Description:
KeyVerter® converts key stroke events from any PS/2 keyboard (small DIN connector) into an RS-232 and TTL serial output stream. Keyboard enable your favorite microcontroller like Parallax's BASIC Stamp 2 using only one 9600 baud serial input pin.
Specifications:
- Dimensions: 2.7" x 1.825" x .6"
- Weight: 0.9 oz.
- Input voltage: 7.5 to 12.0 volts DC (17 ma @ 9 volts without keyboard attached)
- Operating temperature: -10 C to +70 C
- RS-232 output: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, inverted
- TTL output: 9600 baud, 8 data bits, 1 stop bit, no parity, inverted
Connections:
| Pad/Connector | Hookup To |
| DC IN | Power supply +7 to +12 volts |
| GND | Power supply ground |
| RS-232 OUT | Microcontroller RS-232 serial input (Female DB-9 pin 2) |
| GND | Microcontroller RS-232 ground (Female DB-9 pin 5) |
| TTL OUT | Microcontroller TTL serial input |
| GND | Microcontroller TTL ground |
| J1 | PS/2 keyboard |
Configuration and Operation:
KeyVerter® has two modes of reporting key stroke information. These modes are selected via the JMP1 jumper.
| Jumper | State |
| JMP1 |
|
Normal Mode - One byte is sent per key stroke (see figure 1.0)
For example when the user types "Yes" <enter> then 4 bytes: 59 hex, 65 hex, 73 hex, and 0D hex are sent out the TTL and RS-232 port.
Extended Mode - Two bytes are sent per each key stroke, the Shift/Ctrl/Alt state (see figure 2.0) followed by the key stroke value (see figure 1.0)
For example when the user presses the left Control, left Alt, and Delete keys 2 bytes: D4 hex and 83 hex are sent out the TTL and RS-232 ports.
Programming code samples are available at www.icircuits.com/download.htm. Any terminal program, such as HyperTerminal, can be used to demonstrate KeyVerter® functionality.
