Building a modern keyboard for a retro computer like the Atari 800 #pcbway #atari #retro #atari800

Since the project is meant for the Hi-Tek (Stackpole) keyboard and I have a Mitsumi keyboard I had to design everything except for the PCB. So you can use the PCB from this project but need different key adapters.

My adapters also work for C64 keys!

RETRO is the new black is a retro channel for retro enthusiasts. The channel features retro computers, game consoles and gadgets from the 1970, 1980 and 1990s as well as new tech for old machines. The videos range from simple unboxing to repairs and sometimes even the creation of new things.

I try to upload two videos a week (one smaller QUICK SHOT video and one longer main Video).

Some machines featured in my (upcoming) videos are: Commodore PET, Commodore C64, Commodore VIC 20 (VC20), Atari 800XL, Commodore Amiga, Atari ST, Amstrad (Schneider) CPC, IBM PCs, Apple IIe, Apple Macintosh, Amiga 3000, Amiga 2000 and many more.

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This channel is hosted by Wolfgang Kierdorf. I am a retro enthusiast from Cologne in Germany. My retro videos are in english. If you are from a different county or need a different language, please check if subtitles are available.

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[brianwild]

Awesome work I will be building 3 myself you are a genius. Definitely subscribed 👍🏻 so much harder to find projects for the Atari (especially the 800/400)

Tolle Arbeit, ich werde selbst 3 bauen, du bist ein Genie. Habe mich definitiv angemeldet 👍🏻 Es ist so viel schwieriger, Projekte für den Atari zu finden (besonders den 800/400)

[performa]

I've been hoping they'd do something like this for the Apple II or Osborne 1, so this is really encouraging to see!

[powerofvintage]

The original keyboard can be repaired by carefully peeling away the membrane (I've done it before with both an Atari 1200xl and 800xl with the same keyboard type you have here). It is a pain, so I totally understand building a new replacement keyboard.

[frnno]

Perhaps you could update the PCB design for the spacebar to either add footprints for those switches you are using as stabilizers, or actually make a version with the stabilizer holes in the correct location for your type of key caps. Then you could also fix the shift key issues by placing those switch footprints better.

[MrWaalkman]

Happy Haircut!!

I was wondering about your first set of keys since the footprint that you used didn't match the keys that you bought (footprints can be a PITA), I like the purple better anyway. And of course the best laid plans of mice and men...

Your 3D printed parts came out great! And of course the keyboard too! The final version anyways. :)

And I would add two dummy keyswitch footprints for the spacebar on your next revision.

Some friends and I just did a cochlear implant cover re-design for a two year old girl who is a bit too active for her implants. :) And my parts don't fit either, so I have to increase the diameter of my part a bit. And I had to change my design as well since it looked like crap once the support material was removed. So I had the exact same problem as you. My solution was to make the top of the part flat and print it upside down. Saved the parents of the kid $80 USD per cover. They're happy with it.

I also have some MK-52/61 keys that I had printed in English. Want a set? Or better yet(?) I can send you my hacked version of Menadue's "A Better Way to Make Calculator Keys and a Conversion to English for an MK-61" OpenSCAD key creator that I hacked and you can do yours in German.

[Doug_in_NC]

Maybe if you printed them in two pieces, one for the bottom and one for the top and then glue them together, they would be easier to print to the required dimensions?

[borayurt]

Seems the designer of this PCB already has a solution for the spacebar on his github page. Why didn't this work for you?

[Duewester]

If you're using Cura, try adjusting the horizontal expansion verses changing the size. And try Gateron, Buttery Yellow kkey switches. Yhey don't have the collar and are more tolerant of the adapter. I have been doing this on Mitsumi keyboards in Ti 99 computers.I also salvage the stabilizers from the Mitsumi and us an adapter from an Atariage forum.