Hardware QWERTY-to-DVORAK Conversion? 13
Tom asks: "I was once a Dvorak keyboard user but the fact that where ever I went I was forced me to go back to QWERT. IMHO the ultimate solution would be a small software independent hardware converter that acts between the keyboard and where you put in the motherboard. This solution would allow you to move to any computer and quickly use Dvorak without messing with software key remapping. I searched hard around the web and the only thing I found that was close to it was the Chameleon Keyboard Customizer also linked here (just scroll down a bit on this page) made by some company named Sirius Industries. Does anyone know where to get this converter or have any other hardware converters that they know exists? Or any type of schematic diagram that will let one build such a convert? Help is appreciated." The first link lists a number for Sirius Industries, but it was tied to a fax machine at the time of this writing. It would be nice to know if they are still in business and if there is any way of contacting them directly about their product.
Re:Dvorak Stuff (Score:1)
"without messing with software key remapping"
The poster is looking for something where he can land at somebody's desk, plug something in, have a good keyboard, unplug it, and walk away. Wonder if you could get a USB dongle that would do that...that'd be cool!
Converter (Score:1)
I used the dvorak keyboard shortly, but stopped for similar reasons and hard to find WinNT drivers.
Good luck with you search
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you are not what you own
Re:Dvorak Stuff (Score:1)
Unfortunately, at work I also use Exceed, an X Windows client for MS Windows(don't ask why--I'm switching to Linux ASAP), and the key mappings for MS Windows don't affect Exceed--although you can also set it to switch between QWERTY and DVORAK in similar fashion. So for someone like me, a hardware solution might be nice, rather than toggling several different settings.
Re:err... (Score:1)
switchboxes are typically made to keep this from happening beacuse they have constant current going through the circut. What you have to watch out for are the manual switchboxes that don't have their own power supplies. Those older manual types require you to take your box(es) down to switch KVM control.
of course you can get away hot switching things, but unless the hardware is designed to be hotplugged, it's a good idea to not hotplug it.
what is that? (Score:1)
"Who is General Failure and why is he reading my hard disk ?"
Re:err... (Score:1)
"Who is General Failure and why is he reading my hard disk ?"
Re:what is that? (Score:1)
err... (Score:2)
- A.P.
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* CmdrTaco is an idiot.
DvortyBoards (Score:2)
I have a Dvortyboard and it works wonderfully.
Why buy? Build! (Score:2)
If you have basic electronics skills there is sample code on the web for the lightweight PIC16F84 series micro controllers. All you need to do is grab some example code for sending to the pc and receiving from the keyboard and stick a lookup table in the middle. Burn this to a PIC using one of the free programmers, plans also on the web. Might be a fun project to introduce yourself to programming micros and basic electronics. Total cost would be about US$30, plus some free time.
Here is a PC keyboard to RS232 [electronic...neering.ch] converter to get you started.
MarkDvortyboard (Score:2)
I've had very good performance with mine. Tell all your typing friends!
Dvorak Stuff (Score:2)
USed to be a ctrl-somethign shortcut (Score:2)
--toq