[Jean] wrote into the guidelines line (the system works!) to let all of us learn about his hacked and hand-wired C64 keyboard, a factor of magnificence in its chocolate-brown and 9u house bar-havin’ glory.
This Arduino Professional Micro-based mind transplant started as a sketch, and [Jean] experiences it now has correct code in QMK. However how is an individual supposed to make use of it in 2025, virtually 2026, particularly as a programmer or simply plain severe laptop consumer?
The large information right here is that [Jean] added help for lacking characters utilizing the left and proper Shift keys, and even added mouse controls and Operate keys which are accessed on a layer through the Shift Lock key. You may see the important thing maps over on GitHub.
I’ll admit, [Jean]’s challenge has obtained me eyeing that C64 I picked up for $12 at a thrift retailer which I doubt nonetheless works as supposed. However don’t fear, I’ll check it first.
Fortuitously, it appears to be like like [Jean] has considered every little thing relating to reproducing this hack, together with the requisite C64-to-Arduino pinout. So, what are you ready for?
ArcBoard MK20 Proves That Nothing Is Ever Completed
I discover it so satisfying that [crazymittens-r] is rarely fairly happy along with his ArcBoard, which is now in its twentieth revision.
When requested ‘WTF am I ?’, [crazymittens-r] responded thusly: ‘my interpretation of the way you would possibly use a keyboard and trackball with out shifting your arms.’ Nicely, there you could have it.
That is a type of instances the place the longer you look, the crazier it will get. Discover the thumb trackball, d-pad thingy, and the inexperienced glowy bit, all of which transfer. Then there are these wheels up by the YHN column.
A little bit of background: [crazymittens-r] wanted one thing to assist him carry on working, and you already know I can relate to that 100%. There’s even a pair of pedals that go along with it, and also you’ll see these within the gallery.
Chances are you’ll bear in mind earlier ArcBoards, and if not, know this: it’s truly gotten quite a bit smaller since mk. 19 which I featured right here in Could 2024. It nonetheless appears to be like fairly bonkers in the very best manner, although, and I’m right here for it.
By way of reddit
The Centerfold: KaSe
So I’ve turn into keen on discovering fuller-figured centerfolds for you similar to KaSe by [harrael]. As the highest commenter put it, KaSe provides off good Esrille NISSE vibes. Boy howdy. And I feel that’s in all probability simply sufficient thumb keys for me.
[harrael] had noble targets for this challenge, specifically studying extra about ESP32-S3s, USB/BLE HID, and firmware design, however probably the most admirable of all is sharing it with the remainder of us. (So, in the event you can’t afford a NISSE…)
Do you rock a candy set of peripherals on a screamin’ desk pad? Ship me an image alongside along with your deal with and all of the gory particulars, and you would be featured right here!
Historic Clackers: Typewriter Tom’s Typewriter Throng
I’m going to take a quick detour from the conventional parade of previous typewriters to characteristic Typewriter Tom, who has so many machines mendacity round that Hollywood often comes knocking to borrow his clacking inventory.
And what number of is that? Round 1,000 — or six storage items full. Tom acquired a name as soon as. The caller wanted six working IBM Selectrics ASAP. After all, Tom might ship, although he admits he’s in all probability the one particular person in all of Georgia who might.
One other factor Tom delivers is creativity within the type of machines he sells to artists and college students. He additionally co-founded the Atlanta Typewriter Membership, who’ve been recognized to carry typewriter petting zoo occasions the place folks can come and — you guessed it — put their arms on a typewriter or two.
Go for the story and keep for the stunning footage, or do issues the opposite manner round in the event you choose. However Typewriter Tom deserves a go to from you, even when he already obtained one from Tom Hanks as soon as.
Lastly, PropType AR Can Flip Something Right into a Keyboard
Sure, actually something with sufficient actual property can now turn into a keyboard, or no less than it might appear from TechExplore and the quick video embedded beneath. Watch as numerous consuming vessels and different issues turn into (cut up!) keyboards, supplied you could have your AR goggles helpful to make the magic occur.
Whereas this setup can be immensely useful to have round given the best circumstances, the possibilities that you just’re going to have your AR goggles on you whereas working or working across the mall appear considerably slim.
However the level right here is that for augmented actuality customers, typing is notoriously troublesome and causes one thing generally known as ‘gorilla arm’ from prolonged use. So in all seriousness, that is fairly cool from a problem-solving standpoint.
So how does it work? Principally you set the keyboard up first utilizing the PropType modifying device to customise layouts and apply numerous results, just like the one you’ll see within the video. You should definitely stick round for the demo of the modifying device, which is cool in and of itself. I notably just like the format on the soda can, though it may be troublesome to really use with out spilling.
Obtained a sizzling tip that has like, something to do with keyboards? Assist me out by sending in a hyperlink or two. Don’t need all of the Hackaday scribes to see it? Be at liberty to e-mail me instantly.
