bit. The Displaywriter has 12 columns and 8 Rows which neither exceeds the regular Model F Xwhatsit's 16 colums and 8 rows.

My problem now is that since the displaywriter is a beamspring,the key state needs to be inverted in the firmware as the resting switch position has the capsense pad down. Model F's have the capsense pad off the contacts at rest.

Anyone know how to modify the Xwhatsit firmware to invert the key state or add an option to?

I also am interested in getting SpaceFN working on an Xwhatsit controller as well as it's a pretty cool concept. I know joc had a modified version of the xwhatsit firmware that allowed for this, but haven't been able to reach him as he has been inactive on the forums since November 2016. Anyone have a copy of it they could upload or PM me with?

[orihalcon]

Well, if it helps anyone, I did come across the SpaceFn firmware for the Model F Xwhatsit which was posted by Joc a few posts down this page: group-buys-f50/brand-new-f62-kishsaver- ... ml#wrapper

Would be nice to have the beamspring version as well if anyone has a link, copy, or could make it and post.

Still hoping someone can modify the Xwhatsit Model F firmware to invert the key state as discussed above so that it can be used to convert Displaywriters!