Stupid me, I forgot to descibe a huge part of the advanced functionallity of the PC keyboard interface in the manual.

So I updated the manual, here it is !

One of the most important new things is how to record macro's on the Function keys.

Have fun!

Here are some pictures of my work on building a ZX Spectrum 128K+, PC Keyboard Interface, Kempston Mouse Turbo and MB02+IDE into a transparent PC case:





I've made some minor changes on the power supply to the Spectrum; I got rid of the 7805 and feed the 5V from the ATX supply directly to the 5V of the Spectrum.
The 12V line of the ATX supply is converted simply to about 10V by some 4448 diodes; if I'm correct there will be very little power consumption on the 12V line, so I've used switching diodes instead of e.g. 1N4001's (because I didn't have them at home...).





I'm using a silver dvd-rewriter as cdrom player ;)

More pictures soon!

I've put the PC Keyboard Interfaces for sale on eBay, item number: 180300275208.

I also still accept direct orders, especially if you want a discount when buying more than one interface, or combine an interface with a US layout PC keyboard.

If you want to order directly, here are the details:
One interface: 30 euro (+ post&packiging).
Every next interface: 25 euro (+ post&packiging).

So 2 pieces will be: 55 euro's (+ post&packiging).
Three pieces: 80 euro (+ post&packiging).

Post and packaging is:
- 10 euro for Europe
- 15 euro worldwide

Payment can be done by Paypal or by bank transfer. Mail me for details by the contact form.

I already received some orders, but last weekend my father-in-law decided he needed my help with some work on his house.
So my plans to get some interfaces ready failed.

Anyway, here's the proof I'm working on them, and I will assure you that the first ones will be sent to you this weekend!

Finally, sales are open, orders are accepted!

Miguel finished the great PC Keyboard Interface (PCKI) firmware, supporting US keyboards and... the marvelous flash-by-Spectrum function!

Take a look at the pictures and read further for more information.

Updating the firmware from the Spectrum:


The flash-utility can be loaded by playing a WAV-file from your PC or laptop, or by loading a TAP-file from e.g. DivIDE.
Like this setup where the TAP-file is on the CF-card:


To enable updating the interface, a jumper should be set:


This way a failsafe mode is entered (recognizable by the Scrollock led lighting up).
After the update-utility is loaded, Esc should be pressed on the PC keyboard and the update starts.

The utility has some protections to avoid the update being corrupt, but even if it's corrupted, the failsafe mode can still be entered to try the update again; the failsafe mode is not re-written by the update.


Some information about the interface:
- Only works on Spectrum 48K / 128K / +2 (grey model) - +2A/B/3 is only supported when some small modification is done inside the computer
- Supports all IBM/AT keyboards with PS/2 connector, or even USB keyboards with USB->PS/2 convertor (often included with USB keyboards)
- Can be updated by the Spectrum itself with Miguel's utility


It should be noted that most PC Keyboards support only a limited set of key-combinations that are used often in Spectrum games.
Most of the time this is about situations where three keys are pressed, so please know that a PC keyboard will never be able to simulate the original Spectrum keyboard, how perfect the interface may be ;)


Orders are accepted!
I have components for 25 pieces at the moment.

The price is 30 euro or 25 GBP.

Post and packaging is:
- 7,50 euro for The Netherlands
- 10 euro for Europe
- 15 euro worldwide

If you want, I can include a PC (US) keyboard, ask me for details.
The postage costs may be a bit higher with a keyboard included, I'll have to look that up.

If you want to be the first, send your payment to my Paypal account: paypal@benophetinternet.nl.
You can also pay by bank transfer. Mail me for details.

Also I will put the interfaces on eBay soon!