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Re: About to assemble PIC-KEY keyboard

From:
Date: Wed, 5 Sep 2001 15:57:45 +1000

Hi Rick,

>I've finally gotten all the materials EXCEPT the
>PIC16C63 needed for the pic-key.  I found a $10 phone
>that's nice to grip and has well spaced keys.

Using a phone is a great idea... Already shaped for a hand with buttons on
the front, and a Caller ID LCD as well = ) mmm... Is the PIC-Key design
freely available? When I get my wearable components I will also need to make
my own chorded keyboard (there's no way I'm forking out US$200 for a
twiddler).

>I just have one question.  What is the
>best way to open the phone without damaging the
>housing?  If it was "snapped" together all the snaps
>are internal.

In regards to opening the case there are two main techniques used for
sealing them, there is probably a groove around the side of the phone where
the two halves were joined. This could be either ultrasonic welded or as you
suggest with clips inside. If you push in the groove with a screwdriver (you
may have to push pretty hard) and the parts visibly seperate then there are
probably clips inside. Styles vary but in my experience there are magical
positions around the groove where you can push to disengage the clips. If
you can't find where to push maybe you can break the clips off and glue it
together afterwards (but it would be a shame not to have it easily
openable). If it was ultrasonic welded it won't budge when you push with the
screwdriver. In that case your only options are to cut it open and clean it
up later. You might be able to twist a screwdriver in the join to break it
apart (depends on the strength of the weld) but I think that is messier.

>I've got more buttons on this unit than I
>know what to do with.

Maybe you could use the additional buttons as hotkeys for applications (like
all these "internet" keyboard things), or controls for your player software
when using your wearable as the worlds most expensive MP3 player. If you
were really clever and the system has a soft-on on the board you might be
able to use some buttons for power on / off / doze / suspend. I know on most
of my (admittedly ATX not SBC or PC/104) boards there is a four second delay
in the BIOS so short accidental pressed are not a problem.

Hope there are some ideas here,

Nick

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